Media Advisory: Kids Voting Western New York Launches Speakers Bureau

A new speakers bureau organized by the University at Buffalo's Kids Voting program gets off the ground tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009) when students at Grover Cleveland International Prep School listen to Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard talk about the duties and responsibilities of his job.

Howard will meet with 11th graders at Grover Cleveland from 9:30-11 a.m. This is the first organized speaker event of the newly created UBKVWNY Speakers Bureau, established by UB's Kids Voting Western New York. The UBKVWNY program is an affiliate of a larger, national program designed to increase student involvement and interest in local and national elections.

"The UB Kids Voting Western New York Speakers Bureau creates a pathway for our students to learn more about civics, the democratic process and what it means for their community directly from those who live it," says Katie Biggie, program manager for civic pathways in UB's Center for Educational Collaboration.

"The speakers bureau, in conjunction with the Kids Voting program, offers opportunities for students to learn by doing and encouraging them to become more engaged citizens."

The speakers bureau is the latest effort of Kids Voting Western New York to stimulate voter interest among young people. Other activities included a voter registration drive held in September 2008 during which UB student volunteers canvassed 12 Buffalo Public Schools, registering 18-year-old high school students to vote in the November election and acting as mentors in the power of the democratic process.

The speakers bureau currently has 18 speakers available to appear in front of civic or educational groups. More are being recruited, says Biggie.

The UBKVWNY program is looking for speakers from any elected position from each town, city, village or hamlet in Erie and Niagara Counties. "It's vital for our students to learn about what happens after the election and how each position affects our daily lives and communities," says Biggie. "As a speaker, you can provide that opportunity to our students."

Anyone interested in becoming a speaker should contact Biggie at (716) 829-6170.

For more information, go to http://www.kidsvotingny.com, or contact Biggie at (716) 829-6170, or Charles Anzalone in the UB Office of Communications at (716) 645-4600.