HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4643, by Representatives Schoesler, Boldt, B. Chandler, Koster, McMorris, Mulliken, Schindler, Mielke, Delvin, McDonald, D. Schmidt, Carlson, Talcott, G. Chandler, Skinner, Pflug, Hankins, Dunn, Thomas, Ogden, Morris, Hatfield, Fortunato, Esser, Lambert, Conway, Linville and Barlean

      WHEREAS, The State Land Grant Universities Cooperative Extension Service was established by Congress and the Department of Agriculture in 1914; and

      WHEREAS, Out of that system grew 4-H Youth Development, an organization committed to the education and life skills of America's youth; and

      WHEREAS, The term "4-H" stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.  "Head" conveys clearer thinking; "Heart" conveys greater loyalty; "Hands" conveys larger service; and "Health" conveys better living; and

      WHEREAS, Building on its origins as corn clubs for boys and canning clubs for girls, the 4-H Youth Development Program continues to be the largest informal education program for boys and girls.  Over 5.6 million youth, ages five to 19, from all fifty states and around the world in 83 countries, participate each year and develop knowledge and skills they will need to become competent, caring, productive, and contributing citizens of the world.  The 4-H Program is very diverse in the project areas and educational programs it offers young people as well as in the audience it reaches; and

      WHEREAS, Youth Development, in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service, has members in all of Washington's 39 counties; and

      WHEREAS, 4-H Youth Development encourages young people to become involved in their communities in a variety of ways; and

      WHEREAS, Our county fairs are excellent avenues in which members of 4-H can showcase their talents; and

      WHEREAS, Youth Development has, in recent years, extended its education efforts into urban areas as well as rural areas; and

      WHEREAS, Members have many choices of projects in many different education fields, including social sciences, the arts, animal sciences, family living, environmental stewardship, mechanical sciences, and the study of our natural resources; and

      WHEREAS, This greatly expanded and enhanced education of 80,000 of our young people in Washington is due to the hard work and dedication of Cooperative Extension Services agents and program assistants from Washington State University, in concert with over 9,000 adult community volunteers; and

      WHEREAS, We are honored that 4-H Youth Development members from all corners of our state are currently visiting the state capitol as part of an education program called "Know Your Government;"

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives welcomes those delegates, extension agents and program assistants, and adult volunteers to our state capital; and that we recognize the value of the "Know Your Government" program, as well as all of the education programs sponsored over the years by Washington State University's  Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Youth Development.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4643 adopted by the House of Representatives

                              March 9, 1999.

________________________________             _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk            Dean R. Foster Co-Chief Clerk