Civic Engagement and Advocacy in Rural Wisconsin: Youth Development Through Legislative Forums

Youth Development programming that engages youth to work side by with local leaders creates an environment where develop civic skills. These skills include a greater understanding of the legislative process, their role in our democracy, and increased engagement democratic process. Through participation Superior Days Legislative Forum, increase skills, are inspired create change communities, ask questions respond challenges bringing issues concern unique community entire representative body at state capitol. delegates also gain experience partnering adults from establish healthy developmental relationships, expand social networks. This article draws research related engagement, decision-making roles, intended raise voice make change. paper uses focus group interviews as well post-then-pre-program surveys understand impact Forum on participants.