Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Kaj at 7:30am.

Peggy gave a history moment.

Minutes:

Jim M. moved to accept February 18 meeting minutes, second by Edna. Motion passed.

Announcements:

Debby Fuson asked for assistance in learning who Michael & Karen Jordan are.

Edna announced next week’s program as AmeriCorps.

Peggy said Matthew Rainwater will speak at Kiwanis this Thursday at noon here at Joshua’s.

Julie H. talked about the Sequim Sunshine Festival, March 6 & 7.

Kaj announced that PABA board meetings are public, but only board members can vote. Anyone can come address the board every 2nd Monday at 7:30am.

Edna interviewed Gerry Austin.

Program:  Michelle Gentry, Head Advisor of YMCA Youth in Government

Edna announced Michelle Gentry, head advisor of YMCA Youth in Government and her daughter, Anna. Youth in Government has been a program in Port Angeles since 1948.

They teach students from 8th grade through high school how to read and write legislation, how to debate, and how to get along.

Anna talked about being a Page in Olympia and how the experience carries through to community service. She will be the secretary of the Freshman House this session.

Michelle said 17 students are in the program now at a cost of $490 per student because they need to stay in hotels instead of host homes. She talked about how kids are out in the community doing things, getting experience, building confidence, doing what they’re passionate about, and learning how to communicate.

She follows up with the students and knows they are getting things done all over the US. They have a Youth Attorney General in office that checks work against the Constitution. Lieutenant Governor Habib engages the youth in Olympia.

There are 500 or so students in the state.

Youth Legislation has involved driving lines, smoking in cars, and driving age, and they have debated about tax on plastic bottles and about the Discovery Pass.

Michelle said they earn what they need and it depends on the number of students. Pancakes with Santa and the Kids Marathon are their two fundraisers. This year they have 14 students and they typically raise about $13,000. Students have to e in legislative dress.

Their national umbrella is the YMCA. It depends on what state you’re in whether they’re called Youth In Government or Youth and Government. It’s hard for schools to funnel money their way.

They start meeting mid-September every Monday through to June, amid sports, music, and AP classes. Meetings are open to the public. In April the kids take over the City Council Chambers to experience speaking to an audience with a microphone. They meet at the Y at 7pm.

Upcoming Meeting:

March 3: AmeriCorp

Meeting adjourned at 8:23am.