Award-winning 4-H member displays skills on parliamentary law

Government leaders of Hanford and Kings County, if you think you know everything about American parliamentary law, you'd better think again. Twelve-year-old Beaujena DeSilva might know about it better than you do. The youth can look into your eyes and recite the history and basics of parliamentary procedures with confidence, without stumbling and without any notes -- at the drop of a hat.

DeSilva, a member of Grangeville 4-H, recently earned a gold medal at a statewide 4-H Presentation Day. Her award-winning speech was on parliamentary law.

"I decided to give my speech on parliamentary law because I was an officer at my 4-H Club and wanted to learn more about parliamentary procedures," DeSilva said.

She said she spent two months earlier this year researching parliamentary law, crafting a presentation, and polishing it to its perfection. The result was her gold medal in the county and regional contests and finally in the statewide contest at UC Davis on May 31.

On Tuesday, DeSilva demonstrated her public speaking skills and knowledge of parliamentary law before the very people who practice that just about every day: the Hanford City Council.

With two taps of a gavel, DeSilva called the meeting to order. With finesse, DeSilva delivered her 15-minute poster board presentation on parliamentary law.

For those who don't know what it is, here's the information by DeSilva:

Parliamentary law is the rules, ethics, and customs governing meetings and other operations of clubs, organizations and other legislative bodies, such as the city council. It refers to meeting procedures and conduct of meetings. And at its heart is the rule of the majority with respect for the minority, and protection of all members. DeSilva confirmed that by citing Robert's Rules of Order of 1876.

Another interesting factoid about the use of the gavel by DeSilva: One tap signals adjournment; two taps calls the meeting to order; three taps asks the members to stand in unison.

For DeSilva, this year's gold medal signifies a hat trick; it's the third consecutive year that she won a gold medal in the 4-H's statewide Presentation Day.

"The important part is what she's learned through the process, not just about parliamentary law but also about public speaking skills," said Peggy Gregory, Kings County's 4-H youth development coordinator. "It's an opportunity for young people to organize their thoughts and get in front of people and speak. It's the real strength about our program."

In 2002, 4-H celebrated its centennial as America's largest youth development organization run by federal-state-county cooperation. In Kings County, there are about 450 youth between the ages of nine and 18 participating in 12 affiliated clubs.

DeSilva is a prototypical 4-H member. Besides devoting herself to presentation contests, she also shows animals. This year, she plans on showing one market lamb, two hogs and three ewes.

But one misconception about 4-H is that it is for only children coming from farming family backgrounds, Gregory said.

"4-H is for all young people no matter where they live," Gregory said. "You don't have to raise animals. It's a youth development program for all."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(June 19, 2008)