Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – The Warren County Council of Governments is hosting a Student Government Day from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
The event, which will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Warren, aims to bring students and parents together with local leaders and Warren County School District Advisors to share ideas and insights that better the community.
“It was necessary to provide a platform for youth, educators, and community leaders to interact, share insights, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions that benefit both schools and the broader community,” Warren City Councilwoman Danielle Flasher said. “Additionally, we aim to engage parents and encourage their involvement in community issues through their children’s participation in this event. We aim to cultivate a lasting interest in community engagement, whether through volunteering or pursuing roles in local government, for students returning to Warren or elsewhere as adults.”
The event will feature workshops, discussions, and activities aimed at promoting civic engagement from students and parents.
“The primary goal of this event is to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among youth, educators, and community leaders,” Flasher said. “We aim to empower students, promote civic engagement, strengthen community bonds, and encourage parent engagement in local governance and community initiatives.”
While the COG laid the initial groundwork for this event, Flasher said buy-in from the WCSD is vital to making it successful.
“The Warren County School District Advisors are pivotal in shaping student government and fostering civic engagement,” Flasher said. “The event lays the groundwork for ongoing collaborations that benefit the entire community. We also address the role of youth in college and beyond, emphasizing how collective action impacts their future engagement with local governance.”
Flasher said the initial response to this event has been “incredibly positive.”
“There is a shared enthusiasm and interest in civic engagement, showcasing the importance of such initiatives in building bridges between generations and fostering community connections,” Flasher said. “We have also seen a growing interest from parents who recognize the value of their children’s involvement in community and civic activities.”
Ideally, this collaboration will foster students’ desire to remain or become engaged with local government.
“These interactions, discussions, and collaborations can inspire students to take on leadership roles, participate in local governance, contribute positively to their communities, and encourage their parents to become more engaged in community affairs,” Flasher said.
To RSVP for the event, email or call Flasher at [email protected] or 814-728-3516.
