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 23rd. 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.
“Seeing so many eager JSA delegates is not only a indicative of a strong SER region, but that the Junior State of America continues to thrive in our high schools,” said SER Mayor, Julianna Joss, who was overjoyed with the attendance and energy of the students. “It is extremely gratifying to see such an enthusiastic group of students dedicating their Sunday to engaging in meaningful discussions about politics and current events.”
Debates and thought talks focused on the question of how the current generation will confront the past and challenge the status quo practices of government; with topics ranging from rewriting the Constitution to abolishing political parties. Students fervently spoke on behalf of these controversial and pertinent issues offering rousing and heated debate.
“The debates were engaging, and relevant to students – just like the ones at statewide conventions,” said Jacob Bixenman from Newport Harbor High School.
In tandem with the national activism focus, keynote speaker, Greg Goodlander addressed students about educational policy in his speech at the opening session. Mr. Goodlander encouraged students to take an active role in advocating for causes important to bettering their education. He urged students in his address by stating that, “Everyone in this room should know whom their government representatives are at all levels, from local to state to national. You, the students, need to be the ones contacting these people and seeking the change you want to see.”
The student-to-student activism workshop, titled “Empowering Voices” featured student speakers, Abi Thenappan, Justin Taleisnik, and Nicolas Jaber who shared their experiences working in the political world with lobbyists, members of Congress and political campaigns. They ecouraged their fellow students to do the same in their districts
After an exciting conference filled with incredible energy and interesting dialogue, students looked forward to an exciting year of JSA. As Jacob Bixenman stated, “This convention shows that regional one-day conferences are a vital factor of the ‘JSA experience’ and I can’t wait for the one in the spring!”
