Representative Maurice West Encourages Student Advocacy at NIU POWER Retreat

State Representative Maurice West recently joined Northern Illinois University for the People’s Organizing Weekend Empowerment Retreat (POWER), an initiative focused on cultivating informed, engaged, and empowered student leaders.

Representative West served on a legislative panel alongside fellow lawmakers, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at how the Statehouse operates while sharing practical guidance on effective advocacy. The discussion emphasized how ideas move through the legislative process and how constituents—especially young people—can influence policy through informed engagement and strategic action.

Empowering students to participate in the legislative process and make their voices heard is essential to a healthy democracy. Representative West was encouraged by the attentiveness and thoughtfulness of the students in attendance and expressed optimism about the passionate advocacy they will bring forward in the future.

The retreat underscored the importance of connecting education with civic participation and reaffirmed Representative West’s commitment to supporting opportunities that prepare the next generation to lead with purpose and impact.