4-H Youth Development

Legislative Day 2019

Posted on May 31, 2019

On May 8, 2019 seventy-five Delaware 4-H youth and adults participated in the 15th annual Delaware 4-H Legislative Day. 4-H’ers began their day at Legislative Hall in Dover after which,  they split into three groups. Two groups stayed in Legislative Hall getting to learn the history of the building and discussing the Legislative process with Representative Bill Bush and Senator Ernie Lopez. The groups  were then able to either visit the Department of Health or take a financial literacy workshop taught by State Teen Council Officers, Jenna Anger and Hunter Willoughby. The third group was able to visit the Courthouse where they learned the Judicial process. After lunch, the groups went to their second workshops. One group visited with the State Auditor, Kathy McGuiness. Another group toured Legislative Hall and the third group toured the Public Archives.

A highlight of the day was when members were able to participate in a mock voting session and cast their vote for: What do you feel is the biggest issue affecting youth in our society? (Vaping), What is an important life skill you have learned in 4-H? (All of them – Leadership, Communication, Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Stress Management), Why do you volunteer? (To offer time and talents to others) and What is your favorite Amusement Park? (Disney World).

The groups came back together in the afternoon for a 4-H Rally inside Legislative Hall. We were pleased to have the following legislators in attendance: Governor John Carney, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Senator Dave Wilson, Rep. Steve Smyk, Rep. Jesse Vanderwende, Senator Brian Pettyjohn, Rep. Ruth Briggs-King, Rep. Ronnie Gray, Rep. Mike Ramone, Sen. Dave Lawson, Rep. Rich Collins, Rep. Charlie Postles, Rep. Bryan Shupe and Rep. Jeff Spiegelman.

State 4-H Teen Council Officers in attendance were: Garrett Geidel, Leslie Webb, Jenna Anger, Maci Carter, Hunter Willoughby and Rachel Taylor.

The day ended with the members attending a session in the House Chambers. We thank Rep. Jesse Vanderwende for allowing State 4-H Teen Council President, Garrett Geidel, to speak on the House floor. Garrett addressed the Legislators giving them information about Delaware 4-H and thanking them for all of their support of our program.

Our members were great representatives of 4-H during this event; asking questions about the Legislative process, how to become a member of government, and much more!

View photos from this event on our Delaware 4-H Flickr page!

Click here to see the House Resolution document designating May 8, 2019 as “4-H Day” in the State of Delaware.