Legislative Ambassador Program

Today young women need to know that they can pursue their dreams without limits on their vision of achievement. As the family and home life have changed, so too, have the challenges they face and the myriad of responsibilities they bear. The Vaird Foundation believes in dreams can come true. This is why the Legislative Ambassador Program was developed to engage youth in changing a piece of the public world who can be introduced to the possibilities of democratic citizenship as well as building a commitment to taking action in a new and exciting way to shape the nation’s future. Citizenship and civic education are an important part of the program. The Vaird Foundation Ambassador program educates young women on how they can work within the legislative system to make differences in their communities. It is important to recognize the value of the year-around, one-on-one discussions between these young women and our national lawmakers. It is important that youth be allowed to dream.

The Vaird Foundation Legislative Ambassador Program provides at-risk young women in high school with an opportunity to connect with the state government officials on a year-around basis to learn firsthand more about the legislative process. Once a month, the selected Ambassadors meet with lawmakers to discuss issues of critical concerns to young women and to serve as valuable resources to state government officials.

The Vaird Foundation Legislative Ambassador Program is designed to educate and motivate high school students to become engaged citizens and leaders in the community. The Program was established to reach the next generation of citizens and to increase and enhance positive public awareness, participation in local government, and exploration of careers in public service. During a one year period, the program includes a series of monthly sessions about government and work assignments related to each session.

The goal of this initiative is to inspire young people to become citizens who will share their ideas and bring their energy to local government to learn how to serve as well as help develop solutions to issues that the communities will face in the next century.

NEED FOR THE PROGRAM
The program was designed to help youth understand the link between local government and their everyday lives. For the first time, students learn in the classroom and through activities how their local government works, various careers and the opportunities for participating in local government as a citizen and in public service as a career. Traditionally, school curriculum focuses on federal and state governments only. Students receive little direct information or exposure to the government that most impacts their daily lives and the judicial system.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM
The Vaird Legislative Ambassador Program takes students from the classroom into City and State Government workplaces and into the community, which provides students with an opportunity to observe and meet the people who influence policy and make decisions. Students also have the opportunity to interact with government leaders and policy-makers. Following each session students must complete a work assignment. For example, following the first session, students are asked to meet with the member of the legislative and Senatorial body. Students compose questions that reflect their concerns each visit. In addition the students will ride up to Harrisburg or Washington DC via Amtrak (all transportation costs included.)

OVERVIEW
This program is to help high school students gain an understanding and appreciation of how local government impacts their everyday lives. The curriculum and activities are designed to develop
citizenship skills and encourage participants to become active, involved citizens in the future. Participants will learn how local government addresses community issues and helps people solve problems. They will meet key decision makers in government and gain insight into the services in which the government provides.