Rep. Barbara Hernandez and Talented Tenth Social Services Hold Junior State Rep. Meeting, Local Students Lead Mock Committees

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, and Natalie Bonner, President of Talented Tenth Social Services, a local nonprofit organization, recently held a junior state representative meeting for high school students in Aurora to promote civic engagement and interest in public service for young adults in their community.

“It is a privilege to be able to play a part in helping the next generation of leaders explore opportunities for public service,” Hernandez said. “Aurora has always been an extremely nurturing place–something I am proud of–and I hope this Junior State Rep program adds to that. I hope someday one of our participants will join me in the legislature. I owe a big thank you to Talented Tenth Social Services for helping us make this work.”

Participants in the mock general assembly came from East Aurora High School and West Aurora High School. Mock committees and mock sessions helped introduce them into the political process with the goal of promoting civil engagement and understanding the legislative process. Mock sessions will be held every month at Talented Tenth Social Services’ Community Center.

“Not only is this a great opportunity for students to learn more about legislation, but also to participate in the process,” Bonner said. “I hope this program encourages the students to continue being change-makers and positive impacts in the communities they serve. Thank you to Barbara and her amazing staff for the partnership.”