By: Dorcas Owala
John Marshall Law and Medical Services High School
The Youth and Government Program is focused on the key idea that “Democracy Must be Learned by Each Generation” in hopes that they can create future leaders of Democracy and help them gain life long skills for their future. The program allows students to be able to create/argue bills, write articles/news, act as attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, judges, etc. With the help of the Volunteers, evaluators, leaders, etc, the Youth and Government is able to fully lead students to a Democratic future which fosters an understanding of roles and purpose in the program.
During District and State Conferences, you can be able to see the hard work and efforts the YG team does to help organize the program. A media Evaluator, says, “My volunteer title would be hope for the future. I firmly believe that our students need education for the future to better their decision making and prepare them while educating them in the present and reminding them about the past. How are we going to support the least among us? How are we going to make decisions that would benefit the lives of everyone included?”
Guidance is key in a children’s lives. Children are dependent and look up to superiors to gain insight and knowledge in order to help them figure out their goals. With the help and guidance of YG leaders and helpers, students are able to fully engage in their field and work hard to achieve state conference and further goals. Evaluators and Volunteers give students advice, confidence, Amanda Puent says, “YG is important for students because it provides real work experience in a space that allows students across the state and from different backgrounds to come together. Whether they want to become a lawyer or a senator or something different it provides a space to understand how the legislative government works.”
Having a group of adults who are passionate about helping students form a future for themselves to become new leaders of their generation and to be involved in their Democracy and world is one heck of an advantage. Delegates are able to place themselves in real world scenarios and use their knowledge for the better.