Beliefs
Obama is new role model, new hope for African-American teens
The last day of the Democratic National Convention when Barack Obama spoke about the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech is when I became emotionally engaged.
I was no longer happy to vote just because it was my first time voting. I was proud to vote because of the historic meaning this election represented. I became inspired while watching Obama deliver his great speech to cap off a great convention.
Change was the message Barack Obama used to motivate his voters. I hope change can help put an end to the race issue in America. The country
has come a long way — no doubt — but there still is more to be done. Sometimes my friends and I talk about times when we felt we were being stereotyped as thugs. I also hope Obama can help more young blacks get serious about politics.... Read more >>
Your Turn -- Teens advise the new president on what youth need
September’s Your Turn writing contest asked teens to give their opinion on what the next president could do for American youth. Here is a collection of the advice they have for President Barack Obama.... Read more >>
Roller-coaster economy: Are teens feeling financial pain?
You probably know a parent, teacher or adult who is continually groaning about the stock market. Many have their retirement savings invested in this roller-coaster market. Others are worried about losing homes, high gas prices, high food prices, and their ability to get loans from banks that can’t borrow money themselves.
How are these hard times hitting teens? Have you or your family had to make any hard choices lately? Are you worried about being able to get a loan for college? Have you lost a job because your company cut back? Do you work at a mall where you’ve noticed less people are shopping?
We want to know what you think about this economic downturn and how it is impacting you.
First-place winner receives $100. Runners-up will receive $25 Target gift certificates. And the first five submissions receive a cool, ThreeSixty t-shirt.
The submission deadline is Monday, Dec. 2
Read more >>Youngest republican delegate says participating in RNC was historic
Mike Knopf is in many ways an ordinary teen. He plays high school football, works a part-time job and has a girlfriend. But in politics, he is different. In a year when most young voters are supporting Barack Obama, the 17-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, is a huge John McCain supporter. He was the youngest delegate at the Republican National Convention held in September in St. Paul. ... Read more >>
September Your Turn -- essay highlights
Several of September’s essays contained illuminating points about what teenagers care about right now. We liked them so much that we put together a list of their quotes.
Immigration
I want Barack Obama to open the border for three reasons. First, most of the Latinos want jobs. Second they want a life that Mexico can’t give us. Third, Latinos are not criminals; we just want a better life for our kids such as education, jobs, and things like that. — Luis Pacheco, 14, Harding High School... Read more >>
September Your Turn contest winners
More than 120 students around the Twin Cities submitted essays to September’s Your Turn on what they would tell the presidential candidates about how they can help American youth. The responses were incredibly diverse and ranged from calls to end the war in Iraq, a solution to teen homelessness, and a request for an iPhone.
The winners this month were Global Warming by Rachel Mosca, Dear Mr. President by Claire Mahoney, Senority means nothing by Matteo Alampi, Hopes for the future by Chris Ulrich, and Asking Barack Obama to lower gas prices by Mai Der Yang... Read more >>
What would you say?
Imagine that you have 15 minutes with Presidential candidate Barack Obama or John McCain. They ask you: “If I’m elected president, what’s the most important thing I can do to improve the lives of young Americans?” In 250 words or less, what would you tell them?
Read more >>What would you say?
Imagine that you have 15 minutes with Presidential candidate Barack Obama or John McCain. They ask you: “If I’m elected president, what’s the most important thing I can do to improve the lives of young Americans?” In 250 words or less, what would you tell them?
Deadline for submissions: Friday, October 3.
First-place winner receives $100. Runners-up will receive $25 Target gift certificates. And the first five submissions receive a cool, ThreeSixty t-shirt.
Read more >>St. Paul girls learn to love their skin -- whatever its color
A bustling hallway led to a room full of framed photographs of African American girls from St. Paul whose messages declare that they are “lovin’ the skin they’re in.”
As girls in bright orange t-shirts handed out flyers, they asked passing visitors “Are you lovin’ the skin you’re in?” ... Read more >>
A life transformed: From dealer to mentor
Will Wallace, a one-time Gangster Disciple, has developed a powerful message for wanna-be gang bangers: Learn something. Go to school, and the world gets bigger—and better. Read more >>
