First meeting of 2022 tonight (the 12th) via Microsoft Teams
Getting teens and pre-teens involved in local government — it sounds like a hard sell in this day and age.
But that’s just what County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry is touting — teaching the inner workings of government through the Osceola County Student Committee.
It’s a group about twodozen local fifth through 12th graders who meet the second Wednesday of each month to learn a kid’s-eye view of how it all works.
“I started after I got elected (in 2016),” she said. “I wanted to start committees where people could speak to me directly. I knew we needed to get more involvement from that age group. When I first announced it in 2017 and got 20 kids, I thought that was cool.”
The basic premise is to take a piece of government — budgeting, programs, grants, staffing — and break it down in a way to interest them. For example, at one recent meeting they played a board game in which groups have to maintain a balanced budget despite challenges and disasters by finding revenue, or amending or cutting services.
“We’ve had some great success, the kids love it, and the parents love it, but I don’t let them speak at the meetings — on purpose. This is the kids’ meeting, they do everything.”
Last year, Choudhry even had the group help review proposals for betterment grants.
“It’s the exact engagement I was looking for — kids are so honest. It was amazing,” she said.
Choudhry also involves the committee members in her social service events with groups like the Salvation Army, helping learn what goes into putting on a community event.
“I involve them, because kids really do want to be involved,” Choudhry said, with her face lighting up talking about it.
“When kids first start out, they don’t understand what it is; ‘My mom thought it was a good idea, and I need volunteer hours,’” she said. “Most kids are interested in knowing what we do. Once they’re involved, I get to see them light up. “Some of the older kids have even talked about running for office later on after saying their families never talked about it. They see the possibilities of what a commissioner can do, and ask questions you wouldn’t think a child ask about local government.”
In the end, she feels the Student Committee helps bolster the community, in that learning about county government helps make a difference in their lives once they become adults.
The next meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesdays of the month, so upcoming meetings are on Feb. 9, March 9 and April 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the county administration building. (January’s meeting was on Teams).
For information, email the commissioner at Peggy. Choudhry@osceola.org
