Purdue News

January 22, 1999 4-H youths participate in Drug-Free Youth Summit WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Indiana 4-H'ers are heading to the Statehouse Jan. 28 to learn more about the legislative process and to voice their opinions on issues affecting today's youths. Fifty-six 4-H members representing 26 counties will meet with their legislators and discuss the issues of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. They also will have the opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and how they can participate and make a difference. The Youth Legislative Day is part of the Governor's Commission for Drug-Free Indiana Youth Summit Conference. Miss Indiana, Julianne Hackney, will be mistress of ceremonies for the event. The focus of the summit is to expand awareness about youth advocacy for alcohol, tobacco, and other anti-drug legislation and policies. Participants will vote on issues related to youths and will provide information to legislators during a mock election. Other 4-H youths will participate in a concurrent session with guest speakers Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard and Secretary of State Sue Anne Gilroy. Members of "Clinton County Act With CARe" will perform a skit about teen relationships. State 4-H Department Head Linda Chezem and AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer Erik Estep will be hosts of the alternate event. The Youth Legislative Day starts at 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the Indiana Government Center South Building and runs until 3 p.m. It is sponsored by the Governor's Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana, Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving, Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, Indiana Teen Institute and Indiana Middle Level Leadership Institute, and Indiana 4-H. The youth organization is part of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. 4-H members will have another opportunity to visit the Statehouse on Feb. 24. Word went out to clubs this week to encourage members to serve as pages in the Senate and House that day. The number of slots is limited, and they will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Ursula Wray, assistant to the 4-H Youth department head, said the legislative events are intended to involve more Indiana youths in the self-governance process. Source: Ursula Wray, (765) 494-8432; e-mail, ursula_wray@four-h.purdue.edu Writer: Jane Houin, (765) 494-2722; e-mail, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page