MONTGOMERY &8212; Members of Leadership Marengo, Inc. Class XIV and YOUth LEAD Class III learned about the legislative system through a visit to Montgomery where they toured the state capitol and heard from state legislators about state issues.

During the March 13 session, the local leadership classes joined groups from Leadership Selma from Dallas County, Leadership Lowndes, Leadership Wilcox and Leadership Clarke at the RSA Tower to hear from the State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, and the State Treasurer Kay Ivey.

After the morning break, the YOUth LEAD students met with State Rep. A.J. McCampbell at the State House where they toured his office and observed the House of Representatives in session.

They also met with Pres Harris from the Alabama Arise Coalition to learn about public policies, coalitions and the importance of voice and vote.

Two of the seniors in YOUth LEAD completed the paperwork to register to vote while they were there.

During the remainder of the morning, Leadership Marengo, along with the other leadership classes, heard from the Black Belt Action Commission Panel, which included Doni Ingram ADECA, Sen. Hank Sanders and Margaret Bentley. Sen. Gerald Dial, director for the Alabama Rural Action Commission and his assistant director, Chad Nichols also addressed the class.

McCampbell and State Rep. Marc Keahey joined the leadership groups for lunch.

During their session the group visited the House and Senate chambers and toured the Capitol.

Catherine Meador contributed to this article.