NSYMCA Youth and Government

What Is Youth & Government?

For 74 years, Illinois YMCA Youth & Government has been part of one of the leading hands-on civic engagement programs in the nation.  Across the State of Illinois, 40 delegations from high schools or YMCA’s from Mundelein to Mt Vernon – all focused on the premise of “Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation.”  Now the NSYMCA is offering the Youth & Government program form the first time – the only Youth & Government program offered in the North Shore of Chicago.

·      Youth & Government is a mock government club for high school students across Illinois focusing on civics and leadership.

·      For the first year of the program at NSYMCA, high school juniors and seniors will serve as legislators in Illinois Youth & Government House of Representatives and Senate.

·      Students will research and draft an original piece of legislation with the help of advisors.

·      Along with the two regional legislative sessions, students will gather with over 800 other Youth & Government students at the 3 day General Assembly in March, 2024 at the Statehouse in Springfield IL where they will present their legislation.

Mission:

To provide youth of Illinois with an immersive educational experience to inspire and promote life-long leadership, ethics, responsible citizenship, and self-confidence through participation in a unique model state government program.

What are the requirements for participating?

·      Must be a high school sophomore, junior or senior

·      All students must attend the Pre-Legislative Sessions on the evening of Friday, November 1st and Friday December 13th in the Chicago area and the Senate Assembly Program on March 20-March 22 in Springfield, IL

·      Attend meetings every other Sunday evening during which you will learn about the legislative process and how to draft and sponsor your legislation.  In addition, local politicians will speak to the students during these sessions.

·      Students will be expected to work on their legislation with their partner between meetings

·      Research and draft your legislation

·      Present your legislation during a committee meeting at the General Assembly and hopefully on the floor of the General Assembly.

The NSYMCA YAG Delagation:

The 2023-2024 delegation was the inaugural delegation for the NSYMCA. Below are the founding members of the NSYMCA YAG delegation:

Founders

Ty Coyle

Charlie Rosen

Founding Members

Frida Beiko

Alex Chalem

Alex Ferencz

Drew Horvath

Kirsten Kelly

Josh Raub

Eli Shuman

Jeevun Tarsney

Ruby Werber

Maya Woodruff