This coming May, high school students from across Oakland County will participate in the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ annual Youth in Government Day. The event focuses on encouraging young people to better understand, engage with, and participate in local government. Eligible students will even have the opportunity to register to vote!
Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful event, Youth in Government Day will once again focus on two important aspects of helping Oakland County students become more active, informed, and influential citizens: critical thinking and developing a broader understanding of the many ways local government impacts daily life.
Take a look at our video for a preview of what students can expect to see and do:
The program will feature sessions facilitated by the 4-H Leadership & Citizen Engagement team, including mock debates on complex issues and interactive exercises that encourage critical thinking and active participation. Students will also visit real courtrooms and engage in a Q&A session with current Oakland County judges. Members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners will host a panel to share insights and answer questions about careers in public service and their experiences as elected officials.
4H Leadership / Civic Engagement Educator Darren Bagley
In addition to hearing from county-wide elected officials, including Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown, Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, and Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, CIO/Deputy Oakland County Executive Phil Bertolini will talk with students about career opportunities in government IT and cyber security. Also on the agenda is Chief Assistant Prosecutor Paul Walton, who will share insights into how his office addresses social media threats and other legal issues that can impact the lives of young people.
Oakland County Clerk / Register of Deeds Lisa Brown helps eligible students register to vote
Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard will participate in the afternoon portion of the program. In addition to learning about the county forensics lab and observing a K-9 unit in action, the students can tour a Lenco Bear armored vehicle – a perfect opportunity for them to try out the 2018 Youth in Government Day Snapchat geofilter that will be custom-designed for the event!
The 2018 Youth in Government Day program will be a great opportunity for area high school students to learn about, engage with and participate in Oakland County government!
We hope you will join us for Youth in Government Day on May 23, 2018!
For more information about the event, visit our Youth in Government Day web page or email BOC Senior Community Liaison Kate Layton at: laytonk@oakgov.com.
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