Vermont Teen Promotes Teens in Govt.
Kayla Drinwater,18 ,of Ludlow,Vermont appeared at the Black River School Board this week to encourage educators support for an initiative to change the Town/Village charter to include the involvement of local youth in town/village goverment by creating Honorary Select/Trustee positions for local teens. Drinwater,who ,at 18, is running for Ludlow Town Select believes the teens in the community do not really have a voice in goverment during a period when they are held responsible for their acts (15,16,17yr. olds). "The contradiction means that teens need to voice their visions in areas of town and village development and have the opportunity to make a difference at an early,responsible age." Though "honorary"and without an actual vote,Drinwater believes the involvement of teens would better represent the voice of hard working families,struggling families,single parent families and those suffering misfortune in the community because the teens suffer the effects of the economy and other systems right along with the adults,are responsible in helping their families and for their own acts,yet are left helpless to voice their concerns in any suitable community forum that makes a difference. The "honorary teen" concept is as such: Between the ages of 15 thru 17,a local teen who is elected by the students/school to represent the community as an Honorary Select/Trustee,would actually experience the life of politics,the importance of family and community and the responsibility taught them by both families and the education system. "They will have a voice,more of us in the community would be heard." Her innovative concept and initiative has been well recieved by local educators and others. Drinwater ,who is also a member of Protect.org for safer families and The White House Project.org which promotes young women in goverment office,is preparing to talk to local Black River students on the proposal and will submit material on the initiative to both the Town Select Board and the Village Trustee Board for their perusal and resolution in the comming weeks.