Student Government: What and Why
I would venture to guess that every high school in America has some form of student government. I would also guess that with a little effort, YOU could do a better job that half the people who are in office now. Student government is an integral part of a school structure, and more importantly, can be an integral part of a student's life. From those who are interested in student government, there are two question I here regularly: what is it and why should I do it. In regards to the first, the obvious answer is that it is the student voice in the running of the school. This allows you to use your insight as a student to create a better environment for you and your fellows students. However, student government is more than it appears to be. Although I cannot speak for all high schools, I can tell you about mine. In my school districts, every month a different Student Government President serves as a member of the District School Board. In fact, during the teachers strike of 1996, my school's president Adam Weiss was hailed as the mediator of the debate. Also, student government has access to the entire student body, and can execute massive efforts for political change. The second question is why should I get involved. The answer, most simply, is because you can. Specifically, student government provides to many opportunities to pass up. For one thing, you do get to help improve your school. For another, it gives you a taste of what politics is, which might help you on your career choices. But, what we at You and YOUR Government believe is most important is the knowledge you gain. Not only does this teach you leadership, but also helps to refine your persuasive ability. And, as much as administrators try to deny it, student government teaches you how to work around the system -- bending the laws, not breaking them. So, if government and politics interest you at all, we urge you to take the first step and enter student government.