(Courtesy/Civic Leaders of America)
On August 1, Junior State of America (JSA) announced an end to its 90-year legacy of leadership, civic engagement, and student political involvement in a public statement, citing a lack of funding and a declining rate of new members joining the organization as the cause.
This decision to close was news to former Columbus Academy JSA chapter leader and Ohio River Valley Governor, Clara S., who has been a part of JSA throughout high school. She found out one month before the total dissolution and decided (along with other leaders) to create a successor to the long legacy JSA has left behind.
“My mind was reeling. I understand the business side of it, but it’s still very disappointing,” Clara said. “When I first found out, I was lost. But now, I view it as an opportunity, not a disaster.”
With three days until the public announcement, Clara, along with the eight other governors (elected student leaders who represent each region that make up the central governing board of JSA) around the nation, founded Civic Leaders of America (CLA), the heir to JSA’s mission of empowering students through debate, civic engagement, and advocacy.
“JSA lived for as long as it did because of the students leading it, and it didn’t fall because of those students. We are still wholeheartedly committed to the values of JSA, and so in three days, we turned the situation around and founded CLA,” said Clara.
CLA plans to not only continue the spirit of JSA, but build upon its framework.New additions to the programs include internship and volunteer positions connected through the newly founded organization.
Regarding the impact of JSA’s – and now CLA – on her highschool experience, Clara talked about the program’s imprint on her life: “I love it so much. I joined because wanted to know more about the world around me, and for four years it has been so mind opening; I met so many people and learned so many new perspectives.”
For Clara’, CLA is more than another club to fill Academy’s halls, but a “stepping stone to becoming a better person in your community” and a way to gain insight on how to advocate for yourself and your beliefs.
CLA wants to induct students with interests in community engagement, current events, and political discourse. If you are interested, you can find out more information on CLA’s ClubHub profile or at @civicleadersofamerica on Instagram.
