• MODEL ASSEMBLY
• MODEL UNITED NATIONS
• NATIONAL AFFAIRS
• RETREATS & TRAINING |
OVERVIEW
OF YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Explore
an opportunity with Youth in Government programs!!
Student
participants can take part in programs which provide hands-on learning
in law, government, media, international relations, conflict resolution
and a host of other experiences.
Youth
in Government programs are sponsored by the YMCA in nearly
40 states, annually serving nearly 25,000 students and involving more
than 3,300 adult volunteers, nationwide. In Minnesota, nearly
2,000 students and more than 300 adult advisors participate in one or
more programs.
- The Model Assembly Session is a
5-month journey in state government. Local groups form in
early September and student receive an introduction to the government
process at a one-day State Convention, which models the political
convention process but is non-partisan. Participants research
their topics and prepare for presentations at the Model Assembly
Session in facilities and meeting space used by their adult
counterparts. During the Model Assembly, students and adults
work hard and play hard. They spend their days in official
meetings and sessions and spend their evenings in structured free-time
activities, including dances, karaoke, movies a Youth Governor's
Ball, a carnival and other options.
- 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 and then develop strategies on how the nation will
develop solutions to pressing world problems and international crisis
situations. Participants exercise skills in diplomacy and
negotiation as they advocate for their adopted nation's positions
on the issues and look for ways to solve conflicts in non-violent
ways. Model United Nations delegates also take part in structured
free-time activities, including a group visit to the Mall of America,
a dance, karaoke, movies and other options.
- National Affairs offers interested
Model Assembly and Model United Nations participants unique opportunities
to become involved with issues of national and international scope.
Participants have an opportunity to discuss and debate these 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
experience in late June/early July.
- Youth in Government participants have an opportunity
to take part in a variety of Retreats & Training
to build their leadership skills and to build a greater understanding
of how they can use their own skills to positively influence others.
Ultimately, Youth in Government programs help mold character in students
with a strong focus on leadership development and citizenship-building.
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