Elev8 New Mexico Students Simulate Real-Life Advocacy

Elev8 students in the MicroSociety program at Grant Middle School are participating in mock advocacy efforts to better understand what programs face as they search for ways to generate revenue during tough economic times.

Two sides are involved in the mock controversy, Micro Café and Micro Media. The scenario: Facing an $800 shortfall, the government is proposing steep tax increases to address the budget deficit. Micro Café is supporting the tax increase, since it does considerable business with the government; the Micro Media, however, is opposing the tax proposals.

Through this mock process, students are learning effective advocacy skills by debating relevant policy issues, such as tax increases..