NEDERLAND — Being young does not stop us from creating change.

The Nederland Community Library held a four-week Teen Speech and Advocacy Club. During this time we learned about activism from teachers, librarians, and Air Force personnel, culminating in a trip to the Colorado State Capitol.  This program was generously supported by the Library Foundation's Susan Gerhart Memorial fund. 

By showing teens how they could become more active in their communities and initiate the changes they wanted to see, the Nederland Library guided us in understanding and fostering change through activism.

As we concluded the program with a trip to the Capitol, we were able to sit in the Senate chamber and watch our lawmakers vote on bills.

Afterward, meetings with representatives Janice Marchman and Leslie Smith were arranged, during which time their aides discussed the bills those representatives are working on, giving us the opportunity to ask questions, learn, and have our voices heard.

It was fascinating and enlightening, making me more aware of the newer bills being passed and what was happening within our government. It taught me about other opportunities to help and create change.

The Nederland Community Library has been a wonderful place to connect with for experiences that truly foster community.

I will gain new experiences as a panelist at the Teen Literature Conference in Denver this April.  I will be exploring  how activism through books can inspire teens, further instilling a belief that we can all—no matter our age—create change.