Have you ever said to yourself, “Someone should do something about that?” What if that someone was you?

Leading others by learning to lead from within is the theme of the Western Slope Economic Leadership Conference.

The conference for high school juniors in the region is set for Nov. 2 at the Colorado Mesa University Meyer Ballroom in Grand Junction. The Freedom and Responsibility Education Enterprise (FREE) Foundation hosts the conference as part of its mission to help students and teachers learn about economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and free enterprise.

The conference will feature T.K. Coleman, co-founder and education director for Praxis. The apprenticeship program combines a traditional liberal arts education with academic mentoring, group discussions, practical skills training, professional development workshops and real-world business experience. Coleman also serves as director of entrepreneurial education at the Foundation for Economic Education and travels the nation teaching young people about entrepreneurism and free-market economics. 

A partnership between the FREE Foundation and Foundation for Economic Education makes the Western Slope Economic Leadership Conference possible. Donations from individuals to defray costs make it possible to offer the conference at no charge to students and their teachers.

The conference begins with a continental breakfast, followed by a nationally recognized keynote speaker, participation in hands-on teaching activities and competitive activities. After a noon buffet, afternoon sessions and a drawing for door prizes follows.

Because of the small group discussions and hands-on activities, participation in the conference is limited to the first 150 Western Colorado juniors to register. Some of the smaller schools send their entire junior class. 

Ample economic and leadership teaching materials are provided at no charge at the conference, enough to teach a full semester of economics. Materials cover such concepts as choice, innovation, market competition, property rights, scarcity and supply and demand.

Good leaders are needed throughout society — in businesses, churches and interest groups. And, yes, in all levels government. Moreover, understanding how economic principles apply to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services is useful to every individual. 

The conference addresses both the need to help young people develop leadership skills and learn how economics affects their lives. 

If the statement “Someone should do something about that” resonates, the young people attending the conference well could decide that someone is them. Encourage a high school junior to attend.