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)

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

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)

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)

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

Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/IowaYouthTour?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IowaYouthTour

Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iowayouthtour

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

Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/IowaYouthTour?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IowaYouthTour

Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iowayouthtour

Check us out on Snapchat: iowayouthtour

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

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.

Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/IowaYouthTour?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IowaYouthTour

Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iowayouthtour

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!