Youth in Government
Democracy Must be Learned by Each Generation
Wapakoneta Family YMCA Youth & Government
Ohio Youth & Government is a three-day learning conference in which students participate directly in a simulation of the democratic process. Y&G offers students in Wapakoneta the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with those who hold like and opposing views.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Legislative Branch - Student representatives and senators elect their leadership, research current events, and write bills throughout the year. For these legislators, the mock legislative experience culminates by debating their bills on the Ohio House and Senate floors and seeking signature. Students can also participate as lobbyists and pages.
Executive Branch - Each year, the mock legislature experience hosts the race for next year's Youth Governor. Candidates create platforms and advocate their qualifications during the gubernatorial debate and through "grassroots" campaigning. Once elected, the Youth Governor becomes the leader and face of the program. The Youth Governor hand-selects his or her student cabinet who seek the passage or failure of bills based on the Youth Governor's platform.
Judicial Branch - In Ohio Supreme Court chambers, student justices preside over a mock appeals court. Following review of student attorney-drafted briefs and oral arguments, the justices deliberate and issue their opinion at the end of the mock government experience.
Press Core - Media can be considered the fourth branch of government. Student journalists research and write articles, post to our blog, and conduct taped interviews to keep the rest of the participants up-to-date at each event and throughout the entire program year.
AGES
The Wapakoneta Family YMCA Youth in Government Program is offered to both the Middle School (6-8) and High School.
CONFERENCES
The 2023 Middle School assembly will be held from December 10-12, 2023. The High School assembly will take place February 29-March 2, 2024.
More details to come for the 2023-24 high school assembly.
MEETINGS
TBD for the 2023-24 school year.
