Youth Advisory Group gives students a chance to speak out

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By Mark Ambrogi

U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.) wants to make sure young people have a voice in important issues. So the Congresswoman decided to form a Youth Advisory Group.

“I am so encouraged Fifth District students have an opportunity to share their concerns and thoughts with me through the Youth Advisory Group,” Brooks stated. “Reaching out to young people is a priority of mine. During our recent meeting, participants identified and discussed vital priorities including the national debt, foreign affairs and veterans services.”

Rapp
Rapp

Zionsville Community High School junior Urban Rapp and Carmel High School senior Logan Farrell were two of the students who attended the first meeting on Jan. 31. Both intend to return for the next meeting on April 18

“My dad has always been interested in politics, and I’ve met Susan Brooks a couple of times and I really do like her,” Rapp said. “Another reason I went is to get myself more involved in politics because I’m about the age when I’m going to be able to vote.”

Rapp said the group talked about a variety of government issues, not just those pertaining specifically to teens. The national debt and veteran care were among the topics discussed, as well as the legalization of marijuana and school starting times.

Rapp plans to enlist in the U.S. Army after he graduates from high school and attend college while in the military.

“I plan to major in justice because later on I would like to be a federal marshal,” Rapp said.

Farrell
Farrell

Farrell, 18, was applying for West Point and the Air Force Academy. As a step in the process, Farrell learned he needed a nomination from a U.S. Senator or U.S. Congress member. So Farrell went to meet and greet Brooks before he requested an interview for the nomination.

“She started talking about political issues and asked me what was important to me,” Farrell said. “She suggested I sign up for the Youth Advisory Group to get connected with her and so she could get a better feel for who I was. My secondary goal turned out is I was interested in politics, which not many people my age are. I figured if I could contribute, then I might be able to make a difference and put in a voice for my peer group.”

Farrell, an Eagle Scout, later learned he was medically disqualified from the Air Force because of a concussion and is going to enroll in Purdue’s School of Technology in the fall.

Andy King, a staff assistant for Brooks, said 34 students came to the first meeting. King said the office posted on social media and included a write-up in the newsletter encouraging students to sign up through the website. Invitations were sent to the students that signed up, which now includes more than 60 students.

MORE INFO

Learn more about the Youth Advisory Group at susanwbrooks.house.gov/services/youth-advisory-group.


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