The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Kyle W. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - SSI Experience Report
My experience with the SSI onsite program last year was very memorable for me. I now look back on the experience with pleasure and am glad that I attended. Although politics and government interest me to no end, I remember I was not very thrilled to give up another weekend for a school purpose. However I gained valuable information and insight into how government works at the state level, why some bills look good on the outside but are actually quite terrible when research and comparisons are done, and also the value of lobbying! I also realized just how full of loop holes and very inconsistent our government can be. This is not by design mind you, our constitution states very clearly what our legislators are supposed to do, however many do not like to succumb to the principles and decrees of the constitution. I see also how big a deal it is too know your facts and also hear what the people have to say about certain bills too.
On the first day of the on site program, all of the students arrived and were placed in different caucuses. Each caucus was then assigned different bills that they would have to go against and support. The next day and half was spent researching, listening to speakers who had experience and or knowledge in these issues and also learning about God's role in Government. We also had some question and answer time with these people who were brought in to help us with knowledge of the topics. The rest of the first day was spent learning how the legislature and government works and how it should be run according to God's word.
The second and last day of the onsite program was very intense. Each caucus had to write speeches for and against certain bills they were assigned too. Each member of the caucus had to give at least one speech while some people gave up to four speeches. This was because other caucuses would lobby other house members to try and convince them why we should vote for their bill. Also sometimes other caucuses would ask other house members to write a speech and speak in favor of there bill. During this time I realized just how important Lobbying and sharing your position with other people can be.
It was a lot of fun and in the end I got to give three speeches. It was a blast and I learned so much about government on the state level, and I also got a grasp of how the legislature works. On the final night we got to listen and give speeches concerning all of the bills that had been so hotly debated the previous couple of days. And then as a body of legislatures everyone got to vote on the different bills concerning what had been presented by each side. I think about ten different bills where voted on that night with some very shocking final voting tallies.
It was an awesome experience that I am thankful for. I am now part of the Ambassador League program and am continuing to learn about God's view of government and how government works. I would recommend to everyone this great program, SSI. I went into it dragging my feet, not excited about having to give up another weekend for school. However I went away excited and challenged by all that I had learned. Politics may not be for everyone, but having a thorough knowledge and understanding about government and knowing how Government works, and how it should according to God's word is for everyone.
