FRANKFORT -- Secretary of State Trey Grayson unveiled a plan to bring a summit to Northern Kentucky University that would seek to get youngsters more interested in government.
Youth need help with "civic literacy," the Park Hills Republican said. That's the nuts and bolts knowledge of how government and democracy works -- or how to be an active citizen.
Resolutions being filed in both he House and the Senate call for the Secretary of State's office, along with the assistance of the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, to convene a Summit for Civic Literacy at NKU.
The purpose of the summit would be to evaluate current civic literacy programs within Kentucky schools, develop a strategy for enhancing civic enhancement and recommend a plan for implementing a civics education program before the 2005 regular session.
Grayson, the first Northern Kentuckian elected to a significant statewide office since 1919, in his campaign said he wanted to increase civic understanding and engagement.
The measure cites a 2000 study by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement that says that only 39 percent of Kentucky's youth aged 18 to 24 voted.
Grayson attributed part of the decline in civic understanding and involvement to Kentucky schools not requiring a government class for high schoolers and a prevailing sense of distrust in politicians from the public.
He called the summit a "unique solution."
"You can go into the classroom and start this education process which will hopefully lead to a lifelong interest in this issue," Grayson said.
The summit would consist of a committee made up of representatives from the media, educators, elected officials and civic organizations. Plans call for having the committee provide its report to Grayson's office by Dec. 1.
Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore, sponsors the House resolution. Sen. Jack Westwood, R-Crescent Springs, sponsors the Senate resolution.
He said a need for civic education existed and referenced the young men and women fighting in wars for the United States.
He said these soldiers "more often know better what they are fighting against than what they are fighting for."
The newly formed Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement at NKU would also be involved in helping coordinate the summit, said Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, founding director. DiPadova-Stocks said the summit could set a national standard.
The people pushing the resolution said no state money would be requested, though they were unable to offer estimated costs. Pullin said she's hopeful some federal funding will come from the Department of Education.
Grayson said cost would be minimal and that "with the groups involved funding should not be an issue."