Continued from Insight...
The curriculum, created by Daniel McClure, OML Research Director, outlines a variety of issues, such as a community’s need to save a portion of their projected revenue in a reserve fund; the police department’s request for each officer to have a body mounted camera; creating a capital needs fund to help pay for future sewer water treatment and road improvements; and more. The delegates divided up into their particular ‘cities,’ will be challenged to find workable solutions without raising taxes.
Justin Scrimshire, the Boys State Assistant Deputy Director for Simulations, said that the scenarios created by McClure should give the delegates an opportunity to work together in their ‘cities’ to find workable solutions based on the information they have.
“Daniel did a great job of creating scenarios that will challenge our delegates and give them insight as to what Oklahoma towns and cities face daily. This type of curriculum is an important and vital addition to the overall delegate experience,” Scrimshire said.
McClure added that an interesting twist to each scenario is that there is a consequence, based on the ‘cities’ decision in how they handle the situation. “Some of the consequences would be considered better than others, just like in real-life,” McClure said.
The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State is a non-partisan intensive week of leadership, government, and patriotism. Delegates have just completed their junior year of high school and have been selected by their local American Legion as a representative of the best of their community. Boys State was established during the 1930’s to counter anti-American activity during the pre-World War II era. It remains a premiere program of its type today across the US.
OML is the authoritative source for information, training and resources on effective local government for member organizations and is recognized as THE respected voice of Oklahoma municipalities in the State.
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