Michelle Kidess
Channel Islands Regional Director of Media and Publicity for the Junior State of America
Santa Susana High School Chapter JSA Founder and President, Est. 2016
Honor
I am demonstrating honor to my country and school by cultivating a group of students to think about the policies, actions, and the law that governs our country through the processes of debating, hosting a fight apathy day on my campus to both incoming freshman and Santa Susana High School students, and bringing a students to unite together and understand that all opinions and values are accepted.
My main goal in the implementation and founding of Junior State of America Chapter was to provide a safe space for individuals to voice their opinions and values about political issues. I noticed that in several classes, the major international and national issues are not spoken about in the classroom. As I was frustrated that we weren't given a voice, I initiated one of the students.
THE MISSION
Designed and created by Michelle Kidess
WHAT IS VOTER APATHY?
Today’s youth are the first generation to grow up surrounded by information but still are not knowledgeable about issues and the world around them. As part of the Junior State of America’s mission to educate and prepare high school students for a lifetime of political involvement, it is important to take a stand and fight the apathy found in high schools today.
The Fight Apathy Campaign is a national activism initiative aiming to raise awareness about political issues. Fight Apathy is an event held by JSA chapters, such as Santa Susana High School, where students pick up a sticker when entering school which reads, “I believe in…” They write something (anything) into
finish the sentence, and the stickers spark discussion in the school throughout the day.
The stickers serve as a catalyst for discussion about topics including morality, fiscal policy, and elections.
How do we achieve this in JSA?
Through their involvement in JSA, students are able to effect change in government by encouraging politicians to support youth-backed issues. In perfecting their communication skills, students become better leaders. Any student can learn to be a great leader through JSA. The student-run nature of JSA allows students to lead different departments in each state.
Students learn how to work well with others, how to manage large groups, and how to help run low-cost conventions.
JSA students make an impact in their communities. Whether JSA students choose to advocate a particular position in an election, run for a political office, or to help those less fortunate than themselves, they are given the tools to effect change and be model citizens.
FIGHT APATHY DAY
