Impact Statement for   Paula F Tarry

Planning Unit	009 - Barren County
Area	304 - Mammoth Cave
Reporting Year	2006
Last Updated	8/4/2006 3:07:01 PM
CMAP	2660 - Enhancing Community Involvement through Leadership & Lifeskills
PAC	440 - 4-H Leadership and Personal Development
Title	4-H: A Capitol Experience

Impact Statement

The 2006 4-H: A Capitol Experience program proved to be one of the largest KY 4-H events with 1500 representatives of the Kentucky 4-H Program (4-H youth, volunteers and Extension professionals) representing sixty two counties in attendance. Since its inception three years ago, the program has doubled in attendance each year demonstrating the need for a citizenship program to introduce our youth to our state government in action while ensuring that our legislators and state officials are familiar with the 4-H program and its impact on each county and the state. The 4-H: A Capitol Experience program was also credited as one of the reasons for receiving funding for the UK County Initiative Program.

The Barren County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development served as the co-coordinator for this program by organizing meetings, picture and interview opportunities with legislators, State Officials, 4-H Alumni, UK Administrators, 4-H pottery presentations by the State 4-H Officers and teen representatives to each legislators, invitations, thank-you letters and securing funding.

The evaluation results show that due to this 4-H program: 63% of the youth had their first visit to the State’s capitol; 91% learned the names of their Representatives and Senators; 99% felt this was a positive experience and would like to return next year and bring a friend. One 4-H commented “I never thought that it took this many people to make the laws. This is something that I would like to do in the future!”

One of the Senators commented that “This is one of my favorite days as a Senator. I get to interact with you (our youth) and find out what is on your minds. I think this is a wonderful program to introduce so many young people to how our government works. I wish I had had this opportunity because my first visit to Frankfort and the Capitol was the day I was sworn in as a legislator. You are lucky to be involved in the 4-H program as what you learn will help you throughout your life!” The success of the program is also evident with the legislators as many have attended county, multi-county, district and state 4-H activities, displayed their 4-H pottery and ask this agent “What is the date for 2007? I want to be sure that my calendar is clear for a meeting that day!”