HI-Y Youth in Govt:
"Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation."
Youth in Government provides high school students a foundation in democracy and responsible citizenship.
Youth in Government enables high school students to learn the role and process of state government. Students learn by serving as Legislators, Supreme Court Justices, Officers, Lobbyists, Press, or Page delegates to the Model Legislature and Supreme Court.
Youth in Government begins each September in high schools throughout the state. Training conferences are held in November and June.
In April, students meet at their state capitol. There, a three-day Model Legislature and Supreme Court are held using the actual legislative and court facilities.
Students say..."Our views are listened to, we give adults ideas for legislation... I can make a difference... this benefits the future, Youth in Government empowers youth..."
Model Legislature, Judicial and Executive
The climax of the annual Youth in Government program is the three-day Model Session at the State Capitol where ...
- LEGISLATORS
- serve as Senate or House members who research, write, and present a legislative proposal to the Model Legislature.
- SUPREME COURT JUSTICES
- prepare and present an appeal to the Model Supreme Court, and serve as a Justice hearing other appeals to the Model Court.
- OFFICERS
- serve as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, President, Chief Justice, Clerks, Chaplains, Governor's Cabinet, or Associate Justices.
- LOBBYISTS
- work to influence the outcome of legislation before committees, the Model Legislature, and Youth Governor.
- PRESS
- prepare the Youth in Government newspaper.
- PAGES
- assist in the operation of the Model Legislature.
Purpose
Teens experience civic leadership, the role and process of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of state government and citizenship. Here's what students say about a Youth in Government experience...
- Our views are listened to and understood by adults;
- It's given me confidence, I can speak in front of others and give my views;
- You realize what the law is about, I can do this, I can make a difference;
- It expands your mind, you give opinions and get feedback, you open up to others;
- This benefits the future;
- We get to do, to learn, our opinions matter;
- We learn responsibility for the community;
- Youth learn to empower each other;
- We're exposed to the views of others;
- We learn how to work together;
- The food program I work with is a success because YG taught me how to get things done;
- Before YG I only knew people at my school, now I know people all across the state.
Here's How to Participate
- Contact the HI-Y Leadership Center office. We have the materials, staff, and help you need to get started.
- Call together a group. Start small. Explain the Youth in Government purpose and program. Decide who is interested.
- Find an adult advisor(s).
- Review the Youth in Government calendar. Plan to meet all deadlines.
- Collect Participation Fee (part of the total fee) and submit Participation Agreement by deadline.
- Affiliate as a HI-Y no later than October 20 with the HI-Y Leadership Center for the lowest fee.
- Upon receipt of Participation Agreement, the Youth in Government office sends you your program materials.
- Meet training requirements for Youth Legislators, Supreme Court Justices, and Lobbyists.
- Work on your legislation or court case. One legislative proposal per pair of legislative delegates and one case per four judicial delegates required.
- By final postmark deadline of January 28 for Ohio and February 10 for West Virginia, submit to the Youth in Government office:
- Completed registration for each student and adult.
- Four typed copies for each Bill.
- For each Bill attach one Resource Credential Form D and Bill Supplement.
- Each Court Case requires 18 booklets with Statement of Facts and Appellant and Appellee's Brief.
- Hold practice sessions.
- Upon receipt of Legislative/Case Books, become familiar with material and hold practice sessions.
At the Capitol
Students use the actual Legislative Chambers and Supreme Court Offices of their state. Ohio's students meet at the Statehouse in Columbus, and West Virginia's students meet at the Capitol in Charleston.
Help is Available
Youth in Government is a civic leadership program of the HI-Y Leadership Center for the youth of every school and community.
Center staff are available to help participants have the best possible Youth in Government experience. Program Materials, manuals, and help by phone and mail are also available. Give a call, write or email and we'll help!
"The leadership skills and knowledge gained through Youth in Government will be invaluable in preparing young adults to be successful future leaders."
Thomas J. Moyer, Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Ohio and
former YG participant
