"The purpose of the program is to bring the workings of state government alive to students. It creates an opportunity for students to discuss current state issues with state administrators, elected officials, and students from high schools and YMCA's throughout the state.
Each conference is led by teens elected to office by their fellow delegates. Each state provides facilities and volunteers from various state departments who act as resources for the students while they debate the issues. The volunteers help guide the students through mock committee meetings. Students debate and vote on the bills that their fellow delegates have written and presented. Bills that pass in committee are then taken to the floor of the House or Senate for full debate and vote." (www.ymcapa.org)
In New Mexico, the Youth and Government organization is led by individual teachers or administrators who volunteer to act as site based advisers while under the guidance of a state director through the YMCANM organization.
In New Mexico, there are 5 ways to participate in the NMYMCA Youth and Government organization. Students can join either the legislative branch, judicial branch, executive branch, forum, or the press corps (print and video). For more information look here.
If you have any questions about joining Youth and Government, please see me or send me an email.
The Youth and Government group meets at lunch on every Thursday in my classroom (D-3).
Important Dates:
COMING SOON
Please bring all papers to me as electronic copies (email or bring in on a disk). Want more? Need the format on how to write your bill, forum paper, or case law? Look Here:
NM Youth and Government Homepage MANDATORY DOCUMENTS... YOU MUST DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING FORMS WITH PARENT SIGNATURES: THESE ARE DUE NO LATER THAN (TBA) along with your $200.00 payment for travel and hotel fees.