September 30, 2008 (Charlotte, NC) – Most teenagers aren’t able to vote, but they can still make a difference in the political process. Civic-minded teens are encouraged to come to ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, for “Participate in ’08,” a nonpartisan teen rally to encourage voter participation and civic engagement.

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts will be on hand to address teenagers on the importance of civic responsibility. “Participate in ’08” also will feature a number of teen civic groups, each with the goal of informing the greater public that teenagers do have opinions on politics and care about how today’s decisions will affect their futures. Groups such as the Junior Statesmen of America, Kids Voting, Generation Engage, Mecklenburg Youth Voice, and more will each get time on stage to present their messages of involvement to teens.

In addition to hearing from their peers, teens in attendance will have an opportunity to send a message of their own by creating picket signs and rallying outside ImaginOn in uptown Charlotte. Unregistered voters can sign up at the rally, and the event will draw to a close with a reception serving all-American favorite foods, hot dogs and apple pie.

“Participate in ’08” will take place from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 who want to learn more about this exciting chance to make their views and voices heard can contact The Loft at ImaginOn at (704) 973-2728 or theloft@plcmc.org for more information. For interested attendees, ImaginOn is accessible by Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line light rail, conveniently located next to 7th Street Station.

Founded in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has become one of the premiere libraries in the country with 24 locations, 1.6 million volumes, and 28,000 videos, DVDs and CDs. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs – from computer- and Internet-education workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration that accentuates the fun of reading and learning. As a public library, we are dedicated to our mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching our community.