TDT members pose for the camera during one of our visits to Tallahassee.Members of our Teen Dream Team have been in Tallahassee during the current legislative session to learn about how our government works and to have a little fun. The important lesson for the kids is that they can make a difference and it is important for their voices to be heard in the halls of government. The trips have been both educational and fun. Kids Week was quite an experience. Our youth attended a press conference and then visited several of our Senators and Representatives to talk with them about KidCare. Afterwards they were able to check out all of the exhibits in the courtyard. Some of the youth were also able to attend an immigration workshop where several bills were discussed that would adversely affect the state's farmworker population. The workshop was a real eye opener for our kids as they were able to witness first hand some of the hatred and ignorance that is directed towards undocumented farmworkers. The following week we took them to visit the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science and the Florida Museum of History. At the Brogan the kids were able to experience some hands on science in their Marvelous Machines exhibit and then they walked through the art gallery where works by surrealist Enrique Chavarria were on display. Chavarria was a Mexican painter who produced a major body of work during the last half of the 20th Century. At the Museum of History they were able to walk through Florida's history, from prehistoric times, the Seminole Indians, the Spanish Conquests, Florida's involvement in the Civil War to the industrial and agricultural achievements of the past 100 years. At the end of the day we took them swimming, something most people would take for granted but here at home there are no swimming pools. For some of the youth there were many firsts. One young man had never stayed in a hotel or been in an elevator. In all it was a great experience for our youth and the session is not over yet. We have more trips planned for them.
