Take Action for 4-H Youth!

The Bill that could be Law 

Margaret Turpel from Essex County is a 4-H youth member who has gathered research and reached out to her representatives to file a bill that will put 4-H on equal footing with school sports and clubs. If this bill were 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. Watch this video of Margaret talking about the bill here.  We are asking you to contact your state representative to be aware of the bill and to sign on as a co-sponsor. Keep reading to learn how you can take action now!

Why is this important? 

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

Take Action 

The most important outreach for this legislation will come from 4-H youth to their State Representatives. 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 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 

Follow the progress on this bill here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD651

 

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

Dear Representative ________, 

I am contacting you to request that you co-sponsor House Docket 651 filed on 1/16/23 by Josh Cutler- (Pembroke) Plymouth District 6 and Paul Schmid- (Westport) Bristol District 8. 

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, 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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