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Youth & GovernmentNational Youth & Government Program Motto “Democracy must be learned by each generation.” Youth & Government was created to enhance the development of the American democratic system by enabling young people to prepare for moral and political leadership through experiential learning. One of the goals is to encourage responsible citizenship by increasing awareness of societal issues and understanding of the processes by which we make laws to govern ourselves. Students assume a role in state government for 5 months. The roles available are representative, senator, lobbyist, reporter, attorney, judge, and legislative page. They meet in club meetings once per week at their local school or YMCA where they learn how their role contributes to policy-making and society as a whole. There are two statewide events where students can meet others, run for leadership positions, join political parties (a specially designed system just for YMCA Youth & Government!), and receive further training on their role. The program culminates in a 3-day “takeover” of the Capitol grounds, where students hold committee and floor hearings in the House, Senate, and Supreme Court Chambers. This program is for students in 8th-12th grade and runs August 1 to December 15. For more information about Youth & Government including club locations, fees, and our calendar of events, please go to www.azymcayag.org. To contact a staff member directly: Purpose Youth & Government was created to enhance the development of the American democratic system by enabling young people to prepare for moral and political leadership through experiential learning. One of the goals is to encourage responsible citizenship by increasing awareness of societal issues and understanding of the processes by which we make laws to govern ourselves. The purpose of the Youth & Government program is to inspire young people to develop integrity and social responsibility as they deliberate issues faced as a state, and to accept some responsibility for themselves as they help to solve these issues. Although the broad objectives of YMCA Youth & Government include education in the democratic process, development of leadership abilities, and stimulation of interest in government, the experience helps many participants in their choice of career. The program has inspired many young people to enter politics or other areas of public service and allied fields such as diplomatic service and law. The major value of the program, however, continues to be in the development of young men and women who will be better citizens by being both knowledgeable and active in determining the future of our democracy. The desired end result is to use the Youth & Government program as a tool to help prepare the participants for life. History In the mid-1930’s, Clement A. “Pete” Duran, the Boy’s Work Secretary of the Albany, New York YMCA, realized the government’s need for more leaders of high moral character and integrity. At the same time he saw the need for high school youth to have a meaningful introduction to the democratic processes of government since they would soon become adult citizens. Duran struck upon the idea of a Model Legislature as a program vehicle for introducing the youth to the actual processes and leadership of their state government. The slogan “Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation” was developed by him as a motto to interpret the purpose of the program. Holding the first Model Legislature in Albany in 1936, Duran successfully developed the first YMCA Youth & Government Program for members of New York Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y clubs. With encouragement from the National Council of YMCAs, the program spread rapidly to other states. Arizona initiated its program in 1948 under the stewardship of YMCA Volunteers C.S. “Chick” Hawkins and Dr. Robert L. Nugent, the latter who was a former Executive Vice President at the University of Arizona. Steps were taken by YMCA staff to assure a high quality experience for all youth participants. A statewide sponsoring Committee of leading citizens, which included several State officials and legislators, was organized (This Committee is now known as the Advisory Committee). Dr. Robert Nugent was the Chairman of the State Youth & Government Committee from 1949-1963. His leadership, dedication to youth, and devotion to the highest ideals of democratic principles are commemorated yearly in the Dr. Robert L. Nugent Award, which is awarded to the youth legislator who most exemplifies these character traits. Throughout the program’s history, the Advisory Committee has enjoyed a succession of great talent and wisdom from its members, chairs, and staff. Similarly, the program has benefited immensely from many top youth leaders and dedicated adult volunteers. Since its inception in 1948, thousands of teens have participated in the program learning about government and learning about themselves. From their experiences, this program has developed professionals in many fields. In addition to learning about government, teens have gained a sense of value and self-esteem about their abilities to work as a team, accomplish goals, and give something back to their community. The alumni ranks are filled with success stories that are connected to the lessons learned in this dynamic program. Today, Youth & Government is a national program of the YMCA. It involves thousands of youth nationwide in state organized model government programs that include model legislatures, judicial programs, executive branches, lobbyists, press corps and legislative aides. Attesting to the high regard that Arizona State officials have for Youth & Government, the Senate and House Chambers as well as adjoining committee rooms and other needed facilities are made available for the 3-day Model Legislature conference each year. The enthusiastic support of all government officials from the Governor of Arizona down is enjoyed and appreciated. Each summer, selected delegates are provided an opportunity to participate in the YMCA Conference on National Affairs in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Also, each year the incoming Governor attends the National Youth Governor’s Conference in Washington, D.C. The ability of Arizona YMCA Youth & Government to remain flexible, yet sustain high quality and a clear design bodes well for the future of this statewide YMCA teen leadership program.
Participant RolesLOBBYISTS (grades 9 - 12) The lobbyist is a “salesperson” who works behind the scenes for the passage of the bills that would benefit his/her clients and works against the passage of bills that would not benefit his/her clients. Lobbyists can choose and may be assigned to represent two clients (Assignment and/or choice of clients depend on the seniority of the lobbyist and the availability of clients. See Chapter Six for more information). In representing these clients, lobbyists will be testifying before legislative committees and speaking privately with individual legislators outside the chambers. Lobbyists also register with the Secretary of State at the Model Legislature Conference. PRESS CORPS (grades 9 - 12) The Press Corps documents the Model Legislature in the form of a newspaper called “The State Press”. The Press Corps member participates in various areas such as Editorial Staff, Reporting, Graphics and Layout, and Production for the State Press, which is exclusively printed for the delegates, advisors, and guests during the conference. Press Corps members receive assistance from real print journalists on the ins and outs of writing for a newspaper. Students are also encouraged to write articles about Youth & Government for their local school and community newspapers. LEGISLATORS – REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (grades 9 - 12) The primary role of a legislator is to propose a piece of legislation beneficial to the citizens of Arizona. Their job is to try to persuade a majority of the members of the Model Legislature that their bill is worthy of passage. Representatives and Senators serve as members of Joint Legislative Committees to which their bill is assigned. Bills that are passed through the committees then go to the House and Senate chambers for presentation and debate. If the bill receives the necessary favorable votes in both Houses, it goes to the Governor to be signed into law or vetoed. Study each bill and be prepared to support or oppose them at the model legislature. The legislature holds the primary responsibility for the passage of legislation. COURT (grades 9-12) This area is designed to give delegates a first-hand experience in the judicial process of Arizona, with emphasis on the appellate court system. Students who select the court program participate in interviews to determine appellate or supreme court placement and whether they will play a judge or attorney. All court participants are given case materials and work with professional attorneys and judges in preparing their cases. The culmination of their work is a real court hearing, with the students taking center stage and the youth judges delivering their decision. Ratio of Advisors Each delegation is responsible for maintaining a ratio of one adult advisor (a minimum of 21 years old) to every ten delegates (1:10) during all local, district, and statewide Youth & Government events. All delegations are required to have at least one certified advisor. It is encouraged for all delegations to have 2 certified advisors. |