Mission Statement
The Youth Caucus has a two part mission:
1. ENGAGE students in the political process
2. ADVOCATE for issues that students care about (for now, we are working on improving education)

Background
Last March, the Oregon Bus Project helped organize more than 700 students for a Model Presidential Nominating Convention. As these smart, motivated, well-prepared students came together, they gave us the impression that there is more to high school students than slacking off and skipping school. Last October, Trick or Vote showed the world that high school students care about the political future of our country. The hundreds of student volunteers who participated in that event demonstrated the political power that students can wield. So, we did the obvious thing…we gathered together to figure out what we want to get accomplished and the messages we would stand for. Since then, we have participated in some pretty tight events, like the School Funding Rally, which made the front page of The Oregonian and influenced legislators' decisions about the budget for Oregon public schools. Recently, we laid out a blueprint for how the Youth Caucus will serve as the voice of Oregon's High Schoolers. With our Steering Committee alone representing 7 schools and all 4 grades, wherever we go, we'll be sure to be noticed. But our work isn't done yet… now we want your help in deciding where we go from here!

The Youth Caucus Leadership Council is a group of high school students who represent the political voice of youth in Oregon and present their peers with a variety of opportunities for political empowerment, expression, and real-world leadership experience.  By engaging students in the political process and advocating for issues that students care about, the Youth Caucus Leadership Council plans activities and sets goals to assure students that age need not limit their ability to make their voice heard or participate in their democracy.  

Join theYOUTHcaucus today!