Ashland County Youth in Governance Programs

• Twenty-four Ashland County 4-H Youth are engaged in partnership with adults for decision making purposes through executive committees, shared leadership in clubs, and partnering through officers positions within the club structure.
• Five Ashland County youth per year attend Ag & Extension Committee meetings to consult with county board members.
• Youth on the Superior Days Delegation function as equal partners in community lobbying teams in Madison.
• 13 youth served as Teen Court panelists and reported they gained self respect, confidence, leadership skills, and felt they made a difference in their community. One former panelist returned to assist with program coordination.
• Teen Court heard 14 cases in 2009. Respondents overwhelmingly had a positive experience and felt the process provided by the youth panelists gave them a chance to take responsibility for their actions.
• Ashland County Teen Court was established in 2007 and ten youth volunteers heard seven cases in the first six months of the program.

For more information: Ashland County UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development