Fifty students from 18 high schools in central Illinois came to Springfield April 3 to experience first-hand the workings of their state government, as part of State Sen. Chuck Weaver's Youth Advisory Council.
The students were recommended by officials from their respective schools to participate in the program, which initially met on Dec. 6 at Bradley University in Peoria.
On April 3, the students first met with Sen. Weaver and other legislative officials in the Senate Chambers, then heard presentations by different professional occupations involved in the lawmaking process, from lobbyists to legislative staff members.
Students then took on the roles of lawmakers, concerned citizens, lobbyists, and reporters in a mock committee hearing to debate and vote on a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution setting term limits for lawmakers – a topic they chose at their first Youth Advisory Council (YAC) meeting on Dec. 6.
After hearing testimony from the students serving as lobbyists and concerned citizens, the students serving as lawmakers proposed an amendment to their bill before voting on the issue.
Two of the participants from Dunlap High School, Joshua Palinkas and Megan Walters, said the April 3 YAC event in Springfield gave them unique insight into government, as well as provided professional development opportunities like public speaking and networking with students from other schools in their region.
Walters said the YAC expanded her perspective about the role of young people in government.
"I wanted to come to the Youth Advisory Council because in high school, we hear about these problems and we hear our parents talk about it, and our teachers talk about it, but I don't think we ever feel like we have a voice or an opportunity to change it. So coming here and learning about the processes gives us the education to make a change … feel like we have a voice and that our opinions matter here in the State of Illinois," Walters said.
For more information about Sen. Weaver's Youth Advisory Council, contact his district office at 309-693-4921.