Statement from Senator Ted Kennedy, February 6, 2003

“Thank you for the invitation to the Youth Leadership Support Network’s Intergenerational Youth Activism Summit. We need to provide America’s youth with the tools necessary to reduce violence. Without question, with organizations like YLSN at the forefront, we can meet this challenge.

I commend you for your advocacy and your dedication to improving the lives of America’s young people and I will arrange a meeting for my staff to meet with you.

With appreciation and best wishes,

Sincerely,

Edward M. Kennedy”

Statement from Senator John Kerry, February 8, 2003

I congratulate you on coming together today at the Intergenerational Yoth Activism Summit to show your enthusiasm and dedication to civic leadership and your community. My schedule prevents me from joining you, but I do wish to send along my strong words of encouragement for your decision to be an active, involved citizen. We don’t have to agree on every issue before our country, but we must always be active in the exercise of our responsibilities as citizens. As you gather in commemoration of the birth of the US student movement over 43 years ago, I challenge you to keep their efforts in mind. The sacrifices of those 4 students in North Carolina on that February day were neither small nor inconsequential. And because of their valiant efforts, others followed and thus the student movement began. They paved the way for young people like you to share your views and ideas in organized and meaningful ways.

Your words and actions show a genuine commitment to bettering the minds and conditions of those around you. For these efforts, I offer you my gratitude and sincere hope that others will soon join you. The work you do in communities has a lasting effect, from the SHINE program to promote fairness and respect, to this informational summit, to share with each other your ideas for today and hopes for the future.

Each and every one of you are helping to make the Washington D.C. area a better place for its residents. I, like all of you, have a renewed commitment to help our cities build stronger communities with a higher quality of life for our citizens.

You should be proud of your involvement with the Youth Leadership Support Network and the goals it represents. The power you yield as the youth of America is strong and the points you raise are critical. As the future of our country I encourage you to continue your efforts in the fight against violence and hate, while encouraging tolerance and education.”

u to share your views and ideas in organized and meaningful ways.

Your words and actions show a genuine commitment to bettering the minds and conditions of those around you. For these efforts, I offer you my gratitude and sincere hope that others will soon join you. The work you do in communities has a lasting effect, from the SHINE program to promote fairness and respect, to this informational summit, to share with each other your ideas for today and hopes for the future.

Each and every one of you are helping to make the Washington D.C. area a better place for its residents. I, like all of you, have a renewed commitment to help our cities build stronger communities with a higher quality of life for our citizens.

You should be proud of your involvement with the Youth Leadership Support Network and the goals it represents. The power you yield as the youth of America is strong and the points you raise are critical. As the future of our country I encourage you to continue your efforts in the fight against violence and hate, while encouraging tolerance and education.”

Testimonials