North Dakota 4-H youth gathered in Bismarck on Feb. 15-16 to discover the workings of the legislative process, interact with legislators and gather ideas on how youth can affect the future.

Activities on Sunday, Feb. 15, included workshops on bill making, etiquette and protocol when addressing legislators, and a mock legislative session. The day wrapped up with a 4-H issues roundtable with the youth selecting an issue that was pertinent in their lives and coming up with a solution to make a change in their community.

Monday, Presidents’ Day, was spent at the North Dakota Capitol. Youth were able to observe committee meetings, tour the Capitol, meet with their local representatives and senators, and view the Senate or House in session. The youth also hosted a 4-H Showcase where legislators and guests could participate in hands-on displays that highlighted a 4-H program in their county. Youth showcased fiddling, Consumer Choices, Livestock, Antarctica’s Secret Climate, Make a Difference Day, National 4-H Science Experiment and Western 4-H Camp.

The NDSU Extension Service’s Center for 4-H Youth Development and the North Dakota 4-H Foundation sponsored the event.

NDSU Agriculture Communication