Anchorage Daily News

As Obama-Biden supporters rallied on the Park Strip, and McCain-Palin supporters cheered their heroes on the ground floor of the new Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, an entirely different sort of civic movement played out on the huge building's top floor Saturday afternoon.

Dozens of high school, college and other youths sacrificed a free day to talk about Alaska's problems -- and potential -- in a high-tech hook-up called the Forum of Young Alaskans.

Lots of other youths took part by video Web link from far-flung Alaska towns such as Kodiak, Sitka, Valdez and the state capital of Juneau.

Gathered at tables set with big bowls of pretzels and Goldfish, groups of participants talked passionately about such subjects as the high cost of energy in Alaska, the need for better rural health care and their own community engagement.

Organizers also challenged them with questions like this: "What does it mean to be Alaskan?"

"Alaska was founded on the cutting edge ideas, input and passion of young people," said Ian-Michael Hebert, an event spokesman. "As we celebrate 50 years of Alaska statehood, we're using cutting edge technology to connect young people across the largest state in the nation to get their opinions and views on Alaska's next 50 years."

Joy Mielke, a senior at Colony High School in the Mat-Su area, said during a break she was glad to find herself among so many like her who just care about Alaska, its citizens and where they're going. "Our ideas matter," she said.

Besides the chance to talk about issues and ideas, the forum also provided some practical benefit, said Charis Erhardt, a high school junior at Anchorage Christian Schools.

"I heard about it from my brother," she said. "He said it looks good on a college application."

Aside from their own exchanges, the nearly 200 forum participants heard from leaders such as University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton; Vic Fischer, a delegate to Alaska's constitutional convention; and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.

"You have the capacity to influence public policy with your involvement," Murkowski said in a video message, noting her own start as a PTA volunteer.

Want to know more about the Forum of Young Alaskans and see some pictures from Saturday?

Visit these sites:

youngalaskans.org

www.flickr.com/photos/amcommunications

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