NC 4-H’ers Focus on Citizenship at Leadership Conference

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives partnered with North Carolina 4-H to support the Citizenship North Carolina Focus conference in June. The three-day event brought 128 high-school age participants from 47 counties to Raleigh to meet with elected officials and learn more about civic engagement, how government impacts everyday life and how they can be involved citizens and effective leaders.

Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president of Association Services for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, encouraged conference participants to make the most of the experience by taking what they learn and making a difference in their local communities.

“It says a lot about your character, your determination and your leadership ability that you sought out an opportunity like this that will help you engage with public officials and become a more involved citizen,” Hotchkiss said. “Civic engagement is a responsibility we all share, and we all benefit when young people like you are committed to becoming aware of the challenges we face as a state or in your locality, and exploring how you can be part of the solution.”

Dr. Mike Yoder, NC State Extension’s 4-H associate director and state program leader, thanked the electric cooperatives for their ongoing partnership and emphasized the role the event plays in encouraging civic responsibility from a young age.

“Since its inception, Citizenship North Carolina Focus has been funded by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, and in addition to financial support, the cooperatives have contributed greatly to development of event content, providing speakers and helping establish relevant programming,” Yoder said. “For many youth, this is their first opportunity to meet their elected officials, and the experience often sparks a life-long interest and passion for public service.”