2024 Youth Tour: Celebrating Youth Empowerment
My Journey at the 2024 NRECA Electric Cooperative Youth Tour
Hey y’all! Caleigh Pickard here, Senior Project Manager at Powerful Web. I’m excited to share my heartfelt experience at this year’s NRECA Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where I had the privilege of serving as a staff assistant. This program holds a special place in my heart as it’s where my journey began back in 2016 with First Electric Cooperative of Jacksonville, Arkansas. From being selected as a delegate to later representing Arkansas on the Youth Leadership Council, Youth Tour has profoundly shaped my professional path.
This year’s Youth Tour was exceptionally memorable. Held at the magnificent Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, it marked a significant change from previous years. This venue not only provided a stunning backdrop but also allowed all 2000 attendees and chaperones to gather under one roof for Youth Day. For students from rural America, experiencing a venue like the Gaylord was nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere of National Harbor, including attractions like the Ferris wheel, added to the excitement. Each evening, our delegates enjoyed a dedicated game room, fostering interaction among peers from different states. The vibrant environment at National Harbor, with its scenic views and attractions, provided the perfect setting for these young leaders to bond and grow. It was truly a 10/10 experience!
One of the most electrifying moments was Youth Day itself. For the first time in a decade, we could unite the entire group for our Youth Day session in one room. Just imagine all 2,000 of us together in one room—it was indescribable! Students had the opportunity to hear from speakers covering topics such as rural advocacy, NRECA International, and personal empowerment. The energy in the room was next level as delegates absorbed information that will undoubtedly shape their futures.
Personally, a highlight for me was speaking at the PA/NJ Youth Tour All-Stars breakfast. To a room full of close to a hundred people, I got to reflect and speak on my journey from Youth Tour to my current role at Powerful, where I engage daily with cooperative communicators and champion digital outreach across America. This was incredibly rewarding for me. Sharing this journey with delegates eager to make their mark in the world was inspiring. Their stories and aspirations reaffirmed why programs like Youth Tour are so vital—they ignite passion and empower future leaders. It did for me, and it is still doing it for others.
Being part of Youth Tour has been a privilege I cherish deeply. If you have spoken to me anytime in the past seven years, you have heard about this! I am immensely grateful to Powerful and our extraordinary team for their unwavering support, allowing me to contribute to a program that continues to shape lives and communities. Youth Tour isn’t just an event or a free trip to Washington, D.C.; it’s a beacon of opportunity and empowerment for the next generation of leaders in electric cooperative communities.
Overall, this year’s Youth Tour was a testament to the power of community and the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders. Our theme this year was “Empower.” Empower yourself, those around you, and your future. I believe we accomplished just that.
Thank you for allowing me to share my journey and experiences from this year’s NRECA Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Here’s to many more years of inspiring moments and meaningful connections!
