Youth in Government

Youth & Government programs are designed to teach youth about the functions & processes associated with our system of government.

There are two divisions based on age: Model Legislature & Court for (9th - 12th graders) & Model United Nations (for 6th - 8th graders).

YOUTH & GOVERNMENT

YMCA Youth & Government programs are designed to teach youth about the functions & processes associated with our system of government. There are two divisions based on age: Model Legislature& Court for (9th - 12th graders) & Model United Nations (for 6th - 8th graders).

Since its inception, the programs have used a variety of activities to build, encourage & strengthen those life assets & character traits that will help youth become involved, responsible adults who are decent& respected citizens. The programs are very comprehensive & their impact on the youth participants is dramatic. The core purpose of these highly regarded programs is exemplified in the motto "Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation."

However, the program is by no means a government boot camp. A key focus of Youth & Government is the building of friendships among its participants. It is extremely common for participants to refer to their "Youth and Government buddies" as the best friends they ever had.

Model Legislature and Court (MLC) is a statewide program for more than 2,000 9th to 12th graders designed to enhance their understanding of the democratic process while making memories that will last a lifetime. During a seven month period, the teen delegates write bills, select governmental positions to fill, attend two statewide training conferences, & run for various elected offices. The program reaches its peak in Sacramento at the State Capitol with the convening of the five day MLC each February. There, "real" government moves out & the teen delegates "take over" using the historic halls, chambers, and offices of our State Capitol, Supreme Court, and Governor's Office.

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the real-life United Nations Assembly. MUN delegates will take part in some of the activities that the real U.N. members participate in. Delegates will research, debate & establish policies, treaties & resolutions focusing on international issues, including disputes between countries, peace-keeping responsibilities, border crises, stabilizing financial markets & dealing with hunger, disease & poverty.

Delegations are assigned one or more countries that they will represent. Delegates can be a part of one of several organizations that make up the U.N., including the General Assembly (GA), Security Council, International Court of Justice, the Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) & an international press delegation.

CONTACT: Perry Mecate (909) 798-9622 at YMCA

California Youth and Government Website: www.calymca.org