14-year-old Gracie Duhig says adults rarely talk to kids and teens like equals. 

Duhig is a member of the Tulsa Changemakers Leadership Council, which hosted its first legislator lunch and learn Wednesday afternoon. There, she says, things were different.

“All the people in here were really respected,” she said. “They shook our hands, took us seriously and treated us like their peers.”

Five elected officials joined 27 students from 11 different Tulsa-area schools for discussions on education, public safety and the legislative process. The gathering was part of an initiative by Tulsa Changemakers, a program of Leadership Tulsa that supports youth driving positive change. 

On Wednesday, though, the adults took a step back. Students organized and facilitated the event. 

“We have the power to make our wants and needs known,” Hannah Chunu, 15, said. “We have a lot more power than we give ourselves credit for. There’s not that huge of a gap between us, civilians and our leaders.” 

State Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, encouraged teens to “stay involved” and continue asking questions of their representatives, even if they aren’t old enough to vote yet. 

“Hold those folks accountable to make sure that they are listening and are accessible,” Reinhardt said. 

“I wasn’t asking questions like that in 7th grade,” said freshman State Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa. In a discussion on education, students pressed Clinton on solutions for poor teacher retention. 

Chunu recalled when five teachers left her school in a matter of weeks — leaving her with permanent substitutes and teaching assistants to finish the year. She said younger teachers are overwhelmed by behavioral issues in large classes, resulting in constant suspensions. 

Students had no shortage of suggested solutions, though, pushing for more peer-to-peer support for teachers, higher wages and limits on class sizes. 

Cam Avington, 19, led a public safety discussion with State Rep. Ronald Stewart, D-Tulsa, pressing him on policing practices and training standards for law enforcement. 

Others asked former Democratic State Rep. Amanda Swope for advice on contacting legislators and staying updated on policies they pass. One suggestion for Swope: The Senate and House websites should be easier to navigate — and youth outreach should be taken seriously.

“We appreciate you coming today, but this is not the end of it,” Emilia Nguyen, 16, said while closing the meeting. “You guys being here today means a lot to us, so make it worth it.”