Hailee Butler: A Student Voice at the State Capitol
Communications arts junior Hailee Butler was honored recently to represent the “youth voice” before the Wisconsin Assembly Task Force on Protecting Kids. The session examined effects of parental communication, social-emotional issues of digital addiction, online risks, and options for creating a safer digital environment. Hailee joined a delegation from Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF) to present research and survey findings from local initiatives and to advocate actions to safeguard school-aged children.
Hailee’s path to the capitol began when Dean of Women Emily Haynes informed her of a community event to discuss impact of social media on youth. Hailee had witnessed the dire results of negative digital influence on one of the sixth-grade students on her church bus ministry route. Attempting to shield her from bullying, parents had withdrawn the girl from school, only to have cyberbullying drive her to suicide. The tragedy was a factor in Hailee’s decision to attend the activity. She prayed to make connections there that might even lead to internships and God’s unfolding career plan. Hailee’s natural leadership prompted organizers to invite her to the capitol.
“I don’t believe that I did anything truly astonishing or talented,” Hailee confesses and then explains, “In my opinion, adults are not accustomed to younger adults engaging with them in intentional conversation anymore.” She encourages other students to get involved in community by “simply putting themselves out there without being afraid to attend events and talk to people.”
At the capitol, Hailee focused on two of technology’s particularly dangerous aspects for children: information and communication, sharing her bus ministry experience. When asked what she and peers hoped to accomplish in leading change, she decried the “alarming passivity” of young people who have learned “about everything but to care about nothing.” She proposed developing relationships with community children who are often lonely and isolated, modeling discipline and implementing technology usage boundaries.
In summary, Hailee claims, “I got to participate in the process of enacting real change in society through government. It was awesome.” She also appreciated kind recognition from state representatives. Questioned about her willingness to participate in future opportunities, she readily agreed.
GWCHF CTO Tina Crave and CEO Ben Wehmeier commended Hailee, writing, “She was prepared, professional and inspiring! Hailee did an exceptional job of representing herself, Maranatha University, and our community, and we are grateful for her passion on this topic.”
Glorifying the Lord supremely for His gracious guidance in all that transpired, Hailee also expressed appreciation for Maranatha’s training. “When writing my manuscript,” she comments, “I remembered Mrs. Morris’ encouragement that however, whenever we engage with the world, we need to intentionally include ‘salt,’” which she says, “gave me the boldness to directly mention Jesus Christ and His love in my presentation.”
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