Lincoln Co. 4-H tour state capitol

Last week, members of Lincoln County 4-H programs from Libby, Troy and Eureka headed to the state capitol in Helena Jan. 21 to meet with legislators to discuss the importance of continued funding for Montana 4-H programs that are included in House Bill 2.

Montana 4-H is the youth development program of Montana State University Extension. MSU Extension is funded in by a cooperative relationship between federal, state and local county support. Montana 4-H is also financially supported by the Montana 4-H Foundation and local 4-H councils and foundations.

The teens spoke to State Rep. Neil Duram about skills they have gained through 4-H, such as public speaking, communication, helping their communities, helping the homeless population and the overall confidence the 4-H program has given them. 

The Lincoln County 4-H members talked about their livestock projects and teen leadership projects that are helping to shape them into future leaders.

After the legislative breakfast, the teens were able to tour the Capitol, observe Senate hearings and talk with Rep. Duram about bills he currently had on his desk and gave the teens the opportunity to ask questions and have good conversation.  

In studies compared to their peers, 4-H teens are more than two times likely to have a goal about being a leader, three times more likely to participate in community service events, twice as likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose (Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development, 2021).

“As the organizational leader for the South 40 4-H club in Libby I was beyond impressed with our teens’ ability to attend the Montana 4-H Legislative Breakfast and advocate professionally for this program that is designed to set them up for success,” Kara Matthews said. “Lincoln County is a just small part of the nearly 19,000 Montana 4-H youth enrolled in the program, but we are always excited to grow our program in our community.”