Youth and Government Model Assembly

BISMARCK: The Missouri Valley Family YMCA is partnering with the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and their Youth Chamber to offer the exciting and challenging educational program, Youth and Government. We have scheduled several informational meetings in November for students, parents, teachers, and other interested individuals, to come to the Y and learn more about this incredible opportunity to transform today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders. Then, December 1, we will be holding our first ever one day Model Assembly experience. During this fast-paced, high-energy event, students will write bills, debate them before committees and the senate, and eventually have them signed by the student governor. Nationally, Youth and Government has been around since the early 1930’s. YAG exists in over 40 states, with more than 55,000 students participating each year. There are several aspects to the program: Model Assembly, Council on National Affairs, Judicial Competitions, and Model UN. One of the inspiring things about the YAG program is how it teaches participants to disagree respectfully – you might see two students who are on very different sides of an issue during debate in committee, but during social time they are having fun and growing together. It is a unique social and learning experience for everyone involved. It’s also different from many other student government programs in that participants can begin in the 8th grade and be a part of the program each year through high school. After graduating the program, many come back as advisers to work with the next generation. Participants can also choose to take on different roles each year, giving them the chance to be a delegate, lobbyist, press representative or even an officer, including Youth Governor, Youth Lt. Governor, Youth Attorney General, etc. Another special attribute of this program is that any student who is interested can participate, they don't have to apply or be elected; they just need to sign up. Our goal is to give everyone who wants it the opportunity to see our government in action, and learn invaluable lessons about leadership, confidence and teamwork. Please join us for this outstanding opportunity in leadership and education. Register for Youth and Government Model Assembly now. For more information visit https://www.bismarckymca.org/dakota-alliance-youth-and-government.aspx