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Kansas 4-H puts on many different events to help the youth grow and have new experiences. The Citizenship in Action event, taking place February 15 and 16, is an event that focuses on youth learning more about happens in the Capitol.

“Citizenship in Action is one of our top leadership and citizenship events that we put on for upper middle school and high school aged youth,” said Dona Ratlif, Kansas 4-H program coordinator. “It’s where we have youth come into Topeka for just a day and a half or about two days there.”

Ratlif said they are one of the very few, if not the only, groups allowed full access to the Capitol. Participants are assigned roles and have the opportunity to deliberate on an actual bill. At the end of the session, they vote on the bill, and the following morning learn whether their bill would have passed or been defeated. Ratlif notes there is a fee to cover meals and sleeping room.

Registration is currently open. Ratlif said, “If you look under educational activities, find citizenship and action and you can find the link right there. You can also contact your local extension unit. They will have the link so they can get you there if you can’t find it.”

Learn more about Citizenship in Action and get registered at www.kansas4-h.org/