Oklahoma 4-H'ers tell their story to state leaders
By Trisha Gedon
STILLWATER, Okla. – For those who happened to be in the Oklahoma Capitol Building recently, not only did you notice many youth sporting green jackets or shirts, you also may have gotten a glimpse of a future state leader.
More than 100 Oklahoma 4-H’ers gathered at the Capitol recently to take part on the 19th Annual 4-H State at the Capitol, including (First and Last Name), (hometown). (Last Name) is a member of the (Name of 4-H Club) 4-H Club.
Cathy Allen, 4-H curriculum coordinator at the State 4-H Office on the Oklahoma State University campus, said participants not only learned more about the state’s governmental processes, they also had an opportunity to tell Oklahoma’s legislative leaders about the positive impact the 4-H Youth Development Program has had on them.
Thomas Coon, vice president, dean and director, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at OSU, encouraged participants to realize they do have a voice with the state’s leaders.
“This is where the business of our state takes place and you have a voice here,” Coon said. “As a 4-H’er, you’re already a leader, but think outside of yourself and imagine what it takes to be a state leader. You’re well on your way.”
Sen. Kim David spoke to the group and she explained her very first trip to the Capitol was with her local 4-H Club in Wagoner County.
“I learned all of the values 4-H teaches youth and I use what 4-H taught me every single day,” David said.
Jim Reece, Secretary and Commissioner of Agriculture, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, told the group he is a firm believer in the fact that 4-H allows you to get to know kids from the communities around you.
“Some youth today don’t have an opportunity to meet kids from other communities, but 4-H is an organization that allows you to continue to grow,” Reece said. “I encourage you to meet someone new in this group here today. You’ll likely know that person for the rest of your life. Do more than share your phone number because it’s more than just a text message. Actually get to know them personally.”
When speaking to the group, Rep. Leslie Osborn said she was confident she was looking at future state leaders.
“4-H is a great organization, so be sure to take advantage of all it has to offer,” Osborn said. “Glean those leadership skills because you’ll use them for the rest of your life.”
While at the Capitol, the 4-H’ers had an opportunity to meet one-on-one and eat lunch with their respective senators and representatives and share their 4-H stories.
“They talked about the positive impact 4-H has on them personally, as well as on their communities,” Allen said. “This is such a great opportunity for our state’s leaders to hear firsthand what a positive impact 4-H continues to have on our youth.”
The group met with Gov. Mary Fallin and posed for a group photo. A proclamation declaring April 7 as Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol was read in both the House of Representatives and the Senate Chambers.
While visiting both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Brianna Vick, a 4-H’er from Logan County, and DaLacy Dockrey, a club member from Pottawatomie County, spoke to the legislators on behalf of the nearly 225,000 Oklahoma youth who were reached by 4-H last year.
“It was a little scary speaking before the House and Senate, but my experiences in 4-H have helped me with my confidence,” Vick said. “It’s definitely helped me get outside of my comfort zone.”
Dockrey, who currently is serving as president of the State Leadership Council, said she is thankful for the 4-H experiences that helped prepare her for speaking to Oklahoma’s legislature.
“Whether it was speech contests, sharing about community service projects, leading club meetings or giving livestock judging reasons, every experience has helped me to develop confidence in myself and understand how to clearly communicate my ideas.”
Two former 4-H’ers also were on hand to speak with the group. Meagan Rhodes and Conner Carroll currently are serving as legislative interns through OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Both Rhodes and Carroll indicated it was the skills they learned as 4-H’ers that has helped them succeed in college and this legislative internship.
“Visiting the Capitol and meeting a legislator is an experience our 4-H’ers will remember the rest of their lives,” said James Trapp, associate director, OCES. “It’s also an experience that teaches them how they can communicate with their legislators and have input now, and in the future, on what our state government does.”
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4-H Day at the Capitol Day photos are available at http://kitchensink.okstate.edu/. Click on4-H, then click 2015 4-H Day at the Capitol.
Note to County Educators and/or Delegates: Feel free to add a quote or two about your personal experience at 4-H Day at the Capitol.
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
Oklahoma State University
136 Agriculture North
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)