Shackled and handcuffed, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen looked glum until his bail money was paid and he was freed from his YMCA jail.
Eliasen joined a dozen community leaders who volunteered to be arrested and then “jailed and bailed” in an effort to help Cook County’s first Youth in Government delegation raise funds so the students could participate in the statewide conference held in January at the State Capitol.
All told the November 28 fundraiser brought in more than $3,000.
Youth in Government is a national youth-led, experiential learning program. It is active in 40 states, and in Minnesota 1,800 middle- and high-school students participate in the program. Each January, the students meet at the State Capitol for a four-day conference. It is here that students debate issues of importance, public research issues, become aware of local, state, national, and international concerns, write bills, debate court cases, act as lobbyists or members of the media, and more.
Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen looks distraught as Aurora Schelmeske and Jack Willis handcuff him. Top: Cook County Community YMCA Director Emily Marshall had a whole crew of young deputies arrest her during the recent Youth in Government fundraiser held at the Y.
Run by the YMCA, locally 11 students grades 8-12 have been preparing for this conference and fundraising to help offset the cost of the trip.
Youth in Government builds a sense of responsibility and passion for issues, the desire to make a difference, citizenship skills, and values in the lives of teens. Ultimately, Youth in Government programs help mold character in students with a strong focus on leadership development and citizenship building.
Community members who were jailed: Pat Eliasen, Molly Hicken, Jay Arrowsmith-Decoux, Heidi Doo-Kirk, Sue Abrahamson, Tina Krauz, Karen Blackburn, Chad Benesh, Emily Marshall, Nicole Bockovich, Shawna Willis, and Steve Duchien.
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