Teens Convene for Mock Congress This Weekend
Illegal immigration. Same-sex marriage. A president’s private conduct.
These issues will be tackled by more than 275 students from Southern California public and private schools as they convene a mock U.S. congressional session this weekend at the Red Lion Hotel in Glendale.
The event is sponsored by the Junior State of America, a national nonprofit organization that aims to foster political awareness among high school students. The San Mateo-based group has chapters on high school campuses throughout the country.
“Students will write their own bills, their own legislation, discuss them, and try and get them passed through the committees and through the House and Senate,” said Jeff Harris, program director of the Junior State of America. “Part of the purpose is to give them an opportunity to learn the art of compromise.”
Students will give speeches and engage in intense lobbying, according to organizers. They will sponsor bills that they have researched and written.
Student delegates will spend Saturday’s session, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., meeting in committees. They will convene again Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, for House and Senate debates.
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