MEEKER | Throughout the year, the Colorado 4-H State Senate hosts several conferences for 4-H members across the state. Rio Blanco County 4-H members Liam Olson and Jill Ward proudly represented their county at the annual Leadership Development Conference (LDC) in Denver, held Jan. 25–27.
Liam serves as the District 9 4-H president and is a member of the 4-H State Senate, while Jill is an active member of the It’s a Way of Life Community Club and the Meeker 4-H Council.
This year’s LDC kicked off with district and Senate meetings, followed by a formal banquet on Saturday evening. Liam participated in the Senate meeting as part of his state role, while Jill attended the district meeting as the Rio Blanco 4-H senator to present a planning report for the upcoming District 9 Retreat.
On Sunday, members attended workshops on various topics, including social media use and a hands-on community service project. In the social media workshop, participants learned how to positively and effectively influence others on these platforms. During the community service session, members assembled gift bags containing toys, coloring books, and other items for patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
After Monday’s wrap-up meeting, Liam and Jill joined other members for 4-H Day at the Capitol. They toured the Capitol building, observed a legislative session, and gained insight into the state’s government processes and the historical significance of the Capitol.
Both members described their experience as enjoyable and educational. Liam expressed excitement about the skills he’s developed through his role in the 4-H State Senate, including helping to plan and host events like LDC.
For more information about how youth can get involved in events like this, contact the Rio Blanco County Extension Office at 970-878-9490 or visit the office at the fairgrounds.
