Youth Advocacy in action this past Saturday!
Should 16- & 17-year-olds vote? It’s a contentious question in some crowds, even in groups that include high school students who question the right for some of their peers. But DJ Yearwood, a 16-year-old himself (soon to be 17), provided a compelling argument this past Saturday, using many facts and sources to support his claim that there are “no cons” to allowing 16- & 17-year-olds to vote in local, non-partisan elections. Representing an ideal Youth Advocate, DJ spent over an hour convincing those in attendance to understand and help promote the Vote16MO initiative, one movement in many states supporting the Vote16USA initiative. With the ultimate goal of making it on the November 2024 ballot in Missouri, as outlined in detail by DJ, the core points in favor of anyone 16 and up voting in local, nonpartisan elections include:
- Supporting the expectation of No Taxation Without Representation
- Creating a Civic Transition similar to the MO Drivers Program
- Strengthening the authenticity of Civics Education in Schools
- Validating the stake 16- & 17-year olds have in their community as workers, drivers, neighbors, and students
Four communities in Maryland have allowed those 16 and up to vote in municipal elections in the last  decade; Takoma Park, MD became the first to do so in 2013. Data shows that in those communities voter turnout has increased for all voting ages in all elections since 2013, confirming one of DJ’s points that voting early creates a lifelong habit of voting. DJ fielded many questions about his presentation, including a few from students not entirely convinced that their peers would be ready for such responsibility. DJ's answers included reminding us all that municipal election turnout is typically very low. Not all students, like current voters, will exercise their right to vote. But they will have it. He also provided a quick psychology lesson on cold vs. cognitive skills and how cold cognitive skills, used for voting, are fully developed by 16. (Click here for more info!)
How can you get involved? The best ways to become youth advocates for the Vote16MO initiative are by mobilizing and energizing your peers, educating those who can vote already, and supporting the initiative in a variety of ways. DJ and others directly involved are planning a youth advocacy event in St. Louis in the next few months to train local advocates on all issues important to them, including lowering the voting age for local elections. Civitas will let everyone know when more details are available. In the meantime, to learn more, visit the Vote16MO website by clicking here.
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The Country Draft for Model UN is quickly approaching! Let us know ASAP if your school is participating.
Students at last year's Country Draft participating in the trivia game, a part of the morning's activities.
If your school has not yet told Civitas which Model UN session you want to attend and the approximate number of delegates, please let Stephanie know soon at gavinstephanie89@gmail.com. We would prefer a maximum of 15 students from one school at any of the three sessions, so if your group is larger, consider splitting it into two different sessions. If you are interested in participating in Model UN but don't know of a group at your school, you can attend all events on your own. The first requirement is to sign up and show up at the Country Draft. Civitas can also help you get a group started at your school.
For all school groups and individual students participating independently, the first important date to plan for is the Country Draft on Saturday, October 7 from 10:00 am until noon. All High School Model UN events will be in person and held at Browning Auditorium at Webster University. Any student can attend the Country Draft, although just one representative from a school is required to attend. We'll have a brief opening presentation about global happenings on draft day, followed by a few rounds of trivia (with prizes) before dividing into sessions to draft for countries. Civitas will need to know which of the three sessions available (two on November 18 and one on December 2) your school plans on attending before the draft day, which is now just a little over three weeks away.
Click here to sign up for the Country Draft.
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Can the world's future be Clean and Green?
The one topic of concern we hear most frequently from students is Climate Change and its effects on the future. How will the world look when you are an adult with a career and possibly a family? Where will it be safest to live? Are there actions you can take and knowledge you can gain to reduce your eco-anxiety (if you have it)?
Join other concerned high school students to talk about such questions related to Climate Change on Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 am until noon. We will again meet at the Grant's View Library Branch, this time in the larger room to accommodate an even bigger crowd. The morning will begin with a short video, followed by a brainstorming activity in small groups and then the sharing of each group's ideas. We will share a letter-writing contest opportunity with everyone, too, one where you write a local elected representative about a global issues you want them to prioritize and why. With any time remaining, we will talk about other topics you share when you sign up for the morning's gathering. As always, we will have food and drinks. This would be an excellent event to bring friends new to Civitas since everyone has an opinion and some concerns about Climate Change and its impacts now and in the future.
Click here to sign up!
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Join our Remind Classroom for additional reminders and a direct link to sign up for Civitas events this school year: 9k64d6h
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Saturday, September 23, 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Grant's View Library Branch (MAP)
Clean and Green – Addressing Climate Change Challenges
Sign up here to attend.
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Saturday, October 7, 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Webster University (MAP)
High School Model UN Country Draft
Sign up here to attend.
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Saturday, November 18, 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at Webster University (MAP)
HSMUN Session A
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Saturday, November 18, 1:30 pm until 4:30 pm at Webster University (MAP)
HSMUN Session B
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Saturday, December 2, 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at Webster University (MAP)
HSMUN Session C
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