Thank you teachers!
Every week should be Teacher Appreciation Week! Teachers work hard to prepare students -- who will one day be the leaders of our schools, businesses, community, state, and nation. Many thanks to all teachers, with a special shout-out to those who serve as GenerationNation School Representatives and connect their schools to K-12 civic literacy and leadership!

Youth Leadership Alliance of Charlotte-Mecklenburg  
It is an engaging launch year for the communitywide youth council, a program of GenerationNation in partnership with the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and CMS.

In May, youth will talk with officials, including Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio, about local government, community priorities, and the budget process. In the past few weeks, youth council members have enjoyed several opportunities to learn about civic issues and talk with leaders. 
 

 

Students interviewed former US Senator Olympia Snowe and learned about research and policy from state and local leaders. South Mecklenburg's Clarissa Brooks was quoted in the Washington Post. Learn more  


 
High school senior Stuart Algood organized a petition and addressed the city council about his personal request for a special election for mayor. At the next evening's youth council meeting, Stuart had the opportunity to talk with Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee to better understand how the city is managed and why this mayor was appointed. Learn more 

 
During spring break, teens explored community history, policy and growth on a Community Building Initiative bus tour led by historian Tom Hanchett. Later, they talked with the City Manager about local government careers, took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Government Center, had a mock deliberation and vote in the meeting chambers, and visited the Mecklenburg County courthouse. Learn more


 
Several youth shared their personal views about CMS and the budget at the Board of Education's public hearing. Afterward, they were interviewed by NBC Charlotte. Learn more 
 
  
Students will report on their year in a few weeks. Over 100 teens representing 28 high schools have participated in youth council meetings and activities this year. They've weighed in on community issues such as planning, education, economic development, and budgeting; hosted dialogues with city, county, and CMS officials; created a candidate guide for the local election; participated in service-learning projects; represented Charlotte-Mecklenburg at local and state events; and other activities.  
 
All local high school students are invited to join the youth council. Learn more 
  
Learning Center
Educators, visit www.generationnation.org/learn for classroom resources and activities such as editorial cartoons, local government budgets and priorities, Election 2014, and lots more.

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GenerationNation educates and engages K-12 students to lead.
Smart, fun, innovative programs tied to Common Core and other educational goals connect classroom learning with real-life experiences to help students build civic literacy and leadership from an early age. GenerationNation is home of K-12 civic education, Kids Voting, Youth Civics 101, Youth Voice/Youth Press Corps, Youth Leadership Alliance and other educational initiatives.