Learning in the shadows

There’s no better way for teens to understand local government than to step in and run it for a day. 4-H Government Day has a 25-year history in Kane County.

This year, 19 Kane County 4-H members visited the 9-1-1 call center, attended SWAT team tryouts, witnessed courtroom proceedings, and debated an issue in the Kane County Board room as they shadowed county officials to gain firsthand knowledge of local government.

“This program is a wonderful educational opportunity for our 4-H youth,”says Doris Braddock, Kane County Extension 4-H program coordinator.“The teens leave this day with a better understanding of local government and exposure to new career possibilities.”

At the Kane County Board meeting, chairman Chris Lauzen opened the meeting with a welcome to the 4-H youth shadows. He stressed how 4-H is still important to the future of agriculture, but also that today’s 4-H program provides many additional project opportunities.

“Some of these young people are already providing the world’s food as farmers in Kane County, but they also build rockets and robots. They are equestrians and clothes designers,” says Lauzen. “The 4-H program is all about life skills, how governing works and how to make public presentations that win over your audience.”

Following the county board meeting, the 4-H members were invited to take the seats of the board members and debate guidelines for roadside marketing signs. Other youth followed their mentors

to the Kane County courthouse, the environmental and water resources office, the sheriff’s department, the GIS technology office, the circuit clerk’s office, and the treasurer’s office.

“4-H youth development programs strive to help youth develop critical skills, such as decision making, communicating, and goal setting, all of which are critical to local government,” Braddock says. “We want our youth to lead productive lives, contribute to society, and function effectively in an ever-changing world. This program is a prime example of those experiences.”

“It’s up to you young people to change the flow of things,” says county board member Mike Kenyon. “With your knowledge, you’ll make us all better.”

Story by Rosie Ralston