Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

February 1, 2007 issue

NC Youth Legislative Assembly Applications Accepted Through February 14

Story by Allison Peacock

The Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office of the NC Department of Administration is accepting applications through Wednesday, February 14, for the 37th annual Youth Legislative Assembly to be held Friday, March 16, through Sunday, March 18, in Raleigh.

The Youth Legislative Assembly is a mock legislative session patterned after the NC General Assembly during which NC high school students write, debate and vote on bills.

Students will gain an understanding of the workings of local, state and national government, as well as confidence in their ability to debate current issues. Participants will be split into 10 different committees to debate a specific topic within their committee. Topics include maintaining Kyoto Protocol standards in North Carolina, requiring verbal proficiency in English, lowering the drinking age to 18 and requiring a later start time in all middle and high schools. After the committee work, they will gather together for general sessions.

A Youth Legislative Assembly final report will be sent to the governor, members of the General Assembly and other key state leaders.

Planned events also include a Showcase of Talent on Saturday, March 17. Students desiring to show off their talents in any of the performing arts are urged to apply.

The per-student registration fee of $100 for four students in one room or $140 for two students in one room covers hotel accommodations for two nights, a T-shirt and conference materials. The fee for chaperones is $140 (double occupancy). Fees must be included with the application. Written notice of acceptance or denial of registration will be provided by Wednesday, March 7.

General sessions will be held at the Legislative Office Building, with other activities at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel.

To download registration forms, click to www.doa.state.nc.us.yaio/ylaconf.htm. A list of the 10 committees and proposed legislation from each committee are online, as well as information and registration forms for the YLA Showcase of Talent. Applications for limited need-based scholarships are available online as well.

For more info, contact Youth Legislative Assembly Coordinator Cynthia Giles at 919-733-9296 or Cynthia.Giles@ncmail.net.