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Capitol Forum on America's Future in Pictures

The Capitol Forum program engages high school social studies students and teachers in discussion of our nation's future in the changing international environment. The program involves students both within their social studies classroom and beyond the classroom at their state capitol.

The first Washington Capitol Forum was held March 22, 2005 in the Columbia Room in the newly remodeled Capitol Building in Olympia. The program was cosponsored by the World Affairs Council Global Classroom and the Office of Secretary of State Sam Reed.

To view the schools' class statements, see the Washington page on the Brown University site: Choices > Washington Capitol Forum.

Patrick McDonald, representing the Secretary of State’s office, welcomes students to the first Washington State Capitol Forum on America’s Future. He describes the importance of learning the language and culture of countries that the U.S. currently has relations with and hopes to have relations with in the future.

Mr. McDonald

The day opens with each school team presenting their poster on issues that are important to the students in their class at school.

Students present their posters of important issues to their class

During each of the morning breakout sessions, students first meet with others from their same topic research groups, then with those assigned to their same "future." This group is strategizing on how to make the case for "Future 1: Lead the world to Democracy."

Breakout session

Later in the day, state legislators are invited to meet with the students to talk about the students' views on the U.S. Role in the World.

Legislator panel

After talking with the panel, students get a chance to have small group discussions with individual legislators.

Legislators

"I enjoyed the time we spent with the legislators. It was the highlight of the day." -- Student Participant

After meeting with the legislators, everyone goes out to the Capitol Steps for a group photo. All in all, the day was a great success!

Capitol Forum participants

Last Updated:
4/20/05