Illinois
COMMENTRY

Good things last forever

John Freitag

Almost nothing seems to last 40 years anymore. We're lucky to make a car or pickup last 10-15 years. Computers, televisions and small appliances are almost disposable after a few years. If something goes wrong, they often aren't worth fixing. Sadly, most marriages nowadays don't last 40 years.

But one important part of the electric cooperative program has stood the test of time. It's the Youth to Washington program sponsored annually by the Illinois electric cooperatives since the late 1950s. Over the years the co-ops have sent nearly 2,500 of Illinois' best and brightest high school students to the nation's Capitol where they have experienced our democratic form of government up close and personal. As the director of this youth program for more than 10 years, I've been asked more than once "Why do the co-ops sponsor a program like this?" The answers are simple. First, it's a great community service. Second, it's our chance to recognize outstanding young people in our co-ops' communities. And third, young people are our future and we know from experience that these programs help to inspire and develop leaders.

All across our great state are folks who once toured the nation's Capitol as part of the electric co-ops' trip to Washington. In small towns and rural schools, alumni from this program work as teachers and administrators, town and village trustees, bankers, lawyers, co-op employees and directors, entrepreneurs and farmers. Two members of the Illinois House, Art Tenhouse of Liberty and Tom Ryder of Jerseyville, participated in the tour as students years ago.

Over the years these students have met dozens of Illinois congressmen and senators. Many of the young leaders have come home from the trip only to return later as interns and assistants to those legislators.

Youth to Washington participants have met presidents at the White House. They've toured foreign embassies, dined with congressional leaders, sat in awe on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and cried during the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery.

Just a few weeks ago, 250 outstanding sophomores and juniors toured Springfield during Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperative Youth Day. This program was initiated 25 years ago as a way to introduce students to state government. On April 24, students from Geneseo to Dongola met with legislators on the floor of the Illinois House and Senate. They also met Secretary of State Jesse White, who welcomed them into his office and spoke about his life as a paratrooper, professional baseball player, legislator and leader of the Jesse White Tumblers. Secretary White's presentation was illuminating to all who heard it. If anyone can inspire young people to pursue a career in public service it's our new Secretary of State.

His encouraging comments and the informal meeting at the Capitol were exactly what Lyndon Johnson had in mind in the late 1950s when he urged co-op leaders to support young people from rural areas and introduce them to democracy. As a U.S. Senator from Texas, Johnson implored electric cooperative people to develop a plan like ours so that young leaders would experience our form of government first hand.

Little did then-Senator Johnson realize that his impromptu remarks at a conference of co-op leaders would lead to a program that has lasted over 40 years. As we near the turn of the Millennium, thousands of Illinois folks young and old know a little more about their government because of our programs. We hope that most are better citizens because of their experiences. Perhaps a few chose a particular career path or angled in a new direction. Most have at least made new friends from distant places. And several even met their eventual spouse — right on this tour!

Cooperatives and co-op people were proud to set the poles and energize the lines 60 years ago, bringing hope and light to the rural areas. They're equally proud of our history and heritage of recognizing outstanding young people — and helping introduce our great form of governing to them. These programs have stood the test of time because they work.

Some things do seem to last forever.

John Freitag is vice president of operations for the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC), the statewide trade organization for the Illinois electric and telephone cooperatives. A native of Wisconsin, Freitag has been with the AIEC since 1985 and has directed its youth programs 12 years.

4 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING JUNE 1999