To paraphrase an old military recruitment line, we’re looking for a few good kids.
The Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office seeks about 200-plus motivated high school students to participate in the 41st annual Young Legislative Assembly (YLA), to be held March 11-13 in Raleigh. Qualifications include a high interest in how government works and a desire to work with fellow YLA members to draft legislation and determine whether it would improve the lives of fellow North Carolinians.
As any of the thousands of North Carolina youth who have participated in past YLA events will attest, this is no joke. Students need to be on their toes, dressed for business and familiar with both protocol and their committee’s proposed bill. They will spend much of their time defending or arguing complex ideas in some of the same meeting rooms used by elected legislators, and aided by some of the same experts and advisors who participate in official meetings and hearings.
And, when the work day is done, the networking begins – in the form of pizza parties, gaming and a dance with their peers at the Marriott Raleigh City Center.
Registrations will be accepted through Feb. 11, with seats filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit http://www.doa.nc.gov/yaio/youthcouncils-yla.htm for a registration form and a list of the 10 committees and proposed legislation from each.