“The First District Congressional Youth Cabinet is a source of immeasurable pride for me. The young men and women that make up this extraordinary group are not only an inspiration in their commitment to public service, but an invaluable source of information for me on the issues that affect youth throughout the community.” – Congressman John B. Larson
Who We Are and Why Our Voice Count
The First Congressional Youth Cabinet was created in 2008 by Congressman John B. Larson. It is comprised of two students from each high school within Connecticut’s First Congressional District. According to Congressman Larson, the youth voice provides a unique and valuable perspective on shaping American policy. He has made the term “youth engagement” a meaningful and genuine action. The Youth Cabinet is a concrete demonstration of his strong commitment to the health and wellbeing of children, youth, and families in the First District and across the nation.
At no point in American history is youth engagement more critical than now; and new technology provides youth with powerful new tools for positive action. No one can deny that we live in a global and technologically advanced world – a world in which people can connect and do business from anywhere on the planet in literally an instant. This creates an exciting opportunity for today's youth, who have access to technologies that were unimaginable a generation ago. Technological changes over the past few decades have affected almost everything that our parents, grandparents and ancestors have known in their homes, lives, and work places.
We believe American youth have not been stunted by technology, but rather are the face of how technological change is enriching our lives. Youth are the hosts of a new potential that provides Americans with increased ability to shape our nation’s path and role in the leadership of a new world. Youth have unprecedented access to a vast network of peers. Youth can communicate with one another in real time and can be valuable in strengthening the ties that bind us regardless of how government sees their role. Today's youth are changing how the youth of the future will live.
In many ways, today’s youth are finding themselves on the edge of a new frontier. In this new frontier our nation must remain strong and show the world the strength of its democratic government. Youth involvement is the catalyst to a healthy and strong democracy and we believe the Youth Cabinet can help youth realize their incredible potential. All members of the Congressional Youth Cabinet are nominated by their schools to serve. If you would like more information on this process, please contact Ed Skowronek on my staff at (860) 278-8888. Click here for more information on how to join the First Congressional Youth Cabinet.
Forum on Youth Engagement
Thursday, August 29th, Congressman Larson joined members of the First Congressional Youth Cabinet to host a forum on youth engagement. Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill and other leading experts discussed the importance of youth engagement and what meaningful youth engagement looks like in practice. Other speakers included Alex Wirth of The Huffington Post, author Kim Sabo-Flores and Thaddeus Ferber, Vice President of Policy for the Forum on Youth Investment.
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First Congressional Youth Cabinet members
