David Murdter 60th Youth Governor

Each year, California participates in the National YMCA Youth Governors' Conference, by sending our newly elected Youth Governor.

The National YMCA Youth Governors' Conference in Washington DC differs from other Youth and Government experiences in that it is not about debating, issues, for position taking. It is a chance for Youth Governors from nearly every state Youth and Government Program to interact with each other, broaden their knowledge of national politics and people, and learn basic principles of leadership to assist them with their jobs as Governors.

The opportunity for interaction with other Youth Governors is what most participants envision for the conference, but the interaction is not the conference's emphasis. Although there is time set aside for discussion of different aspects of the state Youth and Government programs between the Governors (some of whom have already served as Governor), the conference focuses on garnering high level political figures to speak to the Governors.

The underlying focus of the conference is to give its participants a sense of "servant leadership" so that they may lead their individual Youth and Government Programs with dignity and intelligence.