Eighty-four Ohio 4-H members learned about government processes in the vibrant, living classroom of the nation’s capital as part of Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), an intensive 4-H civic engagement program for high-school youth held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD.
For more than 50 years, National 4-H Youth Conference Center has invited 4-H members from across the country to travel to Washington, DC and participate in civic workshops, committees, and field trips before returning home to make positive changes in their own communities. CWF not only strengthens young people’s understanding of the government’s civic process, but it also boosts their leadership skills, communication skills, and overall confidence.
During CWF, youth get a behind-the-scenes look at the nation’s capital while meeting with Members of Congress to learn more about how their government works. At the end of the program, youth draft step-by-step action plans to address important issues in their communities.
“CWF is a great opportunity for young people to come together, talk about the problems they see in their communities, and identify solutions to make their communities stronger,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council President and CEO. “The experiences these young people gain during CWF gives them the proper tools and confidence to become successful, articulate leaders in the future.”