With Alaska being thrust into the national spotlight, residents have begun speaking out on issues ranging from the economy, to the environment, to energy resources. On Saturday, young Alaskans got involved, with what's being called the largest discussion in Alaskan history.

They shared their experiences, knowledge, and hopes for the future of the state.

Alaskans aged 16 through 25, representing both rural and urban Alaska, took advantage of new communication channels to dive into the issues that mattered to them, in what's being called a historic event.

For the first time ever, groups of young Alaskans met simultaneously in ten different communities to discuss the issues and challenges facing them and the state.

"It's a way for them to express the ideas they are interested in, the problems in their community that the rest of the state doesn't know about " said Maggie Grega, a committee member on the Forum of Young Alaskans.

"By getting folks from across the state together, we start learning about some of those things that are similarities, some of the things we have in common regardless of what part of Alaska we call home," said Joe Hardenbrook, the chair of the Forum of Young Alaskans.

Talking from places such as Bethel, Dillingham, Kodiak, Fairbanks, and Anchorage the youths were able to find a common thread and come to a better understanding of the issues that matter to them.

"There is really a big difference between urban life and rural life, obviously there's going to be different views, and it would be good to actually know the opinions on certain issues of people living out in rural communities," said Chris Frost, a participant in the Forum of Young Alaskans. "Public safety is important in Anchorage, public safety is important in Kodiak, education is important in Fairbanks, education is important in Nome," Hardenbrook continued, "By bringing folks together so they can talk about the things that matter to them, they start realizing that those things also matter to young Alaskans from across the state."

By using a format to hear all voices and ideas, the forum set the stage for the future and vision of Alaska.

"Not only to get them discussing their ideas, but also to have the older generation, the leaders right now, to realize that there are engaged youth in Alaska, and they are ready to step and lead the state into the future," said Grega.

The Forum of Young Alaskans connected the varied geographic locations in Alaska via video conferencing and web using speakers, presentations, and participants to discuss Alaskan issues. The statewide dialogue continues this January in honor of Alaska's 50th year of statehood.

There will be a conference of young Alaskans to develop proposed action plans and ideas to represent the voice of the next generation of leaders.

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