Franklinton High School senior Jyra Bickham will serve as an alternate on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, which will work throughout the  school year to influence the legislative process to make the state a better place for young people. The council, composed entirely of students, is appointed annually and will address issues affecting the youth of Louisiana.

The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education oversees the council, which was created by state lawmakers in the 2007 regular session. Now in its third year, the council’s purpose is to facilitate communication between youth and the legislature and to give students a unique opportunity to be involved.

“This is an opportunity for civic-minded young people from across the state to come together and grow as citizens and future leaders,” said Dale Bayard, chairman of the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education and a member of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

Jyra T. Bickham, a senior at Franklinton High School, meets Sen. Ben Nevers while attending her first meeting as an alternate member of the La. Legislative Youth Advisory Council. COURTESY PHOTO Advertisement

Members of the council are selected from a pool of applicants from around the state who display a strong interest in civic involvement. Two student members serve from each of the seven congressional districts (14 members) and seven (7) additional youth members are designated by and represent a school-sponsored or community service club or organization with a civic mission. Members must be between the ages of 14 and 19 and enrolled in a public or private high school or participating in a home study program.

Bickham was selected because of her commitment and interest in raising awareness regarding issues of importance to youth. She is the second student from the Washington Parish area to be chosen for participation with the council. Alternates are an important component to this council and Bickham will be participating in all meetings and most initiatives and activities, and will serve as a voice for other youth attending high schools in Congressional District 1.

“I am thrilled that these young people are interested in their government,” said Beth Courtney, vice-chair of the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education and Executive Director of Louisiana Public Broadcasting. “I am really looking forward to hearing their thoughts and ideas.”

The 2010-2011 Legislative Youth Advisory Council held its orientation and first public hearing at the State Capitol on June 15, which included such discussion topics as bullying, including cyber bullying, harassment and a debate of issues by designated by members. Youth council senior advisors led the orientation, and Tom Ed McHugh of the La. Municipal Association and John Gallagher of the La. City Attorneys Association, led a segment on engaging teens in local government.

Some of the major initiatives and activities of the council include the Louisiana Lighten Up Louisiana Youth Program (www.lightenupiouisiana.org) in partnership with the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; participation in the Louisiana Public Broadcasting program, Louisiana Public Square; and World Peace Day activities, held each fall in partnership with the Louisiana World Peace Day Committee.