On April 27th, 2024, a political symposium was hosted by Bro. Sam Bradford in collaboration with the Alpha Mentoring Program at Northwoods City Hall. As an alderman in the Northwoods area, Bro. Bradford organized this event to emphasize the significance of local politics and its impact on our communities. The symposium aimed to educate young participants about the functioning of local government and the importance of their involvement.
Event Overview
The symposium commenced with an introduction to various key figures within the city of Northwoods, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of local governance. Following the introductions, participants engaged in breakout sessions where they thought of various things that they wanted to see changed where they lived and then put it into an ordinance. This hands-on approach culminated in a mock council meeting where each of the four groups presented in a “mock” meeting format, proposed their ordinance idea and voted on it. This allowed the boys to talk about their ordinance idea with everyone and get feedback from the full group as well as from Brother Bradford.
Key Highlights
Focus on Local Governance
Bro. Bradford highlighted critical positions within the city of Northwoods that play pivotal roles in local governance. The symposium, however, aimed to provide a broader understanding of essential roles in cities across America that facilitate local government operations. The primary objective was to educate the participants on the process of law-making at the local level, referred to as ordinances in municipal governance.
Educational Breakout Sessions
The breakout sessions were led by different brothers from the Alpha Mentoring Program. Each group was tasked with creating their own ordinance, fostering innovation and collaboration. The mentors guided the boys in developing cohesive and practical ordinances, sparking creative ideas and ensuring active participation.
Mock Council Meeting
Bro. Bradford presided over a mock board meeting, introducing the participants to Robert's Rules of Order and the workings of city councils nationwide. Each breakout group presented their ordinance in the mock council meeting, experiencing firsthand the procedures involved in passing local laws. This practical exercise helped them understand the intricacies of local governance in a relatable manner.
Q&A Session
The event concluded with a Question and Answer session where the boys had the opportunity to engage with Bro. Bradford, Mayor Sharon Pace, and a police officer. This session provided further insights into the workings of local government and allowed the participants to ask questions about issues affecting their communities.
Conclusion
The political symposium successfully educated young participants on the importance of local government and their role in it. By involving them in practical exercises and interactive sessions, Bro. Sam Bradford and the Alpha Mentoring Program fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for local politics among the youth. This event highlighted the significance of civic engagement and empowered the boys to be active contributors to their communities
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