Benton County Youth, Leaders participate in Extension and 4-H Voices Day at the Capitol

DES MOINES — Two Benton County 4-H youth, one Iowa State Extension and Outreach Council member and one Extension and Outreach staff member attended Extension and 4-H Voices Day at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines Jan. 21.

A total of 110 4-H youth from across Iowa gathered to learn how to effectively share their 4-H stories, to gain a better understanding of the legislative process and to speak directly with their elected representatives.

The day served as a reminder that youth voices matter and can impact public policy and community decision-making.

Benton County participants met with Rep. Thomas Gerhold to talk about the local impact of 4-H and Extension programs and left a folder of information highlighting Extension and Outreach’s public value with Sen. Charlie McClintock.

In addition to youth advocacy, Extension and Outreach Council members visited with legislators about property tax proposals and discussed the strong public value Extension and Outreach provides to Iowa communities through education, youth development and outreach programs.

Extension and 4-H Voices Day highlighted the importance of civic engagement and the role Extension and 4-H play in preparing informed, confident leaders for the future.

For more information on Benton County 4-H, contact the Benton County Extension and Outreach office at 319-472-4739 or xbenton@iastate.edu.