Program History

Youth & Government is a youth-led leadership club for high school students to learn about the legislative, judicial branches and other components of Texas government. Youth & Government offers opportunities to travel, consider careers, learn from professionals and make new friends.

The following is an overview of the different areas in which students can participate:

Legislative

This branch takes participants through development, approval, debate and conclusion of proposed bills that mirror real issues affecting Texas government.

Judicial

Participants in the judicial track work as judges, attorneys, bailiffs and witnesses in Appellate and Supreme Court mock trials. Civil and criminal cases are tried and decisions passed.

State Affairs Forum

State Affairs Forum follows the legislative order on a smaller scale; studying critical issues that face our state, present proposals for change or solution and debate their ideas with other planners.

News Media

With pen, camera or tape, students cover the events and issues of the conferences and report on local points of interest. Participants can choose to write, edit or produce the conference newspapers and broadcasts.

Lobbyists

As a Lobbyist, experienced delegates work to influence the outcome of legislation through participation in hearing committees, the media, the youth Governor, the Governor’s cabinet, Representatives and Senators.

Advisors

Welcome! We are so glad you are an advisor and hope you will find your section beneficial!

The most important element of the Youth & Government Program is the Advisor. The success of the program is dependent on how well-prepared an advisor is for his/her role. The advisor’s job is one of facilitating a positive experience for the young people who participate in the program. The job includes many responsibilities like:

• Recruit students
• Recruit volunteers
• Make contact with the state director
• Develop the schedule of meetings
• A calendar with projected dates for accomplishing specific tasks
• Be available to provide information and assistance to the delegates as they prepare for their roles
• Collect delegation applications and fees
• Develop the whole student and not just the mind

Each local club must have a club advisor or coordinator in order to participate. This advisor, be it a “Y” professional, teacher volunteer, or part-time staff member, is vital to the success of the club – especially over the long run in year to year continuance. The advisor does not necessarily need to know a lot about government, as the program will teach this, but rather, must be able to work in the small group process, be enthusiastic and enjoy teenagers. The ideal ratio for advisors is one for every fifteen youth. At least one advisor must be over 21 years of age. The advisor should receive an orientation and training needed to effectively function in the YMCA’s Youth & Government program. To function effectively in the statewide Youth & Government Program, the advisor should plan to attend one Advisor training each year.

Contact

For more information about our Youth & Government programs, please click here.

You can also email AJ Rea at [email protected] or AJ McCleod at [email protected].