Youth Summits
A Closer Look at Exemplary Youth Summits: Oregon
Oregon: Addressing Ballot Initiatives
By Barbara Rost
The Classroom Law Project (CLP) annually sponsors
a youth summit for middle and high school students. Timed to occur in late October, it is
deliberately held shortly before statewide elections. Students conduct congressional-style
hearings, posing questions to community leaders, elected officials, and regional experts
on a pre-selected, hotly-debated election issue. Students participating in the youth
summit learn not only about the nuts and bolts of the contested issue but also the process
of legislation and how to be a well-informed voter.
The preparation for the summit begins with a teacher training in September. Social studies
teachers gather to learn about the topic chosen by CLP. Past topics have included Oregon's
Measure 11, which treats youthful offenders as adults for certain major crimes; Measure
51, which legalizes physician-assisted suicide; and Measure 61, which mandates increased
prison time for repeat offenders. Teachers hear from key proponents, opponents, and others
knowledgeable about the potential impact of the laws. From these sessions, CLP develops
and distributes lesson plans on the topics, through which teachers can engage their
students in thoughtful, dynamic discussion of these issues.
On Youth Summit day, each teacher brings five students to Lewis & Clark College, where
the students begin by conducting simulated hearings. They take testimony from the key
proponents in each camp, as well as from community leaders knowledgeable in certain
aspects of the issue. After considering the testimony from experts, students discuss new
ideas they heard, and formulate a list of issues for voters to consider before casting
their ballots.
Before the close of the day's events, students cast their own ballots. Sometimes the
outcome of their vote accurately mirrors the sentiments of voters when they cast their
ballots the following week. After the summit, students are expected to report back to
their classes and share their experiences with others in their schools, as well as
encourage their parents and older friends to vote.
In preparation for the Summit, the Classroom Law Project draws upon resources, guidance,
and other support from the Oregon Education Association, Oregon State Bar, the League of
Women Voters, the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and numerous community
leaders.
Barbara Rost is an attorney, and Program Coordinator for the Classroom Law Project.
>>OJJDP and Youth Summits
>>Lawyers Lead, Participate, and Support
>>Young People Across the U.S. Confront the Problems That
Affect Their Lives
>>Profiles: Addressing Concerns of Young Women; Solving
Problems in the Virtual World
>>Profile: The International Youth
Environmental Summit
>>A Closer Look at Exemplary Youth Summits: Delaware
>>A Closer Look at Exemplary Youth Summits:
Minnesota
>>A Closer Look at Exemplary Youth Summits: Oregon
>>A Closer Look at Exemplary Youth Summits: Illinois
>>Conclusion: The Future of Youth Summits; Best
Practices
>>Resources and Links
Teachers/Students Home | Technical
Assistance Bulletin No. 18 Main Page