Matteson, IL–(ENEWSPF)– State Representative Al Riley established a program to develop an interest in the legislative process for high school students. “Faces of the Future” includes sessions on topics and issues important on all levels of government, from local government to world issues. The intent of the program is to promote an understanding amongst participating students of how important their voices are in helping change their communities and the world.
Participating students will learn about leadership, speaking, and presentation skills and have the opportunity to meet other legislative and political figures in the state and in their communities. The information gained can be used in the future when developing career goals and making other important decisions.
“Faces of the Future” will begin in August of 2008 and end in the spring of 2009, at the conclusion of the academic school year. In essence, the students will serve for a year as one of State Representative Al Riley’s Youth Committee members.
According to Riley’s office, the committee was established to develop an interest in the legislative process in high school students.
“Committee members will gain useful information that they can use in the future, when developing career goals and making other important decisions,” Riley said.
As a member of the committee, students will learn how to work together to identify an issue currently facing high school aged youth and how to resolve the issue by working as a team.
Areas of focus include:
- Personal Management Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Government Issues and Operations
- Government Organizations in other parts of the world.
In order to be considered for the Youth Committee students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors beginning the fall of the 2008-2009 academic year and must complete and return the following to the district office by August 15th 2008.
- Interest form (Download here in PDF format)
- One 150 word essay (as described on the interest form)
- 1 letter of recommendation: from a counselor or from an administrator or official at the place where the student performs community service.
- 2.75 GPA (in good academic and behavioral standing)
Riley’s district includes all or part of the following municipalities: Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Markham, Matteson, Oak Forest, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park and Tinley Park.
