2014 & 2015 Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Report

PILD stands for Public Issues Leadership Development and is held annually in Washington, D.C. PILD is a special professional development opportunity that brings together key volunteers and leaders from all levels and program areas of Extension to gain insight into the “big picture” of how the Extension system and our government work at the federal level. Concurrent session’s focused on professional growth, pertinent issues, and preparation for meetings with federal and local decision makers.

Representatives from across the nation including county board supervisors, community representatives and Extension staff take this annual opportunity to advocate for Cooperative Extension funding leverage and support of educational program efforts. Attendees shared personal stories of the value of our Cooperative Extension educational programs. In addition we shared how our unique state-county partner leverages important tax dollars to meet needs at the local level. During our Capitol Hill visits we extended appreciation for past efforts and a plea for continued funding to augment the work of Cooperative Extension.

Wisconsin is the only state that sends two youth representatives, funded by the Dean’s Office, to this conference. The youth are selected through an application process including a staff nomination. All staff are encouraged to think about youth that may be a great fit for this experience.

 In 2014, Amber Rehberg and Penny Tank had the opportunity to work with Neil Kline, a Polk County 4-H youth, and Debbie Heth from Iowa County.  In 2015, Penny Tank and Megan Rebout had the opportunity to work with Bryce Wentlandt, a Washington County 4-H youth, and Samantha Linden from Washburn County.  The 2016 PILD Conference will be held April 10-13, 2016. All four of these youth were amazing and did a fabulous job representing the different aspects of 4-H Youth Development. They shared their personal stories and the significant impact 4-H Youth Development has made in their lives with many conference delegates and our senators and legislators.

 “PILD was an amazing experience for me. Everyone was very willing to help and instruct me, as a youth, and I felt that I was given a great amount of knowledge to bring home to my own county extension. I gained great connections, and had a wonderful time meeting with legislators and their staff. Speaking about our important programs and educating Senator Baldwin and Rep. Duffy was a phenomenal and unique experience. They both were very attentive to our cause and very supportive. PILD was a conference I would seriously consider attending again, and am glad I got the chance to go this year.”--Samantha  “Growing up in 4-H, I often went with my mom to the “4-H Office” to drop off or pick up items for our club. I just assumed that everyone there played a part in 4-H. When I was awarded this trip it is when my eyes began to open to the many facets that UW Extension offers. Attending the PILD Conference educated me and amazed me as to how UW Extension has so many roots throughout the community and all the people that it has an effect on in my community and throughout the nation. I am honored by this experience, with the Capitol visit being my favorite part, and look forward to educating others as to what the UW Extension, “4H Office”, offers.” –Bryce  “PILD was a wonderful experience. From touring the entire District of Columbia in one day to lobbying with my senator and representatives, PILD was a life changing opportunity. At the conference, I was able to learn about the important work Extension does across the United States and grow as an individual. Through PILD, I was able to further develop my communication skills, gain confidence, and practice using positive youth adult partnerships. PILD was without a doubt, one of the most meaningful experiences I have had through 4-H. 4-H does a wonderful job of creating confident, young leaders of the next generation. I was able to take the confidence and communication skills I learned through 4-H and apply them to a real world situation: lobbying with Congressmen. PILD taught me how to interact with adults, further developed my communication skills, and generated an unprecedented level of confidence. I will forever be grateful to have served as a 2014 PILD delegate.”--Debbie