STUDENTS PAGE

 

Random question below, for any others, please email any questions to r_warlick@mdfamilies.org

 

Q. What is this mock session deal?

A. The mock legislative session is probably the most fun you will ever have.  True Story.  The whole week consists of this “game”.  During the week you are sworn in as Maryland State Senators, and will be expected to act like it.  You will be given certain bills to support and to oppose, bills as serious as the Parental Notice legislation concerning abortion or as silly as the “protect the elephants“ bill.  Oh and don’t worry you will be taught all you need to know about the bills and how to argue your position.  You will use terms like “point of order”, “I second that”, “I would encourage this body the give a green vote for this bill”, and so on.  Although all that was previously mentioned is fun, I would say the most fun is in the “politics” of it all.  Campaigning for leadership positions like President of the Senate or Party leaders; or making deals to be a committee chairman or vice chairman.  Gathering support for your bills and finding loop holes in the rules to further your agenda: to pass all the bills you are suppose to support and kill all the bills you are suppose to oppose.  And if you have any questions, you can just ask Rob (r_warlick@mdfamilies.org).

 

Q. How do we write our own Bill/Resolution? I'm, like, in the 9th grade.

This is optional!  You do not have to write your own bill.  However, if you do happen to write a bill or a resolution you not only get props for the effort, you get points.  

 

What you need to do:

First of all, you need an idea.  Over the years we have had several creative bills and resolutions.  The most famous being the Hot Dog resolution. This resolution suggested that the hotdog companies and the hotdog bun companies package hotdogs and hotdog buns in the same quantites. We had a couple other good ones, some even changing policy for the City On The Hill Conference itself.  But it could be anything; if you have a bill idea, contact one of us at AMF to develop that idea. (email Rob @ r_warlick@mdfamilies.org or call 410.760.9166)  

 

Then you need to write the bill.  You will have plenty of help, just talk to one of the chaperones for details. But if you feel ambitious, and want to do it yourself, feel free.

 

resolution: an expression of legislative intent. 

Very simply, a suggestion by the legislature that is not enforced.

 

bill:  a draft of law proposed to a law-making body.

Basically, what you saw  on "School House Rock"

 

Q. Talent Show? wwhhhyyy!!!!

A. We always have good times at the talent show.  Participation isn’t mandatory; however we would encourage everyone to get involved.  You could do anything from sing to act to play an instrument (not to large) to stand up to dance, ah, if you can’t do it, don’t try it.  We want to see your skills, whether it be your numchuck skills, bow hunting skills, or computer hacking skills (Just not your drawings of ligers and such).  Anywho, you can do something either by yourself or have a couple of buddies tag along.   We’ve had some great acts over the years.  A crowd favorite is the impromptu skit of “Johnny got hit by a bus”.  We’ve also heard some unique instruments, such as the dulcimer and the mandolin.  We had a great move of God near the end of the night last year singing worship songs to the piano…  Good times, good times. Anyway just want to remind you to be prepared to show your skills. Please try to fulfill the request list below, thank you.

 

_ “Johnny got hit by a bus”- impromptu skit involving five actors

_Napoleon Dynamite Dance grooves

_Unique instruments

_Good singers (stress the "good" part :-) )

_Stand up comedy (keep it clean!)

_Impersonations