EDITORIAL : KIDS TODAY, THEY'RE OK; TEEN VOLUNTEERS ARE REINVENTING NORTHEAST VALLEY POLITICS AND RAISING MONEY FOR WORTHY CAUSES.YOUNG volunteers are re-energizing politics in the Northeast Valley at the same time teen-age volunteers are raising money for worthy causes. Perhaps teens aren't as cynical and self-absorbed as their elders believe. For example, in local elections, candidates are enlisting teens to get the word out and get the vote out with newly registered Latino voters. And they're making a difference in key races. Richard Alarcon, who left the 7th District City Council seat to run for the state Senate seat he won, credited much of his success to his young volunteers. Now candidates seeking to replace Alarcon on the City Council are also using students to help in their elections. But is it wise to encourage impressionable youth to get involved in politics, which isn't exactly enjoying widespread public esteem right now? In fact, nothing could be a better outlet for kids. Part of growing up involves finding your voice. San Fernando High School San Fernando High School, located in San Fernando, California, is a secondary school that is a part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The school colors are black and gold. All girl teams are referred to as Lady Tigers, all boy teams simply as Tigers. senior Abraham Arriaga admitted the experience of working precincts for Panorama City Democratic Assemblyman Tony Cardenas Tony Cardenas served in the California State Assembly. In the Assembly, he had the powerful position of chair of the Budget Committee. He is now a Los Angeles City Councilman, representing the 6th district, which includes parts of the San Fernando Valley. helped him overcome his shyness and build self-confidence. Others talk about the educational experience they gain and how it helps students become of aware of legislation that's being considered. Democracy hinges on participation. When citizens become disillusioned dis·il·lu·sion tr.v. dis·il·lu·sioned, dis·il·lu·sion·ing, dis·il·lu·sions To free or deprive of illusion. n. 1. The act of disenchanting. 2. The condition or fact of being disenchanted. and stop caring and stop voting, the system no longer responds to ordinary people. Anything that rejuvenates an out-of-touch, uncaring, unhealthy form of government gets our wholehearted whole·heart·ed adj. Marked by unconditional commitment, unstinting devotion, or unreserved enthusiasm: wholehearted approval. whole support. Politics is just one area where teens are making a difference. In fact, it seems kids today can teach adults a thing or two about civic responsibility in all walks of life. On Sunday, teen-agers from across the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. were not walking the walk but talking the talk to raise $1.5 million in one day for the Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance's annual Super Sunday The term Super Sunday may refer to the following
Among the 1,000 volunteers, young volunteers targeted kids their own age to donate $18 each. The proceeds go to support programs that combat hunger, disease, disability, family violence, and alcohol and drug addiction drug addiction or chemical dependency Physical and/or psychological dependency on a psychoactive (mind-altering) substance (e.g., alcohol, narcotics, nicotine), defined as continued use despite knowing that the substance causes harm. in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. , along with Israel and 58 other countries around the globe. How refreshing to find that kids today are finding that people don't have to grow old before they learn to give back to the community and get involved. It's a lesson we could all learn. |
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