Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Youth attend Day on the Hill



On Monday, January 30th seven Van Buren Youth Leadership Council (YLC) members attended Day on the Hill in Des Moines. This event is held for students to take part in advocacy at the capitol. The students are given the opportunity to speak to elected officials about changes you want to see in your state as well as be a part of a press conference to advocate for change.

Students attending from Van Buren County included; Abby Rider, Marissa Greenfield, Noah Whitten, Mary Barta, Jacinta Wenke, Brooke Dunkin and Isabelle Neeley. The students provided Representative Curt Hanson with information on underage drinking in Van Buren County. They stressed to him the importance of youth access to alcohol and ways in which the access can be reduced. Social Host was discussed as an option as this has recently been introduced at the state level. Social Host is a law that holds the property owner accountable if there is an underage party held on their property and they are aware of it.

The students were also a part of an underage drinking awareness press conference that first lady Chris Branstad also took part in. The press conference included a variety of speakers from youth to prevention specialist to law enforcement all advocating for changes that will support reducing youth access to alcohol.

The students learned a great deal about the legislative process and were able to use their public speaking skills as a part of this event. Students are selected to attend this event based on involvement in the YLC organization and applications submitted to attend.

For more information on this event or any Youth Leadership Council activities please feel free to contact the SAFE Coalition office at 319-293-6412.

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