One of the oldest civil rights organizations in existence is now focusing on Arkansas' youth.

The Little Rock Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, now has a youth council.

One group of teenagers just spent a week of their summer at a leadership camp known as Our Town.

(Charles Cervantes, LULAC State Director) “It's a time to start giving them education on leadership, so they'll be able to get involved with all cultures and races.”

The students say it was a fun and learning experience.

(Maggie Touchstone, LULAC Youth Council #7000) “I think we learned more about leadership.”

(Liana Garcia, LULAC Youth Council #7000) “I've learned to not be so shy around people, and speak what I want to say, and stand up for people.”

Liana Garcia and Maggie Touchstone plan to use their newfound leadership skills as members of Little Rock's first LULAC Youth Council--a group the state director of LULAC says is so important for the development of tomorrow's leaders.

(Cervantes) “People want to start at them when they're in college. No, you gotta start with them now. It's very important to start with them now. If they're hungry and they show desire to want to lead, don't push them away. Give them the tools, give them the information, sponsor them, give them the funds. So that's what we're striving for here in central Arkansas.”

Cervantes says he hopes to make the leadership camp an annual event for youth council members.

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