The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.
Anatole France
Ryan came home from his week as a Page in our State Senate with a newfound respect for what concerned citizens can accomplish when they focus on advocating for their causes and a personal drive to encourage more young people to participate in government. It was an eye-opening experience that left his brain spinning with new questions about how it all works and new ideas about how to get more students involved.
While young voters have traditionally been the least likely to turnout in elections they now make up the largest voting block and when these new voters become aware of election issues that touch them personally they can quickly turn from an unlikely voter into a passionate believer in the power of democracy.
With this in mind Ryan, his friend Naiah and I have organized a series of voter registration events at their high school. Their efforts caught the attention of our local chapter of the League of Women Voters who are assisting students at three more area high schools organize drives of their own and together we have created a network of engaged and empowered students reaching out to their peers and registering them to vote in the upcoming elections.
These kids have passion and energy and the belief that every vote matters. With a little encouragement from parents and role models combined with some basic how-to planning sessions about organizing and publicizing events their natural curiosity is well and truly awakened. They’re ready to lead by example.
Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Awakening
Northwest Frame of Mind 