OVERVIEW

 


YMCA Texas Youth & Government means many different things to many different people. Some see it as a way to help young people learn about the workings of state, national and international governments. Others think that it is an excellent forum for students to explore the concerns, opportunities and diverse perspectives that touch our world. Many underscore the experiential learning opportunities the program offers. All of these aspects combine to make YMCA Texas Youth & Government a truly remarkable educational experience. Ultimately, YMCA Texas Youth & Government programs help mold character in students with a strong focus on leadership development and civic engagement.

 

YMCA Youth & Government is a national YMCA program, active in approximately 40 states. The first Youth in Government program took place in 1936 in New York – Texas Program began in 1946. Today, nearly 25,000 students annually take part in state Youth & Government conferences, nationwide (including Model State Government and Model United Nations conferences), with 3,300 adult volunteers and YMCA staff serving as adult advisors. Many of these advisors were involved throughout their high school career and return as adults to help “give back” to a new generation of youth leaders. 
                   GENERAL INFORMATION
 History
The Texas Youth and Government Program was organized in 1946. Its first Legislature was held in December of 1947, under the chairmanship of Dr. Humphrey Lee, Chancellor, Southern Methodist University. The Texas Program was modeled after the New York State Program, and was organized under the auspices of the Southwest Area Council of YMCAs.
Purpose

The purpose of the Youth and Government Program is to prepare a selected group of young people for moral and political leadership in the American democratic process by providing guidance, training and experience in the theory and practice of determining public policy on the state level. It is called "a laboratory in citizenship and government."

 

The program also affords youth the opportunity to comprehend the meaning and importance of the personal experience with the Judicial branch of our state government. The Judicial system of the Youth and Government Program began in Texas in 1960. Since then, other programs have been added including lobbyists, government planners and media. A complete list of program opportunities follows.

What it is
It is a training program originally promoted and developed through the Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y Clubs or High School groups of the YMCA under the auspices of the Texas State Youth and government committee of YMCAs. It is an educationally sound method of learning about our process of government by providing opportunities for high school youth to study and debate public issues, write legislation, and participate in a Youth Legislature.
YMCA Phases of Program

The Youth and Government Program is a leadership training experience in three phases: (1) local club training, (2) district training Conferences, (3) the annual Conference in the State Capitol replicating Texas Government and its functions. The program, operated entirely by the youth members, is centered in the local clubs, schools and communities with the YMCA Youth conference being the climax.

Club Participation
Middle School and High school groups with adult advisors have been chosen as the medium through which the program is conducted. They offer the best source of potential youth leadership on a co-ed basis and in the appropriate age group. They also have stability, experience, motivation and sense of purpose. Regular weekly meetings are scheduled lending themselves to the study and discussion of public affairs.
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Legislature
Judiciary 
News Media
Youth Comission
State Affairs Forum 
Lobbyist
Governors Task Force
Governors Cabinet
Officers
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

YG Board

The YG Board determines Youth and Government policy, oversees the program, reviews the budget and provides program standards. The Board membership is representative of the participating YMCA's and youth delegates. This program is a department of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
State Director is employed to direct the program. This person is employed through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, who manages the program for the State. 

District Directors

YMCA staff in key YMCA’s across the state coordinate the local Y&G programs. They work with the State Director to conduct successful local conferences and the State Conference. Many other volunteers are needed to give leadership to groups, committees, legislature, trials and many other activities.

Youth and Government Districts

Texas is divided into eight Youth and Government Districts. Each year, a one day conference is held in each District. The District Conference is a training experience to prepare delegates for the Austin Conference and to nominate officers and other youth leaders for Austin.

 

Delegates are required to attend a District Conference to qualify for attendance at Austin. A YMCA may send as many delegates as desired to the District Conferences and allocation of Austin delegates is based on District Conference participation.

 

A YMCA staff person in each District is appointed District Director and manages the Conference in cooperation with other District leaders.

 

General rules for management and procedures at the District Conference are explained in this manual. It is the intent that District procedures be the same as those used in Austin. This Resource Manual should be consulted carefully.
Districts
1.Serving Midland & Oddesa
District Director Contact: Jan Van Eman Email
2.Serving Austin,Victoria,Killeen, Round Rock, and Waco; Corpus Christi
District Director Contact: District 2 Director
3.Serving  Houston, Port Arthur, and Beaumont
District Director Contact:Lee Elliot Email
4.Serving Forth Worth,Arlington, Cleburne, and Wichita Falls
District Director Contact:Sue Six Email
5.Serving  Dallas, Palestine, Corsicana, Tyler, and Abilene
District Director Contact:Kendra Norton Email
6.Serving El Paso and West Texas
District Director Contact:Vicki Wilson Email
7.Serving San Antonio, Valley, and Corpus Christi(For more information head to District 2)
District Director Contact:
8.Serving  Amarillo
District Director Contact:Jenna Hodges Email
 
 
 
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