Wrong for county to cut 4-H program

I know that tough budget decisions need to be made, but I continue to be shocked at how King County treats the 4-H program and now plans to eliminate it altogether.

The 4-H youth development program is run by countless volunteers and includes projects like aerospace, robotics, family living, archery, rabbits, dogs, cats, service learning, outdoor adventure, and leadership throughout King County. The projects sustain positive youth-adult relationships and keep children engaged while learning skills such as citizenship, goal-setting and achievement, healthy living, decision-making, etc.

I grew up participating in King County 4-H for 10 years. As a youth, the program enabled me to set high goals for myself and piqued my interest in science, which resulted in becoming a successful engineer. After having children, I now help teach special-education students and lead a 4-H club. Our members, including special-needs children, are learning key life skills and are gaining a sense of belonging through 4-H.

King County has a wonderful opportunity to inexpensively promote:

1. Good pet care, reducing the number of animals that end up in shelters, and

2. Youth development, reducing involvement in risky or problematic behavior, in partnership with Washington State University and hundreds of volunteers.

Please let the King County Council know how you feel about throwing this golden opportunity away. For more information about 4-H visit 4h.wsu.edu

Marilyn Johnson

Kent

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