No Bull, DVI attends annual 4-H Leadership Development Conference

Southeast Area—District VI sent 17 youth and three agents to the annual 4-H Leadership Development Conference held in Denver.  This year’s theme, “Kindle the Fire in 4-H,” included think tanks with youth working together to stop bullying in its tracks and a visit to the state Capitol to visit with state legislators.

Upon arrival the 4-H members were divided into ten think tank groups in which there was a mixture of members from across the state.  State 4-H officers worked through the NO BULL movement which addresses bullying and how together 4-H members can help put a stop to bullying.  The think tanks pulled together an action plan based on a bullying scenario then designed a skit to present to the entire LDC delegation.  Each skit offered statistics, facts or actions on how to act when being bullied or how to help bullying victims.  Each skit was judged by a panel and the winning skit will be submitted to the national NO BULL video challenge to show that Colorado 4-H has joined in the fight against bullying.

“The think tanks at LDC are my favorite of the year because the state 4-H officers lead the workshops and we all worked together to solve bullying,” Sam Cox, Bent County, said.

On Monday, District VI President, Blake Mueller and Bent and Prowers 4-H members visited with state senators Brophy, Crowder and an aid from representative Navarro’s staff.  The 4-H members were recognized on the senate floor by Sen. Crowder.  4-H members asked pointed questions ranging from it is it like to run for governor, how did military service influence your public career and how will education be funded.

If your child is interested in joining 4-H or you would like further information on the 4-H program, please contact your local CSU Extension Office; Baca County 719-523-6971, Bent County 719-456-0764, Cheyenne County 719-767-5716, Crowley County 719-267-5243, Kiowa County 719-438-5321, Otero County 719-254-7608, Prowers County 719-336-7734. 4-H is a cooperative effort between CSU Extension and the County.

# # #

By Lacey Mann, CSU 4-H Extension Agent, Bent & Prowers Counties