Events

Citizenship Washington Focus

Citizenship Washington Focus

Description: Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a week-long program that will provide delegates with insights into the workings of our federal government.

Purpose:This opportunity offers youth delegates with an opportunity to tour their nation's capitol while learning about the federal legislative process and how it affects their local communities.

Objectives: Delegates who attend will:

  • Learn the fundamental steps of federal legislation, from introduction through committee work and final voting.
  • Learn about the active political parties, the Bill of Rights, and other institutions applicable to our federal government.
  • Travel throughout Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area to visit and learn about many historical memorials, museums, homes and more.
  • Understand how they can use what they have learned to make a positive impact in their own communities.

Target Audience: CWF is open to 4-H and Extension-related youth delegates ages 14-18 by May 1, 2009. Adult Chaperones must be age 21 and must have been approved by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Screening procedures. They must also have completed the on-line Overnight Chaperone Orientation Certification at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hchaperone/.

Dates and Location: Illinois delegates travel to Washington, D.C. in even-numbered years only. The next trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 10 through Saturday, July 17, 2010. Delegates stay at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD.

Cost: The 2010 trip will cost delegates approximately $1,050. (The price is dependent upon the number of delegates who register. Fewer delegates than planned may increase the cost per delegate for bus transportation, etc.) This registration fee covers bus transportation to, from, and around Washington, D.C.; CWF programming; room and board at the National 4-H Center; and most meals. Adult chaperones are asked to pay $500 for their trip. Some local Extension offices may offer scholarships for delegates; delegates should check with their local University of Illinois Extension staff about that possibility.

Requirements of Participants: There is an initial limit of two delegates per county. Counties may notify Deb Stocker (dstocker@illinois.edu) if they have additional delegates to attend. Those delegates will be added to the trip list after the registration deadline if space allows.

Delegates must register/apply on-line and pay a $350 deposit at: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=3650. The registration/application deadline is December 15, 2009. Follow-up payments will be due February 1 and May 1, 2010. (Specific instructions regarding payment of deposits are provided on the registration site.)

Chaperones may apply on-line at the same website. Registering on-line does not guarantee acceptance as a chaperone for this trip. We have limited space for chaperones. Adults applying for chaperone positions will be notified after the December 15 deadline of their status. Payment of the $500 fee for selected chaperones is due by January 15.

Contacts:

On-site Trip Coordinator (for general questions regarding trip):
Dale Stocker ddstocker1@yahoo.com

State 4-H Office Contact (for questions regarding payment);
Debra Stocker dstocker@illinois.edu