This year at Washington YMCA Youth & Government many changes have effected our programs since the outbreak of COVID-19 last March. With these changes has come new innovative ideas for civic engagement by connecting virtually with teens all across the state. As we prepare to host our district mock trial tournaments we are excited to share that we have 48 teams participating in a virtual setting. For more information check out our Mock Trial page.
Youth Legislature has gone virtual as well. Teens are busy writing their bills and preparing for our 74th Youth Legislature session in May. Go to our Youth Legislature page for more information.
YMCA Youth & Government is committed to offering civics education and experiences throughout the school year. All of the state-wide events will be held virtually. We will keep you informed as additional delegation and advisor resources become available. Contact us for information about your local program.
YMCA Youth & Government offered activities virtually to encourage and support civic education and community among our state-wide delegations. The major officers, youth leadership group, staff and volunteers created an intriguing, informative, and fun alternative for Youth Leg to keep youth from across the state engaged in civic education. YAG Week was offered at no additional cost to youth participants in the hopes that no barriers would keep them from participating in guest speaker sessions, panel discussions, social activities, and an opportunity to present their bill in a committee debate.
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Whether it’s volunteering as an Youth Legislature advisor, being a rater at one of our Mock Trial competitions, or helping at an event; volunteering is an excellent way to be involved with our programs. We have many volunteer opportunities and would love to get you connected.
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.
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.
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.
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, students will work through a civil or criminal case while developing caring relationships with their peers, gaining 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.
*Y&G Alumni