Out of classroom experiences: teaching kids about our democracy is essential. Teachers and legislators are teaming up with great success.

• Author: Goehring, Jan

High school teacher Tuck Gionet wants more than a tour of the state capitol for his government class. He wants seniors at Snohomish High School, Washington, to really know and experience what goes on inside the building. That's why he started the student lobbying day about eight years ago.

Gionet's is one of a number of programs across the country that aim to involve young people in government. Lack of civic participation is a growing concern. A 2003 national poll shows that young people do not understand the ideals of citizenship, they are disengaged from the political process, they lack the knowledge necessary for effective self-government, and their appreciation and support of American democracy is limited.

But students will tell you that programs that get them involved in government, like Gionet's class, make a big impact.

To prepare for their day at the capitol, Gionet's students research and draft bills. Representative Hans Dunshee, who represents the Snohomish district, meets with the class in advance and helps coach them on what to do and how to dress. "These are a group of folks who are interested and care--we should do all we can to encourage them," says Dunshee.

And then the buses descend on the capitol. With bills in hand, the students meet with as many legislators as possible in one day. Each year about 15 to 20 of their bills get sponsored and often students are invited back to testify. Ideas include requiring foreign language education in elementary school and raises for state troopers.

These students "come up with good ideas and challenge us to think," says Senator Dave Schmidt, who also represents Snohomish. The students are for the most part very well-received by the legislature. They are having an impact too. Some students report seeing advance "hit" pieces on the desks of legislators. These memos are written by professional lobbyists opposing bills from the class.

Senior Lindsey Bott found the experience "profound." She proposed a bill that would prohibit smoking in all public places. Jordan Gere suggested a bill to prohibit smoking in cars when children under 16 are present.

Although Gem found a number of sponsors for the bill, it died. He learned that such a law would be hard to enforce. Gionet says his students are disappointed when the bills don't pass and are sometimes frustrated by the process, but "they still learn they can make a difference." Gere agrees and says the process gave him a "good view of how it all...