JSA – Junior State of America

Themed  “On The Edge: Determining The Future of American Politics” the event provided students with an opportunity to debate and discuss a variety of issues with their peers and allowed students to articulate how they feel about the current state of our nation and things they would change to improve America. Debates ranged from “Resolved, that the FCC’s media censorship is unconstitutional” to “Thought Talk: Does the Middle Class control the success of the economy,” giving students a wide range of topics and forums in which to voice their opinions. Continue Reading

By Julianna Joss

The Southern Empire Region of Southern California shattered the previous attendance record for one-day conferences in the state with 186 delegates participating in the event held at the University of California, Irvine on Sunday October 23^rd. Focusing on the theme of the “Youth Culture: Redefining Politics,” highlights of the day included a keynote address by education advocate Greg Goodlander, an “Empowering Voices” panel featuring students who have worked in politics along with a bunch of great debates. Continue Reading

by Bahar Ostadan

On the afternoon of September 8^th, over 300 Bay Area high school students and educators poured into the auditorium of Mission High School for the San Francisco Youth-Led Mayoral Candidates Forum. Seven of the seventeen San Francisco mayoral candidates, Cesar Ascarrunz, John Avalos, Terry Baum, David Chiu, Bevan Dufty, Tony Hall, and Joanna Rees, hosted campaign booths outside the auditorium with representatives who spoke to curious students. Thanks to the sponsorship of JSA, Youth Vote, and the San Francisco Youth Commission, the hallway was bustling with policy debate, youth involvement opportunities, and great refreshments.

Students and educators from many San Francisco schools attended

JSA used live text message polls as a way to candidly and relevantly engage audience members. The first question projected on the screen asked, “What is the number one issue facing San Francisco youth?” Of the choices offered, 46% of youth audience members ranked quality of education as the most pressing matter. In fact, the topic of education stirred a heated debate among candidates. San Francisco high school student David Kurlander observed “things got pretty contentious between former supervisors Bevan Dufty and Tony Hall, after Dufty took offense to Hall’s allusion that schools hired inadequate administrators and gave a fiery response questioning Hall’s perspective and bringing the PG-rated profanity.

Northern California Governor Stephanie Ribet posed a question to the candidates, asking about their propose plan of action regarding public education in San Francisco. Each candidate was given one minute to respond to each question, keeping the event succinct and exciting. In a brief break during the forum, San Francisco high school student Erica Crew stated that she “thinks it is important for candidates, as well as voters, to realize that all issues apply to today’s youth, regardless of whether or not they are traditionally defined as youth issues on political platforms.” Reflecting Crew’s statement, audience members ranged from active JSA members, politically involved high school students to teachers as well as the candidates’ campaign managers.

Nor Cal Governor Stephanie Ribet, Golden Gate Region Mayor Arnela Colic, and Lick-Wilmerding H.S. Chapter President Gabriel MucCulloch greet participants

At the JSA booth outside the auditorium, Arnela Colic, GGR Mayor, spoke to over a hundred high school students about getting involved in JSA. Gabriel McCulloch, Lick-Wilmerding High School’s JSA chapter president, said, “I think generally it is important for youth to get involved in politics, whether it be at the municipal, state, national, or international level. Just by virtue of knowing what’s going on, they will be able to make the right decisions later in their lives.The San Francisco Youth-Led Mayoral Candidate Forum was a smashing success, providing a window of opportunity for passionate youth to take a step towards civic engagement. Rachel Brodwin, a San Francisco Youth Commissioner, explains, “Getting youth engaged in the world around them is no easy feat. Events like these, that encourage analytical thinking and the formation of opinions, are critical in shaping young minds today and inspiring engagement in the world of tomorrow.”

Emma Pizzardi, another San Francisco high school student, added, “I think often youth are a forgotten group in politics and it is events like this that help politicians understand the importance of the next generation’s civic engagement. Kids who feel impassioned about the issues today can make changes when it’s their turn to lead tomorrow.”

Last month, students from across the state assembled at the University of California at Davis to take part in the 30^th annual Junior Statesman California Institute on Leadership and Politics.  Over the course of the four-dayinstitute, students were able to capture an inside look at how decisions are made in Sacramento, who makes them and what influences those decisions. Students met with elected officials and political leaders in the State Capitol while participating in interactive workshops to bring what they learned to life.

A budget simulation workshop hosted by Next 10, a non-partisan organization that is focused on innovation and the intersection between the economy, the environment, and quality of life issues for all Californians, took place on the State Assembly Floor.  Students had to make tough choices. They played out scenarios like cutting and increased spending, adding or eliminating taxes and fees by meticulously going through each section of the state budget. By the end of the exercise, the institute participants playing the role of legislators were able to not only eliminate the $9 billion deficit, but also create a $2 billion surplus.

Jeanne Woodford, Executive Director of Death Penalty Focus, and the students both captivated each other in a lively discussion about the death penalty at the 3^rd District of Appeals Courtroom.  Woodford, having served as the Warden of San Quentin State Prison and overseeing four executions, now serves as an advocate speaking out about the drawbacks of the death penalty.

“My favorite part was the opportunity to go around to the California district offices to meet with, and ask questions to the representatives from my community,” said Senior Kaitlyn Hittelman from the Orange County High School of the Arts.

Students returned home with a deepened awareness of how the State Capitol operates. They grew a greater appreciation for the legislative process after learning about all of the voices that are important in making major policy decisions.