Welcome from the State Director - YMCA of Delaware · Web viewWelcome to Youth in Government A note from the State Director Welcome to the 47th year of the YMCA of Delaware’s Youth

Welcome to Youth in Government A note from the State Director

Welcome to the 47th year of the YMCA of Delaware’s Youth in Government Program! Our program is designed to introduce youth to the ins and outs of state government and the appellate judicial system, while providing them with an opportunity to actively debate issues of state importance, meet new friends, and find the power of one’s voice. Delegates will actively participate in public speaking and coalition building. The program promotes leadership through character development, while introducing teens to a vast array of ideas.

The Advisor is critical to the experience each young person has while being part of Youth in Government. The caliber of the YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government program is built upon the quality of work and preparation performed by the individual student prior to attending the Youth Model Legislative Conference.

This Advisor Manual and the Delegate Manual have been designed to help provide an excellent learning situation for your delegates so that they may participate to the fullest extent of their abilities. Adequate preparation will ensure that the delegates will be able to fully enjoy the experience and the full benefits of Youth in Government.

It is my pleasure to draw your attention to some new roles, awards and opportunities in 2014. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

If you have any questions, please email or call. I look forward to working with each of you in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Nicole FreedmanState Director, Youth in GovernmentYMCA Resource Center of Delaware501 W. 11th St.Wilmington, DE 19801302.254.9622 ext. [email protected]

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http://www.yigde.org/

mailto:[email protected]

Table of Contents

2015 Calendar of Events P. 3YIG Overview p. 4How and when to get started p. 8State Director support p. 9Role of the Branch Liaison p. 10Role of the Volunteer Advisor p. 12

Advising 101 p. 17a. Recruitingb. Delegation meetingsc. Parental involvement

Suggested Agendas for Delegation Meetings p. 24 Parliamentary Procedure p. 28 Finances p. 35 YMCA Character Values p. 37 James C. Hardcastle Nomination Form p. 38

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Calendar of Events – 2015January 2015Delegation meetings should begin no later than first week of JanuaryJudicial case information released January 1st.Week of Jan. 18th -$50.00 deposit due to Advisor or Scholarship application submitted (Delegate manual will not be provided without deposit or scholarship application)Week of February 1st, 2015 - The following items are due to the State Director on or before Feb. 8thth:

Registration Form (including one sentence bill topic for Legislators, organization selection for Lobbyists, name of team member for Judicial or area of focus for Press.)

Authorization Form

Code of Conduct Form

Miscellaneous forms & T-Shirt Designs

Scholarship Form

Leadership Applications

o Speaker of House, Speaker of Commoners, President of Senate, Clerk of the House, Clerk of the Commoners, Secretary of the Senate, Associate Justices, Chief Lobbyist, Editor in Chief

February 22th, 2015 1st draft of Briefs from Attorneys due via Google Docs (link emailed to you and

advisor once registration form is received by State Director) 1st draft of Bills due via online bill submission site linked www.yigde.org (from

Middle and High School Legislative Delegates) Organizational Profile Paper Draft emailed to State Director with delegation

advisor cc’d on email James C. Hardcastle Nomination Due from Advisor emailed to State Director Candidate Nomination Forms Due (2016 Youth Governor, 2016 Chief Justice

March 7th, 2015 Pre-Legislative, Pre-Judicial and Elections Conference9:30AM-3:00PM , Legislative Hall in Dover

March 14th, 2015The following items are due to the State Director on or before March 14th:

Hotel Rooming List (Quads for youth, Doubles for adults) Remaining program fee to be paid in full!

(Delegations will be charge for all persons registered by March 14th, 2015!)

March 21th, 2015 Final Versions of Bills, Briefs and Organizational Profile Paper Due

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March 28th, 2015 Mandatory Leader Training, For Elected and Appointed positions location and time, TBD

April 9th, 2015 Governor’s Leadership Retreat For Elected and Appointed positionsGovernor’s Guest House, Dover, DE (overnight)

Apirl 10, 11, 12th , 2015 Model Legislative and Judicial ConferencesLegislative Hall, Kent County Court House and Hilton, Dover, DE

Overview“Democracy Must Be Learned By Each

Generation”YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) is a national teen leadership program, which involves thousands of teens nationwide in state organized model government programs. YIG was established in 1936 by the YMCA of the USA, the Delaware YIG program began in 1969. Thirty-eight states host a YIG program with over 53,000 teens participating nationwide

Several months each year, teens meet in their local delegations (groups) to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of Delaware. At these delegation meetings, teens create and write proposed legislation to address those issues, learn about the democratic system and are trained in parliamentary procedure, bill development, the legislative committee process, debate, and also, judicial delegates will learn about giving oral arguments, writing briefs and the appellate court system and more. The program culminates with the teen participants serving as delegates or attorneys, lobbyists and press at the 3-day model Legislative Conference and Judicial Competition held annually at Legislative Hall and The Kent County Court House in Dover. Delegates learn by doing, and have the opportunity to try their hand at leadership in an open and receptive learning environment. GOAL of YIGDevelop life-long responsible citizenship in young men and women by being both knowledgeable and active in determining the future of our democracy.

OBJECTIVES To provide training and experience in understanding the legislative

process To develop critical thinking and analytical abilities To provide hands-on, active participation in the legislative process To develop interpersonal communication skills To provide awareness of social issues and their possible solutions To provide opportunities to hear and respect varying viewpoints To encourage active participation in political and public affairs

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SERVICES 1. Leadership experience2. Public speaking and critical writing workshops3. Community activism and applying participation in the political

process 4. Academic enhancement through the development of research and

reading/writing skills

PROGRAMSThere is one major program currently being offered by the YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government and two national programs for those who excel at the local level. They are:

1. The Youth Model General Assembly and Judicial Competition– a four month 3 day hands-on learning experience for participating high school school and middle school youth throughout Delaware, modeling Delaware’s executive and legislative and judicial government practicesbranches of government. Weekly delegation meetings and two statewide conferences make up this program: Pre-Legislative Conference and the 3-day Youth Model Legislative Conference.

a. March 7th 1st, 2014: Pre-Legislative and Pre-Judicial Training and Elections Conference - All youth and adults who plan to attend the YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government Youth Model General Assembly in Dover must attend this conference. Bill Sharing Committees are held for the purpose of improving bills, officers are elected, and delegates are trained in their specific roles.

b. March 28th, 29th, 30th, 2014: Model Legislative and Judicial Conferences - All delegates, advisors and staff travel to Dover to participate in this culminating 3-day youth led, hands-on experience that encompasses many aspects of state government. Delegates are privileged to use the state legislative chambers and meeting rooms as well as the Governor’s office and Kent County Court House

2. The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) – a national conference dealing with national and international affairs. Twelve delegates are elected during the Youth Model General Assembly to represent Delaware.

a. July, 20154 (TBD): CONA - The pinnacle of success for any Youth in Government legislative, lobbyist or press delegate is to be named as a representative for their state to attend the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) in Black

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Mountain, North Carolina. This annual conference offers the unusual opportunity to do research in an area of national or international concern, organize this information in a documented proposal and then engage in debating proposals with other outstanding young people from other states. Delaware sends 12 young people to this conference each year.

3. The YMCA National Judicial Competition (NJC)– a national competition for Mock Trial and Appellate teams. Six delegates from the judicial branch are elected during the Youth Model General Assembly to represent Delaware.

a. August, 20154 (TBD): NJC - The pinnacle of success for any Youth in Government Attorney or Justice is to be named as a representative for their state to attend the YMCA National Judicial Competition in Chicago, IL. This conference offers the unusual opportunity compete in an appellate or mock trial team against other outstanding young people from across the nation. YMCA of Delaware is committed to sending 6 young people to this conference each year.

DELAWARE MODEL GENERAL ASSEMBLYSince its inception in 1969, the YMCA of Delaware Model General Assembly program has served youth in grades 7-12 in a quality experiential and educational simulation of Delaware’s State government. Youth in Government uses a variety of activities to build, encourage, and strengthen those life assets and character traits that will help high school youth become involved, responsible adults. The program is very comprehensive, and its impact on the youth participants is dramatic. The core purpose of this highly regarded national program is exemplified in the program’s motto, “Democracy Must Be Learned by Each Generation.”

The Delaware’s Model General Assembly begins each January when young people from across the state meet in groups as individual delegations with two common goals: 1. to discuss issues facing Delaware, 2. to discuss ways to implement their solutions through the legislative process. During a four-month period, the teen participants (called delegates) write bills, select governmental positions to role-play, attend a statewide training conference, and run for various elected offices. The program reaches its peak in Dover at the State Capitol with the convening of the three-day Youth Model Legislature in April. There, real government moves over and the teen delegates “take over.” Many leadership opportunities exist for interested delegates. The possibilities for discovery are virtually limitless.

The basic principle of the Youth Model Legislature is to bring each delegate’s bill through the legislative process toward enactment into law. To do this, the bill must be ranked in committee, pass the Senate and House, and be signed by the Youth Governor. Of course, the bill can be defeated anywhere along the way.

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DELAWARE JUDICIAL COMPEITION

The basic principle of the Judicial Competition is to emphasize student involvement in the judicial process of Delaware. Engage delegate attorneys in two a appellate mock cases modeled after actual court cases, research the cases, and prepare legal arguments in an attempt to sway the youth justices. Delegate attorneys will also debate constitutionality of YIG legislation. While the primary goal of Youth in Government is the promotion of responsible citizenship, youth come away with much more than a greater knowledge of the inner workings of government. Participants sharpen their leadership skills and improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities while they become more adept at debate and public speaking.

Very few people have experienced the thrill of making a speech in the Delaware Senate or House of Representatives or litigating in the Kent County Court House. Students’ self-esteem is improved as they learn that their ideas do matter and that they can make a difference in their world.There, real government moves over and the teen delegates “take over.” Many leadership opportunities exist for interested delegates. The possibilities for discovery are virtually limitless.

OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATIONBASIC DELEGATE QUALIFICATIONS

Everyone participating in the YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government program is expected to support the following standards as conditions for participation. The Youth in Government State Director reserves the right to disqualify anyone who does not appear to have the necessary attitude or qualifications.

1. Delegates are to be member of grades 7-12.2. Delegates are to be affiliated with one of the Youth in Government

certified local sponsoring units.3. To participate in the Model Legislative Conference, delegates must

submit mandatory paperwork by deadlines.4. Delegates must abide by all Code of Conduct rules.

The list below is intended to provide a general picture of the various assignments available to delegates. More detailed descriptions for each position are provided in subsequent sections of the Delegate Manual. For example to find out more about serving as a Senator, reference the Legislative section of the manual.List of Participation Options: Executive Branch

Youth GovernorChief of StaffCabinet Member

Legislative BranchPresident of the SenateSecretary of the Senate

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SenatorSpeaker of the HouseChief Clerk of the HouseRepresentativeSpeaker of the House of CommonsSecretary of the House of CommonsCommoners

Judicial BranchChief JusticeSenior JusticeAssociate JusticeAssociate Attorney JusticeAttorney

LobbyistPress Corp

Editor-in-ChiefLayout EditorCopy EditorJournalistPhoto JournalistPress Liaison

PageYouth Delegation Leader

How and when to get started in the Model

LegislatureThe following information is intended to aid advisors in developing and conducting a program to prepare their delegation for the Model Legislature. It includes potential meeting dates, outlines, agendas, and materials. Of course, these materials, dates, etc. should be adapted to fit the needs of the local delegation.

Delegations meet individually, with advisors planning a meeting each week until April. This helps the delegates keep in touch with the program, provides opportunities for training, fundraising, socializing, and sustains the delegation’s momentum. Advisors should read and understand all suggested material before the meetings.

Suggested agendas for each meeting can be found in the Delegation Information section. Each delegation should determine which night and time is best for all participants when creating a meeting schedule.

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The basic principle of the Youth Model Legislature is to bring each delegate’s bill through the legislative process toward enactment into law. To do this, the bill must be ranked in committee, pass the Senate and House, and be signed by the Youth Governor. Of course, the bill can be defeated anywhere along the way.

While the primary goal of Youth in Government is the promotion of responsible citizenship, youth come away with much more than a greater knowledge of the inner workings of government. Participants sharpen their leadership skills and improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities while they become more adept at debate and public speaking.

The official YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government website is a work in progress. You may reach the website by going to www.yigde.org.

Enjoy!

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YIG State Director RoleNicole Freedman, the YMCA of Delaware’s State Director for Youth In Government Program will provide you with recruitment resources, the advisor and delegate manuals, logistical preparations for all state wide conferences as well as preparation of CONA delegates and execution of the CONA trip. Nicole is willing to take your questions via drop in visit to her office, phone calls (302-254-9622 ext. 161), faxes (302-571-6985) and e-mails ([email protected]).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provide recruitment materials and support Maintain registration information, leadership applications, background checks and any other necessary documents Communicate meeting logistics on marketing materials Attend necessary meetings Produce and supply manuals, bill books and necessary reports Manage budget Prepare for and run state wide conferences Make necessary preparations for representing DE at the CONA Provide access to laptops and internet for research purposes and Press corps needs Consistently demonstrate the YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and promote and model these character values in all interactions with students and staff. Communicate with Representatives, Senators, Capital Police, Governor and key leaders

EFFECT & END RESULT Recruit/supervise volunteers or part-time staff at community service

projects/events Conduct staff meetings or trainings as needed Quantitative results that YIG youth participants have benefited

from their time in the program. The YMCA of Delaware, and the State of Delaware as a whole, has

benefited from the knowledge gained by YIG youth participants and the positive delivery of the YIG program.

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Branch Liaison RoleBranch Liaison Phone # email

Brandywine Y Gary Karp 478.9622 [email protected] Walnut St. Y Claire Carey 472.9622 ext.

[email protected]

Western Y Brittany Monastra

224.5556 [email protected]

Bear/Glasgow Y Ben Lopresto 836.9622 [email protected]

Central DE Y (dover)

Nicole Freedman

254.9622 ext. 161

[email protected]

Sussex Y James Botti 296.9622 [email protected]

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Recruit student participants and adult volunteers for Branch

delegation Conduct background checks on adult volunteers and maintain

paperwork Coordinate and communicate all meeting logistics including

(date/time/place/agenda) Ensure program paperwork submissions in a timely fashion Maintain copies of all program materials, attendance records and

calendars of events Maintain financial information regarding program fees and any

other financial details that pertain to branch’s delegation. Communicate with State Director regarding needs, program

happenings and ideas on how to improve the overall program Prepare statistical reports and fulfill contract reporting

requirements Attend YMCA Director meeting trainings as necessary Attend all Statewide conferences including those that may be held

overnight Assist students in conducting Internet research for legislative

related topics Represent YIG program at community events/meetings Assist the facilitation of positive life skills Supervise student movement throughout program, e.g. restroom

breaks, lunch, arrival and dismissal Provide consistent supervision of student conduct and behavior Complete CPR, first aid, and emergency procedures planning

training

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Consistently demonstrate the YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and promote and model these character values in all interactions with students and staff.

Recruit/supervise volunteers or part-time staff at community service projects/events

Perform additional duties as requested by supervisor Conduct workshops/events as it pertains to YIG functions

OTHER DUTIES Attend staff meetings or trainings as needed Maintain orderly and clean atmosphere in the YIG meeting

locations Convey a professional attitude to students, parents, other YMCA

staff, and the general public.

EFFECT & END RESULT Quantitative results that YIG youth participants have benefited

from their time in the program. The YMCA of Delaware, and the State of Delaware as a whole, has

benefited from the knowledge gained by YIG youth participants and the positive delivery of the YIG program.

WHERE TO FIND ADVISORSEach delegation must provide one advisor for every eleven (11) delegates with one advisor over 21 for every twenty (20) delegates. So, don’t hesitate to ask people to help out – many folks just need to be asked early enough to block the time on their calendar. There are a variety of sources to look to when recruiting adult advisors:

Ask the teens involved for suggestions YIG alumni YMCA staff and volunteers (have instructors of adult classes

make an announcement) Make an announcement at board meetings Distribute flyers or announcements in community centers,

student unions, libraries, churches, etc. Alumni of other Y programs Teachers, parents Contact area colleges & universities (suggest internship credit) Contact volunteer agencies such as League of Women Voters,

AARP, service clubs, (Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists, Jr. League, Service Corps of Retired Citizens, etc.)

Other leaders in the community.

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Role of the Advisor The most important adult element of the Youth In Government program is the Advisor. The success of the program is dependent on how well prepared an advisor is for his/her role.

As an advisor, it is important that you make certain your delegates meet the deadlines that you set for these documents so you can meet the deadlines set by the state director. The deadlines are in place because a large percent of the work done by the state director is predicated on the receipt of paperwork from the delegations. Any delay is both unfair to those who met the deadlines and unfair to those whose work depends upon it.

The advisor’s role is one of facilitating a positive experience for the young people who participate in the program. The job includes many responsibilities. An advisor should:

Develop a schedule of meetings (to be completed in November and submitted to the State Director)

Prepare a calendar with projected dates for accomplishing specific tasks

Provide information and assistance to the delegates as they prepare for their roles

Coordinate all administrative paperwork (registration, code of conduct, etc.)

Disseminate all information received from the State Director Accompany the delegation to all conferences.

The following sections will assist you with fulfilling your responsibilities as an advisor to a delegation. Included in these sections are explanations of the specifics of the program and many helpful hints to assist you in providing the best possible experience for your delegates. A special section is provided for new advisors who may need help in planning their weekly meetings (found on page 24).

Material in this notebook may be reproduced and shared with your delegates at the appropriate times.

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ADVISORS JOB DESCRIPTION Be at least 21 years of age (unless written request for waiver has

been submitted and approved by the State Director of the YMCA of Delaware Youth In Government Program).

Must have one adult for every 11 delegates. Be removed from being a Youth in Government delegate for at

least two years. Be a mature and responsible individual. Help youth develop their opinions and arguments regardless of

the advisors’ opinion on an issue. Relate well to and enjoy working with high school aged youth. Have group facilitation experience or be willing to receive

training in this area. Be familiar with and supportive of the Mission of the YMCA, and

committed to the YMCA character values (Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility).

Have a basic understanding of the state legislative process. Be a positive role model to delegates and an effective

representative of the program. Be organized, attentive to detail, and have good follow through

skills.

ADVISORS RESPONSIBILITIES1. A YMCA Youth in Government Advisor’s job includes recruiting,

training, and supervising high school and middle school youth to formfrom a delegation.

2. The advisor facilitates a team building process where learning, individual growth and skill development are encouraged.

3. The health and safety of participants is an ongoing responsibility. Advisors should be aware and abide by currently accepted YMCA health and safety standards.

4. Receive, read, and understand all program materials5. Assure all deadlines are met.6. Ensure that the YIG Code of Conduct is understood and agreed to

by all delegates and parents. In accepting this position each advisor also commits to this code.

7. Develop a schedule and meetings to plan special events/fundraisers and to prepare delegates for their roles in Dover. Attend all meetings.

8. Work with delegates to develop process for bill development and selection. Ensure appropriate bill formats are followed.

9. Actively seek local community and political involvement and support for the delegation (attorneys, judges, service clubs, Delaware House and Senate Members, etc.)

10. Conduct delegation meetings during Model General Assembly weekend as well. Assure that each delegate attends scheduled sessions.

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11. Attend all advisor meetings.12. Assist with general conference duties (e.g. help with

newspaper, slideshow, room-key distribution, pre/post-curfew patrol, floor/elevator duty, and chaperone dance and other free-time activities, etc.)

13. Actively support the YIG program goals and objectives.

ADVISORS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:The person performing these services will be accountable to the Executive Director and/or Program Director of the branch of the YMCA of Delaware for which they are serving as YIG Delegation Advisor. Advisors for a delegation from a school and/or community center will be accountable to the appropriate supervisor for the organization they represent. All advisors must work responsibly with the State Director of YMCA of Delaware’s Youth In Government Program.

HOW AND WHEN TO GET STARTEDBranch Liaisons and advisors should begin recruitment November - December and plan to meet from early January continuing each week until the Model General Assembly in Dover in April. A wrap-up meeting after the conference is also suggested. This provides the advisor and delegates with an opportunity for important feedback and closure.

Advisors should read the suggested agenda and understand all necessary material prior to each meeting.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE DELEGATION MEET?Local delegation meetings are one of the most important experiences of Youth in Government programs. Most of the preparation for the Model General Assembly takes place at the local level, so building a relationship between advisors and delegates, as well as among delegates themselves is critical to the program’s success. Delegations should meet EVERY WEEK during the program cycle.

A week-to-week Advisor Preparation Checklist (found on page 27) is included in this manual. Each delegation can determine which day of the week and time is best for all delegates to meet. By using the suggested meeting guides, the materials and information provided, an advisor can develop an exciting program, which will more than adequately, prepare their delegates (and themselves) for the complete YIG experience.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETINGSEach delegation determines its own agenda, but there are some universal items for all groups. They include (but are not limited to):

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Icebreaker and Team-Building activities (very important for the early meetings – your group may not be willing to take the time after they’ve come together as a group)

Include YMCA Character Values: Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility

Discussing program area choices, along with the responsibilities of participation in each program area (descriptions can be found in either the Delegate or Advisor manual – Executive branch, Legislative branch, Media, Chaplin, Page)

Review deadlines – the advisor may choose to make his/her deadlines earlier than the State Directors deadlines (schedule for payments, registration form deadlines, scholarship application, and candidate application).

Reviewing the Code of Conduct and other expectations (do this routinely).

Establishing fundraising goals and plans (delegation fundraising can substantially reduce the program cost for your delegates)

Discussions to determine bill topics Conducting specific area training sessions (Bill Writing,

Parliamentary Procedure, Brief Writing, Litigation etc.). Holding research sessions so each delegate has background

material for presentation at Model General Assembly Writing bills Writing news articles/blogs (each delegation will submit a least

one article) Holding practice sessions so delegates can practice their

presentations in a “safe” environment, which encourages debate and constructive criticism

Host a Parent Night Final meeting should review details for Model General Assembly

(transportation, spending money, code of conduct review, etc.)

EXPECTATIONSThe purpose of the YMCA of Delaware’s Youth in Government program is to develop within our youth a dedication to the values of democracy and an awareness of the need for their participation and leadership in the democratic process. Participants in this program are especially privileged because they are allowed to use the historic legislative chambers and offices in Delaware’s Legislative Hall, the facilities of the Hilton Dover, as well as other facilities.

A high level of positive conduct is expected of all participants that requires self-control, individual decision-making, responsibility, and adherence to a code of conduct. Both youth and adults shall observe the Code of Conduct. There is no double standard.

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DELEGATION SIZEYou may have questions about delegation size:

What’s the right size? Why do some delegations have 2 participants and others 30?

Delegation sizes have varied over the years and are dependent on a number of factors; recruiting efforts, advisor retention, advisor preparations of meetings, continuity of branch staff, branch support, and the experiences the returning delegates relate to new recruits. Advisors should base the size of their delegation on their ability to facilitate a quality experience for their delegates. The State Director reserves the right to limit delegation size based on the needs of the program.

DEADLINES: WHAT THEY MEAN TO YOU AND YOUR DELEGATESThere are several deadlines found on the Calendar of Events, and it is important that you understand the ramifications of missing those deadlines:

If your conference registration forms are not in on time, your delegation may not be allowed to participate.

If you or a delegate fail to submit a bill on time, you will be responsible for providing all Model Legislative Conference participants with 3 hole-punched copies of the bill with the purpose of being added to the Bill Book.

If any of your candidate’s applications for office are not submitted on time, the candidate may be disqualified and barred from running or applying for an office.

If any forms are not post marked or in the hands of the state director by midnight of the deadline, your delegation will not be eligible to for Exemplary Delegation Status.

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Advising 101 – Helpful HintsThere are few things more rewarding in life than being a YMCA Youth In Government Advisor. As a YIG advisor, you will have the opportunity to facilitate a life-changing experience for a group of teenagers.

Don’t think you have to do it all alone. Though, the State Director requires a single point of contact for your delegation, you can have as many assistant advisors and/or volunteers as you want. Colleges are a great place to find help; students may even qualify for work-study or internship credits through working with your YIG delegation.

RecruitingThe earlier you can begin recruiting the better. There is a lot to be done in YIG, and the quicker you are able to get started, the more time you will have with your delegates.If you are new to YIG and are attempting to recruit students to join the program, you may feel yourself to be at a serious disadvantage. How can you ask people to participate in something you have never attended? There are actually a number of resources available to help you:

Meet with the State Director Attend all advisor meetings or reach out to other advisors

independently. Experienced advisors are interested in the success of all delegations, especially new ones.

Read this manual. You will be much better prepared to explain the program.

Use returning delegates both to help you understand the program and to make recruiting visits with you.

Call other YMCAs in your area that have YIG programs. Look to your YMCA Board or Committee members who might

have connections with schools or local school boards. History has shown that strong support within the schools can be crucial to a successful delegation.

Don’t forget, you can recruit at other youth serving organizations (Scouts, Boys/Girls Clubs, etc.)

Recruiting in Schools:o There are two approaches to consider when recruiting at

schools: Meet with a teacher to discuss program ideas and let

that person tell you the best way to recruit or establish YIG at their school.

Meet with the school principal and let him/her direct you to the appropriate staff person.

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o High schools generally welcome organizations like the Y to present information on programs as long as they receive reasonable notice.

o The best contact in school is often the Chair of the Social Studies department. Let the chair suggest teachers that might be interested.

o Meet with the whole department if possible so everyone knows about the program. Other possible recruiting contacts include: Student Activities Director, School Counselors, Advisors for the Student Government, Class Advisors.

o If you have any returning delegates who attend the school, have them do the presentation with you. Teens are often more responsive to a presentation made by a peer.

o It is also a good idea to suggest to schools that students be given Field Trip status for the Friday of YIG weekend. That way, the schools will receive the state funding for those students absent from school that day.

The most rewarding experience is when a delegation includes a good representation of all academic achievement ability levels and socio-economic backgrounds, races and interest.

Don’t forget to recruit the teens that are already involved in programs at your local YMCA.

In any discussion about Youth in Government, emphasize the fact that its activities are curriculum-related. The program is a learning tool for taking classroom discussions and turning them into first-hand experiences in governmental and legal process.

Let people know that it is a unique experience that the YMCA of the USA began in 1936 with the YMCA of Delaware program beginning in 1969. YIG has a long tradition of academic excellence.

When talking to young people, sell the program first and then you can answer questions of cost. It is much easier to talk about money when they are excited about the program.

Returning delegates who have had a positive YIG experience are your best recruiters. Set up a meeting with them before you begin recruiting, to organize their efforts and to ensure that they recruit from all grade levels (78-12)

Keep in mind, YIG isn’t for everybody! Only those students and adults who really want to see the benefit of the program will do well.

Delegation MeetingsThe greatest opportunities that you will have with your delegates as a group will take place at your weekly meetings. Between January and MarchApril, you will have the chance to take them through a whole

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range of experiences; challenging them to grow, offering them opportunities to think about new ideas and possibilities, supporting them as they take new risks.

Physical Environment – o The environment you create in your weekly meetings,

including physical as well as social will help to determine the success of those meetings. To create a good physical environment, take some time to think about how you want your delegation to interact, and then look at how you can facilitate those interactions. Since over the course of a meeting your delegates may play a game, break into small groups, have a large group activity, etc., you will need to be able to easily transition between activities without having to rework your space each time.

o One very successful way of configuring you meeting space is to have no furniture whatsoever, with everyone sitting on the floor. This accomplishes a few things:

You can easily transition between different types of activities without having to move things around in between.

When someone does rise to speak, it is easier for everyone to see and hear.

It is very easy to break into small groups. It is unlike a classroom (this is important!)

o If your meeting space does not allow you to clear out your area, you may still want to reconfigure to some extent. The more your delegates feel on an equal footing the more comfortable they will become.

How much should the Youth Delegation Leader do at meetings?

As much as possible! Allow the Youth Delegation Leader to take an active role in leading meetings, training their peers and spreading the word.

How do I make meetings fun?Food, door prizes, and special events can liven up delegation meetings and provide important social elements for the delegation. As long as students and adults set appropriate boundaries for fun, the quality of YIG activities won’t be threatened.

First meetingThe first meeting that you hold will help to set the tone for all subsequent meetings. It may also determine the number of teens you have interested in participating. Your opening meeting does not need to be too complex, as the idea is to get the attendees excited about

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the program and send them home with enough information that their parents can get an understanding as well. The important thing is that you get some basic information about the individuals before they leave (name, grade, phone number, email address, etc.) and a sense of whether they’ll come back next week. Here is a sample outline for the first meeting:

Welcome Introduction (whole group activity) – Have them give their

name, grade, school, and how they came to be at the meeting (who invited them, etc.)

Introduction of the Advisor(s) & Volunteers Ice Breaker Program Overview (whole group activity) – This is often best

done by a combination of advisor(s) and returning delegates. Prep your returning delegates in advance to ensure that their presentation is somewhat linear.

Nuts & Bolts – This is the time where you should distribute the calendar, cost sheets, registration forms, etc. If you have large delegation, this is best done in small groups, with a second advisor or volunteer or delegation leader taking a group.

Ground Rules (whole group activity) – This is where you cover the YIG rules (No sex, drugs, double-standards, or smoking) and the proximity rule and other delegation rules that you may have.

Q & A (whole group activity) Closing (whole group activity) – Ask for a show of hands at

the end to see who thinks they are going to participate. Make sure they know the date, time and location of the next meeting. Ask them to bring a friend they think might be interested in participating in the program.

Bill Hearing eventWriting a bill is a new and exciting experience for your delegates. It is also somewhat overwhelming for many of the first time they do it. Be sure you have your delegates start thinking of ideas as soon as possible. Ask delegates to talk about current events that are taking place in their community or the State. Have student’s debate mock bills or bills from last year to help them develop bill ideas. Look in the back of this manual for some Mock Bills.

Delegations are encouraged to host a Bill Hearing night before the Pre-Legislative Conference. You can involve other YMCA staff, board members, parents, local dignitaries or elected officials to serve as a hearing panel (3-5 members). Each member of the panel should be given a copy of the proposed bill, an evaluation sheet and a YIG pamphlet. Delegates will

Introduce him/herself and any co-authors

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Introduce the bill, its purpose and why he/she wants it passed.

The panel then has 3-5 minutes to ask the author(s) questions. Then using the evaluation sheet the bill is judged on merit, preparation, and presentation.

You may want to encourage parents and friends to attend. This evening is usually well received and generates lots of “good will” for your group and the YMCA.

Invitations to panel members take place first by telephone call, which can be made by the delegation leader and/or delegates, giving an overview of the program and event. Follow up your call with a confirming letter or email stating time, date, and place of the hearing (maybe you can use a court/city/county council chamber), as well as a request for them to arrive five minutes early for a brief orientation.

Two or three days before the event, make a reminder call. After the hearing, delegation leader and/or another delegate should write a thank you note to each member of the panel.

Weekly MeetingsPlease refer to the sample calendar for meetings and the sample meeting agendas, presented later in this section.

What Happens After the Youth Model Legislature Conference?

Don’t forget to hold a final meeting after the Model Legislative conference is over – to celebrate each delegate’s accomplishments, to thank the adult advisors and other supporters for their assistance, to evaluate the state program and the experience. After months of preparation on the local level and an emotion packed Model General Assembly, wrap-up conducted among members of the delegation who have worked together for long time can make a great experience even better.

ParentsAs an advisor you will want to develop and maintain a good relationship with your delegates’ parents. You may find that these parents become some of your mot valuable resources for the growth and development of your delegation. Getting to know the parents can help you when it comes to…

Recruiting new delegates Collecting program fees

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Connecting with community contacts to work with your delegation. Your delegates’ parents may know of good speakers for your meetings, e.g. legislators, lawyers, etc.

Talking about the program at Parent’s Night.

Getting to know parents also affords you another opportunity to praise the good efforts and successes of your delegates. When you return from a conference, don’t pass up the chance to walk a delegate to his/her parent’s car and tell the parents, in front of the delegate, what a wonderful job the delegate did. Parents love to hear great things about their kids, and kids (even if they don’t always admit it) like to be praised in front of their parents.

1. Parent HandbookThe YIG State Director produces a very useful handbook that may be distributed to your delegate’s parents. It is a good idea to mail or email a copy to the parents a couple of weeks before the Parent Night meeting. It will allow them to learn about the program and bring questions to the meeting.

This handbook gives and overview of YIG, conferences, staff, advisors, and volunteers. It includes a section on the code of conduct, dress code, and disciplinary actions. It also contains information on Emergency contact information numbers for the various venues visited during the statewide conferences.

The YIG State Director can also supply you with an electronic copy of the handbook in Microsoft Word format. You may want to augment the Parent Handbook with your own information so parents may have all information in one place. For instance:

Photos and bios of the advisors Meeting and conference schedule Program budget and payment schedule

12. Parent NightOne of the most important events that you will hold before the Pre-Legislative Conference is your delegation’s Parent Night. As you will be taking their children away several times in the coming months, it is important that they meet you. This is also your opportunity to make sure they understand the program, their financial obligations and the ramifications of the code of conduct. This is also a great time to collect the necessary paperwork. Most delegations make this event mandatory.

Sample Agenda Welcome – Youth Delegation Leader will emcee the meeting Introductions – Have the delegates introduce themselves and

their parents. This allows you to pair up the various parent-child - 23 -

combos, especially if they are not sitting together. If you have assistant advisors or volunteers, they may introduce themselves.

Program Overview – Youth Delegation Leader will give a clear, somewhat linear overview of the program. You may have just your Youth Delegation Leader do it or split it into parts (meetings, conferences, etc.) with other delegates to give more delegates the opportunity to speak. It is important that you prep your delegates beforehand to help them structure their presentations so the parents aren’t confused about what happens when. (Supplying the parents with the handbook prior to the meeting helps with this as well.)

Debate- holding a debate is a great way to give the parents a feel for the type of things that happen at YIG. In this case, it’s a debate with a twist. You will want to choose a topic that is timely, somewhat controversial and where the delegates and the parents would tend to be on opposite sides. Here’s how it works:

Ask two (2) experienced delegates to volunteer to be the “Speaker of the House” and “Bill Author” for debate

Ask group for a topic or give them a topic Give the bill author a few minutes to develop his/her

proponency speech and the other participants to develop their arguments

Hold the debate loosely following parliamentary procedure.Some great things happen in these debates. The parents are impressed by how well their kids do. The kids are impressed with how well their parents do. The parents get some insight into the program.

Ground Rules – If you accomplish nothing else at your Parent’s Night, you want to do this. It is critical that parents understand ground rules and the ramifications of breaking the rules. 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning should not be the first time a parent hears that they are responsible for providing or paying for the transportation of their child home for breaking a ground rule. This is also a good time to review the Code of Conduct for the program. Parents will appreciate the fact that the program is enforcing the kinds of behaviors that they would expect at home and also very much appreciate the fact that the adults in the program abide by the same rules.

Nuts and Bolts- this is your chance to review money, schedules, medical release forms. Etc. Also, review the YMCA’s character values (Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility), upon which the program is built.

Q & A – This is your chance to answer any remaining questions the parents may have.

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Depending on the timing and location of your meeting, you may wish to have refreshments available. Having any handouts broken out into packets and distributed to parents as they walk in the door helps you to match names and faces as well as keeping track of attendance.

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YIG Suggested Meeting Agendas

Dates Will Vary From Year to Year – Plan Accordingly

SESSION #1 Week of January 4th

□ What is the Model Legislature?o Refer to Highlights of Model Legislature

Roles in Youth in Governmento Refer Delegate Manual.

Events – meeting dates, Pre-Legislative and Elections Conference, Model Legislature, CONA, NJC

Review Calendar for Youth in Government.o Refer to Calendar that you have decided upon, using the YIG

Calendar of Events, (It is a good idea to have your delegation’s calendar preprinted to distribute to potential participants. The due dates for your delegation should be before the due date to the State Director.

o SAT & PSAT dates - encourage all delegates to signup for alternate test dates, not conflicting with YIG dates.

Legislativeo Bill Writing (Refer to Delegate Manual)Brief overview of Bill

development – Use examples from past Bill Books provided on website under forms and documents. Discuss briefly some possible ideas for Bills and resources for Bill ideas- ask all to bring 3 suggested Bill topics to next meeting.

Judicial o Refer to “What is Appellate and How Does it Work” from

delegate manual Lobbyist

o Review the list of suggested lobbyist organizations. Have each lobbyist research a few of these organizations and how they interact within the State of Delaware

Presso Tweet/Instagram a photo of your delegations meeting using

#DEYIG and write a short blog post to be posted on the Wordpress Blog

Budgeto Review Cost of Program, Scholarship application, Fund-Raisingo Deposit due next meeting (prior to giving Delegate Manual)

Scholarships Next Meeting

o REMIND DELEGATES $50 DEPOSIT IS DUE OR SCHOLARSHIP FORM


Do an ice breaker activity that will enable everyone to learn each others names.

Establish House Rules (how to run your meetings, leaders) Collect deposit or Scholarship Forms, Review payment schedule

(to be paid even if applying for scholarship)

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Have delegates discuss what rolls they would like to pursue. Distribute and Review Delegate Manual

Legislative o Have each delegate share some of their bill ideas and have

other students give feedback. o Review Banned Bills Listo Formulate tentative topics that interest your delegateso Assign individuals to work on development of ideas – research

current legislation, Delaware Code, etc. Judicial

o Delegates interested in judicial to read Judicial Section of Manual to learn rules and format.

o Review the Statement of the Case. Press

o ?? Designate Youth Delegation Leader Discuss who wishes to have a leadership role for Pre-Legislative Conference Cabinet members, volunteers to present mock-bill, Chaplin, Press, (refer to Advisors Manual)

o Determine who will be the resident blogger for the delegation

Discuss who wishes to run for office – (refer to Advisor Manual for forms). Fund Raising – use to reduce the cost to each individual. Brainstorm potential activities/dates. Next Meeting


Bills – Each group or individual should now have an idea of what they are researching.

o Refer to Delegates’ Manual –talk about where to find research information.

o Plan to have meetings in the library or other locations where research can be done. Encourage delegates to seek assistance from outside sources (lawyers, police officials, school administrators, local politicians, parole officers, etc.) Be imaginative.It will be helpful if bills are drafted into proper form. Wording is crucial in a successful Bill.

o Pro and con arguments should be discussed to give bill authors a sense of need for their legislation, and help them prepare for future debate.

Pre-Legislative Conferenceo Qualified delegates should be preparing to run for office for

the Model Legislature, delegates interested in an appointed position should complete necessary forms

o Delegates not running can help by campaigning, making posters and handbills, and spreading their candidates’ frame to other YMCAs.

Next Meeting: Delegates should read the Bill Writing section in the manual and create a list of sources for information on their topic.

Remind delegates that registration forms must be turned in next week.

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All forms due: registration, authorization, Code of Conduct, T-Shirt Form, Scholarship Form, Bill Topic, Leadership Application, Lobbyist Oranization and Attorney Team Page (submit to State Director by Friday, Feb. 1St 0th)

Billso Touch base regarding bills and their development.

Delegates should have their bill topics and be writing their draft.

Parliamentary Procedure – begin introduction Elections - encourage delegates to run for leadership positions,

review qualifications, deadlines, etc. Fund Raising - ideas should be in the works regarding fund raising

events. Refer to Fund Raising Ideas in Advisors Manual. Solicit Delegation Reporter who will submit an article for YIG

weekend Solicit T-shirt Designs – all delegates will receive a t-shirt Payment of Fees – remind delegates of the deadline Next Meeting

SESSION #5 Week of February 1st8th

Discuss registration forms, scholarship forms All forms due: registration, authorization, bill topic, candidate

nom, leadership application, Press Page (submit to State Director by Friday, Feb. 10th)

Collect payment fees Elections

o set deadline for forms to be turned in o Talk about plans for poster-making and elections conference

Encourage participation in leadership positions in programs areas (Newspaper, Chaplin, Page etc.)

Discuss current events and have a brain storming session for bill topics

Next Meeting

SESSION #67 Week of February 8th

Discuss potential officer positions and how to campaign (March 81st, Pre-Leg & Elections Conference)

Make Signs-make handbills Discuss current events and have a brain storming session for bill

topics Bill development status Review Committee Procedure for Pre-Leg Parliamentary Procedure Review delegate roles- encourage participant Bill Development Status Remind interested participants to submit application for Governor

Candidate. Application instructions found in delegate manual (due at Pre-Leg)

Make arrangements concerning the Pre-Legislative and Elections conference (transportation, meals, number going, etc)

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Plans for Parents Meetingo Plan Agenda, Refreshments, Emcee

Registration- Double check all forms are complete (registration, code of conduct, photo release) and all parts completed: addresses, grades, etc.

Practice Committee Procedure and Parliamentary Procedure

SESSION #7 Week of February 15th

Prepare Drafts of Documents due next week

SESSION #8 Week of February 22nd

Parent Nighto Short synopsis of Youth & Government-roles, events,

participationo Discuss Bill Development, selection processo Pre-Leg & Dover-transportation, hotel, code of conduct, etc.o Collect remaining feeso Budget – Cost Breakdown, Questions and Answerso Finalize Hotel Rooming list

Remind Lobbyists, Attorneys and Delegates that their Organizational Profile Paper, Briefs and Bill drafts must be submitted by February 24th.

Next Meeting

SESSION #9 Week of March 1st Pre-Legislative Conference Overview, confirm travel Bill Hearing

o Practice for Pre-Leg Committee Hearingso Review ranking criteriao Review Parliamentary Procedureo Review Committee Procedures

Review Governor Candidate Forms Finalize campaign plan for delegates seeking office Bill Finalization

o Bills should be nearing final hearing form, ready for Bill Hearing night and Committee Hearings at Pre-Leg.

o Possibly proponents could briefly introduce each Bill so all delegates are aware of topics and can prepare pro/con debate

REMIND DELEGATS THAT ALL FEES ARE DUE BY NEXT MEETING Next Meeting

SESSION #10 Week of March 8th

□ Pre-Legislative Conferenceo Discuss what happened

Determine hotel rooming preferences and submit to State Director by Friday, March 14th

All fees are paid and submitted to the State Director no later than March 14th

Model Legislature o Explain procedure for check in, hotel, etco Explain the voting procedure for Youth Governoro Talk about transportation, timing, food, etc

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o Explain awardso Explain CONA

Delegates should discuss their responsibilities as Legislators, Press, Pages, etc. Use experienced delegates to help with these groups if your Y has any

o Begin training delegateso Refer to appropriate Sections of Advisor and Delegate

Manuals Group Building

o Bring group together as a delegation. Talk about the experience as a delegation. Talk about responsibility as a delegate and a delegation.

Next Meeting:

SESSION #11 Week of March 15nd

FinFinalize all documents due next week

SESSION #12 Week of March 22nd

Assist Delegates with Proponency and Summation speeches Research for Pro-Con debate within your delegation Delegates should have final Bill Written and submitted! Next Meeting – have delegates review parliamentary procedure in their

manual

SESSION #13 Week of March 29th

Offer to contact schools regarding absences on Friday, March 30th If you have a copy of YIG Bills to be presented at the conference,

discuss interesting bills, encourage research for pro-con debate of those bills.

Practice bill sponsor’s speeches Collect any outstanding money Review Model Legislative Conference in Dover

o Meeting Timeo Luggage Restrictions/Transportationo Hotel Infoo First-day scheduleo Code of Conducto What to wear and bring

SESSION #14 Week of April 5th

Review selection for Conference on National Affairs (CONA) in North Carolina

Debrief and process with delegates their experience at delegation meetings using the +/∆ (+ meaning things they liked and ∆, delta, meaning things they would like to change).

Run through each bill following Parliamentary procedures. This is their last time to practice!

Make sure officers know about the training on Thursday. Refer any questions or confusion to the State Director.

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FinancesYouth in Government can be an expensive program for some youth, (see page 4 for cost). The State Director is acutely aware of the financial obligation each delegate must make in order to participate, and works to contain costs.

There are, however, certain things you should know before you begin. The Youth in Government Program will hold you to all financial

commitments that are made on behalf of your delegation. For example: if you commit to 10 delegates at the time Final Registration Forms are due and later want to change to 8, you will pay for 10. Please read all forms before submitting them.

Be wary of committing for a delegate who hasn’t paid. Teens often change their minds at the last minute.

Do not write down names on Rooming Lists unless you plan to pay for them. The refunds are minimal, as the Youth in

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Government Program has to pay for the hotel, food and transportation cost.

If a delegate wants scholarship help, please read the scholarship forms carefully and submit them on time. The Scholarship Committee will not consider any forms that do not conform to the deadline. The committee does not consider forms that are illegible or incomplete.

Take responsibility to see that the monies owed to the Youth in Government Program are collected in a timely manner from your delegation.

FUNDRAISING Youth in Government registration costs are not inexpensive. Depending on your YMCA/school/organization, you may need to either charge each delegate a registration fee or you will need to subsidize their participation with sponsorships and/or fundraisers. As much you would like to underwrite the program, for most this is impossible. Work with your delegation to establish sources where you might solicit funds (service clubs, local bar association, community businesses, legislators, local officials, etc.). Be sure to coordinate rather than compete with the local Y’s fundraising efforts. Some delegations have had luck asking different law offices to sponsor an individual delegate. Sponsorship coupled with time tested fundraisers can cushion the financial impact for you delegates.

SCHOLARSHIPSTo request individual scholarships, please have the delegate complete the application form included in their manual. Please note that applications, which are received after the deadlines, will not be viewed or considered. Also be advised that applications that are unreadable or are not completed in full will also not be considered.

Any Advisor or Branch Liaison is welcome to serve on the YIG scholarship committee. Note that awards are not made to International Students or to advisors. Delegations may submit one or more scholarship applications. If additional applications are needed, simply photocopy both sides of the form. The Scholarship Committee will meet one time following the application deadline and will notify advisors and delegates of their decisions within two weeks.

BUDGETSBecause each delegation is difference it is hard to prepare a budget for all to follow. The YMCA of Delaware Youth in government Program Fee (see page 4) covers the following cost:

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Delegate manual and all materials related to the Pre-Legislative and Legislative conferences

Two nights hotel room (Quad) for Model Legislative weekend Dinner Friday and Saturday and Breakfast on Saturday and

Sunday. (Note: delegates are responsible for their own lunch.) Transportation between Legislative Hall and Hotel Conference T-shirt, dance, conference awards

In addition to the YIG registration fee, each local delegation will need to budget for the following items:

Local YMCA Membership Fee (if required) Adult Advisor Fees and cost Transportation cost to Dover for 2 conferences (Pre-

Legislative and Elections conference and Model Legislative conference)

Delegate meeting refreshments, incentives, etc.

Delegations that set up and adhere to a payment plan with their delegates are the most successful. Teenagers tend to participate in many school and civic activities and it is important to have them make a financial commitment to the program before registering them with the State Director.

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YMCA Character ValuesThe YMCA of Delaware is committed to focusing our energy on positive values.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTCharacter development can be defined as “the ethical traits marking a person; attributes; held values.” Therefore, character development is challenging people to accept and demonstrate positive values. Whatever the current condition of one’s character, there is always the potential to improve in both attitude and action.

Respect – YellowResponsibility – GreenHonesty – BlueCaring – Red

PUTTING THE YMCA CORE VALUES INTO ACTION!

CARING

If you disagree with someone’s view, praise their intentions but disagree with their ideas.Appreciate what is different about other people instead of thinking differences are bad.Help friends solve their problems instead of ignoring their problems.

HONESTY

Tell the truth. Truth creates things, lies destroy them.Speak only for yourself and not for others.Speak out against injustice.

RESPECT

Listen to everyone closely.Respect other people’s life experiences and strengths; don’t put them down for weaknesses.Thank someone for helping you out.Take special care of all facilities.

RESPONSIBILITY

Do the right thing even when it is the hardest thing to do.Meet deadlines, fulfill commitments and show up on time when you say you will.Take responsibility and admit fault if you did something wrong.Always realize that your actions have a consequence to others.

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This document was developed from remarks made to delegates by 2005 Youth Governor, Angelyn Tinsman, Sussex Family YMCA Delegation.

James C. Hardcastle Servant Leadership Scholarship

Nomination form

Name _____________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

City _____________________ State _______ Zip __________________

Phone ___________________ Delegation _________________________# of YIG conferences attended (circle) 0 1 2 3

What has this person done in his/her community, school, YMCA or in Youth in Government to demonstrate they not only understand but live the concept of a Servant Leader? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does this person fulfill those qualities? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What has this person done to demonstrate a commitment to the program through consistent involvement with Youth in Government? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Advisor or State Director’s signature _______________________________

Please return to the State Director no later than Pre-Leg

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Nicole FreedmanYMCA Resource Center of DE

501 W. 11th St.Wilmington, DE [email protected]

Fax: 302.571.6985

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