By: Keith Rogers
On Feb. 21, 345 4-Hers from around the Commonwealth of Kentucky converged on the Capitol building in Frankfort for a day of meeting their legislators and watching the political process in action.
This program, A Capitol Experience, serves as a statewide government and citizenship educational program designed to teach 4-Hers about government and the process of political change. It is a wonderful opportunity for 4-Hers to see our state government in action during the legislative session and to insure that legislators know the importance of the Kentucky 4-H program.
4-Hers who participated in A Capitol Experience are given the chance to:
- Explore careers in public policy
- Learn how decisions made at the state level impact local communities
- Network with other 4-Hers, volunteers, and professional from throughout the state
- Discuss public policy issues impacting their communities
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is constantly working to maintain and build relationships with members of the General Assembly, so we couldn’t be happier to support this excellent program. The Foundation helps to secure the annual sponsor, along with the planning and implementation of the program.
On the day of the program I joined Dr. Charlene Jacobs, Assistant Director for 4-H Youth Development and 4-H state officers as they visited with legislators. Each year, the officers give the legislators a piece of pottery, along with information about Kentucky 4-H. This year, they presented them with a 4-H clover candleholder. Many of the legislators have quite the collection of 4-H pottery on display in their office and very much enjoy receiving this gift and visiting with the 4-H state officers.
While the 4-H state officers are visiting the legislators, the rest of the 4-Hers learn valuable leadership skills and received insight into the state government through a tour of the Capitol, conversing with representatives and senators, and witnessing committees and legislators in action.
Before the day is over, the group gathers in the beautiful Capitol Rotunda to hear from some of Kentucky’s leaders, some of this year’s speakers included Gregg Stumbo, Speaker of the House, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto, Senator Paul Hornback, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and representing Governor Steve Beshear was Roger Thomas, Executive Director of the Governor’s office of Agricultural Policy.
Hundreds of members of Kentucky 4-H visited the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky.
For many of the 4-Hers, this experience was their first trip to the Capitol and first glimpse into the workings of government and political process. We hope this program inspires some participants to become interested in a career in politics or become more actively involved in their local governments.
This program wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsor, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, who have a long and outstanding history of supporting Kentucky 4-H. Dennis Cannon, Vice President for Member and Public Relations with Touchstone and its 26 member utilities, also known as Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, was on hand to bring greetings and speak to the 4-H members. Dennis is a former State 4-H President and knows the importance of supporting 4-H along with Touchstone’s President & CEO, Bill Corum, a former Board member and President of the Foundation. On behalf of the Foundation, I want to thank Touchstone for its tremendous support of 4-H which includes annual support of each 4-H camp and as an Investor in the Kentucky 4-H Leadership Circle.
