WHEREAS, The 4-H Youth Development Program of Washington State University has helped young people in Washington develop useful "life skills" since it was established in 1914; and
     WHEREAS, The program centers on teaching young people to become productive members of society by fostering self-esteem and communication and decision-making skills; and
     WHEREAS, 90,000 young people throughout Washington participated in 4-H Youth Development Programs in 2002; and
     WHEREAS, These programs help participants learn about a wide variety of subjects including science, family living, and applied arts; and
     WHEREAS, In addition to working with traditional community clubs, the programs reach youth through urban groups, special interest groups, nutrition programs, after school programs, camping, and interagency learning experiences, and in its 2002 Centennial year, the program pledged over 2.6 million hours of community service to Washington residents; and
     WHEREAS, The 4-H Youth Development Program promotes volunteer service by enlisting more than 10,000 volunteers statewide, who donate an average of two hundred hours of their time during the year; and
     WHEREAS, In 2002, the program achieved its goal of reaching a more diverse audience as twenty-five percent of participants came from ethnic minority groups; and
     WHEREAS, More than three hundred fifty 4-H members from around the state are currently visiting the State Capitol as part of an annual statewide education program titled "4-H Know Your Government";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate recognize the 4-H Youth Development Program for its many contributions to the youth of Washington and the betterment of our communities; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Pat Boyes, the State 4-H Leader for the Washington 4-H Youth Development Program.