Summertime Outreach
(An Instructor’s Observations)
On a quick visit to the AZ Youth Leadership Conference (AZYLC), darkness ensued and silence filled the room as the conference room doors slowly closed at the center. So ended another annual youth conference. Scattered was the collective spirit and young intellectual energy of selected high school students from across the Military Order of the World War’s (MOWW) Department of Arizona.
Days earlier these same high schoolers came together from Arizona communities gathering at the Glendale Campus of Arizona State University. They formed themselves into a class. Unpredictable was the outcome this experience would have on each delegate. All that was required of the delegates was a positive attitude and open-mindedness.
For sure was the guarantee that by participating, each would depart with a better understanding of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution with its first ten amendments, a pinch of early American history, the Bill of Responsibilities, and basic values of leadership. They learned that effective citizenship is necessary in the awesomeness of a democracy. Many made new friends — perhaps lifetime bonds generated from the learning experiences of the conference while others were encouraged that greater experiences are yet to come. All were enriched by skillfully managed indoor classes and planned outdoor patriotic activities.
The three and half day schedule left no idle time. Up at 0600 and lights out at 2230, delegates were quickly assigned into six groups for team building exercises and classroom instruction crammed with practical exercises. On the final conference day, attention was directed at wrapping up details that included an awards luncheon before departure for home.
As for me, my short AZYLC experience was an emotional one, fulfilling a desire to help the next generation appreciate freedom. I witnessed firsthand the wonderful MOWW outreach that was executed by very dedicated and serious patriotic minded companions. The delegates were high achievers searching for additional civics education. They were not disappointed, neither was I.
Companion Joe E. Harris, Jr.
Phoenix Chapter #092