ALBANY — A delegation representing thousands of 4-H members in New York State met with their representatives in Albany for the 82nd annual 4-H Capital Days event this past week. Nearly 90 teen delegates and their chaperons represented 4-H members from counties across the state, as well as the boroughs of New York City.
During this year’s event, 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and staff met with leaders in state government, members of the court system and officials from a variety of state agencies. In addition, they were able to observe a working session of the state legislature and talk with their representatives.
Member of the Assembly, Aileen M. Gunther, discussed the legislative process with the 4-H’ers. She also commended the 4-H members for their participation because, “The great thing about 4-H is that it prepares you well – building your ability to listen, to communicate and your desire to do the right thing”.
The participants also learned about speaking to their legislators and how politics are reported on. Assemblyman Peter Lopez spoke to the teen delegates about choosing public service as one’s career path. He noted that he sees two important aspects to choosing public service. First, you must care about your neighbor – all those you represent. And, second, you must give unconditionally – with no thought of personal benefit. “You have to own that passion for public service,” he said.
Julie Suarez, Associate Dean for Government and Community Relations for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University closed out the three-day program by describing the difference between advocacy and lobbying and how her work involves her in state and federal government.
Delegates learned about career opportunities in government as they heard presentations by state agencies, participated in discussion sessions, and visited with their Legislators. They also had the opportunity to tour our state capitol and visit the Corning Tower and NYS Museum.
Representing Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties’ 4-H Club Program were Grace Campion-Pratt and Vidar Pirrone. Grace is the daughter of Erin Campion and Gerald Pratt and lives in Ghent. She is in the 11th grade, is home schooled and attends Hudson Valley Community College part time. Grace is a member of the Columbia Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club. Vidar is the son of Matt and Jolene Pirrone who live in East Chatham. He is in the 10th grade and is home schooled. Vidar is a member of the Mountain Rangers 4-H Club and the Columbia Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club. Linda Tripp, 4-H Youth Development Issue Leader, accompanied the delegates.
The New York State Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educators sponsors the 4-H Capital Days program.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. The programs provided by this organization are partially funded by monies received from the Counties of Columbia and Greene.
4-H is New York’s only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and the latest research at Cornell University. 4-H participants learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in three primary program areas: science and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. To find out more about 4-H and youth programs in Columbia and Greene Counties, contact us at 518-828-3346 or Columbiagreene@cornell.edu or visit our website, www.ccecolumbiagreene.org . You can also “Like” us on Facebook…Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
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