Telling the 4-H story to Illinois' legislators

Avery Bourne is more than an Illinois representative; she is an example to Illinois 4-H members of what is possible if you work hard and don't let people tell you you're too young to do something you want to do. At 23, she's the youngest member of the General Assembly, but more than that, she's an avid 4-H supporter and 4-H alum.

In April, she met with 4-H members at her Springfield office and listened intently as the young people shared their story and hopes for future careers. Just a few years earlier, it may have been Bourne standing in their shoes.

A Sangamon County 4-H alum, Bourne's favorite projects were cake decorating and interior design. Even now, she volunteers as a foods judge at the fair. She told the members that she finds her work in state government both "incredible and challenging." Turning to the four teens, she added "What you learn in 4-H is valuable, remember that."

With no prior political experience beyond campaign internships, Bourne said she decided to run "to make Illinois the best it can be for the next generation." It's not so unlike the 4-H motto, "to make the best better."

Many of the 38 4-H members who visited the Capitol during 4-H Legislative Connection in April share Bourne's passion for changing the world and are using their 4-H experiences to build the skills they'll need.

The youth had their work cut out for them. With Illinois still without a budget, getting one-on-one time with the state's lawmakers on the first day back from break was sometimes difficult. Armed with their youthful smiles and packs of green and white candies, the teams visited every one of the 178 elected legislators' offices. 4-H members weren't there to talk budgets; that's the role of Extension Partners, a grassroots group tasked with advancing the work of University of Illinois Extension, 4-H's parent organization. Instead, the youth told their personal stories of growth and how 4-H is impacting more than 200,000 youth across the state each year.

Rep. Michael Tryon met with three McHenry County 4-H members who reside in his 66th District. A former 4-H member, he encouraged the young women to be as involved as possible in their community. "It's important that our best and brightest step up to the plate," Tryon said. "Service is rent paid to your community."

Paige Behrens, 17, said that 4-H has put her on her career path in ag business and international marketing.

"If you are enthusiastic about what you want to do, it's a lot easier to learn," Tryon said. "Grasp any opportunity you can."

Jenny Basil agreed. "My friends don't get to do the things I'm doing," she said. "4-H provides a way to discover yourself and improve yourself"

Youth received training prior to their visit, including tips from lobbyist Pam Weber. "Legislative Connection allows legislators to see proof of their investment of state dollars in Extension," Weber said.

Jerry Hicks, president of Extension Partners, said the two-day event showcases the state's premier youth education program. "Legislators know that 4-H's track record is solid, and these young people reinforce that with every visit," Hicks said.

The 4-H delegation was introduced in the House by Rep. Don Moffitt and in the Senate by Sen. Sam McCann. Another round of legislative talks is set for May 24-25.

Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialists Debra Stocker and Pat McGlaughlin serve as advisors to the group. U of I Extension Associate Dean and Director George Czapar and 4-H Assistant Dean and Director Lisa Diaz accompanied the teens in their visits.