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California Focus
COVID-19 announcement
We had remained hopeful that California Focus would be able to be held this summer to continue the tradition of teaching Civic Engagement with a hands-on experience. It’s clear, however, that the impact of COVID-19 will continue to be felt for the foreseeable future and that large gatherings should be postponed at this time.
Based on the advice of health experts and the continued guidance issued by the governor and University of California leadership, we have decided to cancel California Focus scheduled for June 19-23, 2020. The health and safety of our 4-H members and volunteers are our number one priority.
The State Ambassadors and the members of the Civic Engagement Advisory committee are working on some online workshops and activities with Civic Engagement topics. Look for these in May and June on the California 4-H at Home website.
California Focus
in California's capital, Sacramento
Experience state government in action! You will participate in the legislative, political, and judicial processes. California Focus combines hands-on participation in workshops, debates, simulations, tours, and fun activities.
This conference is only held in even years. The next conference will be held in June 2022.
Youth Delegates
All youth ages 14 - 19 are invited to participate. You must be at least 14 years old by the time of California Focus. If you are not a current 4-H member, please contact Jenna Colburn.
Adults can apply to chaperone.
Location
Set in Sacramento, California's capital, participants will tour the State Capitol building, Governor's Office, and 3rd District Court of Appeals. Workshops and lodging will be at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena, 300 J Street, Sacramento, CA.
Pre-conference Preparation
Each day of Cal Focus is full of new information and experiences. Before the conference, please plan to participate in these webinars and review these materials so you can get the most out of the conference.
Conference Schedule (subject to change)
California Focus Information for Delegates (English)
All delegates must participate in the following Zoom conferences on a computer to view the information shared.
Orientation
Learn what you can expect at the conference and how to prepare for the conference using the Pre-Conference Handbook. Meet your chaperones and each other online before the conference!
Legislative Appointments
All participants should make an appointment with at least one of their legislators. Participate in this webinar to learn tips on scheduling an appointment, how to prepare for your appointment, and what to expect when you're there.
Adult Chaperones
Adult 4-H volunteers are key to making this a safe and memorable event. Please see our Overnight Chaperone page for the application process, job description and application.
Adults should register only after being notified if you are chosen as a chaperone.
To prepare you for the conference, please plan on participating in the following Zoom webinars on a computer:
Orientation for all attendees
Adult Chaperone Orientation
What you will learn and do
- Register to vote, conduct a primary election, and develop a campaign for your party candidates.
- Enact legislation for the "governor" to sign into law.
- Present a poster of your plan of action/service learning project for your community.
- Meet with California State Legislators (Assembly Members and Senators)
- Tour the State Capitol, Governor's office and 3rd District Court of Appeals.
- Participate in fun activities and tours.
- Make new friends!
California Focus can be the beginning of a life of public participation that leaves you with a strong determination to become involved in your community.
For more information
Jenna Colburn at jcolburn@ucanr.edu
See what you can expect
California Focus Service Learning Project
During the conference, you will learn skills that will help you create and implement a Plan of Action in your local community.
Present your proposed project at the conference
On the last day of the conference, all California Focus delegates will present a poster about a service learning project they would like to implement in their community after the conference. You will receive feedback and questions that will help you develop a service learning project that will make an impact in your community.
We highly recommend you download and review the Service Learning Planning Guide before the conference to help you create your poster. Youth from the same county can work in teams. You will have time during the conference to create your poster.
All delegates will have until June 15, 2021 to complete their service learning project and submit a 4-H Delivers story in order to receive their certificate of completion and California Plan of Action pin.
Timeline
August 1 Submit project proposal for approval
Use the Service Learning Planning Guide to develop your proposal. Adult coaches should download and reference the Service Learning Coaches Manual (PDF) to assist youth with their service learning planning and implementation.
**Your service learning project must be approved BEFORE you start.**
Submit Service Learning Project proposal
May 31 Completion of service learning project
Plan your service learning project to end by May 31 of the year following California Focus.
June 15 Submit 4-H Delivers report of your project.
Upon completion of your service learning project, you must write and submit a 4-H Delivers story. This is part of your reflection on the project. Your project may be shared on the California 4-H Grown blog and promoted on the state 4-H website and social media.
After you submit your 4-H Delivers story, you will receive your certificate of completion and California Focus Plan of Action Pin.
