Members and leaders of the Ravalli County 4-H program helped to host the Biennial 4-H Legislative Breakfast in Helena on January 17. The breakfast is sponsored by Montanans for 4-H, an all-volunteer group of concerned citizens. This year, a majority of legislators attended the breakfast to learn about the 4-H program in Montana. From Ravalli County, four youth and two leaders hosted the table for Ravalli County Representatives and Senators, including Montana State Senator Fred Thomas, HD 44; Montana State Senator Pat Connell, SD 43; Representative Ed Greef, HD 88 and Representative Theresa Manzella, HD 85.
With a focus on “4-H Grows True Leaders,” this year’s event presented 4-H alumni and current 4-H members with leadership skills that are positively impacted by 4-H and Montana State University Extension. Members and adult leaders and volunteers highlighted the personal importance of the program, and the 4-H benefits to the state. The educational programs of 4-H are open to all youth—both rural and urban.
Prior to the Montanans for 4-H Legislative Breakfast, the youth had a dinner the night before and were addressed by Montana Governor Steve Bullock. After the Legislative Breakfast, Missoula and Ravalli County attendees toured the Montana State Capitol with Representative Ed Greef.
Gracie Smith, Ravalli County 4-H Junior Ambassador from Victor, said, “I got to learn more about the legislative process and the branches of our state government. It was really fun to meet new 4-H’ers from all across the state. It was a great opportunity for all of us to speak with our local representatives and lobby on behalf of the 4-H program. I got to have dinner with our Ravalli County representatives and reminded them that Montana 4-H has about 18,000 members and 4-H’ers in general have two times better grades and are five times more likely to graduate from college.”
Montanans for 4-H thanks legislators and capitol staff who participated in the breakfast to learn about 4-H Youth Development and MSU Extension, which sponsors 4-H around the state.