YMCA Youth & Government is a national program of the YMCA that involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized model-government programs. Students from every corner of the U.S. have the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement and to, quite literally, practice democracy.

Mission  

To help teenagers become responsible citizens and future leaders of our nation.

Goal

To create an environment in which students can increase their political awareness and understanding, while learning the meaning of social action through an actual hands-on experience in government.

Community Need
Research has shown that civic involvement is linked to lower rates of drug use, teenage pregnancy and school dropouts. Adolescents who are involved in community service or who volunteer in political activities are more likely to have a strong work ethic as adults and are more likely to volunteer and vote in the future.

Y&G Students gain:

Confidence; leadership skills, develop the art of public speaking and the ability to accept defeat without discouragement. They learn to organize ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively. Students have a better understanding of the workings of the government; foster an understanding of other’s problems, and understand the concept of unity and the Golden Rule as it applies to the political process.

Democracy must be learned by each generation

Adult volunteers 

Adult Volunteers are vital to the success of YMCA Y&G, as they provide continuity year after year. Each YMCA Y&G club must have a club advisor in order to be official. Volunteers are also needed to coach students, be evaluators during the competitions, help behind the scenes, fundraise or serve on the Board. Volunteers are often teachers, parents, community leaders, Y&G alumni, attorneys, retirees, or YMCA staff.

Let your voice be heard!

Join young leaders from around the state to debate the issues that are important to you. Listen to delegates with different experiences. Get involved in the decision making process while having fun.

Ways to participate  
The YMCA Texas Youth & Government program is organized throughout the state to serve middle school and high school students. Quick Steps:

• 1.    Join or start a club
• 2.    Choose how you want your voice to be heard
• 3.    Prepare and practice 
• 4.    Attend the local District Conference in your area to qualify
• 5.    Attend the State Conference in Austin, where hundreds of students across Texas convene.
• 6.    Participate in other YMCA events/programs.

Choose:

HIGH SCHOOL

Legislative – Research, write and debate on an issue that is important to you. You may even get a chance to debate on the real House or Senate floor!   Legislative