CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN TIMES OF CRISIS
The Junior State of America will hold its first-ever virtual Fall State Convention. Our 10 states have combined to bring you five virtual conventions, filled with innovative activities, as well as the traditional JSA debates and thought talks you have come to expect. Student leaders hope you can join hundreds of other students and teachers from across the JSA nation for an exciting educational experience at this week-long examination of the challenging nature of being civically engaged in times of change and crisis.
LEARN HOW TO BE PROACTIVE
WHEN THE WORLD NEEDS YOU MOST
1 CONFERENCE
7 DAYS
3,000 YOUNG PEOPLE
CREATING LONG-LASTING CHANGE
VIRTUALLY
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Valerie Jarrett
Senior Advisor to Former President Barack Obama
Why Now?
Living through a global pandemic is not insignificant. But it is only a part of what lies ahead for all of us. Social justice movements have highlighted the inequities of our society for the world to see. Though we might not always agree on how we should respond, we are united in the belief that our government, our culture, our society, need to be better. And we are united in the belief that civic action and engagement will make a difference.
Our Solution
Students across the country are starting or continuing their leadership and civic action journeys in one of this country’s most difficult times. A global pandemic, a social justice crisis, and one of the most important elections in modern history come together to create a major challenge for all Americans.
How will we respond? As passionate change agents in the United States, it is essential that students learn about their rights and protections, and how to be educated and engaged voters. As presidential candidates and state and local politicians spar over the topics of pandemic response and civil unrest, it is imperative that students remain engaged in the process of civic action.
How can students respond to these challenging times? It is no small task, but as a JSA participant, you are no average student. With the right skills and experience, you can affect the changes needed to move our country forward. Join us at Fall State to begin or continue your journey of civic engagement. Participate in debates, thought talks, activism fairs, and connect to others.
What is Fall State?
Each year, JSA's first convention of the year is guided by a theme selected by our student Council of Governors. The theme reflects perspective, ideas, and issues that are paramount and relevant to young people in the nation.
At Fall State, debate resolutions will investigate factions of society — from political parties to rural constituencies to activist movements — and aim to inspire empathy and understanding. By bringing together large groups of students with diverse opinions and perspectives, JSA young people learn how to approach problems with open-mindedness and practical solutions.
SAMPLE AGENDA
Saturday
10:00 - 10:30: Opening Session
10:30 - 11:20: Block One (Debates)
Break (10 minutes)
11:30 - 12:30: Block Two (Activism)
Lunch (1 hour)
1:30 - 2:30: Social Block
Break (10 minutes)
2:40 - 4:00: Block Three (Debate, SCOTUS and Presidential)
Break (10 minutes)
4:10 - 4:30: Fashion Show
Break (10 minutes)
4:40 - 5:30: Block Four (Debate)
5:30 - 6:00: State Closing Session
Sunday
10:00 - 11:00: State of the State + Chapter Caucus
11:00 - 11:50: Block One (Debates)
*Snack* Break (10 minutes)
12:00 - 12:40: Keynote
Lunch (1 hour)
1:40 - 3:00: Block Two (Debate, World Leader Conference + Pandemic Crisis Session)
Break (10 minutes)
3:10 - 4:00: Block Three (Debate)
4:00 - 4:30: Closing Session