A number of years ago I taught a young lady, we will call her Ann, who was very unsure about herself, and had very little interest in civic life.

As part of my government class she selectED animal rights as her public policy topic (because she did love animals), researched the topic, and wrote a proposal banning all animal test of cosmetics.

She did an excellent job, and while she initially was nervous and met some strong resistance, she was so passionate about her proposal that she convinced a majority of the class to support her.

Ann has told me personally how valuable that experience was. I have not seen or talk to Ann in years, but I feel she grew as a result of the experience. She did begin to participate in animal rights politics through PETA, in part, as a result of the experience.