Navigation
- What is Youth and Government?
- Skills Offered
- Types of Programs
- Youth Leadership Roles
- Volunteer Advisor Role
- Registration
What is Youth and Government?
Youth and Government™, a national YMCA program, empowers students from every corner of the U.S. by giving them the opportunity to learn about - and experience - government policies and methodologies firsthand.
The YMCA of Silicon Valley participates in the California YMCA Youth and Government program. The program has provided outstanding statewide civic engagement, education, and social experiences for over 75 years. Their programs, run through partnering YMCAs, Schools, and Youth Organizations, have served over 100,000 students over the past 15 years alone.
Skills Offered
California YMCA Youth and Government prides itself in offering the following skills to help youth transition and succeed with ease from middle school through college graduation:
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Research & Writing
- Core Values
- Collaboration
- Study Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Greater Understanding of Civic Engagement
- Addressing Issues on Statewide, National and International Levels
Types of Programs
- Model United Nations (Middle School Students)
- Model Legislature & Court (High School Students)
Model United Nations (MUN) Program
For Middle School Students
In our Model United Nations (MUN) program, middle school students learn about current affairs, politics, economics, and diplomacy through weekly meetings.
If you have a child who’s interested in the political process and wants to learn more about international relations, diplomacy, and critical thinking, our MUN program is an ideal extracurricular activity for them.
The program starts in March 2024 and runs through May 2024. Delegates meet weekly. This program prepares students for the Model Legislature & Court (MLC) program.
Model Legislature & Court (MLC) Program
For High School Students
The Model Legislature & Court (MLC) program provides high school students with an in-depth knowledge of the legislative process. They will learn how to debate bills, how bills are created, and how their state government is run. Students will discover the different branches of government and various program areas as well as explore the voting process through nominations for the Youth & Government program Governor position.
Teens from across every state meet in their local Youth and Government™ groups throughout the year, to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of their state and to propose legislation. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature.
The program runs from Fall to the Spring (ex: September 2023 through March 2024). Youth delegates meet weekly to discuss current news, deepen their understanding of civic engagement, and prepare for events and conferences. Delegation meeting content is created by delegation advisors, youth offices, and council members.
Active delegations are through the East Palo Alto and Palo Alto YMCA locations.
NOTE: Students earn community service hours for participation in this program's meetings, assignment hours, and all conference hours.
MLC Program Costs (as of 2023)
YMCA Member Participants: $1,300*
Community Participants: $1,400*
*Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify
Price Includes:
-
Camp Roberts Training Conference
- Nov 9-12, 2023
- This conference in on an active military base; however, students will not interact with military personnel.
- (includes lodging in military barracks, dinner Friday, all meals Saturday & Sunday, and breakfast Monday)
-
Sacramento MLC Conference
- Feb 16-19, 2024
- (includes hotel lodging, welcome dinner Friday, dinner Saturday & Sunday)
-
Sweatshirt
- color and design chosen by delegates
- Transportation for all conferences
Youth Leadership Roles
Youth voice and choice are paramount to our program's ability to develop youth leaders. There will be several opportunities for youth delegates to apply for positions.
Delegation Officers: Support weekly meeting planning and facilitation. Engage in monthly officer meetings and training sessions. Work with their advisor to provide delegation-specific support and resources.
Advisory Council: Support system for feedback and delegate satisfaction throughout the year. Plan and facilitate family group time and oversee areas of equity, access, and restorative justice.
Social Council: Plan and facilitate social events. Oversee any delegation clubs, extracurricular activities, or caucuses.
Volunteer Advisor Role
The Volunteer Lead Advisor monitors meetings, assists students in program area homework, attends conferences with coalition, and participates in advisor duties.
Registration
Registration for our Youth and Government is open to the public and is available here.
- Registration for MLC is usually available to the public in early September and is open until it is full.
- If MUN is available, it would be available for registration in early Spring.
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