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More than 950 high school students from across the state will begin campaigning for office, writing news stories, studying the court system, and learning parliamentary procedure among other things as Illinois YMCA Youth and Government participants gather at four different training locations this weekend. Youth and Government is a model state government program for students in grades 9 12. Students may participate as legislators, attorneys, lobbyists, legislative assistants, or join the newspaper or video press. The program culminates in a three-day assembly in Springfield in March.
“We are excited for our program year to start!” says Julie Kapsch, Program Director, adding,“It is truly inspiring to see these students take on the roles of state government and to watch their growth throughout the year.”
Begun in Illinois in 1950, YMCA Youth and Government is a national program that began in 1936 as an opportunity for youth leaders to come together to discuss and debate real legislative issues in states across the country. It is the immersion of students in the governmental process that continues to inspire delegates and fulfills Youth and Government’s motto that,“Democracy must be learned by each generation.”
“As a former participant and now a delegation advisor, I can attest to both the educational benefits of Youth and Government and the impact it has on young people. My students not only come out of this experience with a firm grasp of government, but as more confident and involved people,” says Craig Garner, a former participant who is now head advisor of the Sesser-Valier High School delegation. “It is an amazing program that I have been very blessed to be a part of.”
“Pre-Leg I” will take place on Friday, November 7, at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Williamsville High School in Williamsville, and Sesser-Valier High School in Sesser. On Saturday, November 8, students will gather at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. At each location, candidates for offices such as Governor and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will give campaign speeches and participants will meet for training and evaluation of legislation and other materials.
Students will gather again for additional training as well as regional primary elections on December 5 and 6.
For more information about Illinois YMCA Youth and Government, please contact Kristin Miller or Julie Kapsch at 630-833-9622 or ilyg[.]illinoisymca.org.
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dawn[.]ilymcayg.org 
