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IOWA AMERICAN LEGIONAUXILIARY GIRLS STATEAmerican Legion Auxiliary Department of Iowa believes training our youth about the basicideals and principles of our system of government will help to ensure the survival of ourrepublic. Through a unique citizenship training program, Auxiliary members teach youth tounderstand, comprehend and appreciate their roles as United States citizens. This program iscalled Iowa Girls State.“Over 21,000 high school seniors nationwide (320 in Iowa) will be given a unique opportunity tolearn citizenship by participating in the mechanisms of government under the guidance ofexperienced American Legion Auxiliary volunteers and professionals. The program primarilyconsists of organizing political parties, working ‘in committees’, electing party, local and stateofficials, and debating bills.Girls State programs aid participants in developing leadership skills, confidence, and poise thatcan be a lasting foundation for success in their personal professional lives.”GOALSTo develop leadership and pride in American citizens.To educate delegates about our system of government.To instill in delegates a great understanding of American traditions.To stimulate a desire to maintain our government processes.CONTACT INFORMATIONMarlene Valentine720 Lyon StreetDes Moines, IA 50309Phone: (515) 282-7987Fax: (515) 282-7583E-mail: alasectreas@ialegion.orgWeb site: www.ialegion.org/ala*Females who have completed their junior year inhigh school*Have a desire to learn*Have high moral character*Possess strong leadership abilities*Have above average scholastic standing*Schools make recommendations*little or no expense to family.5

IOWA STATEUNIVERSITY 4-HYOUTH DEVELOPMENTIowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development creates supportive environments forculturally diverse youth and adults to reach their full potential.STATE 4-H CONFERENCESTATE 4-H COUNCILThis conference at Iowa State Universityallows any Iowa youth who has completed8th grade through 12th grade the opportunityfor in-depth exploration of contemporaryissues and career areas. It gives youth achance to learn more about themselves, towork as a team member, and to givesomething to the community. It provides anunderstanding of how to make a differencethrough effective leadership, communication,and self-motivation and the chance to meetother youth from across Iowa, develop newfriendships, and have fun. The conference isheld each June and is planned by themembers of the State4-H Council.The State 4-H Council exists tostrengthen Iowa’s total 4-H program.Members serve as 4-H ambassadorsand partners with 4-H staff forplanning, implementing, andevaluating 4-H programs. The State4-H Council provides a significantleadership opportunity for older 4H’ers beyond the area and countylevels. The selection procedureconsists of an application and aninterview at the area level. Youthmust be 10th-11th graders at the timeof application and serve on thecouncil for one year during whichthey will meet 3-4 times at the State4-H Camping Center.CONTACT INFORMATIONIowa State University Extension4-H Youth Development3630 Extension 4-H Youth BuildingAmes, IA 50011Phone: (515) 294-1017Fax: (515) 294-1047Email: bsallen@iastate.eduWeb site: www.extension.iastate.edu/6

MODEL UNITED NATIONSOpen the door to your world.Model United Nations is a simulation of the diplomacy, problemsolving and responsibilities of the United Nations. High schoolstudents from throughout Iowa and the upper Midwest come to theHS Model UN Spring Conference held at the University ofNorthern Iowa. At the Spring Conference, the 750 participatingdelegates spend two half days and one full day simulating theUnited Nations process, producing quality discussion and ideasthroughout the conference.The Iowa Youth Symposium takes place in late October atthe Iowa Statehouse in Des Moines. During this two-dayevent, students discuss what the United States policy should beon a variety of topics. Students are encouraged to share theirideas with others, participate in a roundtable discussion, andexperience public speaking through debates.*Must be in high school.*Students become members throughtheir schools.CONTACT INFORMATIONModel UN Office319 Seerley HallCedar Falls, IA 50614-0701Phone: (319)273-2668Fax: (319) 273-3033Email: ihsmun@email.comWeb site: www.uni.edu/ihsmun7

Iowa Student Global Leadership ConferenceThe Iowa Student GlobalLeadership Conference wasinitiated in 1996 for the purposeof bringing Iowa studentstogether with internationalstudents attending high schoolsin Iowa. Each year theinternational students invite anIowa partner to attend theconference. Iowa families thathost international exchangestudents are encouraged to sendtheir international students andtheir own children whenpossible. The internationalexchange agencies that sponsorthe students select theinternational exchange studentto attend.Students stay in the Hotel Fort DesMoines in Des Moines for two days inFebruary. They work in smallgroups to develop action plansaddressing global issues such as:environment, economic disparity,education, health, immigration,safety, human rights, and populationgrowth. Through discussions thestudents learn that there are manyperspectives to these global issues.Students also develop skits andinteract with experts on global issues.CONTACT INFORMATIONIowa Council for International Understanding1000 Walnut, Suite 1105Des Moines, Iowa 50309Phone: (515) 282-8269 Ext. 14Fax: (515) 282-0454Web site: www.iciu.org/youth global conf.shtmlGrades 9-12Submit an applicationInterest in international issuesRegistration fee of 25.00 (includes hoteland meals)Some transportation is provided.SponsorsIowa Council for International Understanding, Des MoinesThe Stanley Foundation, Muscatine8

State Government LeadershipDevelopment OpportunitiesDescriptions and contact information for state governmentopportunities

All ISPAC programs are designed to provide studentswith greater Access to candidates and elected officials,more Information about issues and a betterunderstanding of the Mechanics of the political process.ISPAC activities include:Capitol Project - three-day program held at the StateCapitol, offers students an opportunity to learn first-handabout state government and the legislative process.Who?ISPAC (pronounced ice-pack) is a programdesigned for students in grades 6-12.What?ISPAC stands for the Iowa Student PoliticalAwareness Club. Secretary of State ChetCulver created this free, non-partisan,statewide civic education program to increasepolitical awareness and participation by youngpeople. Secretary Culver is a former highschool teacher and coach who is committed toeducating young people about the importanceof civic involvement. ISPAC stresses theimportance of becoming involved in thepolitical arena and strives to educate youngIowans about how our democratic processworks.Where?Why?Students may join ISPAC by completing anISPAC application on-line atwww.sos.state.ia.us or calling 1-888-SOSVOTE.Since 1971 and the final ratification of the26th Amendment, which gave 18 year-oldsthe right to vote, voter participation by youngpeople has steadily declined. Three reasonsgiven in a recent study for not voting were:lack of Access to the political process andcandidates, lack of Information about thepolitical process and candidates, and lack ofunderstanding the Mechanics of the politicalprocess and voting.Mock Elections - participating students explore anddiscuss campaign and policy issues, seek answers fromand interact with candidates, and cast their vote. ISPACproduces and distributes voter guides to participatingclassrooms.Capitol Youth Day - a full-day program that offersstudents the opportunity to visit the Capitol, meetstatewide elected officials and legislators, and participatein a rally on the Capitol steps. High school studentslearn the basics of lobbying and are encouraged to lobbytheir legislators, while elementary and junior highstudents learn about the voting process and have theopportunity to participate in a mock election.Legislative Youth Forums - are held with members ofthe state legislature during each legislative session overthe ICN. These forums give students the opportunity tolearn more about the pending youth-related legislation.ISPA Caucus and Forums - provide students with theopportunity to participate in their own mock caucus inthe classroom and include candidate forums.ISPAC Newsletter – a non-partisan publicationfeaturing information on civic education, politics andyouth activities. It is distributed to nearly 4,000 ISPACmembers.Become a member and receive: An ISPAC membership card and certificate; The ISPAC News Newsletter; The opportunity to participate in programssponsored by Secretary of State ChetCulver; Lots of fun and educational enjoyment!CHET CULVERIowa Secretary of StateState Capitol, Room 105Des Moines, Iowa 50319Web html1-888-SOS-VOTE9

DEAF SERVICES COMMISSIONOF IOWA JUNIOR COMMISSIONPROGRAMThis program offers a unique opportunityfor leadership development among Deaf,Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, KODA(Kids of Deaf Adults), and Hearing highschool students. The DSCI JuniorCommission Program encourages Iowa’syouth to carry on leadership roles.Participants will be exposed to teamworkwith individuals of diverse backgroundsand debates on issues that affect deaf, hardof hearing, and hearing people. This is anopportunity to develop leadership skills.Participants attend a Junior CommissionProgram Camp for a week in thesummer, then meet quarterly throughoutthe year. During this program, studentswill develop a list of recommendationsto be presented to the DSCICommission, a Governor-appointedcommission composed of sevenindividuals of diverse backgrounds. TheCommissioners work closely with bothgeneral public and people who are Deafand Hard of Hearing to providespecialized programs that empowerthese individuals.The DSCI Junior Commission Program provides an opportunity to make new friends and affectchange in State Government. For many teens, it may be the first time they have met other Deafand Hard of Hearing people, learned about assistive technology, and met peers who have hadsimilar experiences. Most importantly, this program opens communication among Deaf, Hard ofHearing, and Hearing teens.CONTACT INFORMATIONDeaf Services Commission of IowaJunior Commission Program StaffIowa Department of Human RightsLucas State Office Building, 2nd FloorDes Moines, Iowa 50319*Must be in grades 7-12*Any students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing,Late Defeaned, KODA, or Hearing.*Applications are available on DSCL’swebsite.Phone: (515) 281-3164 TYY/VoiceToll Free: (888)221-3724Fax: (515) 242-6119E-mail: dhr.dsci@dhr.state.ia.usWeb site:www.state.ia.us/government/dhr/ds10

IOWA HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVESPAGE“As a Page, youth actively participate in many aspects of law-making. From theintroduction of a bill to the final vote, the Page’s versatility, initiative, and enthusiasmwill make them an integral part of the staff.”House of Representatives Pages provideinvaluable assistance to Representatives andHouse staff by running errands, delivering messagesand distributing bills and amendments. Pages alsostaff committee meetings and help the chairpersonby handling materials needed during the meetings.Some Pages will be assigned to aid the House Journal,Legal Counsel, and Caucus Staff and to assist the BillClerks in sorting and distributing bills and amendments.Since Staff andRepresentatives often worklate, Pages must beprepared to remain on dutyuntil they are no longerneeded, which couldrequire working into thenight as the sessionprogresses.Through this experience,students learn about theHouse of Representatives,leadership skills, andresponsibility.CONTACT INFORMATION*High school junior or senior of high academicstanding.*Selection based on applicationand interview*Need not have political experienceChief ClerkHouse of RepresentativesStatehouseDes Moines, IA 50319Phone: (515) 281-5381Fax: (515) 281-8758Web site: www.legis.state.ia.us11

IOWA SENATEPAGEEach year the Iowa Senate employs agroup of Iowa high school juniors andseniors of high academic standing toserve as Pages during the legislativesession. Senate Pages perform theirduties in the Senate chamber during theentire legislative session from Januaryto May. Duties consist primarily ofrunning errands for Senators and Senatestaff to assist in getting the work of theSenate done. Some of the Pages areassigned to assist the President of theSenate, the Secretary of the Senate, andthe Majority and Minority Leaders.In working closely with theLegislators and staff, Pages get aclose-up view of how the GeneralAssembly operates and in particularwhat the Senate does, how legislationis developed, considered and passed aswell as how state government leadersgo about their work.*High school junior or senior ofhigh academic standing*Selection based on applicationand interview*Need not have politicalexperience or interest inparticipating in politicsCONTACT INFORMATIONSecretary of the StateStatehouseDes Moines, IA 50319Phone: (515) 281-5307Fax: (515) 242-6108Web site: www.legis.state.ia.us12

IOWA STUDENTLEGISLATUREExperiencing the law making process by sitting at theRepresentatives’ desks and using their microphones andvoting machines.Sponsored by the Iowa House of RepresentativesThe Student Legislature is your threeday opportunity to go beyond thetextbook theories of lawmaking andenter the world of committee meetings,caucuses, floor debates and votes. As aStudent Representative, you write yourown bills, submit them to the House anddecide your party’s stand on the issues.In your caucus groups, you elect partyleaders and get the bills ready forintroduction onto the floor.More than a legislativeexperience, the StudentLegislature depicts governmentin action. Students also serve aslobbyists, pages, media and staff.House staff members work withthe students to explainparliamentary procedures, howto amend bills, and how todebate effectively. In addition,professional lobbyists, newsreporters, and researchers assisttheir student counterparts in theperformance of their duties.Finally, using your representative’s deskand microphone, you present yourarguments for and against legislationand then vote on the bills and theiramendments.CONTACT INFORMATION*Must be a high school junior or senior*Have parent and school consent*Cover the cost of two nights hotel, foodand transportation (students share roomsto defray costs)13Chief Clerk’s OfficeIowa House of RepresentativesStatehouseDes Moines, IA 50319Phone: (515) 281-5381Fax: (515) 281-8758

IOWA YOUTH LEADERSHIPFORUM FOR STUDENTS WITHDISABILITIESWanted: Future Community Leaders!!The Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF)is a five-day leadership training program held during the summerfor 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities.At the forum, youth will share information on choosing careers, history ofdisability culture, assistive technology for independence; identify existingbarriers to personal and professional success and develop plans to dealwith those barriers; develop a “Personal Leadership Plan”; and interactwith others with similar hopes and dreams.GOALSBecome employed and self-sufficient.Be knowledgeable about resources available to them to become successful adults.Be exposed to professionals with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models.CONTACT INFORMATIONMike AdamsDivision of Persons with DisabilitiesLucas State Office BuildingDes Moines, IA 50319Phone: (515) 242-6312V/TTY: (888) 219-0471Fax: (515) 242-6119Email: mike.adams@iowa.govWeb site: www.state.ia.us/government/dhr/pd/*Open to juniors and seniors with disabilities.*Demonstrate leadership potential,community involvement, and interactwell with others.*Diverse in disability, gender, ethnicity,and geographical location.*No cost for room and board. Some travelexpenses may be reimbursed in specialcircumstances.14

Iowa teens fighting big tobaccoJEL is the statewide youth movement targeting tobacco use. JEL is led by and it’s messages areinspired by high school students. The movement takes a hard-hitting approach to tobaccocontrol, targeting the tobacco industry for their sales and advertising tactics. JEL seeks to exposethe truth about the tobacco industry and the deadly effects of tobacco.JEL holds an annual summit where students from across the state come together to devise acampaign strategy and advocacy activities on both the state and local levels JEL also has its ownmedia/marketing campaign to combat the advertising of the tobacco industry. www.jeliowa.orgis the movement’s website.Any youth between the ages of 13 and 24 can be part of JEL. There are many opportunities tobecome an active participant. JEL is led by high school aged youth from all over the state. Theseyouth selected during the annual JEL summit. They work with the Iowa Department of PublicHealth and aid in the creation of JEL’s media campaigns.CONTACT INFORMATIONGarin ButtermoreIowa Department of Public HealthLucas State Office BuildingDes Moines, IA 50319-0075*Must be between the ages of 13 and 24.*No cost for participating.Phone: 515.281.4299Fax: 515.281.6475Email: mailto:gbutterm@idph.state.ia.usWeb site: www.jeliowa.org15

“YOUTH – LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!”The concept of the State of Iowa Youth Action Committee (SIYAC) was born with therecognition that those responsible for state policy should hear the voices of Iowa’s youth.SIYAC is the product of an effort to form a representative nonpartisan committee of youth thatinteract on a regular basis with state agencies and policymakers to discuss those issues thatimpact, and are of interest to, the youth of Iowa.SIYAC is comprised of 15-21 diverse members, with representation from 14 to 21 year-oldsacross the state. To reflect Iowa’s diversity, a directed effort is made to recruit and build acommittee of youth from varying backgrounds and experiences.SIYAC members receive ongoing training on the issues facing state government and on theprocess of policy development. Special training is also provided so the youth can improve theirleadership skills while serving as representatives.CONTACT INFORMATION- Age 14-21, max. 2 terms- Complete application,screening and interview process- Meet quarterly in Des Moines-Willingness to represent theviews of Iowa youth.SIYACIowa Department of Human RightsLucas State Office Building, 2nd FloorDes Moines, IA 50319Phone: (515) 242-5823Fax: (515) 242-6119E-mail: siyac@iowa.gov16

Iowa Youth Connections Council“A voice for Iowa youth in care andan advocate for improvement of the foster care system.”The Iowa Youth Connections Council (IYCC) was formally created in December 2001 by the Department of Human Services (DHS) as a wayfor the youth in Iowa’s foster care system to be involved

YOUTH LEADERSHIP (HOBY) To seek out, recognize and develop leadership potential commencing with high school sophomores. The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program implements its purpose in three ways: *by providing interactive opportunities for critical thinking *by promoting democracy and America's incentive system, and