The State YMCA Youth In Government (YIG) program provides about 1600 high school students with a unique opportunity to become acting state legislators, lobbyists, lawyers, committee chairs, etc. In essence the students will simulate all phases and positions that the actual state government calls for. These students are challenged with many of the issues our real legislators must face in their elected offices.
Youth from throughout the state are selected as delegates from student councils, government classes or YMCAs and spend months researching for the event. These students then may go through an election process for leadership positions in the House, Senate, as well as the executive branch. They work in chambers to introduce, debate, and vote on proposed legislative bills which have been written by the youth legislators in their hometowns.
The fall conference is held during the fall of each year after local Youth In Government groups and delegations have been formed. Delegates to the conference elect youth officers for the model executive, legislative and judicial session. Nominating speeches, balloons, and countless pieces of campaign literature are distributed to the delegates. Elections occur by individual ballot.
Eighth and ninth grade students are welcome to participate. More information will be given to you in your social studies classes at the start of school.
For more information contact Nancy LaTour (952.496.1505)
