Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, hosted MTS Secondary and Banaadir Math & Science students, in a special visit arranged by Social Studies teacher, Mr. Edgar. More than forty students students bussed downtown Minneapolis, to visit with Mayor and tour of the City Council chambers.
The visit started with a conversation between Mayor Frey and the students who got to ask him everything from his running career on Team USA, his decision to run for Mayor of Minneapolis, challenges he faces, to advice he had for them as students and residents of Minneapolis.
The Mayor shared that a big part of what motivated him to run for Mayor was his need to get involved in a big way, and to give back to the community.
Many students were curious about where the Mayor stood on current political candidates and races, and the Mayor said, “I believe in immigrants. I believe inclusivity. Everyone deserves to have a seat at the table.”
Following the discussion, the Mayor to the students into the City Council chambers where students role-played as city council members. They tackled the complex issue of adding more extracurricular activities in schools, to the need for more affordable housing in the city. The experience surely showed them the complexity of issues, and how compromise and balance are important skills when representing constituents.
After grappling and debating, students voted on their bill, which was a compromise, funding both activities and housing. “Congratulations! You just passed a good bill. This is how we do government.”
This kind of personal experience with important leaders in the community can forever alter a student’s impression of their own power and responsibility. What a great way to get engaged with our city, and our shared community.
The Mayor reminded students of the importance of thinking for themselves, and to come forward with their own opinions and ideas. “This is your building,” he said, “If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.”
