Texas 4-H

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Upcoming Events

Texas 4-H Congress

Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members in grades 9th to 12th (at the time of the event).  During this time, 4-H members assume the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and press corps to gain a first-hand understanding of how the legislative process works.  Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H members focus on issues concerning Texas and Texas youth.  These bills are assigned to the appropriate committee, debated in committee meetings, and then on the floor of the House or Senate.  If a bill is successful in negotiation and the legislative debate in all three stages, it is delivered to the Governor of Texas 4-H Congress for his or her signature or veto.

What is Texas 4-H Congress? Watch the video to find out! Early bird registration opened last Friday, so start talking to your 4-H’ers about the event now!

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Location

Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol in Austin, Texas.
Website | Map

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Event Dates and Schedule

July 17-20, 2022
Future: July 14-17, 2024

2022 Schedule

 

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Requirements

Senior 4-H Members

A select number of 4-H delegates will be allotted to each district.

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Costs

Varies – Contact County

 

2022 Texas 4-H Congress By Day

2022 Event Information

Theme Night

“License to Lead” has been selected by the Texas 4-H Council as the theme for the Monday night dinner and social. This is your time to say, “The name is 4-H, Texas 4-H…” Delegates are encouraged to dress for a “black tie” affair as you listen to a former member of the CIA.


Dates to Remember for Texas 4-H Congress Participation

  • February 1, 2022     Bill submission opens
  • February 15, 2022   Lobbyist application opens on 4HOnline
  • February 15, 2022   Press Corps application opens on 4HOnline
  • March 17, 2022       Lobbyist application closes
  • March 17, 2022       Press Corps application closes
  • March 30, 2022      Lobbyist and Press Corps notification
  • April 1, 2022            Early Bird Registration opens on 4HOnline
  • April 30, 2022         Early Bird Registration closes on 4HOnline
  • May 1, 2022            Registration continues on 4HOnline at an increased fee
  • May 30, 2022          Bill submission closes
  • May 30, 2022          Registration closes on 4HOnline
  • July 1, 2022              Delegate Letters distributed
  • July 1, 2022              Bill Book posted online
  • July 15, 2022            Texas 4-H Council arrive
  • July 15, 2022            Management Team arrive
  • July 17, 2022            Congress Delegates and Chaperones arrive
  • July 20, 2022           All Participants depart

Bill Submissions

Any 4-H member may submit a Texas 4-H Congress bill for consideration and debate. Participating in Congress is not a requirement.  Writing and submitting a bill provides each 4-H member the opportunity to participate in an exercise in civic engagement.

All participants in Texas 4-H Congress must submit a COMPLETE bill for consideration.  “All” includes Texas 4-H Council and Technology Ambassadors. To accomplish the writing and submission of legislative bills, it is recommended that the County Extension Agent, or a volunteer, assist the youth in learning what a quality bill includes, how to write one, and then submitting the bill on-line.  4-H members from the same county, or other counties, are not allowed to submit the same bill for meeting this requirement.

Committees are:

  • Agriculture and Livestock (AGL)
  • Education (EDU)
  • Energy and Environment (EEV)
  • Government, Finance, & Appropriations (GFA)
  • Homeland Security and Public Safety (HPS)
  • Judiciary and Juvenile Justice (JJJ)
  • Public Health & Welfare (PHW)

To learn more on how to write and submit a bill download the “Preparing a Legislative Bill for Texas 4-H Congress” as well as work with your county Extension agent or a volunteer.

Lobbyist

The responsibility of the Lobbyist group is to identify certain bills and then lobby members of the House and Senate to either pass or defeat the bill. Lobbyist members should be prepared and be comfortable approaching others who may have a different opinion on Congressional topics. The Lobbyist group will hold a private reception for certain House and Senate Members, along with Congress Leadership.

Applications to be considered for a Lobbyist position will be submitted online through 4HOnline.  The online application opens February 15 and closes March 17.

Press Corps

Texas 4-H Congress Press Corps members can be either first time or returning 4-H members. Individuals applying for the Press Corps should have strong skills in writing, word processing, interviewing, photography, and focused on making deadlines. The Press Corps group is responsible for publishing daily articles, videotaping, and helping maintain a Texas 4-H social media presence. Press Corps members may not be able to attend certain activities because of publication deadlines. Two Texas 4-H Council members, select STEM and Photography Ambassadors, and other 4-H members may serve on the press corps.

Applications to be considered for a Press Corp position will be submitted online through 4HOnline. Applications are open February 1 – March 17.

House or Senate Members:

These roles are primarily for 4-H members that have never participated in Texas 4-H Congress. Members serving in the House or Senate should be prepared and able to speak about issues effecting Texas and Texas youth. Issues the 4-H member will be speaking about may or may not be related to the subject matter of the bill they submitted.  House and Senate members will be participating in a variety of professional settings such as committee meetings, chamber sessions, and may be lobbied or questioned on different issues by the Lobbyist group and/or the Press Corps. Assignments are made by the State 4-H Office.

Contact the local county office for more information on attending.

Participant Communication, Dress and Forms

All necessary forms for Texas 4-H Congress will be posted here on the Texas 4-H Congress website closer to the event, as well as sent electronically to each participant in the Texas 4-H Congress participant packet. Copies of all communications will be sent via e-mail to county and district offices.

Suggested attire for the event will also be emailed. Since this is a prestigious event and the 4-H members will be on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, a coat and tie are to be worn by all males and professional style dresses are to be worn by females at all official legislative events. Dress for the theme party must be in line with the theme and presented in a non-offensive manner.

Previous Congress Videos

  • 2020 Texas 4-H Congress virtual experience videos: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

 

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