Youth and Government

Davin Brownell

What is it?

Youth and Government:A program run by the YMCAFor eighth through twelfth gradersLearn how state government worksLearn how to write billsLearn how to debateVery hands on

How Does it Work?

People meet at their individual YMCA’sEach YMCA creates a DelegationGroups of Delegations form DistrictsDistricts form SectionsAll delegations meet in Spring for Mock LegMembers from each State go to CONACONA= Conference on National Affairs

What’s the Point?

“ Democracy must be learned by each generation”

- Benjamin Franklin There are a few points of the program

To spread knowledge of democracyTo bring students together to see how democracy worksFor students to have an educational but fun process

History

Originated in 1932Clement “Pete” Duran was the founderFirst year in Albany, New YorkSpread to other statesCan now be found in 37 statesName either “Y and G” or “Y in G”

Where does it Happen?

Happens in 37 states across the nationBi-Weekly meetings happen in your local “Y”‘Mock, Mock Leg’ happens at a hotel‘Actual Mock Leg’ happens at state capitolCONA (Conference on National Affairs) changes

When does it Happen?

The program (depending on state) starts in the fallDelegations meet every other weekEvery three months delegations meet to practiceActual Legislature meets in the Spring

What Happens

Different things happen at different timesDuring normal meeting delegates work on skills like debate, and bill writingDuring practice mock leg, delegates practice debating the bills they wroteDuring legislature, delegates follow the democratic process and work to get the bill they wrote passed, and written into ‘law’

How to Join

It is very easy and simple to joinGo to your local YMCA and sign upHAVE FUN!

Sources• http://www.seattleymca.org/Locations/YouthAndGovernment/Pages/Home.aspx• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YMCA_Youth_and_Government• http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/inbrief/2011/10/20111025165108enaj0.

6588861.html#axzz1y5MmfSMI• http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/inbrief/2011/10/20111025165108enaj0.

6588861.html#axzz1y5MmfSMI• http://www.hsfinc.com/images/Gavel.jpg• http://www.clker.com/cliparts/8/a/1/6/1194983776544615185us_capitol_building

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