Be a part of the answer.
What is Youth & Government?
YMCA Youth & Government is a national program 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 practice democracy.
Teens from across every state meet in their local YAG clubs and statewide events throughout the year to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens, through proposed legislation, participation in mock trials or journalistic reporting.
Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for regional training, club officer training and recruitment. All students will attend a District Conference in their region to qualify for State Conference. The program culminates with teen serving as delegates at the State Conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature, arguing cases before state courts and creating various media publications.
Purpose & Goals
To create an environment in which students can increase their political awareness and understanding while learning the meaning of social action through experience.
To enhance the development of the American democratic process by enabling young Americans to prepare for moral and political leadership by providing guidance, training, and experience in the theory and practice of determining public policy.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
to meet the needs of a democratic society.
UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS
of a modern government.
OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE
in the legislative, judicial and media processes.
SOCIAL ISSUES
opportunities to become significantly involved in social issues.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Develop self-confidence and self-expression.
POLITICAL ACTION
opportunities to gain experience in political action.
ORGANIZE IDEAS
Increase ability to organize ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively, along with providing students experience in the art of delivering speeches and debate.
ACCEPTANCE
Enable students to learn accept defeat without discouragement.
TOLERANCE
learn to be tolerant of others’ points of view.
2023 Youth & Government Kick-off Retreat
Our Youth & Government Kick-off Retreat will be on Wednesday, September 27!
Volunteer
To get involved, volunteer or learn more about Youth & Government, contact Tara O’Connell at TOconnell@ymcaokc.org.
Resources
Youth & Government is supported by generous contributions from the Oklahoma Bar Foundation and the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation.
