IN THE COMMUNITY: FIRST CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH CABINET ANNOUNCEMENT

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008; US Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the creation of the First Congressional District's Youth Cabinet. The cabinet, says Larson, will bring together youth from the Hartford area to discuss and get involved in some of the key issues affecting today's youth. The cabinet members will have unprecedented access to the legislative process and a voice in the future of the country. Larson was joined by Connecticut's Child Advocate Jeane Milstein, Dr. David Carter, Chancellor of the Connecticut State University System, Oz Griebel of Hartford Metro Alliance and youth speakers from the first congressional district.According to Larson, the cabinet is the first congressional youth advisory board in the nation.

Among the youth who attended, Aspirantes, Christian Velasquez and Juan Morales from Bulkeley High School in Hartford, took part in the announcement. Christian and Juan found the entire experience extremely exciting and considered the creation of such an advisory board as a historical break through. Building upon their ASPIRA training as leaders, both students expressed high interest in becoming nominees for the youth cabinet and were asked to contact the Superintendent of School’s office in Hartford, to request an application.