Next week, Sen. Ron Justice will be visiting students at Southwest School in Chickasha as part of the year-long National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) "Legislators Back-to-School" program.

The program, which initially kicked off the third week in September, allows legislators to travel to schools in their districts and personally meet with students to answer questions and share ideas about government. The event is designed to show young people what it is like to be a public servant as well as teach them the importance of civic participation.

Justice will visit Southwest School on Monday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m.

Justice will be talking to the students about the legislative, focusing mainly on where ideas for bills come from, how they are drafted and then finally how they become law. He will also discuss the importance of voting as well as being informed and involved citizens throughout their lives.

"This is a unique program that gives students a glimpse into the world of government and politics," said Justice, R-Chickasha. "It's important for all citizens to understand how democracy works. These are our future voters and leaders and I want them to take those roles seriously."

NCSL research has found that personal interaction with a legislator can be very influential on kids. They are much more likely to develop a serious interest in government and politics, become an active civic participant later in life and possibly even consider running for office someday.

"It's important that we teach our youth about the importance of a representative democracy. Up until 2006, the number of young people voting was slowly decreasing, but thanks to programs like Back to School those numbers are turning around," said Justice. "Our young people need to realize that they do have a role in government and their opinions do count."

For more information about the Back to School program or to schedule a visit for your school, please contact Sen. Justice's office at 521-5537.