Nurturing innovation, fostering a sense of responsibility and building leadership skills, we ensure our future leaders will be active and engaged servant leaders.
Youth & Government is dedicated to teens. For over 70 years we have empowered teens to find their voice and develop the skills needed to fulfill their potential.
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES
The future success of our communities rests in the hands of the next generation. By nurturing innovation, fostering a sense of responsibility, and building leadership skills we ensure our future leaders will be active and engaged servant leaders.
EMPOWER TEENS
Y&G teens are leaders in their communities. They sit on boards, volunteer in schools, and educate their friends and neighbors about local issues. They know they have a voice and understand the importance of sharing their opinions and ideas.
DISCUSS HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES
Teens in Y&G programs look at how laws and public policy effect the health and well being of citizens. From issues surrounding neighborhood sidewalks to the national healthcare debate, teens discuss alternatives and solutions to some of the largest issues facing community health in our state and nation
Middle and High School teens participate in a mock legislature, taking on the roles of representatives and Senators in Olympia. Throughout session, teens gain a valuable civic education while honing skills in public speaking, research, and debate. Our delegates learn about the variety of views and issues around WA as they discuss solutions and alternatives to problems facing their own communities
In Mock Trial teens work with legal professionals in their community to develop an understanding of real life case law and the role of the court system in a democratic society. As part of a competitive team, high school students develop caring relationships with their peers, gain skills in oral advocacy, research and critical thinking.
National YMCA Youth & Government conferences and competitions offer opportunities for students to represent their state, meet and learn from peers, and discuss and debate topics of national and international interest.
