2022-2023 Program Year Update
Welcome to the 2022-2023 program cycle, Texas YG Re-Ignited middle and high school State Conferences! We hope everyone having an enjoyable summer with time to recharge and reset to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. We are excited to plan our program with this year’s YG Officers, Section Leaders, and Y Staff.
Stay subscribed to our newsletter and blogs to receive regular updates about Texas YG.
Texas YG Club Registration opens on August 1st.
Texas YG Individual Registration opens on September 2nd.
H.S. State Conference: March 2nd – 5th 2023
M.S. State Conference: January 27th – 29th 2023
We have volunteer opportunities in the Austin, Houston, Ft Worth, Dallas, and Midland areas! Each district will be hosting its District Conference in the first 2 weeks of November. Sign up to help in the general conference help like set up/breakdown, check-in, lunch, hall monitor, or as an evaluator! A legal background is recommended for evaluators but NOT required because training will be provided. Learn more about where you can help by clicking HERE!
News & Events
High School Final Revision Deadline
Don’t miss the deadline to submit your revised Bill, Brief, or Proposal on January 13th! Don’t get left out of the 2023 YG State Conference Bill/Proposal Book by not submitting your work on time. You can submit your work using the submission buttons under each section. If you don’t have any revisions, we will use your submission before District Conference. Don’t remember if you submitted your work for District Conference, submit another one just in case.
Legislative – Bills State Affairs Forum – Proposals Judicial – Briefs
Middle School Final Revision Deadline
Don’t miss the deadline to submit your revised Bill or Proposal on December 13th! Don’t get left out of the 2023 JYG State Conference Bill/Proposal Book by not submitting your work on time. You can submit your work using the submission buttons under each section. If you don’t have any revisions, we will use your submission from before District Conference. Don’t remember if you submitted your work for District Conference, submit another one just in case.
Lobbyists and Governor’s Cabinet Applications
Are you interested in applying to be a lobbyist or be a part of this year’s Governor’s Cabinet? Apply to become a member of this year’s Governor’s Cabinet. Lobby in the Legislative chambers in favor of his agenda, which is comprised of specific bills or issues he would like to see debated and act upon. Or be a Lobbyist to make reasoned arguments against the Youth Governor’s agenda.
Governor’s Cabinet and Lobbyist members must have at least one year of Legislative experience. Students should review the criteria HERE before applying.
Join our College Intern Team
The State Office is looking for 6 YG Alumni to join our college intern team! College Interns will assist with the organization and quality of the YMCA Texas Youth and Government State Conferences. These positions will focus on either our Media, Legislative, State Affairs, or Judicial sections. Must be available 1-3hrs a week leading up to State Conferences and full day from March 2nd through 5th during State Conference.
Not sure if you qualify? That’s okay! if you’re interested in the role and believe you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply! Club Advisor, if you know one of your old students who would be interested, please share this opportunity with them.
NEW TX YG Merch
New TX YG merch is here!! Did you order your letterman yet? We hope you left space for your YG Letterman patch. If you don’t have a letterman you can stay warm and cozy with our TX YG hoodie. Just in time for sweata weatha!! Want a new emotional support water bottle? We have just the thing you with our 22oz tumbler. It’ll keep your coffee hot and your water ice cold. Or get our TX YG Belt Bag. Wear around your waist or crossbody for a hands-free way to carry your keys, phone, and wallet. Reach out to a YG Student in your club to place your order. The deadline to submit your order is before December 5th, 2022!!
JUDICIAL CASE OVERVIEW
Thank you to everyone that joined us at our trial court case overview. We had Judge Atkinson, the trial court writer, go through the case and answer questions. If you weren’t able to make it or weren’t able to stay for the entire meeting, you can watch the recording with the link and passcode posted under the judicial section page.
CANDIDATE APPLICATION
Want to run for office? First, submit your application and then complete Candidate Training. Email Missy Garcia at [email protected] to receive the training video.
Campaigning can begin October 7th after completing Candidate Training. All candidates must be approved and must complete Candidate Training before they begin campaigning.
Click HERE to complete your Candidate Application!!
Applications are due before your District Conference, contact your Club Advisor or District Director for the specific dates.
READ MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BEING A CANDIDATE HERE!
INTRO TO YG WEEK
Thank you to everyone that participated in Intro to YG Week! We hope that everyone was able to learn more about each section. If you missed a day or weren’t able to stay for the entire meeting you can still see the video recording for the next few weeks. Each one is linked on their sections page.
Sunday 18 – UNT Law Support Session: Judicial
Monday 19 – Media
Tuesday 20 – State Affairs
Wednesday 21 – Legislative
Thursday 22 – Adult Q&A with State Director
2022 State Conference
Check out the results here!
WHY DO WE NEED YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT?
2019 Annual Report
For volunteer opportunities in your local district, click here.
Stay connected with Texas YG through our newsletter and blog. This fall, we’ll continue profiling our officers and individual YG clubs and keep you informed about registration and application deadlines. You don’t want to miss it!
Student Testimonials
Each year, we survey our student and adult participants after the State Conferences to gain feedback about our program and identify areas for improvement. The input we receive is extremely valuable. Some student comments reflecting the impact of Texas Youth and Government are shown below.
“YG is a wonderful opportunity to show off and grow my leadership skills.”
“I first joined YG because of the government credit but I have returned twice because of the awesome opportunities available and because of how much fun I always have.”
“I liked the opportunity to collaborate with students from across the state in creating a newspaper.”
“YG is a cool way to learn about our government.”
“Throughout the course of human history, the achievements of those in power have been foreshadowed by their ambitions in youth. To deny an experience that will help me to join the future pantheon of America’s leaders would be irresponsible on my part.”
“To be a citizen of the United States, it is important to understand how the government works. We need to be aware of how the government works so we can become involved as young adults. I first joined YMCA Youth and Government because I heard about it through a friend. I stayed in the club because I enjoyed the leadership and teamwork skills the club offers.”
“I joined to get experience and to get a better understanding of how the court system runs.”
“I joined YG because I love debating and learning about politics.”
“YG provides us with understanding of the government so we will be able to make informed decisions once we are able to vote.”
“YG was a good experience in which I could learn hands-on about how the government works. I liked that I could encourage my friends to team up and do this together. I also liked that I met others in the program. We had the opportunity to set up our own club.”
“As we learn more about the workings of our government, which is by and for the people, we equip ourselves to fully participate in the system, understanding its relevance to our lives and the lives of our fellow Americans.”
