LEARN. LEAD. SERVE.

Stand Up. Speak Out. Be the Difference.

YMCA of Honolulu

Youth & Government Program

YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government

The YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government encompasses various ways to participate for students of

all ages and interests. All students learn about the democratic process and YAG offers students the

opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their

beliefs while engaging constructively with those who hold like and opposing views.

Ways to Participate

Legislative Branch

6th-7th Grade Youth—as lobbyists or aides, students

will participate in the same training as other

students. Lobbyists will select and support bills they

connect and feel passionate about assisting youth

legislators in the promotion of their bill.

8th-12th Grade Youth—student Representatives and

Senators elect their leadership, research current

events, and write bills throughout program months.

For these legislators, the experience culminates in a

three day conference with opening ceremonies in the

Hawai`i Senate Floor and seeking the signature by the

Youth Governor.

The Press Corps

6th-12th Grade Youth—youth journalists,

reporters, and camera technicians will work

under the supervision of the elected Youth

Editor in Chief to research, interview for, and

present accurate articles regarding the

Youth & Government program. Participants

of The Press Corps are responsible for

communications to all Youth in Government

participants via email, social media, and

newsletters throughout the year.

Participate Today

Join your local YMCA delegation or

start your own delegation today,

contact us at YAG@ymcahonolulu.org.

Current delegates reside all over

Oahu, and the islands of Maui,

Molokai, & Hawaii. Starting your own

delegation is easy. Training, support,

and resources are available.

Conference On

National Affairs

9th-12th Grade Youth—students represent the State of Hawaii at YMCA Blue

Ridge Assembly in North Carolina discussing and debating national or

international issues. An experience like no other to share Hawaii’s aloha

spirit while putting Hawaii on the national scene.

Global Issues Network

9th-12th Grade Youth—students will participate in the Hawaii

Association of Independent Schools hosted event gathering youth to not

just discuss, but problem solve the world’s top 20 pressing issues.

Students will be able to collaborate locally, regionally, and globally

creating project based sustainable solutions for our shared global issues.

YMCA Youth & Government State Director: Mr. Cassidy Inamasu

Office: Nuuanu YMCA 1441 Pali Highway Honolulu Hawaii 96813 808-541-5260 cinamasu@ymcahonolulu.org

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE TO DELEGATES

Youth & Government in Hawaii is a significant and unique program. We will be celebrating our

66th session this year, meaning yes, the program has existed longer than Hawaii has been a

state. Hundreds have benefited from the dialogue and friendships that one can only get from

an experience in Youth & Government and we welcome you to that experience.

Over the years we have challenged ourselves to ensure we are providing a relevant, student

led, inclusive and accessible, high quality program. We remain flexible as we continue to find

just the right formula; however, we are on the right path as we expand our depth and reach.

This year we have partnered with We Vote Hawaii to link our efforts to engage youth in civic

education and action beyond a program or classroom. We are also participating in the Global

Issues Network hosted by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) engaging

youth across the globe to create project based solutions to our glaring global issues.

Our outcomes for Youth & Government remain the same; participants will:

1. Have a greater connection to the YMCA

2. Know and understand the democratic, legislative process

3. Gain knowledge of local, national, and international issues

4. Value partnerships and collaborations

5. Have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a servant leader

These outcomes are our guiding light to push us to do better and to do more for all of the

youth we serve – thus strengthening community. It was said best by one of our first year

students, “At first, I only joined Youth & Government to meet girls. I didn’t know how serious

it was, but man, when I started to take it serious, I felt like the real deal. This program made

me realize how much I can do to help the world.”

In this election year, be involved. Work with your social studies teacher, school

administration, We Vote Hawaii, or us at the Y to assist you further in submitting articles to

Civil Beat, organize voter registration drives, organize candidate debates or voter turnout

rallies, or become a spokesperson with We Vote Hawaii for leadership and civic engagement.

But, above all else, make sure you vote and have your voice heard.

Thank you for your interest in wanting to join us in as we engage in the 66th session and

shape our future.

Mr. Cassidy Inamasu State Director

www.ymcahonolulu.org/social_responsibility/advocacy/youth_and_government

facebook .com/hawa i i youthandgovernment hawa i i _yag

1441 Pali Highway Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 541-5261 yag@ymcahonolulu.org

66th Annual YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government

Important Program Dates

Various Days & Times Throughout September

Veteran participants to gather and record online training videos to support other youth

Tuesday, September 27th – Global Issues Network Event

o 4pm-6:45pm Pacific Buddhist Academy

o Orientation to Global Issues Network

o Breakout sessions with guest speakers and community experts

Saturday, October 1st – State Training #1 ($15 scholarship)

o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA

o Intro to Youth & Government Program & Get to Know You Activities

o Officer Positions Sign Ups

o Mock Debate

Saturday, October 22nd – Association Training #2 ($15 scholarship)

o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA

o Community Speakers

o Bill Topics & Bill Writing

o Mock Debate

Tuesday, November, 8 – ELECTION DAY!

Friday-Sunday, November 11th-13th – Election & Opening Session (tentative)

o Friday 9am to Sunday 4pm, mostly at YMCA Camp Erdman

o Community Service Project **TBD

o Officer Candidate Speeches, Town Hall, Voting

o Opening Session (tentative)

Saturday, December 3rd – Association Training #3 ($15 scholarship)

o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA

o Mock Debate and Chamber Officer Practice

o Bills are due

Wednesday-Friday, December 28th-30th – State Session

o Committees, Chambers, and Crossover

o Youth Governor’s Banquet

o Closing

Dates still to be determined:

Officer & Committee Chairs Debrief

Conference on National Affairs Application Release and Deadline

Global Issues Network Conference Dates

www.ymcahonolulu.org/social_responsibility/advocacy/youth_and_government

facebook .com/hawa i i youthandgovernment hawa i i _yag

See We Vote Hawaii flyer attached. Ask your social studies teacher for your We Vote Hawaii password to be given access to vote on Election Day. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8

th,

remember to vote and save your voting stub to submit for TBD event or scholarship. Results of Youth & Government student raised issues will be broadcast along all other state results.

WeVoteHawaii (WVH), formerly known as Kids Voting Hawaii, is a

nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that promotes citizen participation by providing K-12 students in public, private, charter and home schools the opportunity to experience democracy first hand, by voting online in Hawaii’s General Elections.

Since 1996, WVH has been providing an age-appropriate curriculum and classroom activities, which align with the Hawaii State Social Studies Standards, and address the ‘civic responsibility’ and ‘civic character’ measurements

Internet technology combines with civics education to inspire our youth to explore candidates and issues, engage in dialogue with their peers and families, develop leadership potential, and prepare for a lifetime of voting.

IMPORTANT DATES

July-September School Principal selection of School Level Ambassador (SLA). Principals will be contacted by a WVH coordinator or liaison for the name and email address of the SLA (due by end of August).

September Instructions posted on the website School Password emailed to each Principal & SLA by September

Sept. 26 Practice ballot voting for WVH General Election begins (Student Passwords NOT required)

Sept. 26-Oct. 21 Printing & distribution of Student

Passwords for WVH General E l e c t i o n b y S c h o o l L e v e l Ambassadors or des ignee(s)

Sept. –Nov. 8 On-campus spirit-building for participation in the online voting, e.g., voter registration drives, school rallies, candidate forums

Oct. 25-Nov. 8 WeVoteHawaii GENERAL ELECTION with required student passwords & voting district and precinct numbers WVH GENERAL ELECTION results posted online at 6 PM, Tuesday, Nov. 8th

8-30-10

7-2016

For more information and updates, go to our website www.wevotehawaii.org

WVH Founder & Board Chair Lyla Berg WVH Board Advisor Linda Coble

Education Chair Kay Yogi kyogi@hawaii.rr.com 542-7683

District Coordinators: Honolulu: Jeanne Chang changj321@gmail.com 291-2478 Central: Ellamarie Savidge esavidge@gmail.com 224-2084 Roberta Tom rctom5@gmail.com 285-9912 Leeward: Naomi Yap nyap.wvh@gmail.com 383-3623 Linda Victor lindavictor@hawaii.rr.com 349-9619 Windward: Valerie Okihara valerieo@pixi.com 224-0927 Maui: TBA Moloka`i/Lāna`i: Linda Matsumoto lmatsumoto.wvh@gmail.com 551-0510 Hawai`i: East: Claudia Kobayashi roykobayashi@hawaiiantel.net 987-6856 West: JoAnn Iwane malobrka@gmail.com 640-9487 Iris Higashi-Oshiro soshiro@hawaii.rr.com Kaua`i: Barbara Baker alohabbaker@gmail.com 652-4295 Dora Hong hongd@hawaiiantel.net 651-8893 Home Schools: Shannon Chang sechang808@yahoo.com 222-4784

Independent Schools: Lovey DeRego(Catholic) lderego@rcchawaii.org (808)203-6755 Cindy Turse (HAIS) mahina@turse.org (808)343-4121 Charter Schools: TBA

www.wevotehawaii.org

2016

1441 Pali Highway | Honolulu | Hawaii | 96813 | yag@ymcahonolulu.org

66th Annual YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Program Fees and Available Scholarships

Fees include all supplies, meals, transportation, and lodging expenses during any state run Youth &

Government training, event, conference or session for the 66th annual program.

Delegations are responsible for any additional costs incurred including, but not limited to travel to a

state training, event, conference, or session as well as any delegation specific meetings.

Program Fees: $500 per youth, $300 per adult (lodging), $100 per adult (no lodging)

Payments must be made in full by the December 15 unless authorized by the State Director.

All payments can be made to the “YMCA” and should be processed through the State Director’s

office.

Scholarships

Each participant who takes an active role within the program may receive scholarships. All

scholarships will be distributed via the State Director’s Office. Scholarships are non-transferrable.

Youth may receive any and all scholarships that apply.

First Year Participants - $100 scholarship

Elected Youth Officers - $50 scholarship Students must attend all Officer Trainings/Meetings/Events before and after being elected. Positions Include: Youth Editor in Chief, Youth Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, Vice President, Vice Speaker, Clerks, Sergeant at Arms, and Chaplains. All officer candidate forms must be submitted by the deadline to receive the scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at prior to the state session.

Referral - $50 scholarship per new student referral

Attendance to a state run training - $15 scholarship per training (3 training events)

Financial Assistance & Payment Plans – Deadline to Apply December 1

Available based on need and qualification. Online applications may be found by visiting the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/5MnQAs3JhJOk3rS92 The link can also be emailed to you or you can scan the code to the right. Financial Assistance will be applied to the final total AFTER the above scholarships and fundraising dollars are applied. Payment plans are available and may be drafted on the 1st & 15th of each month.

Example:

1) $500 Fee - $100 (First Year Student) - $45 (attendance at all 3 training) = $355 2) $355 - $50 (fundraising) = $305 3) $305 - $122 (40% Financial Assistance) = $183 Final Balance to be paid by December 15

h a w a i i _ y a g f a c e b o o k . c o m / h a w a i i y o u t h a n d g o v e r n m e n t

www.ymcahonolulu.org/social_responsibility/advocacy/youth_and_government

YMCA of Honolulu

66th Youth & Government Program

Gender

City Zipcode

Grade: Adult Shirt Size:

Insurance Provider

Returning Students _____ Legislature _____ Press Corps

New Students _____ Legislature _____ Press Corps

Students may choose to switch focuses from previous year, but may not switch between

chambers.

6th & 7th grade youth on the legislative side will be placed as Lobbyists, unless approved

by the State Director

Teen Understanding and Agreement

I understand that I am committing to the Youth and Government program and must communicate with my Delegation Director regarding any

absences from training, events, or sessions. I further understand that if I am running for an officer position that I am unable to miss any training.

As a teen participant I agree to abide by all YMCA rules, expectations, and the code of conduct including following the Four Core Values of Honesty,

Caring, Responsibility, and Respect.

Parent's Name Printed: _______________________________________ Parent's Signature: ___________________________________________

Parent Understanding and Agreement

The YMCA of Honolulu is a fellowship dedicated to putting Christian principles into

practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Youth's Name Printed: ___________________________________________Youth's Signature:

___________________________________________

I understand that in my youth committing to the Youth and Government program, I will be financially responsbile for the fees and will make all

necessary payments and/or arrangments prior to December 31, 2015. It is my responsibility to ensure my youth or myself communicates with the

Delegation Director regarding schedules, events, sessions, or finances.

Cell Number

Last Name First Name

Home Number Cell Number

Email

Mother/Legal

GuardianEmail

Father/Legal

Guardian

Youth's Last Name Youth's First Name

Delegation: ____________________________________________

It is the YMCA's belief that no one be turned away due to financial difficulty. Funds are limited and will be distributed

by percentage and based off need. Please scan the QR code to the right or visit

https://goo.gl/forms/5MnQAs3JhJOk3rS92 to apply for assistance. You may also request it emailed to you. All

applications will be processed by the office of the State Director. Deadline is December 1.

Preferred Hospital:In the event of a medical emergency, YMCA staff or volunteers will make all attempts to contact parents/legal

guardians. If they are unable to be reached and in the best interest of the youth, 911 will be called.

Program Placement

Youth's Information:

Parent/Guardian's Information:

Financial Assistance

Youth's Cell: Allergies/Medial or Food Conditions:

Home Number Work Number

First Name

Work Number

Youth's Email: School:

Birthday (Month/Date/Year):Home Address

Last Name

For YMCA of Honolulu

Youth & Government Programs 2016-2017All Activities During Program Hours and/or YMCA Special Events outside of Program Hours

Youth’s Names:

__________________________________________________________________

Print Parent/Legal Guardian’s Name:

__________________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian:

__________________________________________________________________

Best Phone Contact: __________________

Email (optional): __________________________

The YMCA of Honolulu is a fellowship dedicated to putting Christian principles into

practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

YMCA OF HONOLULU PHOTO RELEASE WAIVER

Photos | Video | Artwork | Stories | Profiles | Journaling

Youth & Government has specific outcomes and goals that are aimed at growing and nurturing the

potential of each individual youth. In efforts to seek funding, resources, and greater community

support, the YMCA of Honolulu will be asking youth to participate in surveys, evaluations,

questionnaires, and journaling. I understand that any data, stories, and/or information collected from

such surveys, evaluations, questionnaires, or journaling may be used by the YMCA of Honolulu to

represent the Youth & Government program. The YMCA of Honolulu has my permission to use my, and

my child(ren)’s photograph, video, artwork, journal entries, taken surveys and evaluations, profile

and/or story and any likeness to in any of its publications, web pages, and other promotional materials

produced, used by, and representing the YMCA of Honolulu. I understand the circulation of the

materials could be worldwide and that there will be no compensation to me or my youth for this use.

YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Code of Conduct

REGARDING PERSONAL BEHAVIOR

All youth must abide by and portray the YMCA of Honolulu’s Four Core Values of Honesty, Caring,

Responsibility, and Respect throughout all aspects of the program. This includes participation in activities,

group discussion, and debate.

Harassment, bullying, or intimidation through language, gestures, or other negative behavior is not allowed.

The use, possession, or concealment of weapons, alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs will not be tolerated.

Electronics are discouraged. Any youth choosing to bring electronics (phones, games, tablets, etc.) chooses

to bring it at their own risk. The YMCA of Honolulu, its staff, and its volunteers will not be held

responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items.

Each participant is legally and financially responsible for any removal, defacing or willful damage to public

or private property. This includes the property of fellow participants, advisors and staff, organizations,

businesses, lodging & conference facilities, and the State of Hawaii.

No participant shall leave the program without the permission and knowledge of the Branch Director. The

dismissal and return from program must be coordinated with the Branch Director prior and requires

authorization of the State Director. This includes program hours and lodging facility.

Intimate or sexual activity, including physical display of affection (PDA) is not allowed and will not be

tolerated.

Dress Code is to be followed at all appropriate times.

REGARDING LODGING FACILITY

All participants must remain in their own rooms. Socializing in a room other than the one assigned to you

is only allowed during delegation meetings and time allotted according to the schedule. When other youth

are visiting the door must remain open and all guests must remain in the front area of the room.

All rooms are pre-assigned and assigned by gender. There is no swapping of rooms unless authorized by

Branch and State Director. No rooms shall be mixed gender.

All participants must be respectful of other participants and guests at the lodging facility. This means

noise levels, activity, and cleanliness must remain appropriate. Curfew and lights out must be closely

followed according to the schedule. Curfew remains in effect until 7:00am the following morning, unless

otherwise stated.

Guests are not allowed at any time unless authorized by the Branch or State Director. This includes past

participants, friends, or family.

I have read, understand, and agree to the above CODE OF CONDUCT. I understand that failure to abide by the

above will result in a warning, communication with parents, and the possibility of removal from the program. Any

illegal activity will result in a call to the police. If at any time I am unsure of a specific action, I will ask my Branch

or State Director for clarification prior to acting.

Participant’s Name Printed: ____________________________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Participant’s Signature: _________________________________________________________________________

Parent’s Name Printed: __________________________________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent’s Signature: _______________________________________________________________________________

YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Dress Code

It is very important that participants look as impressive as we know they are. By dressing for the role

they play as legislators and journalists, youth are more able to appreciate the program. By simply having

a standard of dress the quality of our program is increased.

YMCA staff and Delegation Directors reserve the right to ask a participant to change their outfit if it

does not fit the dress code. If a student does not have access to appropriate clothing, it should be

brought to the Delegation Director and State Director prior to the start of any training or session.

BUSINESS CASUAL

PANTS -Dress Slacks or Khakis

-No long jeans, cargo pants, shorts, baggy pants or sweats

TOPS -Button down collared shirt; Aloha shirts are okay

-Button down blouses, must cover shoulders

-No T-Shirts or polo shirts; tummy area should not show

SKIRTS/DRESSES -Dresses, skirts, and blouse combinations are okay

-Dresses/skirts must be at fingertip length or longer

SHOES -Dress shoes, appropriate casual shoes, flats or heels

-No athletic shoes, slippers or sandals

OPENING CEREMONIES BUSINESS DRESS

PANTS -Dress Slacks and belt

-No khakis, long jeans, cargo pants, shorts, baggy pants or sweats

TOPS -Long sleeve button down collared shirt, tie, and sports coat/blazer

-Button down blouse (must cover shoulders), sports coat/blazer

-No T-Shirts or polo shirts; tummy area should not show

SKIRTS/DRESSES -Dresses, skirts, and blouse combinations are okay with sports coat/blazer

-Dresses/skirts must be at fingertip length or longer

SHOES -Dress shoes or heels

-No athletic shoes, casual shoes, flats, slippers or sandals

YOUTH GOVERNOR'S BANQUET & DANCE

Semi-formal, well dressed; No shorts, jeans or athletic shoes

CASUAL ATTIRE (Social & Down Time)

Any clothing in line with the YMCA’s Four Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, and Respect.

Imaging may not be too revealing, display any derogatory remarks/images, or reference any behaviors not

allowed at a YMCA function.

Dress code is not optional, failure to follow them may result in non-participation.