Students in Politics

Most students do not think they are old enough or powerful enough to exact widespread change.  They can't vote or hold office, and they regularly face challenges from adults who doubt their abilities.

But 6th- through 8th-grade students in a politics course decided they could make a difference, and they voiced their opinions in a positive — and very big — way.  Inspired by the strong history of citizen involvement in U.S. politics, they worked in small groups as lobbyists for or against several bills pending in their state legislature. 

Members from established lobbying organizations helped the students prepare.  The student groups first researched the issues: the environment, minimum wage, and homelessness.  They then used their science, social studies, and math knowledge to explain the reasons for supporting or opposing each piece of legislation and to calculate the costs of each.  After forming individual opinions about the bills, each student designed political signs, wrote a position paper, and gave a verbal class presentation.  They were then ready to lobby key legislators.

These students were excited when the legislature voted in agreement with their opinions and enjoyed receiving commendation letters from legislators, but they were most proud of their work, which they hoped would inspire other youths.  They wrote a lobbying tip sheet, encouraging future students to speak their minds and change the world.

Adapted from "Route to Reform: K-8 service-learning Curriculum Ideas," © 1994-95 National Youth Leadership Council.