Junior State of America (JSA)’s Post

This is truly heartbreaking news, given that American democracy is in dire need of organizations like the Junior State of America (JSA). JSA not only gave me a transformative sense of purpose and community but also taught me about true statesmanship and the pillars of a healthy democracy— that is, civil and free discourse, civic engagement and representation that is inclusive of all swaths of society, and civic education for future generations of leaders, both in the US and abroad. From attending the 2012 Moctezuma Leadership Summit and the summer programs at Stanford (2011), Princeton (2012), Davis (2012), and Georgetown (2013) to serving as NorCal JSA's Expansion Director and Chapter President of American Indian Public High School's JSA chapter (among other roles), I was heavily involved in JSA. And, naturally, JSA had a significant impact on the trajectory of my own life. It was at a JSA year-round conference that I learned about the existence of my alma mater, Claremont McKenna College, and was encouraged to apply. It was through JSA that I developed my passion for public service and intercultural exchange, leading me to intern for Congresswoman Barbara Lee and become a Top 2 Finalist for Oakland's Public Ethics Commission last December. And, just as important, it was at these countless JSA programs and conferences that I gained cherished memories and forged invaluable friendships (some of whom I still stay in touch with today). It is my hope that the JSA Governors' efforts to reinvent the organization succeed. As the U.S.A. marches forward in the face of polarization, I pray that this vacuum in youth civic education is filled by the leadership and example of those of us who benefitted immensely from programs like JSA. #JSA #bethepeople #statesmenship #democracy #youth #civicengagement #juniorstateofamerica

My phone blew up today with news of Junior State of America (JSA) winding down after 90 years. For a '90s high school student, JSA was formative (I was a Mayor, a Lt. Governor, and went to Georgetown & Montezuma). What made JSA special? 1️⃣ 👫 💡 Diversity of people & ideas. NJ high school was ... beige, racially and intellectually. At JSA, kids (and their parents) came from all over the place, with ideas which were all over the place. The most diverse environment I experienced until - a decade later - HBS. 2️⃣ 🛩 Travel. 🏛 DC, 🗽 NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco. Without parents, and cell phones! Opened up new worlds for me. 3️⃣ 🗣 Speaking and Conflict. Once upon a time I didn't like public speaking (I know, hard to believe). JSA's approach to debate taught not just public speaking & opposing ideas in public, but also building friendships & leaving public conflict behind when the debate was done. Unique in today's world. 4️⃣ 📜 Paperwork. Hear me out. JSA had a lot of paperwork -- Resolutions. Agendas. Membership rolls, all with minimal computers. Effectively navigating bureaucracy is perhaps the defining skill of adulting. Without even realizing it, I learned to do that in JSA. 5️⃣ 🤗 Friends & 🤝 Leaders. JSA alums of that era became lawyers, business leaders, political leaders, social justice activists, and even rabbis. Several married each other. People like Israel "Izzy" Klein, Cindy Chen, Rachel Derkits-Gelman, and Abby Gordon still influence how I think about friendship, politics, and even parenting today. JSA's moment may have passed. No doubt other groups will fill these roles for the post-COVID high school generation. But it will be missed.

An introduction to me and what I do .

Some thoughts that I shared on stage at IPSS 2024 about equity success measurement. Again - a huge thanks to Resource Works Stewart Muir and Margareta Dovgal for hosting our panel on Partnership in Principle & in Practice: Measuring Progress. Check out the clip below!

So honored to be selected for an opportunity learn more about economic development.

Here's what our new Associate Dean for Foundation Programmes, Regine Block, has to say about what students can expect when they study with LCCA. #LCCALife #LCCA #BeLimitless #LCCAFoundation #FoundationProgramme

#TodayInFocus we're sharing the inspiring story of the Asbury family for honoring their parents' love of education by creating the Asbury Scholarship! The scholarship, held at FFTC, is a way for the Asbury family to provide an opportunity to someone who needs it, because their belief is, “Education is so important, and it can never be taken away from you.” It's inspiring to see how their legacy will live on for generations to come. Learn more about how you can leave your own legacy: https://ow.ly/15lN50Rv0br

Once more, I encourage you to consider honing your mind, testing your limits and advancing your global ideas alongside a transformational group of people. https://lnkd.in/eGhj2FUx

Such a great opportunity for companies and colleagues to spotlight their up and coming talent in Rochester! Recognize your best talent, give them growth opportunities beyond the routine, and show other young professional talent you support their professional and personal growth! Let me know if you have any questions.

Does the professional development that university-based public service organizations provide have long-term impact? Yes. Yes it does. Check out this alumni spotlight from GEDI #professionaldevelopment #localimpact #publicservice