Montanans for 4-H

Visit the CONTACTING LEGISLATORS page on the state website for the best way to contact your legislators. Make sure you accurately identify the current [2027 session] elected legislator from your district. CLICK ON THE DROP DOWN MENU THAT SAYS “FILTER BY SESSION,”and select the current 2027 Session. If you are not aware of what house and senate district you live in you can use the map to find the district and then refer to the legislator roster.

A well-written letter or email is one of the best ways to let your legislator know your thoughts and opinions about a particular issue. Here are some tips for getting your message across effectively:

  • Be brief. Legislators have many demands on their time. They appreciate letters that are short and to the point.

  • Put the message in your own words. Form letters and petitions don’t have the same impact as personal, informed opinions.

  • Address your letter to a specific legislator or legislators. Depending on your message, you may want to write to the sponsor of a bill, certain members of a committee, or your own legislators. Don’t address your letter to the entire Legislature.

  • Identify bills by their number, title, and sponsor.

  • Explain your position on the bill and ask for the legislator’s support or opposition.

  • Give any sources of information that you use to make your point.

  • Include your name, address, and a little about who you are (for example, where you work or what school you attend).

Address letters to:

Senator XXXX
Montana Senate
PO Box 200500
Helena, MT 59620-0500

Representative XXXX
Montana House of Representatives
PO Box 200400
Helena, MT 59620-0400

A New Event

In 2026, the Montanans for 4-H Committee decided to pursue a new event. Rather than a coordinated breakfast with legislators, Montana 4-H Day is a statewide event that invites Montanan 4-H’ers, families, and affiliated programs to share their enthusiasm for 4-H in an “open house” format, in the hopes to connect with a larger audience, and for the opportunity to include more 4-H voices.

2027 Montanans for 4-H Committee:

Mary Beth Walsh, Twin Bridges
Kathy Cheney, Belgrade
Blake Hauptman, Helena
Cade Duran, Bozeman
Luke Duran, East Helena
Dave Kelsey, Molt
Aaron Pruitt, Bozeman
Judy Smith, Ronan
Breanna McCabe, Missoula
TBD, MSU Collegiate 4-H
Neil Gertner, State 4-H Ambassador, Ravalli County
Ayla Mundinger-Adsay, State 4-H Ambassador, Lewis & Clark County

Sample invitation messaging:

SHORT LETTER

Dear Senator or Representative ,

My name is (fill in your name) and I am a member of the (County or Reservation Name) 4-H program. I have been a member for (fill in years of membership years). My projects in 4-H are (fill in a few or all of your projects). During my time in 4-H, I am most proud of (fill in your proudest moment). 

I am writing to extend the invitation for you to attend Montana 4-H Day. This statewide celebration of 4-H in our state honors the 125th anniversary of the 4-H program. We would love the opportunity to visit with you and share more of our 4-H story and accomplishments. 

Montana 4-H Day will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2027 at the new Montana Heritage Center, next to the state Capitol. Lunch will be provided free of cost. To accommodate busy legislative session schedules, the event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you need more information, please contact the (county) County Extension agent, (contact Info)

Thank you, 

(Fill in your name)

LONG LETTER

Dear Senator or Representative [  ],

[Your County] County 4-H and Montanans for 4-H invite you to join us for the Montana 4-H Day on Tuesday January 19, 2027 at 6:30 am at the new Montana Heritage Center, next to the state Capitol. Lunch will be provided free of cost. To accommodate busy legislative session schedules, the event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Several 4-H youth speakers will present on the national 4-H initiative Beyond Ready, and we’ll have an open house of 4-H individuals, clubs, and affiliated organization present to talk about all things 4-H. There will also be a new museum exhibit on the history of Montana 4-H on display, and additional 4-H -related programming throughout the week provided by the Montana Historical Society.  

4-H, the youth program of MSU Extension, has many exciting projects and youth activities taking place in our county and state-wide.  4-H experiences are giving us the tools to become Montana’s future leaders and we would like to share with you a few of our most successful positive youth development programs, [such as……]

4-H’ers from across Montana are also attending Montana Citizenship Seminar prior to Montana 4-H Day.  Montana Citizenship Seminar is designed to educate and inspire 4-H youth as they learn and experience the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Delegates participate in a mock trial, create and debate bills, meet with elected officials, and participate in a service learning project.

[We would like to schedule a time to meet with you during our visit in Helena for a tour of the capital]

Please join us Tuesday, January 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and mingle with 4-H’ers from across the state. You should have received a formal invitation on your desk and email to your legislative email address.  Please reply using the RSVP link as this will allow you the opportunity to sit with your district’s 4-H delegation at the breakfast.

If you have any questions regarding Montana 4-H Day please call or email (county contact) or Mary Beth Walsh, Montanans for 4-H Committee Chairperson at montanansfor4h@gmail.com. More information can be found at: https://montana4hday.com

We look forward to welcoming you on January 19

Sincerely, 

Please add your individual information to make the invitation personal. Feel free to include details you hope to share with legislators at the event. However, it is important to keep your comments in this letter specific to 4-H.