2020 Youth Tour Canceled Due to COVID-19

The following is a letter to our 2020 Youth Tour Delegates regarding the cancellation of the 2020 Youth Tour from NRECA:

Dear Louisiana Youth Tour delegates,

First, on behalf of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) let me say … Congratulations! You were identified as a leader in your community when you were selected to participate in our 2020 Youth Tour program. You should feel incredibly proud.

As you now know, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have, unfortunately, cancelled our 2020 Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. This is an unprecedented action. We have been bringing high school students from rural America to Washington, D.C. for over 50 years and this is the first time Youth Tour has ever been cancelled.  But this is an unprecedented time in our world.  

I know this isn’t the only thing in your life currently cancelled or on hold, but I wanted to take this opportunity to express to you that NRECA, in conjunction with over 900 electric cooperatives and state associations around the country, believes that through the hardest times, we will emerge stronger, wiser, more patient, and more appreciative of the world in which we live. And I believe this applies most to young leaders like yourself.

Even though Youth Tour 2020 will not happen in the traditional way, we still want to connect with you! Please find us on our state and national Youth Tour social media sites and websites. We will have opportunities to engage with you and will be updating these frequently.

In closing, during these scary, uncertain times, I encourage you share that GOODNESS we all need. Be positive, be kind, be creative, and, of course, we all hope you and your loved ones stay healthy.

Shine on! (and wash your hands….)

Beth

Our Louisiana electric cooperatives believe in the program so much that they offered their support and are willing to the send the 2020 delegates in 2021.  The commitment our cooperatives show to our youth and community is so unique that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the 2020 delegates do not miss out on this amazing experience.  Their unwavering support starts at the top with their board of directors and like a rising tide moves through to the employees and membership.