What’s Right With Our Schools: ‘Youth Junior Council’ helps students understand how government works

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dublin High School students are making a difference in their community by learning politics.

Students are sharing ideas that could change the community. ‘Junior youth council’ is a student body council that’s similar to city council. it teaches students how the city government works.

“I’ve gained confidence, I’m a better speaker and my decision making has improved,” says Donald Harrell who is the mayor of the junior council.

“There’s a lot of responsibilities that comes with it and you have to hear a lot of different opinions,” says Sydney Price who is at large council for the junior council.

Students get ideas from their peers, then bring them to monthly meetings. After discussion, they are passed on to Dublin’s City Council.

The students are selected as mayor and councilman and take on the responsibilities as a leader. They’re also given a chance to create campaigns as they run for the positions. Councilman Jones adds, it’s a benefit for students to see how things are done and able to understand the importance of voting.

“We have a problem and I’m sure most cities have a problem with voter turnout especially among young people. So we want to get them use to going to vote and they get to vote and see how the process works, then maybe they’ll get use to it and it become second nature to them,” Jones continues.

A community waterpark is in the works. Youth Junior Council came up with the idea last year and presented it to the city council for consideration.