Twenty-three members of The Children’s Trust Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) boarded a bus at 4 a.m. on Monday, April 12 bound for Children’s Week in Tallahassee. For many of the youths, the visit to the state capital was their first. They spent three intensive days meeting legislators and officials, and got a first-hand look at the legislative process. Wherever they went, the YAC advocated on issues key to youths – and made an impact. Michelle Ruiz spoke directly with Gov. Charlie Crist; she was cited in several newspapers as helping to sway his final decision on a critical education bill. Ashlee Henriquez and Johan Bonilla, chosen for a special youth panel, made passionate presentations to the Children and Youth Cabinet – and received resounding applause and kudos from the officials, particularly on a question concerning additional funding for afterschool programs. Well-briefed on key issues, the youths exchanged ideas with FL Dept. of Juvenile Justice Deputy Sec. Rod Love, with Senators Nan Rich and Frederica Wilson, with Representatives Dwight Bullard, Oscar Braynon, Anitere Flores, and Luis Garcia. They sat in the plush Senate chamber chairs and conducted a mock vote. They toured the campuses of three state universities – University of Florida, Florida State University and Florida A&M University. On their final evening in the capital, the YAC dined with members of Florida Youth Shine (an advocacy group of foster youth) to celebrate their successes and share their experiences. Needless to say, the trip provided plenty of highlights.

YAC at the University of Florida Welcome Center.	YAC members on the Florida State campus.
Rep. Dwight Bullard talks with Michelle Ruiz, while other YAC members listen.	In front of the State Capitol waterfall and a Hugh  Nicholson sculpture of a pod of leaping dolphins.
Children's Advocate of the Year Dick Batchelor with YAC members at the Advocacy Banquet.	Under the state and national flags, in front of the Governors' Inn, downtown Tallahassee.
In the atrium of the capitol, YAC members prepare to meet with legislators.	(L-R) Denard Thomas, Kayla Malone and Smita Sen seated in House chambers.

What did you learn? What was valuable about this trip for you?
Oliver Hart (junior): I learned that it’s important to have a goal in mind, especially if you’re dealing with legislators. You have to be tenacious and push at it.

Angeline Pino (sophomore): Seeing and hearing the legislators ask us questions, I know that together as a YAC we really did get our voice heard.

Johan Bonilla (senior): I learned that you don’t always have to say “I” and “important” in the same sentence. I don’t have to prepare a speech for them to know it’s something you care about. If you just really pour your heart into it, they’ll understand it.

Enrique Alvarado (senior): I never understood before the process of bills reaching the house and senate floor – now it’s more clear. I really bonded with the group; I used to keep to myself or talk to just a few members, now I feel comfortable with all of the group. 

Leah Putlek (senior): I’ve lived for 18 years in Florida and to go to the capital for the first time was just amazing. The trip put a visual on the laws and rules and on how things work. 

Andrea Pino (senior): I learned that every single one of the group is incredible – people like you are going to make me miss Miami. It was a one-of-a-kind experience; the trip to Children’s Week was the best part of the entire year. I got to learn how things are going on and heard it from the voices of those who are deciding it.

Sarah Bumbaut (junior): I learned that to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late and to be late is to be left behind. The senators and congressmen are awesome and, in their own ways, they’re philanthropists. They took the time to hear our thoughts – that was awesome. Oftentimes people don’t want to really want to listen to young people, but these legislators did. 

Lizabelle Hernandez (senior): They’re politicians, not just people out for the money. They’re shaping our state, they’re just human.

Julian Cano (junior): I learned that you’ve got to move fast – in Tallahassee anything can happen. You just have to be there and make things happen. 

Ashlee Henriquez (senior): All of you are good people, really smart and you’re going to get a lot done in this world. I learned that I’m not scared of microphones and a lot about public speaking – I learned that in the YAC.

Mariana Barbosa (junior/2nd year): It gets better every year. All the people we met, they really work hard at their jobs.

Taylor McGhee (junior/2nd year): I learned some new things this year – especially how to network better – and also that anybody who’s standing next to you can be good for networking. 

Ra’Anna Pickens (junior, 3rd year): Every year I learn something new. This year I learned how a bill becomes a law. What I found interesting was what Sen. Wilson told us. Enjoyed the college tours. Now I know what I have to do in order to be successful.

Denard Thomas (senior): The most important thing I learned is that in the place of law, it’s important to make your voice heard – say something powerful or moving and to get your message across, clearly and articulately. A lot of people will talk and talk, so you need to have a purpose when you talk. The YAC is a great program to be in.

Stephan Pitts (senior/2nd year): I learned that it’s important to walk and talk with purpose – have a plan. Some people actually do remember you and they hope you will remember what they told you, like what [Deputy Secretary Rod] Mr. Love told us: When you meet someone, make an impression: you want them to remember you.