2018 Youth in Governance

Details

February 17-February 22, 2019

Alaska 4-H is again able to offer the Youth in Governance Program for 2019. This experience offers a select few 4-H teens from around the state opportunity to gain a better understanding of the legislative process. The Alaska 4-H program has received funding to assist in covering most of the cost of the trip for up to four adults and ten youth to
participate in Juneau at the Youth in Governance program.

The selection process will begin with nominations from each district listed in ranking order, to be submitted to the program coordinator by January 14, 2019. Ranking of nominations will be determined by district agent and selection committee. Each district will be allotted one participant slot. If a district does not use its slot, the slot will become available to a second person from another district. This will be determined by putting names of persons ranking in 2nd into a drawing, and so forth until all slots are filled.

Each participant will be responsible for paying a registration fee of $200. The registration fee will cover all costs during the program. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Juneau, a couple of meals and spending money. Alaska 4-H will provide ground transportation during the conference, lodging, meals and other programming expenses.

The Youth in Governance program will also need four chaperons, preferably from districts that are sending teens. Interested chaperons will need to apply to the program coordinators, Marla Lowder and Priscilla Rice. Chaperones will be responsible for airfare and $200 registration fee.

Before the Youth in Governance program in Juneau begins, there will be two conference zoom calls for all teens and chaperons attending. These conference calls will cover expectations and pre-conference prep work before arriving in Juneau. The conference zoom calls are set for January 23, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. and January 30, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

Participants will be expected to arrive in Juneau the afternoon of Sunday, February 17. To kick off the Youth in Governance program, ice breakers and a run-down of the week will be offered Sunday evening. Conference programming begins Monday morning. Attached is a schedule of conference activities. Participants will depart on Friday, February 22, in the morning/early afternoon.

​Each district will decide how nominees and participants will be chosen to attend the Youth in Governance conference. It is suggested that an application process occur if more than one youth expresses interest in participating. Please forward a ranking in order of nominees. If your district has more than one teen who wishes to attend and he/she is not chosen as a participant, the cost for the week is $850 plus airfare. 

Requirements

Requirements for participant selection:
 
Youth 
1.  Must be at least 14 by the conference and not older than 18
2.  Have an interest in government
3.  Be able to participate in conference calls

Please consider giving youth who have not had an opportunity to go first priority, especially for the scholarship.
 
Chaperones
1.  Must be an individual who is willing to guide teens through the program and be available to chaperone in Juneau for the duration of the program.
2.  Be interested in helping the teens learn the legislative process; they can also learn along with the teens.
3.  Attend conference calls.
4.  Be a registered 4-H Leader.
5.  Be willing to actively participate with the teens at the conference
6.  Other duties include but are not limited to: making sure teens are safely in their rooms at night; that boys and girls are not in each other’s rooms; escort teens to and from the capital; ensure that everyone is respectful of self and others.
7.  Once groups are assigned, there will be no changes.
 
Chaperone Applications
Adults are asked to submit in writing (email is fine) your name, how many years you have been a leader, how you will help with the duties listed above, and why you want to attend the program.  This is due to Marla Lowder, mklowder@alaska.edu, by January 8, 2018. 
 
If you have questions, contact Marla Lowder at mklowder@alaska.edu or 907-474-2427, or Priscilla Rice at 907-347-3570 or plmrice.ak@gmail.com.

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Youth in governance II

Youth in Governance II is offered for those interested in taking the YIG experience to the next level through a short-term intern experience.  YIG II participants must have participated in YIG I for at least two years, be a junior or senior in high school, and completed a YIG I record book.  

YIG II participants will job shadow/intern in the office of a Representative and a Senator for two days each while in Juneau.  It is preferred that teens work with legislators from their district, as they will be required to work two additional days with each legislator during the summer back in their home legislative district.  This learning format offers a glimpse of the legislative experience from both the legislative session as well as the home district.  

Teens will participate the same week as the YIG I participants for the Juneau part of the program, dates TBD.  Participants will need to arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Friday morning/early afternoon.  YIG II participants will be expected to keep to the same schedule as their legislators. As the schedule differs from YIG I, YIG II participants will be required to cover the cost of the majority of their meals.  Conference organizers will assist in transportation to and from the capitol. YIG II participants may work late hours, and if not, they will be involved in YIG I evening activities.

If you have any questions, contact Marla Lowder at mklowder@alaska.edu or 474-2427, or Priscilla Rice at 907-347-3570 or plmrice.ak@gmail.com.

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