[Mpls] Democracy in action!

[Brionna Harder]

I think it is appropriate, considering the subject line, to share a brief 
anecdote regarding democracy in action.  Annie Young kicked off this year's 
Patrick Henry Political Forum on September 22nd.  The Political Forum is an 
after-school opportunity for students to engage in conversations with 
elected and appointed public officials.  As you may recall, the storm that 
hit Minneapolis, particularly North Minneapolis, pretty hard was the day 
before.  Students had several questions about the clean up efforts.  
(Particularly heart-breaking to the PHHS community was the loss of our big, 
beautiful evergreen in the Patrick Henry courtyard.)  Ms. Young listened to 
the students, explained how the Park and Recreation Board is involved in 
such efforts and followed up with a couple of emails that I shared with the 
students, most of them being ninth graders.  It was wonderful to see the 
looks on their faces as they understood that they could be a part of the 
political process.  Follow-up conversations have also been fun.

So, thanks, Annie, for your continued participation in the program and 
thanks for kicking off this year's series.  I appreciate it and the kids do 
as well.

Brionna Harder
St Paul resident, Minneapolis teacher