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July 16, 2024
Texas 4-H Congress at State Capitol now
By Kara Spangler
Bandera County 4-H Youth Program Coordinator
Bandera County 4-H youth members Elliora Groot and Ester Groot are participating in the 2024 Texas 4-H Congress, being held in Austin at the State Capitol through July 17.
Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members in grades 9 to 12, where 4-H members assume the roles of legislators, lobbyists and press corps to gain a first-hand understanding of how the legislative process works. Each participant writes and submits their own bill to be taken through the legislative process that week. Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H members focus on issues concerning Texas and Texas youth.
Texas 4-H Congress is held every two years for senior-level 4-H members who are selected through their District to attend the event.
The four-day event begins on Sunday with delegate meetings at the Sheraton Austin Hotel. The event will move into the Capitol Monday and Tuesday for sessions.
“Texas 4-H Congress is the event where 4-H members learn about the governmental processes by writing and debating bills. Of course, the goal is to have your specific bill reach the office of the 4-H Governor so that it could become “law.” This mock legislative event is a great way for experiential learning to happen at its finest,” Texas 4-H Youth Development Program Director Montza Williams said. “Tackling issues that are important to the membership and having the opportunity to discuss those issues with people who may or may not agree with you is a skill that every person needs to learn. These youth are our future, and we will be better off as they learn more about how government works.”
Elliora Groot and Ester Groot are participating in the role of delegate. Around 300 youth and chaperones from the Texas 4-H program are attending the event.
Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members in grades 9 to 12, where 4-H members assume the roles of legislators, lobbyists and press corps to gain a first-hand understanding of how the legislative process works. Each participant writes and submits their own bill to be taken through the legislative process that week. Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H members focus on issues concerning Texas and Texas youth.
Texas 4-H Congress is held every two years for senior-level 4-H members who are selected through their District to attend the event.
The four-day event begins on Sunday with delegate meetings at the Sheraton Austin Hotel. The event will move into the Capitol Monday and Tuesday for sessions.
“Texas 4-H Congress is the event where 4-H members learn about the governmental processes by writing and debating bills. Of course, the goal is to have your specific bill reach the office of the 4-H Governor so that it could become “law.” This mock legislative event is a great way for experiential learning to happen at its finest,” Texas 4-H Youth Development Program Director Montza Williams said. “Tackling issues that are important to the membership and having the opportunity to discuss those issues with people who may or may not agree with you is a skill that every person needs to learn. These youth are our future, and we will be better off as they learn more about how government works.”
Elliora Groot and Ester Groot are participating in the role of delegate. Around 300 youth and chaperones from the Texas 4-H program are attending the event.