Dear Mrs. Green,
It is a pleasure to relate these thoughts to you. An excerpt from my TeenPact journal:

I am really touched by the message that the Bible is our source for truth, I have always known this, but recently God has really been reminding me to stay in His word... I realize how invaluably TeenPact is already (after one day). I know how to pull a bill, I know how to research laws. Today's learning is something I will use for life. I read the Portland Press Herald this evening and realized that I am mentally using the four critical thinking questions in my reading... Even as the leaders are sharing such important information with us, I really admire their ability to not take themselves seriously, making for fun, informative classes... This is my government... I can walk the halls that the governor and legislators walk and pray for them... TeenPact has made me realize that God needs to be more at the center of my thinking.  Worship and devotions in the morning puts the rest of the day into perspective... Mike Heath provided a great example of a Godly public servant... The two party whips we listened to demonstrated how the party platforms are adjusted from the national level to the state level and from the state level to the individual... I interviewed a lobbyist, the president of the senate's chief of staff, and an under-secretary fro the department of agriculture... When the mock committee I chair met today to discuss bills, we were on the same page and presented some thoughtfully amended bills to the mock legislature... God has used this week to reinforce His truth to me and to stretch my comfort zones. A citizens number one responsibility is to PRAY for the government.  While listening to the governor, the attorney general, and the other speakers this week, I was reminded of how our government is made up of people and of how approachable our government really is. 

In His service,
Nathanael E. Yellis - WWJD

From the TeenPact Website 
TeenPact is...

A Real Understanding:
TeenPact and TeenyPact's major objective is to break down the intimidation that many have about involvement in our civil government. Surprisingly to some, public servants are available and desirous to meet citizens - regardless of age - who live within their district. We want students to see that the future of our country is dependent upon their involvement.

Making Sense Of the Paperwork:
You can't go into a Legislature anywhere in the country and not be inundated with paper: bills, amendments, disclosures, rosters, code sections, committee reports. They all seem so confusing at first. Students leave the Capitol with a better idea of the importance of each document and how they can use them as citizens for 

Parliamentary Procedure:
Both TeenPact and TeenyPact students learn the basics of parliamentary procedure and debate and have fun putting it into practice. Students write their own bills and work to see them passed by the TeenPact Legislature throughout the week.

Learning Their Way Around:
TeenPact and TeenyPact students learn their way around the State Capitol. Amazingly, just feeling comfortable with the surroundings and knowing your way around does a lot to help our students feel like this is THEIR Capitol and a place they want to come back to.

Singing and Devotion:
Students begin each morning with music as they sing hymns and familiar choruses. TeenPact Student Staff lead their peers through a devotional on great political leaders found throughout to Bible.

Boundary Breaking:
TeenPact students spend several sessions throughout their 4 day experience getting to know one another and developing an appreciation for the uniqueness of each person.

Important Interaction:
TeenPacters and TeenyPacters both have the opportunity to not only hear presentations by important and influential people in their state, but to interact with them personally. Political leaders enjoy spending time with our students and often share candid insights that inspire students to aspire for positions of leadership. Our hope is that every student will meet and encourage their legislators.

Friendships:
TeenPact Students - especially in the 4 day schools - often develop special friendships with one another that extend far beyond their experience at the Capitol.

Inspiration for a Lifetime:
Inspiring students is no easy task these days, but at TeenPact it is the most important task always before us. Taking otherwise boring subjects like committee hearings and lengthy bills and making them come alive is what we do best. 

TeenPact Maine 2003

March 31 - April 4, 2003

For more information on upcoming TeenPact events in Maine, contact Maine TeenPact Coordinator, Tom Flood at 207-882-8418 or floodfamily@clinic.net and visit the TeenPact website at www.teenpact.com .