Youth & Government

High School / 9th-12th Graders

The YMCA is a cause-driven organization that focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  California YMCA Youth & Government is an integral part of the YMCA movement and has been providing service to local YMCAs for 70 years.  We now engage close to 5,000 high school and middle school youth from across the state each year, in programs emphasizing civic engagement.

The program is designed to provide its participants with life skills necessary for their future careers, whether they are involved with legislature, court, or any other professional field.  This dynamic program also focuses on building friendships, socializing, and having fun!  During each conference delegates will have a chance to hangout with friends, attend dances, play games, and create new friendships that will last a lifetime.

DELEGATION MEETINGS

The program year runs from August 2024 to February 2025 with meetings every Tuesday. Meetings are held from 6:30-7:30PM in the Community Room at the Santa Monica Family YMCA.  Delegation meetings are led by
the student officer team. During meetings, delegates have the chance to get to know one another, learn about the basic structures of government, hear from guest speakers, and hear about program leadership opportunities. They’ll also practice their public speaking skills during frequent debates and discussions about today’s top issues.

CONFERENCES

Delegates attend a local coalition conference and two in-person statewide conferences where they will interact with other Delegates from around California. At statewide conferences, Delegates will hear from keynote speakers, run for elected officer positions, receive training on their program areas, and put into practice everything they have learned throughout the program year.

• Friday, November 8 – Monday, November 11, 2024, Camp Roberts, San Miguel, CA
• Friday, February 14 – Monday, February 17, 2025, California State Capitol, Sacramento, CA

FEES

Total cost of program is $1,500. Payments may be broken up, with a deposit of $375 due at registration, and three scheduled payments of $375 in October, November and December. Fees may also be paid in full. Fee includes trainings, insurance, sweatshirts, advisor, travel, accommodations and other program expenses. Program Scholarships are available.

For more information or questions, contact leadership@ymcasm.org or (310)393-2721.

Become a Y&G Volunteer Advisor!

Under the leadership and support of the Santa Monica Family YMCA’s Lead Advisor, the Volunteer Advisor will assist with the recruitment, training, and supervision of their branch Youth & Government delegation. Volunteer Advisors are responsible for assisting their delegation through the program year while adhering to the Y&G Code of Conduct and the mission of the Santa Monica Family YMCA. All Advisors are the representatives of their local YMCA and Y&G Program and should be a positive role model to their delegates and other advisors. This position has an obligation to maintain a good standing with the California YMCA staff and volunteers. While at conferences, Advisors will attend all required Advisors meetings and assigned duties. They will ensure that each delegate attends their scheduled sessions, delegation meetings, and abides by the Y&G Code of conduct. Advisors will work with delegates to complete their program area responsibilities; creating legislation, research, authoring proposals, and any other tasks to complete.

• Must be a high school graduate
• Pass a background screening
• Be able to attend all weekend conferences and weekly meetings
• Complete YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Training and Youth & Government Advisor Training
• Have basic understanding of the state, judicial, and legislative processes.
• Have basic group facilitation & presentation skills.
• Relate well to and enjoy working with high school aged youth.

CONTACT

Araceli Alejandre at araceli@ymcasm.org

Model United Nations

Middle School  / 6th-8th Graders

The Model United Nations program provides teen members and adult leaders with a greater appreciation for our global community through hands-on involvement with international issues and solutions. The culminating conference, the General Assembly, is geared toward developing teen members’ international consciousness through role play as they represent one of the members of the United Nations. No prior knowledge of international affairs or public speaking is necessary. A desire to learn new things, have new adventures, and meet new friends is mandatory!

The Santa Monica Delegation meets weekly January to April.  To find out more about the program, please contact leadership@ymcasm.org or (310)393-2721.