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Frequently Asked Questions About LEADD |
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- What kind of kids go to LEADD?
LEADD is for rising sophomores and juniors in high school who are interested in
current affairs and politics, curious about faiths other than their own, eager
to meet different kinds of people than they might otherwise know, and do it all
in a safe and comfortable setting with the usual silly songs, endless volleyball
and Ultimate Frisbee games, and understanding college age
counselors.
- Why do they go to LEADD?
They want to learn about their country's tradition of religious liberty. They want to learn about advocacy and leadership and how Washington lawmaking really works. They want to understand how people their own age practice their different faiths.
- Is LEADD like school?
Not really. Sure, there is a learning component but no tests, no grades, no homework, no pressure.
- What's the 4-H Center like?
The National Student 4-H Center looks a lot like a small college on a lovely
green campus. It caters to students your age so the rooms are comfortable, the
food is varied and tasty, the rec room has pool tables, electronic games, eight
computers for doing e-mail, and Washington, DC is close by.
- What do you mean by "interfaith"?
Last summer's LEADD campers were Baptist, Methodist, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist,
Catholic, Atheist, Hindu, Unitarian Universalist, Lutheran, AME, Agnostic....the sharing of faith traditions in informal conversation is always the highlight
of the LEADD week.
- Who are the teachers?
Some are retired college professors. Some are retired high school teachers. Some are still teaching. Their fields include political science, anthropology, religious history, law. Some work for The Interfaith Alliance in policy, communications, lobbying, field organizing. Nice people.
- Is there any time for sports or fun stuff?
LEADD days are thoughtfully balanced. Some of it is serious stuff but there's plenty of time to play.
- What's the day in Washington, DC about?
The
entire group – students, counselors and faculty - will leave right after
breakfast. First stop is “the Hill” where each LEADDer will meet with staff from
his/her Senator or Congressperson’s office. We'll tour the Capital, go to the
National Archives to see the original founding documents, have free time for a
favorite museum or stroll on the National Mall, then visit the Jefferson,
Lincoln and Roosevelt Memorials.
- Is there a lot of reading required?
Readings will be handed out during the lecture periods but they are short and geared toward discussion. No homework kind of stuff.
- Do I need to bring a computer?
NO We'll have enough laptops to do information gathering. Leave yours at home.
- Can I bring a friend?
We encourage people to get one or more friends to apply with them. LEADD is a good experience to share with people you'll see during the school year.
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