Empowering Young Voices: Close-Up Foundation Brings Youth Summit to Guam

The Close-Up Foundation is bringing the Guam Youth Summit to the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa from October 14 to 17, engaging 80 high school students in hands-on civic education. This four-day event, funded by the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs, immerses students in legislative processes, allowing them to work with senators, local experts, and off-island education specialists to explore policies affecting Guam. Through panel discussions and structured deliberations, participants develop concrete recommendations for the 38th Guam Legislature, transforming abstract concepts of government into meaningful engagement. By fostering skills in dialogue, critical thinking, and civic agency, the summit empowers young people to see the impact of their voices on democratic processes. For Guam, this investment in youth civic education is vital, equipping the next generation of leaders to address community challenges through informed, collaborative, and inclusive decision-making.

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When 80 high school students gather at the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa from October 14 to 17, they will participate in far more than a typical educational conference. The Close-Up Foundation's Guam Youth Summit represents a vital investment in the next generation of civic leaders, offering young people hands-on experience in understanding how legislative processes address community concerns and shape public policy.

Building Tomorrow's Civic Leaders Today

The Close-Up Foundation has long recognized that democracy thrives when citizens understand how their government works and feel empowered to participate in shaping their communities. This four-day summit, funded by a grant from the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs, brings this philosophy to life by immersing Guam Department of Education students in the legislative process.

During the summit, students will work alongside senators and local area experts through panel discussions, exploring current and future public policies that affect their island community. Off-island Close-Up education specialists will facilitate the sessions, guiding students through structured dialogue and deliberation as they develop recommendations for the 38th Guam Legislature. This approach transforms abstract concepts about government into concrete, meaningful engagement where young voices directly contribute to policy conversations.

Strengthening Democracy Through Youth Engagement

The Close-Up Foundation's work aligns powerfully with core principles of dialogue and deliberation that strengthen democratic practice. By creating structured opportunities for young people to engage with elected officials, policy experts, and one another, the summit builds essential skills in listening across differences, analyzing complex issues, and articulating thoughtful recommendations. These competencies serve students throughout their lives, whether they pursue careers in public service or simply exercise their responsibilities as engaged citizens.

The summit's focus on making concrete policy recommendations elevates youth participation beyond symbolic gestures. Students learn that their perspectives matter, that their voices deserve to be heard, and that democratic systems can respond to community input. This experience cultivates both civic knowledge and civic agency—the belief that individual action can make a difference.

For Guam's island community, investing in youth civic education carries particular significance. As a U.S. territory with unique governance structures and challenges, Guam benefits when young residents understand how policy decisions affect their lives and communities. The summit helps ensure that the next generation of Guam leaders emerges equipped with the skills, knowledge, and commitment necessary to address complex challenges through inclusive, deliberative processes.

The Close-Up Foundation's approach demonstrates that meaningful civic engagement begins with education and opportunity. By bringing together diverse students, creating space for dialogue with decision-makers, and facilitating thoughtful deliberation on real policy questions, the summit models the kind of collaborative, community-oriented engagement that strengthens democracy at every level.

Learn more about the Guam Youth Summit at https://www.guampdn.com/news/close-up-foundation-hosting-youth-summit-on-oct-14-to-17/article_3c107bda-1f78-446e-872a-ba167912cd8a.html
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For additional information about the summit, contact Joshua Blas at [email protected]