Students Participate In The Legislative Process

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Students Participate In The Legislative Process
BY WENDY MCNAMARA

The 2022 legislative session starts Jan. 4, and one of my favorite parts every year is interacting with students and encouraging their civic involvement. Young Hoosiers advocate for or against bills, and often reach out to local legislators with ideas about new laws.

As our future leaders, we need young Hoosiers with a passion for public service. Just this month, Helfrich Park STEM Academy in Evansville and St. Philip Catholic School in Mount Vernon competed in the 2021 We The People state championship competition. This program is a unique way for students to understand civic responsibility and how democratic principles apply to their lives. Congrats to all who competed!

Students can also learn about their government by being an Indiana House page (pictured right). As a page, students ages 13 to 18 spend a day at the Statehouse, observing legislative activity, assisting staff and members, and meeting their peers from around the state. With a limited number of page positions available, be sure to sign up soon.

Students and their families can also visit the Statehouse in Indianapolis, and tours can be scheduled by clicking here or calling 317-233-5293. Tours take about 30-45 minutes, and cover the history of the state, the building’s architecture and the workings of state government.

If you or your child is in the Indianapolis area during the legislative session, please reach out to me at h76@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9816 to set up a time where we could hopefully meet. I would love to welcome you to the Statehouse, and hope you can visit soon.