Vol. 41, No. 13
February 23 , 2007
CONTACT: JIM MORRIS |
Student Leaders Will Shadow Lawmakers and State Officials Wednesday
More than 50 Missouri high school students will get an inside look Wednesday (Feb. 28) at a day-in-the-life of a state official. The Missouri FCCLA Legislative Shadowing Project pairs juniors and seniors with representatives, senators and other state officials to observe their meetings, hearings and public duties.
The Legislative Shadowing Project, now in its seventh year, is conducted by the Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, the student organization for family and consumer sciences education.
For many of the students, this will be their first visit to Jefferson City since their last elementary school field trip to the Capitol. Shadowing allows students to connect their interests in law, public service, civic issues and the political process with their education. By the end of the day, students will develop a better understanding of the political process and its impact on citizens.
FCCLA attempts to match students with officials from their local districts wherever possible. Once matched, the student prepares by becoming familiar with the official’s responsibilities and current issues. If matched with a legislator, the student becomes knowledgeable about the bills introduced and committees on which the legislator serves.
“One of the goals of this program is to help students see that the skills they are learning in school and in FCCLA can help them make a difference, especially since these teens will soon become the leaders in their local communities,” said Christine Hollingsworth, State FCCLA Advisor.
“Teenagers that participate in this project have an opportunity to observe individuals and groups working with elected officials to make Missouri a better and stronger state,” she added.
The students and their advisors will gather at the end of the day to debrief and evaluate the day’s events. Upon return to school, they will prepare summary reports and are responsible for communicating their experience with other students, their school boards and community groups.
While in town, the students will also have an opportunity to tour the Capitol and the governor’s mansion.
FCCLA is a nonprofit career and technical student organization for young men and women in family and consumer sciences education in public and private schools, through grade 12. Missouri FCCLA has nearly 14,000 members in 400 local chapters, making it the fourth-largest FCCLA state association.
For more information, contact Christine Hollingsworth, supervisor, Family and Consumer Sciences Section, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (573-751-7964).