Senator Sally Turner Hosts Youth Advisory Council in Springfield

 

[April 26, 2024]    Last week, State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) welcomed dozens of high school students from across the 44th Senate District to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield to learn more about the state’s legislative process as part of her Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program.

“The students that took part in my Youth Advisory Council were fantastic. They were attentive, participated in good discussions and asked thoughtful questions.” said Sen. Turner. “I truly hope this event taught them that they don’t have to be a legislator or even a lobbyist to get involved in our legislative process and make a positive impact on our state.”

Sen. Turner’s YAC program allows local high school students to learn more about government through two meetings held each school year. During the fall meeting, students heard from local leaders and had the opportunity to propose ideas for new legislation. This year, students put forward a proposal meant to require schools to offer healthier and more nutritious food options.

“Being involved in government is literally what I want to do in life, so I believe this experience has really opened potential doors and helped me build relationships and necessary skills,” said Olympia High School Student Jorgi Dupurer. “The earlier that someone gets involved in government, the more they’re going to learn and the more empowered they will feel.”

During the spring meeting, students took on the various roles involved in the legislative process for a mock committee hearing in an actual Senate committee room at the Capitol Complex. The students had the opportunity to serve as concerned citizens and lobbyists who advocated for and against the proposal, reporters who covered the committee hearing, and lawmakers who discussed and voted on the proposal legislation.

“The government and laws in general are a huge part of everyone’s life, no matter how old they are,” said Blue Ridge High School Student Romero Fernandez. “It is so important for the younger generation to understand how it all works and how we can in fact have a major influence on what happens.”

“I learned a lot about how our governmental process works,” said Monticello High School Student Catie Swartz. “More importantly, I learned how to communicate with others, listen and learn from their opinions, and how to share your own beliefs.”

Sen. Turner’s YAC program is open to high school students in the 44th Senate District each year. She encourages interested students to ask their teachers and/or principals about taking part in the future.

[Marcus J. Durrett
Senior Communications Strategist
Communications and Public Affairs]