YOUTH LEGISLATURE

Founded in 1947, YMCA Youth Legislature provides opportunities for teens statewide to find their
voice on the issues facing society today. Offered in local YMCA’s, schools, and community groups statewide, students are empowered to address concerns in their communities while building a better understanding of the “shades of gray” that dominate adult life.

Students explore the meaning of civics and democracy in our nation by assuming the roles of various Washington State elected officials, researching and drafting creative policy solutions to community problems and engaging in service-oriented activities. Delegates learn and practice tolerance, understanding, and peer mentorship while putting to use real-world skills for a lifetime of civic involvement.

Welcome delegates! Below are a variety of resources that will assist you in making your year successful and fun. Information on bill drafting, leadership positions and their descriptions and candidate information can be found here. Can't find what you are looking for? Ask your advisor or contact the state office. ​ 

Welcome potential, new and returning advisors!  You are joining an organization that believes we can influence lasting social change by working together to invest in a brighter future.

Below are a variety of resources to assist you in recruiting, budgeting, fundraising and planning your year. If you have additional questions do not hesitate to contact the Y&G office.

Thank you for taking the first step to teach democracy to the next generation of leaders in our communities.

​YMCA Youth & Government has a multitude of resources to ensure that adults and students alike have the greatest opportunity for success. Check them out today! 

YMCA Youth & Government, in partnership with the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), offer opportunities for students to recieve credit for their participation in Youth Legislature.

Learn more at the OSPI website or download the Civics Based Assessment.

​Below are the forms that are due throughout the year. To ensure your students receive the greatest experience possible please make sure to submit all forms in by the required due date!

NOVEMBER 2011

CONA Applications - due November 17 

DECEMBER 2011

Medical Release - due December 6

Student Code of Conduct - due December 6

Advisor Code of Conduct - due December 6

JANUARY 2012

Financial Aid Application - due January 6

Governor's Cabinet Application - due January 6

Budget Director Application - due January 6

April 2012

$30 Student Leadership Training Payment Form (coming soon) - due March 14

2011-2012​	​PROGRAM CALENDAR	​
​DATE	​EVENT	LOCATION​
October 1​	Advisor Orientation​	Olympia, WA​
November 17​	CONA applications due​	​
December 6 ​	$50/Delegate & Advisor Program Deposit Due Delegate & Advisor Online Pre Registration Due Delegate Code of Conduct Forms Due Advisor Code of Conduct Forms Due Delegate & Advisor Medical Release Forms Due	​
December 10 ​	Program Committee Meeting​ Campaign Finale/CONA interviews	​Seattle, WA
January 6, 2012	​Applications due for Governor’s Cabinet      Applications due for Budget Director Financial Assistance Applications due	​
February 15​	Governor's Breakfast & Proclamation Signing  RSVP for this event	​Olympia, WA
March 1  ​	​All Remaining Registration Forms & Fees Due to State Office (see forms tab) Delegate & Advisor Final Online Registration Due $150/Delegate & Advisor Program Fee Due Delegation Lodging Form All Delegate Bills Due (see forms tab)	​
March 3​	​Program Committee Meeting	​Olympia, WA
​TBA	​CONA Delegation Meeting	​TBA
​April 13-14	​Leadership Training	Olympia, WA​
​April 14	​Leadership Training fees due to State Office ($30/student at training - see forms tab)	​
May 2-5​	65th Youth Legislature​	Olympia, WA​
May 4​	Program Committee Meeting (during session)​	Olympia, WA​
​June 1-3	Board of Directors' Retreat​	TBD​
June 28 - July 6​	Conference on National Affairs​	Black Mountain, NC​
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