ORONO – More than 1,000 4-H members from every state and Puerto Rico gathered in our nation’s capital from Feb. 27 through March 2 to have a conversation on youth development in the 21st century. These 4-H’ers were the cream of the crop, chosen to help improve urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide.

Months earlier, each individual state had its own separate conversations, and from those discussions a select few were chosen as representatives to voice their own ideas, as well as those discussed by the state groups.

Our group of Maine delegates, chosen recently in a gathering of the youth organization at the University of Maine, included Samantha Cousins of Mars Hill, Briana Gutfinski of Gardiner, Devin Prock of Waldoboro, Chris Grady of Augusta, Kayleigh Roy of South Portland and Skye Dillon of Exeter.

We were led by 4-H officials Polly Meloy and Ron Jones. Our first day in Washington, D.C., was spent on orientation. We toured the Capitol and Union Station and visited the offices of our senators, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, and Reps. John Baldacci and Tom Allen, to talk about Maine’s 4H’ers and their place in the conference.

We were glad that Rep. Allen could take the time to speak to us, as did Peter Downey, legislative aide to Sen. Snowe. Our day ended late, as we checked into the Hyatt Regency of Crystal City, located in Arlington, Va.

Thursday began the conversations. After all of the delegations were introduced, we were split up into random groups. Each group viewed the individual state displays explaining the ideas that had been proposed at meetings back home.

We then reflected on our opinions of the main priorities from each state. Around 11:45 a.m. we broke for lunch, then got to work on the main themes and steps needed to further youth success. The day ended with some special words from enthusiastic speakers at the Congressional Dinner.

The final conversation day, Friday, began with separate discussions on individual strategies needed to put the five themes in motion throughout the country.

After lunch, we returned rejuvenated for our separate state meetings, where we discussed what we felt was important to bring back to Maine. Then the group gathered to report on each of the state meetings.

After supper, and those two long days, the national agenda for youth development was unveiled. Speakers for the night included WNBA star and previous 4-H’er Jackie Stiles, as well as 2000 Greco-Roman gold medal winner and former 4-H’er, Rulon Gardner. Their inspiring words ended our day on a high note.

Other activities included presentation of the Power of YOUth Pledge, a large check representing 1.3 million hours committed by 100,000 youths and adults to help younger people, to improve communities, to help older people, to do mentoring and tutoring, to build respect and tolerance, and to improve the environment.

On Saturday, our Maine group had a separate bus tour of the D.C. area and the main memorials. We were able to see the Capitol building, the White House; the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, Women of War and Franklin D. Roosevelt memorials, and Arlington National Cemetery – an incredible experience that I will always remember.

I am positive that the ideas discussed not only will help to make 4-H better, but also will help the individual communities in the state.

For information about 4-H, call 581-3877.