Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Lady Behind it All

Shelly York has been the Youth Tour director for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives for the last 6-7 years if my memory serves me correct. Shelly is the one who plans/coordinates this amazing trip to allow students from all around Iowa to get the full D.C. experience. Shelly put it so much time into planning this trip, for example, she checked with the Holocaust Museum everyday for months to book tickets, and when none were available she even had a back-up plan all figured out.

Shelly always has the students in mind when planning this and is constantly looking for ways to improve the Youth Tour experience. Don’t believe me? Here are some of the things that the students from Youth Tour 2015 had to say about her. “She’s incredible! Best woman ever!” says Haley Kilborn. “Is Youth Tour even Youth Tour without her?” says Claire Davis.



            As Shelly’s intern this year I got to see a lot of the behind the scenes stuff that Shelly does, and in essence was her right hand man. It really made me look back when I went on the Youth Tour back in 2012 to see how much she really does, not just the planning and the organization skills, but as Sarah Busta says “She keeps her cool even though she spends a week with 35 crazy teenagers.” So this is too you Shelly! And if you are reading this right now go and tell Shelly York, “Thank you for all that you do” I’m sure she would love to hear it!


by Alec DeVries (Youth Tour Intern/Alumni)

Friday, June 19, 2015

And they lived cooperatively ever after

I am writing this blog as we are on our final fight home. I'm just taking a minute to let Youth Tour 2015 all sink in as I look around at all of the sleeping student and chaperones in all types of funny (uncomfortable!) position. Yep ... they are tired, but it was all worth it. We had a great, great week. The cooperatives that sent the students on this trip should all be very proud of how they represented them. The families that they are part of should know that they are raising GREAT people. I am so, so honored to know of each them! 

In a word ... TIRED!

Today (Thursday) we started with an early wake-up call, a quick breakfast then we went to  a presentation by Adam Schwartz, founder of The Cooperative Way, about the many different type of cooperatives and how they truly make a positive difference. Hopefully, as the students that went on Youth Tour 2015 get older, they will consider working for, starting or being a part of a cooperative. I may be a bit bias, but I think the cooperative business model is the BEST model!

We will be landing in about an hour to waiting friends and family. I'm going to miss these guys! No room checks tonight, or wake-up calls tomorrow ... just seems weird. I know we will all fall back into our routines, but I hope that Youth Tour will be a wonderful memory for everyone that got to experience #ytdc 2015.

The group REALLY bonded and I have no doubt will be lifelong fiends. There's talk of a reunion ... and I hope that come to fruition! But, until then, may we all live cooperatively ever after!


Stay in touch!
Shelly

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Our Final Full Day of Youth Tour

Some of the Youth Tour students were bold enough to wake up around 3:30am to run with Senator Chuck Grassley! It was a great experience for all that went! How many people can say they ran with Senator Chuck Grassley at 4am in the morning!

Many simply headed back to the hotel and caught some Zzz's until the 6am wake up call. Then we headed to capital hill to take pictures of the students in their nice dress clothes before they met with each of their district's representatives. They all got to speak to representatives like David Young, Rod Blum, David Loebsack, and Steve King. After that Senator Grassley's interns gave us a tour of the capital, and explained a lot of the history behind all of the rooms, and statues within this building. Then we all met back on the capital steps to meet with Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst.

After this was all done we gave them free time to go eat lunch, and to explore the capital some more as well as some of the surrounding buildings like the Library of Congress. Some even got library cards from the Library of Congress! We then boarded the bus for our final museum, the Newseum. We got to watch a 4-D movie and see some of the major publications from the media, as well as the spire from one of the twin towers and much more.

By this time the kids were all tired from being on the capital steps all day and wandering a museum for a few hours, but somehow they all found the energy to go to the "All-States Farewell Dinner and Dance" at our hotel. Afterwards they spent the rest of the evening bonding in the hallway planning their next Youth Tour Reunion till room checks where the Chaperones metaphorically had to force them into their rooms to go to bed because they did not want this trip to end.

By Alec DeVries (Youth Tour Intern/Alumni)

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

A full day outside in this D.C. heat. Boy was it HOT!!

Today the majority of all our stops were outside and boy was it hot outside! We started our day off at our favorite breakfast spot, The Crystal City Sports Pub. We then head off to Mount Vernon for tours. The students got to see Washington’s grave, tour of the entire house, and the rest of the 400 acre estate, such as places like the Wharf, the stables, the greenhouse, etc. The studnets got a special treat while at Mount Vernon, they got the chance to go on the “History Meets Hollywood Tour.” On this tour they explained all of the in’s and out’s on the making of the movie National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
 
Afterwards we picked up lunch at Mount Vernon and hustled over to Arlington National Cemetary where some of the Youth Tour Students got the chance to Lay a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The students thought it was such a great opportunity and a neat experience to be in the ceremony and watch the changing of the guard. After our visit to Arlington was complete we took the students to Georgetown where they got a bit of free time to explore this historic town, and shop and take in all of the sights.

            We then drove to the Iwo Jima Memorial for the Sunset Parade, where we got the chance to see the silent guard perform for us, which was a pretty cool sight! We also got the chance to meet with various Marines and ask them questions like how long how they been serving, or when did they find their calling to be a marine, among many other questions. To cap off the night we drove to the Pentagon 911 Memorial, and got walked through an audio that explained the significance of it and the symbolism of everything.

Now onto our next endeavor where some of students will be getting up at 3:55am in the morning to get the opportunity to run with Senator Chuck Grassley! Wish us luck! Time for this Intern to get some sleep!






By Alec DeVries (Youth Tour Intern/Alumni)

Making Memories and Friends that will last a Lifetime

Students are having so much fun and making so many memories there is no time for sleep! After another full day of activities the students hustled into bed and even asked to have their “room checked’ earlier. As I write this it’s almost my bedtime so I can keep up with these amazing kids on this adventure that we call “Youth Tour 2015.” #ytdc

We started off the day bright and early with the Rural Electric Youth Day, where all 1,600+ Youth Tour students were gathered to hear various speakers including NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson, as well as the introduction of the Youth Leadership Council of 2015. We are very proud to have Blake Kozak represent Iowa as our YLC representative. Blake is from Clarke Electric Cooperative. The group also heard an inspirational message from Mike Schlappi. At the age of 14, Mike had expectations of a career in sports as a top notch athlete. A gunshot to the chest at point blank range challenged his dreams. He would never walk again. After months of rigorous physical therapy, he began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to become a standout athlete.

While the students were at the Rural Electric Youth Day, Eugene Handlos and I stood in line to get tickets for the United States Holocaust Museum at 7:30 am till about 9:50. As we waited in line battling the rain, and fending off other co-ops trying to get in line before us :-), we always kept the students in mind and knew we had to do it for them! We ultimately got the tickets and met the students down by the Potomac River for our next endeavor.

Eugene and I walked towards the Potomac River the students were just getting out of the bus and we are headed to go paddle boat on the Potomac. After about an hour there we went to the Holocaust Museum were the students spent the next 2 plus hours. It was so cool to see the students being very respectful, and learning so much from this incredible somber place.

Our next stop was to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, which was a blast for all. Everyone was posing with the different mannequins in an assortment of goofy poses. As a group we walked across the street to see Ford’s Theatre where Lincoln got assassinated and soon after we arrived at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Afterwards, we got a chance to rest a bit and grab dinner at Union Station. We then walked up to the US Capitol to listen to an amazing performance by the U.S. Navy Band. Last but certainly not least we visited the Lincoln and Korean War Veterans Memorial, and spent the last moments of our evening there before we headed back to the hotel. 

Today the students were so busy I’m surprised they stayed awake throughout the whole thing…. Oh wait a few didn’t, I caught a few of them catching up on some much needed sleep on the bus in between stops. These students are such champs and have been the best a chaperone could ask for. It’s so nice to see everyone making friends and having fun!

By Alec DeVries (Youth Tour Intern/Alumni)







Sunday, June 14, 2015

Memorials, National Mall, great food and a cruise!

As I write this, all the students have been "room checked" and I have a few minutes to reflect on our day.

The day started out with at hearty breakfast at the restaurant down the street, then we quickly loaded the bus and toured the MLK, FDR and Jefferson Memorials. We enjoyed each of the stops and it was great to "announce" the selection of Iowa's Youth Leadership Council representative at the memorial honoring the President whose administration founded the Rural Electrification Administration. This is Blake Kozak. His sponsoring cooperative is Clarke Electric Cooperative, and we are excited that he is Iowa's YLC!

We continued the long tradition of the group picture at the Albert Einstein Memorial, and then crossed the street and spent some time at the Vietnam Wall - coming away very grateful for the service and sacrifice of so many. The students had the chance to look up names on the wall and make rubbings of names
 
We had four hours to roam the National Mall and took advantage of every minute! Dorthy's slippers, the Wright brother's plane, the Constitution, Hope Diamond ... and the list goes on!

A treat for me every year is our visit to Ben's Chili Bowl. A must stop when you are in the district, not to mention the YUMMY food. Sadly, we didn't get a group picture outside of Ben's, but it was raining so hard the streets were flooding. We opted to just run and hop on the bus.

The evening ended with a cruise down the Potomac River with several other states on our boat. Lots of dancing, socializing and fun!!

Tomorrow is Youth Day. Excited to have all the Youth Tour student (some 1,700!) in one spot for the morning.






By Shelly York

Check us out on Snapchat: iowayouthtour

First Full Day of Youth Tour 2015!!


Proud young Iowans at the WWII Memorial
 
Excited for our first day in DC we started off the day today by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Crystal City Sports Pub. We had a nice drive to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corp. Some of us wrote thank you notes to Marines we know and took a picture with the notes in front of the Museum. One of my highlights from this museum was that we had the opportunity to meet two Iwa Jima Veterans.

Sarah Busta showing her appreciation
 for her brother that serves in the Navy
We had lunch at the museum and then we went and toured the National Cathedral. It was amazing to see the architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

We spent a few minutes at the United States Navy Memorial. While we were there we had the opportunity to meet a vetran who was on the honor flight today.

After visiting the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, we visited the Washington Monument. We had tickets to go to the top of the Memorial, but the elevator malfunctioned so we were unable journey to the top. Because were were unable to go to the top, we walked around the monument and took some pictures.

When we went to the World War II Memorial, we got to meet a few other Youth Tour Groups and then we relaxed by putting our feet in the water.

One of my favorite memorials of the day was the Air Force Memorial. My grandpa was in the Air Force, so I thought about him while we were there.

Written By Allison Ockenfels
Sponsored by TIP REC

Check us out on Snapchat: iowayouthtour

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Youth Tour doesn’t end on June 18!

Youth Tour is an amazing experience just by itself, but the opportunities do not stop when the trip is over. Students that have been on Youth Tour have proven to be great advocates for their communities, rural Iowa and their electric cooperative. Iowa Youth Tour wants to support and encourage the folks that support the same things we believe!

Be sure and watch our social media accounts for announcements about these opportunities:
Aaron Britt (Youth Tour 2014) with
Iowa Speaker of the House Paulsen
Iowa Legislative Page Program - Appointments to the Iowa Legislature as a page are for both full and half-sessions. It is a rare opportunity for qualified high school students to watch the legislative process in action. Pages get to meet legislators, attend meetings and debates, and watch action behind the scenes. Pages work with other students from across the state of Iowa.
United States Senate Youth Program - The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. 
Internships, both in Iowa and in DC – there are lots of opportunities for internships out there and we will be happy to help you identify one or simply be a reference.

Scholarship opportunities – we will pass along any scholarship announcements we are aware of. One that you will want to consider applying for after your first year of college is the Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation Scholarship. Each year, one $10,000 (distributed in two $5,000 installments) and four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students working on their first undergraduate degree program.
The 2014 Republican
Kick Off Breakfast
A few former Youth Tour students at a
Democratic dinner (pictured with Secretary
of Ag Tom Vilsack)

Involvement in the Iowa Rural Power caucus project and Tickets for/notification of political events in Iowa – living in Iowa, we all know that we are the epicenter for politics every four years. Youth Tour students have the opportunity to participate in the Iowa Rural Power caucus project where they have extraordinary access to political leaders from both sides of the aisle. Advocates participating in the Iowa Rural Power caucus project have the opportunity to meet with presidential candidates and ask them about their plan to ensure reliable, affordable electricity. Students have attended both the Republican and Democratic annual dinners, the Harkin Steak Fry, Branstad-Reynolds Inaugural Ball, town hall meetings in their local communities, etc.

Youth Tour students in their green Rural Power shirts
 at the last Harkin Steak Fry in 2014
generationON/Youth Tour Grant Program – generationOn has partnered with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association to support Youth Tour students as they make their mark on their local communities through volunteer service projects. Youth Tour participants will be supported with project ideas, resources and $500 service project grants:

  • $500 grants (one per state available) for a Youth Tour participant to do a local service project (application open June 17-July 17).
  • Project ideas, stories of past grantees and service tracking available on the generationOn website.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Shelly at youthtour@iowarec.org.

Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/IowaYouthTour?ref_type=bookmark
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IowaYouthTour
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iowayouthtour

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Follow … Tweet … Snap!

Youth Tour will be here before we know it! Be sure and follow us online. We have LOTS of ways you can see what we are doing.

Check us out on Snapchat: iowayouthtour

We will post on each of these social media platforms throughout the day and then upload all the pictures we took each evening.

And, be sure and watch this blog for daily posts!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Cooperative 101

Playgrounds flood with games during school recess. A great example is hopscotch. The game can be played by one child or a large group, and the rules are simple. A course is laid out, typically drawn in chalk on pavement. Blocks are numbered in the order they must be hopped in, with a home, or safe, spot at the end. Then players toss a marker into designated squares and hop through the course.

In some ways, the game reflects how  cooperatives were formed. Co-ops—not-for-profit, member-owned businesses—may serve a few people or large groups. But all co-ops use the same “course,” following seven key principles. By “hopping” on each principle, co-ops provide an efficient consumer resource focused on service, not profit.

Youth Tour is a GREAT example of the cooperatives principle, Concern for Community, being practiced.

What are co-ops?
Cooperatives are owned by their members—the people who receive services from them—and are found in many industries. For example, more than 900 electric co-ops serve 42 million Americans. According to the National Cooperative Grocers Association, 30 percent of farmers’ products are marketed through more than 3,000 farmer-owned cooperatives in America. Familiar brands like SunKist, Land O’Lakes, Cabot Creamery, Ocean Spray, and Sun-Maid are all co-ops formed to help farmers distribute products.

In banking, 10,000 credit unions provide financial services to 84 million members across the nation. Co-ops have also been formed to provide child care, insurance, and housing. Nearly 30,000 cooperatives operate at 73,000 locations nationally.

Guiding Principles
The cooperative movement traces its roots to a store started by weavers in the town of Rochdale, England in 1844. The Rochdale model revolved around a set of guidelines drawn up by one of its members, Charles Howarth. When introduced into the U.S. by the National Grange in 1874, these “Rochdale Principles” fueled a cooperative explosion.
Although stated in many ways, the Rochdale Principles hold that a cooperative must provide:

Friday, May 15, 2015

Your Guild to a GREAT 2015 Youth Tour!

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. 
·                  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, …
·                  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. 
·                  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.