YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Model Assembly

Model United Nations

Conference on

National Affairs

1,500 participants

Grades 8-12

Registration - Sept/Oct

January conference

Minnesota Issues

Program Areas: Legislature, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Trial Court, Lobbyist, Junior/Senior Cabinet, TV, Radio, Newspaper, Leadership Corps

500 participants

Grades 7-12

Registration - January

March conference

International Issues

Program Areas: General Assembly, International Court of Justice, Human Rights Council, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Newspaper

25 applicants are chosen from each state

Grades 10-12

July conference

National/International Issues

Delegates must be a Model Assembly or Model United Nations participant

Delegates write and debate proposals or work on the conference newspaper

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Model Assembly Session

The Model Assembly Session is a 5-month journey in state government. Local groups form in September and early October when participants choose and research their topics for the January Model Assembly Session. During the Model Assembly, students use facilities and meeting space used by their adult counterparts, spending their days in official meetings and sessions. In the evening students enjoy structured free-time activities including dances, karaoke, movies, a Youth Governor's Ball, a carnival and other options. Students also elect the next year’s 20 Elected Officials including Youth Governor, Legislative Speakers/Presidents, Judges and Media Leaders.

Model United Nations

The Model United Nations is a 3-month experience in learning about international issues, culture and governance. Students “adopt” a nation of their choice and research the politics, social structure, religions and family life of the country. At the conference students develop strategies and solutions to pressing world problems. Participants exercise skills in diplomacy and negotiation as they advocate for their adopted nation, and look for ways to solve conflicts in non-violent ways. Students also take part in structured free-time activities, including a group visit to the Mall of America, a dance, karaoke, movies and other options.

Youth Conference on National Affairs

National Affairs offers interested Model Assembly and Model United Nations participants a unique opportunity to become involved with issues of national and international importance. Delegates discuss and debate ideas with their peers from around the nation at an annual conference in North Carolina. The Minnesota delegation prepares for this experience for nearly 4 months before departing for the conference in late June.

Retreats and Training Session

Youth in Government participants have an opportunity to take part in a variety of Retreats & Training to build their leadership skills. In turn, students gain a greater understanding of how they can use their own skills to positively influence others. Retreats and training sessions help prepare student leaders for their roles in the Model Assembly, Model United Nations or National Affairs delegation.