Landry seen as underdog to Boustany
February 7, 2012Joseph Clovis Autin
February 9, 2012South Terrebonne High School graduate and LSU freshman Mallory Martin says that having been a participant on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council during the 2010-2011 legislative year not only helped her see first-hand the working of state government, but boosted her interest to be a senior advisor with the organization this year, gave her the confidence to become involved with student government on the college level and encouraged her on a career path towards which she is working.
State lawmakers created the LLYAC and enacted it into law during the 2007 regular session. After three years of existence, selected participants have facilitated communications between the state’s youth and members of both the state House of Representatives and Senate. Their involvement not only gives participants a view into the workings of government, but offers them an opportunity to contribute in the formation of state law and policies.
Each year 21 students between the ages of 14 and 19 are selected from a pool of applicants across the state to participate in the LLYAC. The group examines and advises legislators regarding issues such as education, school violence, substance abuse, youth employment and ways to motivate young people to actively participate in their communities and government.
“We looked at laws about texting while driving and cyber bullying, and talked about the logistics of the actual bills,” Martin said about her one-year term of participation. “My American history teacher saw my interest and passion for youth government and gave me the papers to apply [for the LLYAC].”
Martin said the LLYAC was an enlightening experience for her. “I learned the importance our voice has with legislators,” she said. “Legislators said they were excited to have us participate. We got to sit in Senate committee rooms and report on initiatives. Sometimes we had speakers and got to discuss our opinions of bills being passed. It was really fun.”
Martin studies political communications at LSU and is a student government senator. She will continue her association with the LLYAC by working as a senior advisor.
“It is amazing what the young people get out of this program,” Louisiana Senate Chief Researcher and program coordinator Sherri Breaux said. “It gives youth from across the state a meaningful voice on the issues. It also gives them the experience of discussing some of the issues with the policy makers themselves.”
Breaux and Martin said this form of youth civic engagement is more than just participating in a class or mock experience. Participants are used as witnesses in committees and offer perspectives that legislators contend they would not otherwise have.
“I think this is the kind of experience that is for everyone,” Martin said. “They need kids from different backgrounds and with different interests because all kids are being affected by legislation. Even if you are not interested in government, you should be interested in the well-being of your generation.”
“These are our future leaders,” Breaux said. “They are stepping up, speaking out and making a difference.”
Applications for a new LLYAC 2012-2013 session are being accepted by organizers with a deadline set for March 15. Applicants should apply online or with a complete PDF sent to http://civiced.louisiana.gov to be considered.
The 2012-2013 LLYAC will begin work in June at the state capitol in Baton Rouge. Detailed information regarding the council may be secured by calling (225) 342-6145.
