Georgia 4-H Day at the Capital Connects Clayton County Youth with Civic Process

Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol Connects Clayton County
Youth with the Civic Process

The Georgia Capitol building turned shades of green as it welcomed more than 600 students and adult leaders for Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol. Outstanding 4-H’ers from counties across the state gathered to engage with their legislators, observe leadership in action and learn about the civic process.

Civic engagement is one of three focus areas that Georgia 4-H emphasizes to youth through in-school programming, after-school activities, project work and camps. A special partnership with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and the Georgia 4-H Foundation makes it possible for hundreds of Georgia 4-H’ers to “learn by doing” with a visit to the State Capitol in Atlanta to experience the civic process in real time.

Senator Larry Walker and Representative Rick Jasperse hosted the 4-H delegation. Georgia 4-H President Venya Gunjal spoke to the House of Representatives and the Senate on behalf of 152,000 4-H’ers currently enrolled in Georgia 4-H. “There is something for everyone in 4-H,” Gunjal said during her address. “This organization is the driving force behind my discovery of my passion for STEM, and 4-H’ers alongside me learn to pursue their own paths to development and leadership.”

County groups spent their morning exploring the Capitol building through tours and a scavenger hunt. Numerous 4-H agents arranged for meetings with senators and representatives from their own districts, allowing 4-H’ers to ask questions and learn from their representatives in the Georgia legislature. Georgia’s current slate of elected officials contains many 4-H alumni, parents, and supporters who were thrilled to welcome students to the place where government comes to life.

Georgia 4-H enables youth to become excellent citizens by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the premiere youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 240,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved with 4-H in Clayton County, please visit https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/clayton.html, call us at 770-473-3945, or email us at Clayton.Extension@uga.edu.