{"id":14099,"date":"2026-03-04T11:17:52","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T19:17:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/sanjuan\/?p=14099"},"modified":"2026-03-04T11:21:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T19:21:58","slug":"2026-kyg-summary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/sanjuan\/2026\/03\/04\/2026-kyg-summary\/","title":{"rendered":"San Juan County 4\u2011H Teens Gain Firsthand Legislative Experience at 2026 Know Your Government Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Representing San Juan County! Our 4-H delegates stand ready at the 2026 “Know Your Government” conference. These students are spending the week learning the ins and outs of the legislative process and how to effectively advocate for change in their communities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

March 04, 2026 \u2013 Friday Harbor<\/strong>
Contact:<\/strong> Clinton Gauthier, San Juan County 4\u2011H Program Coordinator
For Immediate Release<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Juan County 4\u2011H delegates spent Presidents\u2019 Day weekend in Olympia, WA, participating in the annual 4\u2011H Know Your Government (KYG) Conference. This year\u2019s statewide civic education event focused on the Legislative System<\/strong>, giving teens an immersive opportunity to learn how ideas move through Washington\u2019s lawmaking process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The San Juan County delegation included five teens from Orcas and San Juan Island<\/strong>, accompanied by one adult volunteer. Prior to the conference, delegates prepared by learning the fundamentals of the legislative process. Once in Olympia, they joined youth from across Washington to review bills, testify in committee hearings, propose amendments, and debate legislation<\/strong> in full mock House and Senate sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Juan County\u2019s mixed\u2011county bill team drafted a proposal addressing Artificial Intelligence policy<\/strong>, exploring issues related to technology ethics, data privacy, public safety, and future workforce impacts. Through the process, teens gained a deeper understanding of how legislation is shaped through committee testimony, negotiation, and floor debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highlight of the trip included a visit to the Washington State Capitol<\/strong>, where delegates met with local lawmakers to discuss their bill work, ask questions about public service, and learn more about representing rural communities in state government. Delegates also toured the Legislative Building and connected with youth from across Washington during workshops and group sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSan Juan County youth have truly cemented themselves as mainstays at the KYG conference,\u201d said Clinton Gauthier, San Juan County 4\u2011H Coordinator and KYG Event Coordinator<\/strong>. \u201cSeeing new and returning San Juan County youth step up as leaders in their small groups this year was incredibly rewarding as county staff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Juan County 4\u2011H extends gratitude to the San Juan County Leaders\u2019 Council<\/strong>, community donors<\/strong>, and supporters who helped make this learning experience possible. Their contributions ensure that island youth continue to have access to transformative civic leadership opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next year\u2019s KYG Conference theme is still being drafted and reviewed as part of the program\u2019s four\u2011year rotating curriculum. Teens in grades 9\u201312 interested in participating are encouraged to contact Clinton Gauthier<\/a> at the WSU Extension office<\/strong> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4\u2011H is the nation\u2019s largest youth development organization, empowering young people with essential life and leadership skills. San Juan County 4\u2011H provides hands\u2011on learning experiences that encourage responsibility, civic engagement, and community connection.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\r\n\t\t\tA huge honor for our delegates! Our San Juan County 4-H group had the opportunity to meet with State Representative Debra Lekanoff inside the beautiful Legislative Building. Connecting with our local representatives is what the Know Your Government conference is all about!\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\tOur San Juan County 4-H delegates standing tall at the Washington State Capitol! These young leaders are in Olympia for the 2026 Know Your Government conference, gaining a front-row seat to how our state’s democracy works.\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\tMaking new friends in Olympia! Our delegates took a quick break to hang out with Speedy the Geoduck. It\u2019s not every day you get to meet a mascot as unique as the Pacific Northwest itself!\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n<\/div>\n