Laura Hardecke: Advice From An Experienced Next-Gen Advocacy Leader
By: Emma Alexander -
Laura Hardecke embodies the value of advocacy through volunteerism and her career. Her example of leadership inspires fellow constituents and mentors the next generation of political advocates.
Growing Up in Advocacy
Laura grew up on a generational hog and crop farm in #Agri-Ready Designated Gasconade County near Owensville. Farmers are busy every day, but her family always prioritized time for agriculture advocacy. “For fun each summer, our family would walk in numerous parades for different political candidates. These parades kindled my love for government and politics,” Laura says.
Involvement with Farm Bureau has been a defining influence in Laura’s life. While growing up, she often traveled with her parents for Farm Bureau meetings across the state, as well as multiple visits to Washington D.C. Advocacy activities with Farm Bureau fanned the flame of her interest in civics and sharing the story of agriculture. Laura’s experiences led her to a career in government and politics.
Advice from Laura
Get Involved
She encourages fellow constituents with this advice, “It is too easy to sit back and be silently dissatisfied with how things are. Find a way to get involved, even if it is just at a local level. Make a trip to the State Capitol. Most elected office holders want to hear from you. Just make the effort to go!” Laura urges.
Discover Your Passion
“Choose a policy topic or a specific piece of legislation to advocate about,” Laura encourages. “Stay informed and connected to what really matters to you.”
All Ages Are Welcome
“I have often been the youngest person present for advocacy projects. Don’t let your age steer you away from opportunities to get involved. You may discover a new outlet for camaraderie with like-minded people,” Laura says.
Gasconade County agriculture makes an economic impact!
-$69.4 million in value-added agricultural products
- 1,800 jobs
- $78.0 million to Gasconade County household incomes each year
Stats according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
Laura’s Likes -
-Government
-4-H
-Farm Bureau
-Political campaigns
-Farm Photography
-Church missions
Political Experience
After political collegiate internships, Laura began her career in the office of Missouri Governor Matt Blunt while dreaming of working in Washington D.C. She joined Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer’s team as a staff assistant, taking phone calls, welcoming visitors, and hosting tours in our nation’s capital. “When constituents came to visit in D.C., I could tell that meeting a fellow Missourian at the front desk made them feel more at ease,” Laura remembers. Later, as an office manager for the Congressman back in Missouri, Laura kept track of office activities, communications, and spearheaded special projects like the Congressional Art Competition.
“Sometimes constituents forget that elected officials are real people. I helped people to better understand the Congressman as a person and communicated how he was making our lives better at home by being a voice in Washington D.C.,” Laura shares. “It was important to me that every constituent knew their voice mattered to the Congressman.”
Inspiring Youth
One of Laura’s favorite duties while working for Congressman Luetkemeyer was her responsibility to recruit collegiate interns. Laura mentored the next generation advocates by sharing her love for government. Her guidance was based on her years of experience, and tips and tricks for advocacy success with the people of politics.
An Active Advocate
During 2024, Laura crafted political campaign social media content, emphasizing getting to know candidates as people. She was an active campaign volunteer for key Missouri state office elections. Laura’s next goal is to find work that combines her experiences in government, agriculture, communications, and her faith. She is active with Missouri Farm Bureau, a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.
Laura's Farm Story
Growing up on the farm, Laura loved to help with baby piglets in the hog barns. She remembers summers spent cutting hay and a single, short attempt to operate the round baler. Laura was active in 4-H, which played a key role in her leadership development. She showed market hogs and steers at local fairs. Laura completed her degree in Agribusiness at College of the Ozarks, where she chose to work on the college’s dairy farm to learn something new. With her farm experience, it is no surprise that her duties began with feeding calves at the start of each day. She also worked in the agriculture office.
