Connecting kids and lawmakers: students are getting involved in American democracy, and legislators are helping them.

• Author: Goehring, Jan

The younger generation typically skips Election Day. Their interest in politics and government is dismal. But this past election, 2 million more young people voted than in the 2002 midterm election, a 24 percent increase.

What's going on? Programs inspiring students to get involved with the legislative process and appreciate American democracy may be working.

A Wyoming high school student served as a legislative aid, a Utah teen got involved in a precinct caucus and others help craft legislation. Young people's voices are being heard through legislative youth advisory councils that are popping up in states across the country.

America's Legislators Back to School Program, sponsored by NCSL, is having an impact. Each year some 1,500 legislators all across the country bring civics to life by talking with students about what it's like to be a legislator and how our system of democracy works. In many cases the lesson continues beyond the classroom, as inspired young people get involved in the legislative process.

"We need to reach young people. They are very skeptical of politics in general and the legislative process," says Wyoming Senator John Schiffer who regularly visits classrooms through the Back to School Program. "You never know what's going to result from a classroom visit," he says. Last year, Brianna Straub, a junior at Kaycee High School told Schiffer she was motivated to get more involved by his visit to her school and her government class. Straub served as the senator's legislative aid this past year and calls the experience "an eye opener." She says she knew the logistics of the process, but not how it really works.

After a classroom visit from Utah Representative Sheryl Allen, Bountiful High School student A.J. Jones attended his precinct caucus and was elected a county delegate. He worked on a couple campaigns. Allen tells students about the caucus process and stresses that they "can have a voice."

Jones is passionate about citizen participation. "People don't value the power of their vote. The worst thing you can do is not vote. If people have no say, it's not a democracy anymore," he says.

CRAFTING LEGISLATION

Last September, Louisiana Senator Gerald Theunissen visited an 8th grade classroom at Hathaway High School where he participated in a mock debate with the students and listened to their ideas and suggestions on a number of issues. He was so impressed with their enthusiasm that he challenged the class to be his "partner"...