SR0482 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0482 LRB100 12563 MST 25678 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, According to the Center for Creative Leadership, young people who volunteer in their communities are more likely to vote, stay actively involved in service, and feel empowered as citizens; and

WHEREAS, A study in promoting student engagement by the American Psychological Association found that volunteers become emotionally connected to the communities in which they serve and sustain community involvement after volunteering - a strong positive indicator for future economic growth; and

WHEREAS, Participation in civic engagement activities can help youth become better informed about current events; and

WHEREAS, Other than student government, there are limited opportunities for high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 to partake in civic engagement and receive governmental experience; and

WHEREAS, Illinois currently has more units of local government than any other state in the country; these units may be suited to provide valuable civic learning experiences for the youth of the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage all units of local government with elected boards to allow one non-voting student member to serve on their governing boards; and be it further

RESOLVED, That notwithstanding current provisions of Illinois statutes, units of local government with elected members may decide the manner in which nonvoting student members may be selected to serve as a member of the unit's governing body, whether it be through application, selection by the board, or nomination through a local school district, educational program, club, or youth group; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the unit of local government may determine the length of terms for the nonvoting student member, whether it be for one meeting or an academic school year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution shall be presented to the Illinois State Board of Education as well as organizations representing municipalities, counties, townships.