ST. PAUL, Minn. — When the state legislature is in session different groups head to St. Paul everyday to advocate for their specific cause. It is a very common sight to see a group holding a rally inside the state capitol rotunda, but this week one rally had a different look to it. The rally was being lead by people who were not even old enough to vote.
“The intent of today is to have as many legislative meetings with youth and the staff as we can,” explained Paul Meunier of the Youth Intervention Program Association.
After the rally the youth were able to take capitol tours, watch a live Senate floor session, do a capitol scavenger hunt, each lunch in the capitol cafeteria, and see a presentation about a day in the life of a legislator. Aside from all the fun activities planned for the youth, the main focus of the day was bringing their stories directly to their legislators.
“It’s an economic benefit, a social benefit, and a community safety benefit,” mentioned Meunier, “It helps sway legislators to get more involved in issues their youth face.”
With over 400 involved, the sheer number of youth that fanned out across the capitol complex for one day this week made their message hard to ignore.
“Our goal is to make it bigger and bigger each year because there is power in numbers,” said Meunier.
The Youth Day at the Capitol itself can be seen as a youth intervention program. As youth who may have been cast off by some in society are empowered to make a difference.
As youth intervention advocates work to cultivate a community where youth from all backgrounds are empowered equally their message is simple.
“Every kid has the ability to do something good, it’s our job as adults to help them find that avenue,” explained Meunier.
To learn more about youth intervention programs and to hear person success stories from area youth, tune into the Youth Intervention Journal here on North Metro TV. Next week a new episode will debut featuring Youth Day at the Capitol. For playback times you can check the Channel 15 schedule.
