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Engages Youth in Reaching Their Fullest Potential while
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California Focus

June 27 - July 1, 2008

Walk for Health - Each year the California Focus delegates carry-out a service project during California Focus.  This year the delegation will be participating in a Walk-a-thon called Walk for Health.  Come find us at Capitol Park in Sacramento on Saturday, June 28 and join the effort to raise donations for a health-initiative or health-related non-profit that you wish to support. 

Sponsorship Form (PDF)

Information Letter (PDF)

California Focus is a unique 4-H Citizenship educational experience that combines hands-on participation in workshops, debates, and simulations with outstanding speakers and visits to historical, cultural, and governmental sites. California's capital city, Sacramento, becomes a "living classroom" for this five-day, action packed adventure that strengthens leadership skills. 

Program Objectives:

  • Witness California’s government in action by participating in the legislative, political, and judicial processes.

  • Study California geography, history, and politics.

  • Practice leadership skills and learn how to communicate with government officials.  Learn to to take an active role in government.

  • Develop a personal or group plan of action to effect positive change in delegates' community.

  • Meet and share ideas with young people from diverse areas and backgrounds.

As a citizen of "Sierra Cascade" you will register to vote, conduct a political campaign, elect constitutional offices, analyze the needs and issues of your district, and enact legislation with the goal of securing the governor's signature to make your bill a law.

Legislative appointments at the Capitol will  allow delegates to meet face-to-face with their Senators and Assembly Members to discuss current issues, learn how proposals are funded, and advocate for issues critical to them and their fellow constituents. An overview of the executive branch is presented by the governor's staff.  A court clerk guides delegates through the judicial process while delegates sit in the chambers of the state supreme court.

Tours are provided of historical, economic, political, and cultural significance to such locales as Old Sacramento, the Governor’s Mansion, The Museum of History, Women and the Arts, Sutter's Fort, the Discovery Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Crocker Art Museum or the Sacramento City Cemetery.

The delegation conducts a primary and general election, nominating their constitutional officers through a two party system, and running a campaign in hopes of elected their slate of officers.

Each year a new study topic is introduced to the conference giving delegates an opportunity to research a current issue.  Public testimony is taken in a Assembly Hearing Committee on a bill related to that topic. 

The action-packed schedule also includes time for fun and making new friends through organized recreational activities.

Delegates extend their learning as they prepare and present a "Plan of Action" to implement back home in their respective communities. Outstanding plans are showcased at the conference and an award is given each year for the one that is judged the most effective. California Focus can be the beginning of a life of public participation that leaves you with a strong determination to become involved with the political process.  Don't miss being a part of this stimulating five-day learning adventure in Sacramento with its opportunities to gain new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

                                                               

 

2008 Fact Sheet (PDF)     
Information Booklet 2008 (PDF)

Sponsorship Oportunity (Word) (PDF)

California Focus Plan of Action
    CA FOCUS Plan of Action Contract (Word)
     CA FOCUS Final Report  (Word) (PDF)

Application Packet

Youth Registration Form (PDF)
- Due for California Focus by January 14, 2008

Youth Health Form (PDF)

Adult Registration Form (PDF)
- Due for California Focus by January 14, 2008


Orientation Schedule (PDF)
- Each participant must attend a Spring Orientation Meeting

Adult Health Form (PDF)

Financial Assistance (PDF)
- Due for California Focus by January 7, 2008

Young Civic Leader Award Application (PDF)
- Due in the State 4-H Office by February 25, 2008

Timeline for Delegates (Word)

 

Internship Opportunity - California Focus District Leader
Assist the California Focus director in planning educational sessions on California legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government and the political process. Conduct specific sessions/workshops, narrate field tours, and assist in the management of all events and activities of the California Focus Program. Assume leadership role for a group of 20-25 high school students and assist participants in the development of projects that will enable them to become involved in addressing local issues “back home”. Serve as a positive role model for youth and adults attending the California Focus Program.

District Leader Flyer (PDF)
District Leader Information (PDF)
District Leader Application (Word) (PDF) - Due January 7, 2008.

California Focus Publicity Packet
     Publicity Guidelines (PDF)
      News Release (Word) (PDF)
      Questions and Answers from Cal Focus (Word) (PDF)
      Sample Press Release (Word) (PDF)
      The Backgrounder (Word) (PDF)
      Evaluation Form (Word) (PDF)

     

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