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.

SkillLife SkillApplication 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 Extension Positive, enthusiastic and “can do” attitude Dress with pride and communicate confidence Sell 4-H program and gain legislative support Educate 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 school Keep Extension Educator Informed Meet Deadlines, be on time for your appointments Make and confirm appointments Be informed about elected official Confirm 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 appointment Practice the message Prepare a handout summarizing points Provide your contact information Be professional Write thank-you note(s)

Extension Educator Responsibilities Being a Mentor and Educator in the process Encourage and support your learning process Resource for information: Legislative Contacts, Reference Materials, Office Equipment & Materials, Letters for excused absences, etc. Conduct an orientation with Youth Representative Answer 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

Making Contact Communications – written and verbal Be thorough in what you write and say Complete the Response Card and to Gloria at the State 4-H Office. Keep notes of phone conversations – who, date and time Follow-up all phone conversations with written confirmation

At the Capitol Be on time and prompt for appointments Review all materials received from the county or state office Have a good understanding of the county and state 4-H program purpose Be positive, honest, articulate and representative of all youth touched by 4-H Be thankful for the financial support and time

Do’s Make Appointments Explain why you want an appointment Keep your message to 3 main points. Be direct and concise in the presentation. Have a brief written handout to leave with representative Have suggested solutions/alternatives to concerns Know and understand 4-H Answer questions or get back with the office

Don’ts Be late Be disappointed if your legislator is late or cancels their appointment Over stay your welcome Try to tell them everything in one visit Represent “yourself and opinions,” you are representing the 4-H program Expect promises or immediate action

Image Professional-not a time for fashion trends Well Groomed Etiquette – introductions, manners, thank you notes Body language – posture sitting and standing, gestures and facial expressions

Other things to know… Security Photographers Parking

Making a Difference YOUth are important Be informed with facts and relevant information Well organized message Well rehearsed message and prepared handouts