Submitted by the Town of Friday Harbor.

The Town of Friday Harbor, in collaboration with Friday Harbor Middle School, hosted an educational event for seventh-grade students to engage with local government through a mock Town Council meeting on Nov. 17. This is the second year the Town has hosted this event. Council members Richard Geffen and Anna Maria de Freitas participated with the students.

“The mock council meeting provides a meaningful opportunity for students to engage directly with the democratic process,” remarked teacher Diane Heller, who uses her Northwest Studies curriculum to examine how government functions at both national and local levels. “By assuming roles as council members and citizens, students learn how local government operates and the importance of civic participation. Experiences like this enliven the classroom and show students that their voices and ideas are crucial in shaping their community.”

The students employed Roberts’ Rules of Order as they held a public hearing. “We were able to experience the voting system and how laws get passed,” said one student. “It was fun to hear everyone’s ideas, and I enjoyed how respectful everyone was even if they had a different opinion.” A student who made a formal public comment said, “I liked when I got to speak because it made me feel like I was making a difference.”

Council member Geffen said the meeting highlighted real-world situations and considerations that local government encounters when proposed developments come before the Council. Council member de Freitas was impressed with the students’ depth of preparation and insightful questions regarding serving in public office, adding that she looks forward to these future leaders playing an integral role in the local community.

“The Town is grateful we could provide this opportunity for the students to learn that their government exists to serve them,” said Town Administrator Denice Kulseth. “While we may not be able to resolve every issue, we strive to tackle the ones we can and clarify the reasons behind those we cannot.” The Town plans to continue offering mock council opportunities to local students.