YMCA Youth and Model Government Club
Democracy
must be learned by each generation" YMCA Youth & Government is an exciting laboratory experience in the mechanics of the state
legislative and judicial process. The program, which is developed through
the high school clubs of the YMCA, exists in 40 of our 50 states and
annually brings together 25,000 young people to experience first-hand
the workings of their state government. Florida's YMCA Youth & Government had its beginning in 1957 and it now brings approximately 800 young
people annually to our state's capital to "take over the government" for three days. The
process begins at the local YMCA or high school where young people,
with the assistance of volunteers, teachers, and YMCA professional
staff, serving as advisors; identify their concerns for community change
through research and interaction with the leaders of their community.
The
youth take positions on issues, which are eventually formulated into
bills which are debated in the chambers of the Florida Capitol by youth
delegates from all regions of our state. Youth assume the roles of
presiding officers as well as those of support officials in both the
House of Representatives and the Senate. Florida
YMCA Youth & Government offers ninth and tenth grade first time participants a unique opportunity
to participate in a First Year Legislator Program which teaches in
a hands-on manner the skills each delegate needs in order to fully
enjoy the Youth & Government program in succeeding years.
The
Lobbyist Program provides its participants with first-hand experience
in getting their concerns and interests represented in the laws, which
are passed in the model legislature. The Model Supreme Court offers
the opportunity to experience by participation the inner workings of
our state's judicial system to include Attorney Firms. To add an additional
touch of reality, the Youth and Government program also has youth assuming
the roles of members of the Press.
The
Governer, Lieutenant Governer, Senate President, House Speaker, both
Pro-Terms and Chief Justice are elected each year to preside over the
following year's Youth &Government conference.
Twenty
of the most outstanding participants are given an opportunity to attend
the Annual YMCA Conference on National Affairs where debates take place
with those chosen from the other states' Youth & Government programs. Our youth Governor also attends a week long YMCA Youth
Governor's Conference in Washington, D.C.
The
Goals of the YMCA Youth & Government are interwoven throughout this total program. The knowledge can become
the bench mark to motivate some to enter politics, some to enter government
service, and all to be interested, involved, and more effective citizens.
Dates:
Meetings:
Every Monday night at 6:45 in room 1-04, RHS.
Conferences:
NOVEMBER: 23 University of Miami Law School
FEBRUARY: 13-15 Florida State House Tallahassee, FL
OCTOBER: 25 Teco Arena
Fundraising Dates:
NOVEMBER: 29 Alico Rd K-mart Carwash
Links:
Florida Legislation
Florida Statutes
Florida Monitor
| 
