AMES, Iowa – While Iowa legislators in Des Moines attempt to pass bills on everything from smoking to pop can redemption rates, almost 200 Iowa 4-H'ers are gearing up to meet them and tour the Capitol during the seventh annual Iowa 4-H Day at the Legislature scheduled March 26 in Des Moines.

Contact with the legislators is the best part of the day for many of the past participants such as current Iowa State University (ISU) Extension intern Victoria Birkenholtz who has helped organize and manage this year’s event .

“I really enjoyed the legislators when I went,” she said. “If you contact them, 99 percent are really excited to meet you and show you their job. So many people just drive by the gold dome but never stop.” Meeting legislators is only a small part of the day, however.

Starting at 7 a.m., 4-H’ers will arrive at the Iowa State Fair Grounds before being shuttled to the Iowa Historical Museum where a free omelet breakfast will be provided by the Iowa Egg Council . Approximately 500 eggs and one hour later, there will be an orientation to explain the logistics of the day. Throughout the morning, participants and volunteers will hear speakers discuss a variety of current topics.

The ISU Department of Agriculture will offer a seminar on biofuels while students of ISU Food Sciences and Human Nutrition Professor Ruth MacDonald will speak on nutrition issues. Also, the Planning Center from Iowa Student Loans will discuss college costs, Himar Hernandez will speak about immigration and Deb Hall will speak on poverty.

Throughout the day, ISU Extension radio specialist Doug Cooper will interview one participant per county, and the interviews will be available for download by local radio stations. 4-H'ers also will be able to tour the Capitol or Supreme Court.

“Many (legislators) have been gracious about personal tours,” said Becky Nibe, program coordinator with ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development. “They can see the legislators in action and have personal time. That has been the biggest deal because the kids find out that they are real people just like themselves.”

After lunch, participants will engage in a youth leadership seminar that will highlight out-of-county opportunities and experiences for 4-H'ers. The day will conclude with a rally on the front steps of the Capitol led by Iowa’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Karey Claghorn.

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