Conference teaches Missouri’s youth about leadership, government and cooperatives

by Paul Newton  |  pnewton@ruralmissouri.coop

The high schooler was in his element on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives. Stetson Stone had just offered an amendment to a mock bill on standardized testing, which was being debated with 90 of his peers in Jefferson City. 

“I like to talk to and meet as many people as I can, so this is just a heyday for me,” says Stetson, a Boone Electric Cooperative delegate from Centralia. “I was able to stand up in front of everyone and tell my thoughts and listen to theirs. The Capitol is usually a look-but-don’t-touch kind of place. But, we actually got to touch and sit at their desks and speak into the microphones.”

Stetson was one of 91 high school students who traveled to Jefferson City in July to take part in the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE). The four-day leadership conference included motivational speakers, team-building activities, a behind-the-scenes look at Missouri’s electric cooperative system, legislative debate and sightseeing in Jefferson City and St. Louis.

This is the 22nd year Missouri’s electric cooperatives have sent some of the best and brightest students to CYCLE. “The delegates who are chosen to attend CYCLE are likely already active in the communities in which they live and volunteer,” says Chris Massman, who coordinates the conference for Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “This conference allows them to expand their horizons beyond their hometowns and meet other like-minded, motivated youth from across Missouri.”

That was the case for delegate Nora Hamilton of Columbia. “I didn’t know what to expect before the conference; I was 50/50 nervous and excited,” the delegate sponsored by Boone Electric Cooperative says. “My nerves went away quickly when I got here. These are just a bunch of fun people to be around to experience new places and speakers.”

The conference featured many inspirational speakers, starting with Dan Meers, the recently retired mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs — aka KC Wolf. Dan spoke to the delegates about the triumphs and challenges of his career and personal life and what motivates him to live a life of purpose both on and off the field.

“Dan taught us right away about trying to figure out how we want to make an impact on this world,” says Kelsey Buckallew of Lancaster, sponsored by Tri-County Electric Cooperative. “He chooses to devote his life very purposefully every day, and that was impactful on me.”

Delegates also heard from Rachel’s Challenge, a program that addresses the causes of violence, bullying and more in schools. The program is based on the story of Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.

The young leaders learned more about electric cooperatives throughout the conference. Early in the conference, they were challenged to build their own co-op before hearing from Keith Mueller of Central Electric Power Cooperative on how Missouri’s cooperative model works. They also participated in a live-line demonstration, heard from a co-op lineworker, visited a transmission system operations room and learned about electric vehicles.

The highlight of the trip for many was the visit to the Missouri House of Representatives inside the State Capitol, which was the culmination of the legislative process throughout the entire week. Early in the week, delegates were split into small groups to create proposed bills to bring to the floor. From there, the groups were merged into three political parties, which were tasked with choosing the bill each party would propose, with one ultimately being selected.

While on the House floor, the delegates passionately debated for nearly an hour on whether standardized tests should be mandatory, with amendments being offered and voted on. “I was not prepared for the bill debate and how seriously everyone took it,” says Nora. “I can’t imagine how serious you have to be to do it in real life.”

The delegates had plenty of time for fun and sightseeing throughout the week. They spent a morning touring the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City.

A day trip to St. Louis included stops at the grounds of the Gateway Arch, Dave & Buster’s, and City Museum, which is part museum, part tree house and part playground. “I heard museum, and I was thinking glass wall and artifacts,” says Stetson. “No, this was a place where we got to run around and have a blast.”

Delegates enjoyed a pizza and game night in a local park, followed by a hypnotist back at the hotel.

CYCLE — and all the electric cooperative youth programs — are an opportunity for these youth to take something back to their hometowns. “These students each have unique perspectives and knowledge they bring to CYCLE,” Chris says. “They share these perspectives and knowledge throughout the week and take them back home to their student council, their churches and their volunteer organizations.”

Stetson, whose older brother and sister previously attended CYCLE, echoed that sentiment. 

“This conference has just continued to shape me into the leader I want to be,” he says. “It’s given me more opportunities and paths I might want to pursue. I’ve got to meet and enjoy a whole lot of people that I probably never would have if I hadn’t come to CYCLE.”

For more information on the CYCLE and other cooperative youth programs, visit moyouthtour.com.