Mr. Miles and Mr. Griffith will be starting a "Young Politicians of America" club at Jellico High School. We will have regular meetings, discussions, debates, etc. We want to build political awareness and encourage involvement in community issues and political discourse.
YPA is a nationwide, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating youth political awareness through community service.
http://ypa.org/home.phpThe "About YPA" page says:The Young Politicians of America is a service-learning movement composed of young Americans aged 14-22 working together to revive political discourse and awareness by establishing nonpartisan civic clubs in high schools and colleges. We deliver our services and spread our mission through our innovative Service-Chapter program. YPA also operates a networking group for graduates.
Driving this movement is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has provided support, resources, and direction to YPA clubs since 1998. Over 2,500 members hail from all 50 United States and more than a dozen countries.
Q: Why are you called the Young Politicians of America?A: We understand that “politician” is a loaded term in today's political climate, and this is precisely why we chose to incorporate “politician” into our name. It is crucial for young Americans to realize the scope of their future responsibilities. By considering themselves politicians today, the leaders of tomorrow will be guided by the formative virtues our program emphasizes—hopefully restoring nobility and idealism to the political profession.
Our “Young Politicians” practice politics in a nonpartisan setting of issue-related community service and relevant discussions/debates. They are expected to see themselves as public servants in their own communities, and to realize the effects of their own actions on their neighbors—their “constituents.”
Q: What is a Service-Chapter? What activities do they perform?
A: YPA Service-Chapters (also called Clubs) are established in high schools and colleges across America—ranging in size from fifteen students to fifty students. These YPA Service-Chapters combine community service projects and politically relevant discussions to understand the importance of government.
Service-Chapters meet weekly on campus and, together, show that the problems community service aims to answer are the same problems government seeks to solve. Too many young Americans have lost focus on the importance of government as a vehicle for change by instead solely concentrating on community service to make a difference. YPA Service-Chapters uniquely build upon existing enthusiasm for community service to shine light on the political context and consequences of students' actions.
Every Service-Chapter registered with the YPA organization must:
- Meet weekly on campus to discuss political issues of the day, prepare for their community service projects, plan for debates and panel discussions, or organize fundraising.
- Monthly, complete at least one service-learning activity in their community. Example activities are highlighted below.
- At the end of every month Service-Chapters must report to the national YPA organization, summarizing their meetings/service activities and also grading themselves on a sliding scale. Teacher Advisors certify reports to ensure accountability and authenticity.
As mentioned above, Service-Chapter members must satisfy a monthly service-learning requirement and then relate their experience to government at the local, state, or national level. Example activities include (but are not limited to):
- Volunteering at a local Senior Center segues into a discussion on Medicare.
- A Creek Cleanup followed by a debate on environmental policy, the EPA, pollution regulations, and even fuel efficiency standards for SUVs.
- Visiting a Veteran's Home lends light to the practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs and also touches on foreign policy decisions.
