Volume 18, Number 1, Fall 2007

Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council Provides Great Opportunities for Teens

Judy Ratkos

Teens interested in addressing conservation issues should apply to join the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council (M4-HYCC)! The M4-HYCC is a statewide teen leadership opportunity for 25 selected youth between the ages of 13 and 19. Applications are due from youth to their county MSU Extension office 4-H staff by October 12, 2007. The council selects a conservation issue, researches the topic, develops an oral and written presentation and makes recommendations to one of the standing committees of the State Senate or House of Representatives that handle issues pertaining to natural resources and the environment. The M4-HYCC is a unique state-level experience for teens to improve their awareness of current conservation issues, skills and knowledge in public speaking, writing factual reports, understanding the legislative process and working effectively with a team of teens from across Michigan.

The M4-HYCC program has received multiple awards for environmental excellence over the last seven years for their outstanding efforts in taking action in resolving environmental issues and providing a “youth voice” in the Michigan legislative process. The M4-HYCC has addressed conservation issues such as land use and urban revitalization, statewide recycling expansion, water quality including impacts of septic systems, bovine tuberculosis in white-tailed deer, wetlands, the development of a Michigan Heritage Water Trail Program and the effects of petroleum spills in lakes and rivers.

We welcome interested teens to join the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council and experience success through hard work and fun too! Visit the M4-HYCC Web site at http//web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/m4hycc.html for an application and more details.