Electric cooperatives give back to their community – Youth Tour is proof positive!

Electric cooperatives distinguish themselves from other utilities through the seven cooperative principles. These principles serve as the guiding business philosophies for cooperatives across the country. It’s how we do business!

Rural Electric Cooperatives were created in the 1930s when President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded the Rural Electrification Administration. Thanks to the Rural Electrification Act, those farmers and ranchers took it upon themselves to create their own member-owned utilities called cooperatives. This can-do spirit combined with their concern for community (see the seventh Cooperative Principle) is why electric cooperatives sponsor high school juniors and seniors on a weeklong, all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Sen. Lyndon Johnson inspired the Youth Tour when he addressed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Annual Meeting in Chicago in 1957. He declared, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”

Consequently, some Texas electric cooperatives sent groups of young people to Washington, D.C., to work during the summer in Sen. Johnson’s office. In 1958, electric cooperatives in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a week-long study tour of the nation’s capital. Later that same year, another bus load came from Illinois. The idea grew and other states sent busloads of young people throughout the summer. By 1959, the “Youth Tour” had grown to 130 delegates.

In 1964, NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington, D.C., during Youth Tour week. The first year of the coordinated tour included approximately 400 young people from 12 states. Word of the program has continued to spread and today, more than 1,500 young people and their chaperones from 45 states participate in the Youth Tour every year.

The Youth Tour exists to:

• Educate youth on all aspects of rural electrification to promote a better understanding of the value of rural electric cooperatives.
• Provide an opportunity for youth to visit monuments, government buildings and cooperative-related organizations in order to become familiar with the historical and the political environment of the nation’s capital.
• Allow youth to meet elected officials to better understand how federal government operates. 

Listen up Youth Tour 2014! This is for you ...

We’ve collected advice from students that went on Youth Tour the last few years. Check out their words of wisdom! You’ll notice a theme: it’s an awesome trip, enjoy every minute; wear comfortable shoes; don’t worry about sleep – sleep when you get home!

• Take time to enjoy every second of this awesome trip, it’s a trip of a lifetime! Don’t be afraid to talk to everyone on this trip I guarantee they are all cool (they are from Iowa how could they not be?), and last but not least bring a small purse/satchel because you will be taking it on and off at almost every building you go in! 
• Although it's awkward the first day, don't be shy! Step out of your comfort zone and get to know everyone!
• Be on time...
• You might have the cutest new pair of shoes, but don't wear them! Wear the most comfortable shoes you have because you will be doing a lot of walking!
• Dive in and get involved! Everyone is just as nervous as you. Also don't shy away from further opportunities offered due to this incredible experience YOU earned 
• Bring a camera, and interact with people from other states! Get to know your roomie, because they're pretty awesome also. Never miss an opportunity to see something new, because when you get back you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't go. Ladies make sure to hit up Charming Charlie's!
• When you get the schedule you will think, "I have to get up at what time?" but sacrificing a few hours of sleep is completely worth it. Besides, you can sleep when you get home!
• Be social! The friends you make on this trip are the best! :)
• Pictures, pictures pictures! You'll never forget the trip and memories. Socialize with everyone! Have fun!
• Take as many pictures as possible!! Make as many friends as possible! Learn about your fellow youth tourers from Iowa and other states some will be your lifelong friends! And stop worrying this will be the best trip ever!
• Don't be stressed out that you won't know where to go or what time to be there. This is a very well organized trip and you always have a schedule, a great group leader and chaperones, and of course your group of new friends that you can ask questions. Also, don't forget to pack the little things like sun screen, sunglasses, Chapstick, and possibly a rain poncho if it even gets rainy 😊
• Be somewhat familiar with the Smithsonians. That way you can be sure to make it to your favorite!
• Get comfortable being uncomfortable, Ask people from other states questions, learn how to run off adrenaline
• Bring good shoes; you will want them for the long days walking!! Be social & make the best of every minute! You will make friends for life :)
• This is experience is going to be one of the greatest in your life. Embrace every moment of it and take the time to get to know everyone you meet on a personal level. You'll meet some of the best friends you'll ever have in life and will see some of the coolest things.
• You are going to love the experience. As tiring as it gets just keep up the effort and take advantage of every opportunity that you can get. If you play your cards right this event could be a strong kick start to your future career, either inside or outside of the cooperatives.
• Don't worry about sleep and make as many friends as you can! You can sleep on your way home; you'll be having too much fun
• Take time to talk to everyone in your group! They are all great and you will probably have something in common with each of them (beyond the sharing the same state thing).
• Arrive well rested.
• Make as many friends as you can and don't be nervous! Enjoy every moment of it because it goes by fast.
• And like everyone said, be open minded, meet as many people as possible, and enjoy all the little things :)
• Take a moment at each place and truly absorb what it represents. There is a lot to see and pictures to take but make a memory of each monument or historic place. Also write down your thoughts.
• Enjoy every minute of it because this is one of those important once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. If you're not a social type, now is the perfect time to get out there and make some new friends. If you are a social butterfly, you should be in your element. The people you meet here are the kind of people you want to keep in touch with because they are going places
• Take note of this rich advice: the Alaska rep never brings enough pins...so find him/her before they start doing crazy stuff like selling them or trading 3 for 1.
• Take lots of pictures. Don't be shy to ask someone to take your picture for you. Be nice, polite, outgoing and friendly. INCLUDE EVERYONE!!!! NO CLICKS!!!! Be yourself. Have fun. Fill your head with knowledge. Remember names. Absorb everything our nation’s capital has to offer. Ask questions at Capitol Hill. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! Spend money wisely.
• Enjoy every experience because you never know when you will be able to go back to DC and meet so many new people. Also the Youth Tour Staff is some really cool people!
• Get plenty of sleep, be nice to your roommates, get to know everyone you meet, and make the most out of every amazing opportunity you get!
• Coordinate shower schedules in your room.
• Find a friend who looks at things in museums at the same pace you do. If you take time to look at EVERYTHING, find a friend who also takes time to look at EVERYTHING.
• Wear a watch that doesn't beep.
• Participate in every activity. You won't regret it.
• Figure out what stuff you need to put in bins for metal detectors. Save yourself time, pack according to the security.
• Don't be afraid to meet people from the other states, it is great to compare accents and find common ground. Spend your time wisely especially at the Smithsonian. Decide ahead of time which museum you are most interested in seeing. Never go anywhere alone. Enjoy our nation’s capital and all the wonderful treasures you'll see and take lots of pictures to share back home and to look back on in the future.
• Don't underestimate the friendships you'll make, even if somebody lives far away. Two of my closest friends from YLC live half way across the country and we've stayed close. In fact, it's been three years since my youth tour trip and a fellow youth tour member and I are about to embark on a trip to South America together!
• To add to the comment above, I totally agree don't underestimate the friendships you make because I met a friend of mine who lives 5 minutes from my house and I had no idea, and we became great friends on the Youth Tour, and now we are going to room together at Morningside College and be teammates. It’s just so cool how the Youth tour brings people so close together. I still keep in close contact with all my Youth Tour buds and I'd recommend making lifelong friendships on this tour.
• Take as much in as you can. The experience is absolutely amazing. Meet others from across the country, because it is so interesting learning about different parts of the country. Lastly, take tons of pictures, because you will cherish them forever. My experience on Youth Tour and the YLC was nothing short of amazing.

One month from TODAY the Iowa Youth Tour will begin!

More than 1,600 students from all across America take part in this year's Youth Tour! 

Thirty-four students, sponsored by their local electric cooperative, along with five chaperones from Iowa will travel to Washington, D.C., and meet their U.S. Representatives and Senators. This unique trip will also give them the opportunity to watch history come alive as they explore the museums, memorials and monuments. They will meet student leaders from nearly every state and hear dynamic leaders on Youth Day. 

Bottom line, they will make friendships that will last a lifetime and be part of a group that has more than 50,000 alumni in every walk of life including U.S. Senators and CEOs.

Be sure and watch our blog for updates!