Are You Ready for TeenPact?
Many Montanans are familiar with Boys State, founded in 1935, or auxiliary Girls State. “At Boys State, participants learn government from the township to state level. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county, and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses, and recreational programs.” Source: 10 things to know about Boys State | The American Legion
Less familiar is TeenPact, a non-profit national youth leadership program, located in Georgia, that has been in Montana since 2005.
“TeenPact is designed to help students understand the political process, value their liberty, and engage the culture. Through our hands-on and practical teaching, TeenPact Students learn how to embrace their call as the next generation of leaders, find encouragement among like-minded peers, and develop the skills to engage the culture.”
Source: TeenPact
The 2021 TeenPact Annual Report tagline is their vision statement: Changing Lives to Change the World! The following snapshot illustrates the growth in student participation across the nation, noting that since “1994, TeenPact Leadership Schools has trained over 53,000 Students”. This report emphasizes the importance of partners, reliance on volunteers, and fundraising to operate schools in every state. TeenPact’s IRS Form 990 for 2020 indicates TeenPact had 10 employees and 900 volunteers, emphasizing the role of non-paid staff.
What is happening in Montana?
Class Director August Huckabee
State Coordinator Rachel Dombach
Blog Fact: Rachel’s husband is Pastor Seth Dombach. Headwaters Covenant, in Helena, is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Location: Montana State Capitol
Class Dates: April 24-28, 2023
Blog Fact: 68th Legislature - 2023 Session Calendar Leadership adopted 12/27/2022 (updated 3/27/2023) indicates that the Montana Legislature is in session.
What classes are offered in Montana?
Source: Learn more about TeenPact Montana State Classes
The Four Day Class is a dynamic, hands-on leadership experience where students learn about state government from a Christian worldview. Students gather to run for office, participate in a mock legislature, and learn about how they can be effective leaders in their community back home. For Students ages 13-19. For more information about the Four Day Class, click here.
The Political Communication Workshop trains Students to analyze, execute, and interpret public presentations through a variety of activities and discussions. Students are challenged to develop critical thinking skills as they learn what communication looks like in the political realm. For Students ages 13 – 19. For more information about the Political Communication Workshop, click here.
The One Day Class is an action-packed day full of exciting experiences that introduce Students to their state government using a dynamic, hands-on approach. Students are led by an energetic Staff Team as they explore their local government, pray for their leaders, discuss their mock legislation, and so much more! For Students ages 8 – 12. For more information about the One Day Class, click here!
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A link to State Class FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) provides answers to a variety of topics, like cost, housing, dress code, parental involvement. A snapshot of a parent’s question below asks about politics, with a response that it’s secondary in importance.
Keep in mind these young students will be attending classes in a public setting that is the seat of political power, Montana’s State Capitol. These students will also be convening at a time when the Montana Legislature may still be in session. Governor Gianforte - who has made his conservative Christian values known through his personal family foundation - Gianforte Family Foundation - will most likely be meeting these youth. It is hard to imagine that the youth in attendance will not be introduced and encouraged to explore politics.
It is also worth noting the TeenPact 4-day class description reads “Students learn about state government from a Christian worldview.” What does that mean for the separation of church and state? Is the public’s money supporting the TeenPact Leadership school offered at Montana State Capitol?
TeenPact Leadership Schools Mission Statement:
“We seek to inspire youth in their relationship with Christ and train them to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend the Christian faith, and engage the culture at a time in their lives when, typically, they do not care about such things.”
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Just Facts MT learned of TeenPact from the Contact Us - Montana Family Foundation web page:
Montana Family Foundation Partners
Fact: Of the above partnership organizations, the Gianforte Foundation provided financial support to the Montana Family Institute (the tax-deductible related entity of Montana Family Foundation, Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Research Council and Focus on the Family. Source: IRS public records for the Gianforte Family Foundation.
Sources:
Teenpact Leadership Schools Inc - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica
Gianforte Fam Charitable Tr - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica
