Texas 4-H Congress allows 4-H members to experience the law making process first hand by writing, submitting, and then serving as a member of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Press, or as a Lobbyist. From these roles, the 4-H members determine the fate of each bill submitted.  4-H members grades 9 – 12 at the time of the event are eligible to participate in this mock legislative session held in Austin at the State Capitol.

Lobbyist for Texas 4-H Congress

The responsibility of the Lobbyist group is to identify certain bills and then lobby members of the House and Senate to either pass or defeat the bill. Lobbyist should be knowledgeable about Texas 4-H Congress and the schedule that it follows. Lobbyist members should be prepared to and have the ability to approach other 4-H members and persuade House and Senate members for support. The Lobbyist group will hold a “by invitation only” reception for House and Senate Members, along with Congress Leadership.

Press Corp for Texas 4-H Congress

The Texas 4-H Congress Press Corps play an extremely important part in the success of the event.  Individuals applying for Press Corps should have strong skills in writing, word processing, interviewing, photography, and focused on making deadlines. The press corps is responsible for the publishing of a daily newspaper and helping maintaining a web page/electronic communication.

Submission of Legislative Bills

Any 4-H member, regardless of age or planning on attending Texas 4-H Congress, may submit a legislative bill for consideration.  Participation in the bill writing exercise allows 4-H members the opportunity to become engaged in the legislative process and the 4-H citizenship project.