4-H Day at the Capitol

YOUth Representative

Orientation

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension

4-H Youth Development Programs

Purpose

Represent Oklahoma 4-H members and the program to legislators.Make Oklahoma 4-H and OCES more visible.Tell the 4-H story: success stories and impact on lives and communities and communicate our purpose and programs.

Skill Life Skill Application to Real Life

Reading a recipe or mixing chemicals

Learning to Learn

Following directions – from a “put-together” to employer instructions on the job

Schedule for planting and harvest or meal preparation

Planning and Organization

Coordinating school, work and 4-H activities; job manager/supervisor; parenting

Growing, preparing and eating fruits and vegetables

Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Self-responsibility

Good nutrition, improved health, source of exercise, caring for others or things which are reliant on you

Food preservation or use of power equipment

Responsible Citizen and Teamwork

Safe food source, decrease injury due to negligence or carelessness

Working side-by-side with a mentor, listening, watching and learning - Sharing what you learn

Cooperation, Nurturing Relationships, Communication

Respect for experience and gaining knowledge; active listening as a spouse or employee; speaking/communicating instructions or information

Role of a YOUth Representative

Know your facts about 4-H and ExtensionPositive, enthusiastic and “can do” attitudeDress with pride and communicate confidenceSell 4-H program and gain legislative supportEducate the positive role 4-H plays in Oklahoma communities.Tell the 4-H story - personal, local, county and state successes and experiences.

Youth Responsibilities

Excused from schoolKeep Extension Educator InformedMeet Deadlines, be on time for your appointmentsMake and confirm appointmentsBe informed about elected officialConfirm participation numbers with State 4-H Office.

Youth Responsibilities

Research information about 4-H at the county, state and national levels.Prepare a brief, yet informative message for your appointmentPractice the messagePrepare a handout summarizing pointsProvide your contact informationBe professionalWrite thank-you note(s)

Extension Educator Responsibilities

Being a Mentor and Educator in the processEncourage and support your learning processResource for information: Legislative Contacts, Reference Materials, Office Equipment & Materials, Letters for excused absences, etc.Conduct an orientation with Youth RepresentativeAnswer questions and guide 4-Her in the preparation process.

The Educator is to remind you for what is the HEAD trained…

“To think, to plan, to reason.”

Know your Elected Official

• Recognize their face• Voting record• Priorities• Committee assignments• Who is on their staff• Personal interests and family

www.lsb.state.ok.us

Making Contact

Communications – written and verbalBe thorough in what you write and sayComplete the Response Card and email to Gloria at the State 4-H Office.Keep notes of phone conversations – who, date and timeFollow-up all phone conversations with written confirmation

At the Capitol

Be on time and prompt for appointmentsReview all materials received from the county or state officeHave a good understanding of the county and state 4-H program purposeBe positive, honest, articulate and representative of all youth touched by 4-HBe thankful for the financial support and time

Do’s

Make AppointmentsExplain why you want an appointmentKeep your message to 3 main points. Be direct and concise in the presentation.Have a brief written handout to leave with representativeHave suggested solutions/alternatives to concernsKnow and understand 4-HAnswer questions or get back with the office

Don’ts

Be lateBe disappointed if your legislator is late or cancels their appointmentOver stay your welcomeTry to tell them everything in one visitRepresent “yourself and opinions,” you are representing the 4-H programExpect promises or immediate action

Image

Professional-not a time for fashion trendsWell GroomedEtiquette – introductions, manners, thank you notesBody language – posture sitting and standing, gestures and facial expressions

Other things to know…

SecurityPhotographersParking

Making a Difference

YOUth are importantBe informed with facts and relevant informationWell organized messageWell rehearsed message and prepared handouts