By Joe English

WASHINGTON D.C.–Networking, debating, and touring the capital, ten of Galway’s Junior Statesmen travelled to Washington D.C. this past weekend.  By participating in a regional political convention, Galway’s delegates met with nearly a thousand other leaders to discuss the most pressing issues our nation faces today.  As the newest Chapter in the Northeast, Galway made an impression on the regional leadership, won awards for debate, and befriended countless leaders from across the region.

 The convention, called “Winter Congress,” was hosted by the Junior State of America—a national, student-run organization.  Educating America’s youth, JSA aims to improve democracy through constructive discussion and political teamwork.  For 84 years, the nonpartisan organization has used summer school programs, seasonal conventions, and a fully-functional student government to inspire youth across the country.  A handful of Galway students formed a local Chapter this year, expanding membership to nearly 30 students in just six months.

 At Winter Congress, Chapters took on the role of our nation’s legislature.  Acting as congressmen and senators, Junior Statesmen wrote bills, amendments, and resolutions prior to the conference.  In Washington D.C., they debated their legislation in committees, passing or failing laws like Congress.  The constructive debates impassioned students, educating them on the issues that threaten our nation today.  In total, our ten delegates made over 25 speeches, discussing economic recovery plans, environmental regulations on corporations, the future of Planned Parenthood, formal apologies to Native Americans, merit pay in public schools, and countless other topics.  At the end of the convention, the Galway Chapter brought home two prestigious “JSA Best Speaker” awards for outstanding debate performance.  The Galway Chapter was especially grateful to the Galway Education Foundation, who generously donated $1,200 to make the trip possible.

 The convention offered social and cultural experiences as well.  Before the convention began, students explored Washington D.C.—a hotbed of political activism.  Galway delegates were able to tour the White House, Capitol Building, and Smithsonian museums on Friday morning.  Further, they walked through the “Occupy Washington D.C.” encampment, visited the Library of Congress, and wandered through the famous holocaust museum.  On Friday and Saturday nights, Junior Statesmen attended dances to socialize with the hundreds of other leaders attending the conference.

 As Galway JSA’s second convention, Winter Congress gave students an opportunity to debate, socialize, and network with youth from across the Northeast.  Immersing our Chapter in the political world, the conference provided students with invaluable cultural experiences.  The delegates made a fantastic impression for Galway, and hope to attend the “Spring State” convention in April.  Congratulations to our Galway Junior Statesmen for a successful trip!