Dear Junior Statesmen and Stateswomen,
It is that time of year – Winter Congress is approaching rapidly! This is personally one of my favorite conventions and I am eagerly anticipating the best Congress Southern California has ever seen. However, this convention has a negative stigma and I would like to clarify some of the most common Winter Congress “Myths”:
Myth #1: Congress is boring.
Winter Congress still hosts JSA-style debate blocks, but the difference is that the bills are debated and can make a difference in the real world. In addition, we are including Artivism, an activities block, and other aspects of Fall and Spring States that students enjoy. A vibrant political party system and a model Congress create an irreplaceable experience designed to demonstrate the workings of government in action – but far more functional and efficient.
Myth #2: The bills are pointless.
Contrary to popular belief, the bills that pass in both the Full House and Full Senate on the second day of Congress are sent to the California legislature in Sacramento and end up on a lawmaker’s desk. One famous example from many years ago was a bill proposed at Winter Congress to lower the voting age to 18, which was passed at Winter Congress, sent to legislators, and contributed to the Amendment process. Real change can happen!
Myth #3: You are forced into being in the same committee all day.
We eliminated the assigned committees. Now you are free to go to whatever Committee you desire, which is essentially the same as picking which Debate Blocks to attend at any other convention. The difference is the sponsors of the bill are the main speakers.
Myth #4: All you do at Congress is sit there.
Like any normal JSA convention, there are opportunities to subsequent speak and take an active role in the convention. Congress calls for the leadership of students to chair Committees, run political parties, write bills, etc. You still get that vibrant, dynamic debate, but there are more means to involve oneself in the convention.
Myth #5: The political parties don’t do anything.
This year, we are revamping our party system! It is aimed to be more exciting and enticing than in previous years, by modeling the same incredible election season energy. The parties at this convention will take an aggressive stance in ensuring that certain bills do or do not pass in allegiance with their platform.