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
It is with a heavy heart that the Board of Directors of the Junior State of America (JSA) is announcing the closure and dissolution of the organization effective August 31, 2024. After 90 years of inspiring student engagement in civics and activism, and after long business considerations, we have made this difficult decision to officially close the organization.
While this chapter of JSA's history is coming to an end, the impact of our organization will continue to resonate through the hundreds of thousands of lives touched by our programs. Thank you for being a part of the JSA community and for your unwavering commitment to being the people who make a difference.
Read the full announcement at https://bit.ly/4ciIIqc.
International Attorney|| Energy, Climate Change Policy, International Arbitration
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