Today In Mississippi

Strong values, leadership skills
emerge at annual youth workshop

By Michael Callahan
Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Executive Vice President/CEO

I wish everyone who has doubts about the state of today’s youth could see some of Mississippi’s best in action at the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop.

First, a little background: More than 60 juniors from high schools across the state converged in Jackson last month for the three-day workshop. Each student was sponsored by his or her electric power association, with 19 electric power associations participating in the program. The workshop gives students opportunities to personally meet their legislators and other elected officials (including Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant this year), watch the House or Senate in session at the state Capitol, and take part in hands-on team-building exercises that teach leadership, cooperation and good decision making. A bonus is the friendships the students forge with each other during the activities.

These students earn their ticket to the workshop through a local competition conducted by their electric power association. It’s not an easy process, and the students who prevail are winners in more ways than one.

We are always impressed with the quality of the students the program attracts each year, and this year’s group was no exception. They looked sharp and dressed appropriately. They spoke to us older folks (and each other) with respect. The questions they asked indicated a knowledge of and interest in current affairs. And their participation in workshop activities demonstrated creativity, enthusiasm, quick thinking and leadership ability.

Mississippi’s state elected officials are familiar with this group. Legislators are invited to eat breakfast with the group on the morning of their Capitol tour, and a great many of them take advantage of the opportunity. Legislators’ schedules are always jam-packed with committee meetings during the legislative session, and time is tight for them. We always appreciate those who take time out to meet with our group. Usually the governor or lieutenant governor meets briefly with the students, or speaks at our luncheon, to give them an overview of current legislation and a leadership pep talk.

So, if your perception of today’s youth needs a makeover, consider our Youth Leadership Workshop participants. Their example may give you a new attitude.

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Electric Power Associations of Mississippi
P.O. Box 3300 Ridgeland, Mississippi 39158-3300 phone 601.605.8600 fax 601.605.8601