Take Action for 4-H Youth in 2025

In 2023, Margaret Turpel. a 4-H’er from Essex County, gathered research and reached out to her representatives to file a bill to put 4-H on equal footing with school sports and clubs. This bill has been recently resubmitted by both the Massachusetts Senate and House. 

If this bill is passed into law, 4-H students will have the same consideration that student-athletes and club members get when absent for school-authorized activities such as games and field trips. We are asking you to contact your state representatives and senators to be aware of the bill and to sign on as cosponsors. Keep reading to learn how you can take action now.

Why is this important? 

Share your story!  4-H provides both local and national opportunities. It is a research-based experience that includes mentors, self-guided activities, and meaningful leadership opportunities. In 4‑H, youth complete hands-on projects in areas like animal science, STEM, agriculture, and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on leadership roles. Children and youth experience 4‑H in every county and community in Massachusetts through in-school and after-school programs and clubs.

Take Action 

The most important outreach for this legislation will come from 4-H youth to their state representatives and senators. Exercise your ability to advocate and understand the legislative process. The best approach is for youth to personalize the draft letter below and share their projects, career development skills, and knowledge gained from the Massachusetts 4-H program.  

Connect! 

To connect with your State Senate and House Representatives click through the link below and type in your home address: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator.   

Also connect with the State Senate and House Representatives that are on the Joint Committee on Education: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J14/192 

You can use this draft language for your email or letter and add your own 4-H experience to your Senator or Representative:  

Dear Senator or Representative ________, 

I am contacting you to request that you cosponsor House Docket 719 filed by Kenneth P. Sweezey – Plymouth District 6 or Senate Docket 510 submitted by Patrick O’Connor – First Plymouth and Norfolk.  

If passed, this bill would give students participating in 4-H the same consideration that student-athletes and school club members get when absent for school-authorized activities such as games and field trips. 

Share 1-2 sentences about how the 4-H program has made an impact on you. You can also use some of the information below and edit it to share about the 4-H program.

Your support is important to me and the success of the 4-H program! Youth who participate in 4-H are provided incredible opportunities to put their education in action by participating in local and national trips like National 4-H Conference held annually in Washington, D.C., National 4-H Congress held annually in Atlanta, GA, Ignite Summit held annually in Washington D.C., National 4-H Horse Round Up, 4-H Agriculture Day at the Massachusetts State House, the Eastern States Exposition where they showcase their projects, and so much more.

Thank you! I appreciate your support.

Sincerely, 

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