Purpose of MGA: Playing Pretend or Producing Proper Politicians?

Purpose of MGA: Playing Pretend or Producing Proper Politicians?

By Kiernan Green – Faith Christian School

Upon first glance Model General Assembly, or MGA, may seem like an elementary idea: get a bunch of high-schoolers together and have them pretend to be politicians at the state level. However, only after being here for a couple hours one can feel that it is so much more than pretend. MGA is comprised of real kids, discussing real problems, and bringing to the table real, viable solutions.

MGA also proves to be perfect training grounds for the politicians of our future. MGA provides a safe, amicable environment where high-school students can sharpen their debating skills. In fact, Parker Boggs, Broadwater Academy and CONA attendee, spoke on the nature of MGA saying, “Whether you’re on one side or the other, you’re accepted because you want to change the government for a good reason.” These skills are invaluable for not only future politicians, but future citizens of the United States of America. It is vital to possess the skills necessary to hold a civil debate without it descending into a sparring match of vicious insults.

The advisors and students alike encourage proper discourse, even when conversation and debate become filled with the fury of passion, both sides remain respectful and intelligent. Moreover, Kathy Habeeb, advisor of Faith Christian School and long-time MGA aficionado, describes the two main attributes Hi-Y and MGA stress are “leadership and character development.” Both being important for all aspects of life in general.

Furthermore, MGA doubly serves as an environment where all aspects of viewpoints are represented because of the diversity which exists within the program. Often these different viewpoints are both critiqued and celebrated, each equally important. Ignorance is easily bred when one goes through life without facing any opposition and MGA provides an opportunity for a healthy pushback against one’s views, while at the same time letting individuals know that they are not alone and many share their view, by the end friendships can be made from both ends.