Washington 4-H Teenagers Trained in UN Process

Olympia, WA - United Nations indoctrination of young people was the thrust for the Washington 4-H conference held Feb. 22-24 at the Olympia Holiday Inn.

Approximately 250 teenagers, representing 30 counties across Washington state, gathered for the 4-H "Know Your Government" conference sponsored by the Cooperative Extension,Washington State University.

"Exploring Global Issues", was the theme for the three day conference. A "Model United Nations" was created, where the teens were appointed to role-play representatives from over 30 countries worldwide. United Nations flags were exhibited along with county flags from Washington State.
The methodology used could be readily witnessed. One example: A committee facilitator, Aaron Gullickson, led a group on population control. The participants were to answer global questions and seek resolutions representing their appointed country's viewpoints to the proposed material. Gullickson led his group based on the pre-determined assumption that there is a problem with overpopulation. Written materials reflecting the premise of "overpopulation" were furnished for use in determining how to resolve the "problem". The premise that there is no "overpopulation" problem was not addressed. The entire time was spent in dealing with the assumption that there is an overpopulation crisis.

Written material handed out to the teenagers predetermined their interpretation of population control by citing United Nations 1994 resolutions drafted at the 1994 conference on world population. The participants were to write resolutions to bring to the general assembly for vote. Adult 4-H volunteers were instructed to observe only, according to ground rules.

Gullickson, a recent college graduate, designed all of the curriculum for the forum and influenced the resolution on population control, which was later voted down by the participants in the general assembly.

Preconceived biases were incorporated into the program by means of a "discussion", based upon what students learned from position papers, some of which seemed to be entirely one-sided in approach. For example, the prep paper covering Israeli- Palestinian diplomacy conveniently omitted any reference to the defensive nature of the war Israel fought during which time they acquired disputed territories (the Occupied Territories).

Peace Observations in the Middle East, Human Rights, Security Council/Disarmament,Economic issues, Environmental issues,and Women's rights, Forestation, land mines, and drugs and narcotics were among the pre-planned issues that attendees were to discuss and prepare resolutions for a vote. A speaker from Amnesty International was on the schedule.

Tours to view the Capitol were provided on the last day of the conference. The cooperative extension thanked the Chevron companies for their continuing support of the 4-H "Know Your Government Conference."