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Tenth grader Michael Barker was impressed with all the state-of-the-art computer equipment throughout his school district in northern Louisiana. But it seemed that “computers were appearing out of thin air” and he thought there might be ways to save money on certain technology and make smarter purchases. Over a year ago, Michael sent his first letter to the LaSalle Parish School Board requesting records about these expenditures with the idea of reviewing the information and then making recommendations. No response was forthcoming. He fired off two more letters and then went in person to the school board office. Finally, his fourth letter elicited a reply from the school superintendent last November that claimed the records were off-limits because he was “under the age of majority.”
This rebuff from school officials only strengthened Michael’s resolve. What follows is a play-by-play of his remarkably successful campaign. His story brings to life the dry civics course of ‘how a bill becomes a law.’ I would wager that even professional lobbyists can pick up some clever moves from this student activist who had no prior advocacy experience.
STEP I: DOING THE DETECTIVE WORK
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An Internet search identified a Louisiana coalition that promoted public access of government records as well as open meetings. This group suggested he contact a long-term activist who was passionate about this issue. Michael called and the Baton Rouge resident made the 2-hour drive to the LaSalle Parish School Board and only with the help of an attorney, obtained some records. |
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The fact that minors were denied access caused Michael to pursue changing the law. He thought that high school newspaper journalists, for example, should have the opportunity to seek this sort of information. His initial connections led him to the Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council. This organization, with a long history of fighting corruption since the days of Huey Long, had been trying to repeal this age restriction. Michael’s determination to wage this campaign increased after learning that Louisiana was the only state with this “under the age of majority” provision. |
STEP II: SELECTING A SPONSOR
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No matter that he wasn't old enough to vote, Michael played constituent and sought out one of his state lawmakers, Representative Tommy Wright to sponsor a bill. Michael happened to know the legislative assistant from church and stopped by the office to see her. Days later, he showed Rep. Wright his research about the state ACLU, Louisiana Press Association and Public Affairs Research Council support for amending the law. What really clinched the legislator’s interest was the sentence in the superintendent’s letter to Michael that read “you are not entitled to these records,” and any further questions should be directed to the school board’s attorney. |
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Every couple of days Michael called or e-mailed the legislative assistant and two weeks later, Rep. Wright introduced House Bill 492 to eliminate the age requirement in the 2004 Session of the Louisiana Legislature. |
STEP III: CONVINCING THE COMMITTEE
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Michael made his first trip to the State Legislature in Baton Rouge and testified before the House and Governmental Affairs Committee. He brought copies of his letters to the superintendent and in his short statement described how the school board ignored his requests for months, and then added this appropriate indictment:
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Much to his surprise, no one testified against the bill—not even the LaSalle Parish School Board—and the committee vote was unanimous. The school officials remained silent and even refused comment when questioned by reporters. |
STEP IV: AVOIDING STALLING TACTICS
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It’s always easier to kill legislation than move it forward and any delays can jeopardize the life expectancy of a bill. Michael downloaded free-of-charge the Legislator’s Handbook, written for newly elected Louisiana lawmakers and realized that he needed to keep pressing for action. As soon as the proposal emerged from the committee, he asked Rep. Wright to arrange for floor debate by the House and the legislation passed unanimously. |
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Michael made another trip to Baton Rouge to give the same testimony before the Senate committee with authority over government sunshine laws and again won praise for his lobbying effort. The bill received another unanimous vote. |
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While watching the Senate Floor proceedings on the Internet, Michael noticed a parliamentary maneuver that took House Bill 492 off the calendar, which often means the opposition is throwing up a blockade. Michael learned through the grapevine that his own state senator had a personal vendetta against Rep. Wright, the bill’s sponsor. |
STEP V: ENGAGING THE NEWS MEDIA
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Michael called a reporter at the Capitol News Bureau with whom he spoke a few weeks earlier when he testified. The 17-year-old wisely thought that the journalist could extract information about why the senator was blocking the bill and a subsequent newspaper article revealed the animosity between the two legislators. The media spotlight caused the senator to relent. In the final days before the legislature adjourned, another senator and strong supporter of public records agreed to manage the bill on the Senate Floor. The bill passed with only one nay vote. |
On July 21, Michael Barker made a third trip to the state capitol to be present when Governor Kathleen Blanco signed House Bill 429. As soon as the law takes effect on August 15, this high school senior plans to visit his school board and request more records, especially studying contracts and the bidding process for computer and wireless technology. He thinks some local firms may offer the school district better deals as well as faster service and perhaps provide a boost in terms of economic development for his hometown of Jena, Louisiana.
Michael doesn’t mince words: “Our state has a terrible reputation of being corrupt. I went against some of the most politically powerful people in the parish and I’m proud of what I was able to do.” He hopes his legislative odyssey will inspire others—especially students—to fight for whatever needs fixing or seems unjust. Michael is eager to share his experience and can be reached at via e-mail at Michael@michaelwbarker.com or by contacting me at 1-800-KID-POWER or wendy@youthactivism.com.
His campaign proves just how crucial it is to build a case, connect with advocacy groups, cultivate inside allies, anticipate potential roadblocks, capture the attention of the news media and above all, be persistent.
OUTSMARTING THE LEGISLATIVE OBSTACLE COURSE
Michael Barker’s story proves that minors can make a major impact. Our national clearinghouse urges everyone not to sit on the sidelines but influence legislators and other decision makers on whatever issue you care about. YOUTH! THE 26% SOLUTION, which I co-authored with 19-year-old Emanuel Tsourounis, provides the complete roadmap for initiating a campaign and winning. “Activist teens and the adults who work with them will find the book most helpful and motivational,” according to the American Library Association Booklist. To order this 130-page action handbook, visit http://www.youthactivism.com/prodindex.php. Call us at 1-800-KID-POWER for discount prices when ordering multiple copies for your upcoming trainings and conferences.
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