California YMCA Youth & Government | Civic Education and Personal Growth Skills for High School and Middle School Students

California YMCA Youth & Government Changing the world, one leader at a time

Youth Governor

Inaugural Ball & Tribute

Join us for the official Inauguration of Cole Cahill, our 70th Youth Governor, and a special tribute to California Secretary of State Alex Padilla | June 6, 2017 | Sacramento, CA

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#BeTheChange

Join the movement. Find your voice. Create positive change for yourself, your community, your world.

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Your donation will help to fund scholarships for youth who are otherwise unable to participate in our program, offering the opportunity for a future delegate to find their voice.

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Changing the World,

One Leader at a Time

California YMCA Youth & Government delegates representing middle and high school youth throughout the state, will make an investment through our programs to gain the skills and knowledge to shape not only their lives, but our society’s future.

Our Programs

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Model Legislature & Court

California YMCA Youth & Government’s Model Legislature & Court (MLC) program was established over 65 years ago and continues to be the state’s premier youth leadership and civic engagement program. The MLC creates a six-month learn-by-doing experience that teaches the values of democracy by bringing together a cross-section of high school students from across the state of California.

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Model United Nations

California YMCA Youth & Government has offered the Model United Nations (MUN) program to middle school students throughout the state since 2001. Middle school students (delegates) participate in the program with their peers. They are given the opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills, and make new friends. The four-month program culminates when delegates from around the state meet at the annual Model United Nations Summit in Los Angeles, California.

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Spring Conference

Spring Conference participants learn leadership skills, practice their speech and debate skills, and run for office in a fun and relaxed environment. This event is a condensed version of the Model Legislature & Court program and is a great introduction to two of the program’s major components: the Legislative Houses and the National Issues Commission.

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Conference on National Affairs (CONA)

The Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a ten-day, nationwide conference. Its primary focuses are to gain an awareness of National concerns and issues, as well as increase the understanding of Federal Government and its relation to State, National and International matters. Participants author individual proposals of national or international scope and then champion these proposals through a competitive debate process.

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National Judicial Competition

The National Judicial Competition (NJC) is a nationwide Appellate Court and Mock Trial competition program hosted by the YMCA of the USA in partnership with the American Bar Association. This program brings together Youth and Government participants from around the country to face off in mock trial and appellate court competitions.

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How do I join a delegation so that I can participate?

Use our delegation finder located in the top corner of this page to locate a near-by YMCA offering our programs.

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MUN Delegations Participate in the First Conference of the Program Year

Y&G Looking to Fill Fund Development Coordinator Position

Y&G Celebrates its 69th Model Legislature & Court Program Year

MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT

Spring Conference

May 19-21, 2017
Recreation Association of Corcoran, CA

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

16th MUN Summit

May 4, 2017 - May 7, 2017
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Y&G SPECIAL
EVENTS

Big Day of Giving

May 4, 2017

70th Youth Governor Inaugural Ball & Tribute to CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla

June 6, 2017

Providing Life Changing Experiences for Youth

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 over 65 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. Our efforts provide participants the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that will shape their lives and our society’s future.

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