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Marion County Teenage Republicans
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TeenPact- "Turning Students into Statesman"
by Heather Osborne
What does the chicken dance, a
mock legislature, ultimate frisbee, a debate, and interviews with
lobbyists have in common? – They are all a part of the TeenPact
Four-day State Class! When my mom first asked me if I would be
interested in attending TeenPact over my spring break, I was hesitant.
However, now, I am so glad I went!
After analyzing and writing a couple of bills, memorizing my State officials, reading a book about responsible citizenship, listening to and outlining my governor's State of the State Address, completing a five page vocabulary list, and finishing several other assignments, I was finally ready to attend the 2008 TeenPact Florida State Class. I had originally looked forward to attending the class; but, after weeks of seemingly piles of homework to complete, I was having second thoughts. Finally, around noon on a Monday, I arrived in the rotunda of the Florida State capitol; and, about a hour and a half later, I was convinced that TeenPact was the most amazing student leadership and government class in the entire world!
Throughout the course of four days at the capitol, I participated in presenting and debating bills, interviewing lobbyists, seeing and listening to well-respected government officials, going on prayer walks throughout the capitol, and learning about practical ways that ordinary citizens can impact government and involve themselves in government. Around four o'clock in the evening, all the TeenPact students and staff would head back to the camp at which we stayed. There at the camp, we would have dinner, play games such as four square and ultimate frisbee, and have a praise and worship service and Bible study.
TeenPact is an organization dedicated to "Turning Students into Statesmen," and they accomplish that goal by providing a hands-on, conservative learning environment and classes taught from a Biblical worldview. Also, most of the teens present at the four-day class seem to have a respect for each other and authority which helps create an atmosphere ideal for fun learning!
I cannot express all the ways TeenPact has impacted my life, and I hope that you will seriously consider participating in this great organization. You can find more information on the TeenPact website at www.teenpact.com.
After analyzing and writing a couple of bills, memorizing my State officials, reading a book about responsible citizenship, listening to and outlining my governor's State of the State Address, completing a five page vocabulary list, and finishing several other assignments, I was finally ready to attend the 2008 TeenPact Florida State Class. I had originally looked forward to attending the class; but, after weeks of seemingly piles of homework to complete, I was having second thoughts. Finally, around noon on a Monday, I arrived in the rotunda of the Florida State capitol; and, about a hour and a half later, I was convinced that TeenPact was the most amazing student leadership and government class in the entire world!
Throughout the course of four days at the capitol, I participated in presenting and debating bills, interviewing lobbyists, seeing and listening to well-respected government officials, going on prayer walks throughout the capitol, and learning about practical ways that ordinary citizens can impact government and involve themselves in government. Around four o'clock in the evening, all the TeenPact students and staff would head back to the camp at which we stayed. There at the camp, we would have dinner, play games such as four square and ultimate frisbee, and have a praise and worship service and Bible study.
TeenPact is an organization dedicated to "Turning Students into Statesmen," and they accomplish that goal by providing a hands-on, conservative learning environment and classes taught from a Biblical worldview. Also, most of the teens present at the four-day class seem to have a respect for each other and authority which helps create an atmosphere ideal for fun learning!
I cannot express all the ways TeenPact has impacted my life, and I hope that you will seriously consider participating in this great organization. You can find more information on the TeenPact website at www.teenpact.com.
below is Heather Osborne (black blouse, back row, third from the right) with her TeenPact peers
Marion County Teenage Republicans Striving to Make a Difference
by Heather Osborne
"...Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." (Romans 9:17b, KJV) When I read this Bible verse a couple of years ago, it stuck in my head and seemed to pierce the very depths of my heart. For a while, I had been contemplating what I should do with my life. – How could I best fulfill that purpose mentioned in Romans?
I still don't know exactly what plans God has for my life, as I'm only an eleventh grade high school student. However, I do know that as long as I make myself available to Him, God will use me for a specific and special purpose; and the same is also true for you if you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have placed Him first in your life.
So you may be thinking, "What does this have to do with politics?" Well, becoming involved in the political arena is a wonderful opportunity to defend and fight for your country without having to ever join the military! A very real war is raging in the hearts and minds of Americans, and the battle in which we are engaged is of principles and ideals. It is up to us, as American citizens, to ensure that righteousness prevails.
For as long as I can remember, my friend Kameron Sandy, who is almost a year older than I, was involved in some aspect of politics. She worked on more campaigns than I care to count and always had the answers to questions concerning government. It was Kameron who inspired me to become politically involved and asked me to help her start Marion County Teenage Republicans.
In January of 2007, several friends met at Kameron's house to discuss how to start MCTARs. We brain-stormed ideas for our club's purpose, Constitution, and activities. We also decided that Kameron would preside as Chairwoman, a girl named Mary Jo would become Vice Chairwoman, a guy named Jordan would act as Treasurer, and I would be Secretary. Kameron contacted a local former campaign manager who agreed to be our sponsor (someone who provides direction for the club and attends club meetings).
Unfortunately, in the fall of that same year, Kameron had to resign her position because she was leaving for college. However, upon her resignation, I was elected Chairwoman. Did I ever have my work cut out for me! After that first meeting our club grew: we had debates, guest speakers, and various political outings.
Being the Chairwoman of MCTARs has been both a honor and a privilege. However, the organization of Marion County Teenage Republicans faces many challenges. It is not easy starting a political club making it a wonderful, hands-on learning experience! To start such a club, it takes a lot of enthusiasm, motivation, humility, and hard work! However, in the end, it proves to be a rewarding experience. MCTARs is fortunate to have a wonderful sponsor, an enthusiastic board, and a great group of Republican teenagers who have all helped me with the many challenges presented by the office of Chairman. Though challenging at times, being part of such a great organization has proven to be a worth-while endeavor.
America needs teenagers like you –teens who are willing to stand up for their conservative beliefs and values, who are not afraid to swim upstream, and who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to make a positive difference. Remember Edmund Burke's warning: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Politics is only one of the much-needed areas in which we can make a huge impact on society. I do not know God's specific plans for your life, but I do know He has raised you up so that "[He] may show [His] power in you and that [His] name will be declared throughout all the earth." If you have any questions regarding Marion County Teenage Republicans or starting your own Republican club you may contact any member of the board at marioncountytars@gmail.com .