Michigan Youth Tour Delegates See Government, Advocacy, and Cooperative Values in Action

Each year, Youth Tour gives students from Michigan’s electric cooperative communities an opportunity to see Washington, D.C., in a way few classroom lessons can fully capture.

This year’s delegates traveled to the nation’s capital for a week filled with history, leadership, advocacy, and connection. The experience gave students a closer look at the legislative process and helped them better understand how decisions made in Washington D.C. can affect their families, their communities, and their rural hometowns back in Michigan.

“Youth Tour is a launchpad for young leaders,” said Youth Tour Director Katie Deller. “It’s amazing to see students realize that governing and leadership is accessible to them. It’s an opportunity to recognize how much their voices matter.”

Student delegates from around the state included:  Avaya Tiernan and Payton Latvala (Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association); Caden Ardan and Erica Jones (Cherryland Electric Cooperative); Andrew Mason, Moxie Sharpe, Marin Sharpe, and Adam Wahl (Great Lakes Energy Cooperative); Joshua Andersen, Bryson Williamson, Annabelle Buttleman, and Jonathan Freidhoff (HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative); Grant Kutzley and Aiden Pollard (Midwest Energy & Communications); Cassidy Karsten and Mallory Ekdahl (Presque Isle Electric & Gas); Kendyl Reehl (Thumb Electric Cooperative); and Addison Engels (Wolverine Power Cooperative).

A major highlight of the trip was the group’s legislative appointments. Delegates met with staffers from the offices of Rep. Hillary Scholten and Rep. John Moolenaar, where they had the opportunity to discuss issues that matter to electric cooperative communities. Students spoke about the importance of FEMA reform, affordable and reliable electric infrastructure, and broadband access. They were able to clearly explain why those issues are important to them and why strong infrastructure matters for the future of their communities.

The group also had two chance meetings with Michigan legislators at the airport, Rep. Tim Walberg and Rep. Jack Bergman, giving students another real-world connection to the people representing them in Washington D.C.

Beyond the legislative visits, delegates explored multiple Smithsonian institutions and took part in a walking tour of the National Mall. Those experiences helped connect the work of government today with the history, service, and civic responsibility that have shaped the country over the past 250 years.

Youth Tour is designed to do more than show students the sights of WashingtonD.C. It helps young people understand that their voices matter. It encourages them to ask questions, pay attention, and see themselves as part of the decision-making process, not just now, but for the generations that will follow them.

“Something like Youth Tour can be a catalyst to give students a push,” said Deller. “You learn how to dig in and find the motivation to pursue your dreams.”

For Michigan’s electric cooperatives, Youth Tour remains an important investment in the next generation of leaders. By helping students understand the connection between policy, infrastructure, and everyday life, the program gives them tools they can carry home and use long after the trip ends.

**As always, a special shout out to the planners and chaperones who help make the trip safe, engaging, and meaningful for the student delegates: Chris Clark of Midwest Energy & Communications, Troy Tiernan of Alger Delta Electric Cooperative Association, Dawn Coon and Sarah Moeller,  of Wolverine Power Cooperative, and Katie Deller of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association.