The youth of Michigan using their voices in a forum with Michigan State Representative Candidates

BENTON HARBOR, MI. -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan hosted a forum Thursday afternoon at the Benton Harbor Teen Center with Michigan State Representative Candidates.

The youth of Michigan getting the chance to ask questions about matters important to them. The questions ranged from community education to gun violence and school violence to affordable housing.

The representative candidates answered each question head on, as they would for any audience. Individual Giving Manager, Tess Ulrey, helped organize the event. The questions were crafted by having the members engage in peer led interviews and through a survey that was also sent to parents.

“Over the last couple years our youth has become more and more interested and engaged in civics. A lot of that has to do with the fact that candidates are responsive and here with us,” said Ulrey.

The Michigan State Representative Candidates present were Joey Andrews running for 38th House District, Brad Paquette running for 37th House District, Kevin Whiteford running for 38th House District, George Lucas running for 38th House District, and Angela Jones running for 37th House District.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan charges $5 for members both in summer and the school year, offering the youth a place to engage their curiosity and expand their knowledge with events like these.