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YG State Conference

HOUSE BILL EXPANDS MEDICAL MARIJUANA

DISTRICT 5 DELEGATE PROPOSES EXPANSION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS SO THAT MORE TEXANS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES CAN ACCESS IT

Many modern Americans tend to view the use of cannabis as a deeply unserious and usually recreational practice. Amongst those who know the history of the substance, however, it is known that its origins were medicinal. According to the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney, the first appearance of the use of cannabis was over four thousand years ago in China, where the emperor Shen Nung was known to use it to remediate a vast list of medical conditions. Since then, cannabis has spread across the world and been recognized for its healing qualities, then yet again for its hallucinogenic ones. Of course, with this diffusion comes stigma and speculation surrounding the true intents of youth-endorsed legislation expanding its use. However, the bill (HB126) by District 5 delegate Saanvi Vaddi (Highland Park H.S.) calls for the expansion of eligibility for CUP (Compassionate Use Program) cannabis licenses, increased concentration of dispensaries, and greater funding for Texas DPS locations, to name a few of its numerous provisions. Vaddi specifically plans to expand permissions to people with endometriosis, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and fibromyalgia. When posed with an inquiry about the risk of lung damage for those with marijuana administered to them, she ensured that the general medical maximum concentration of THC is a mere 1% and would thus not cause harm to a patient’s respiratory system. This low concentration also clarifies the potential of DUls being stricken upon the heightened population using medical THC (such an amount would not inhibit people’s driving abilities, but in the case of abuse of the drug, legal action is possible). Overall, 24 U.S. states allow THC for recreational use, and 47 (including Texas) allow it for medicinal practice. As this number continues to rise, more specific regulation is imperative.

By: Malcolm Hodge

2025-03-01T14:47:22-06:00March 1st, 2025|YG State Conference|0 Comments
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State Jitters

A NEW ENVIRONMENT FOR NEW DELEGATES TO EXPLORE

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Feb. 27, 2025 — The official first day of the State Youth and Government District Conference begins, with delegates from all over Texas arriving at the Kalahari Resort. For many delegates, it is the return of a long-awaited event they have spent months preparing for. Countless hours of practice have finally paid off, and they can express their ideas on how they believe Texas can be influenced and changed. But for many other delegates, this day can be filled with nerves as it marks their first year at the State conference. This is the case for delegates Doan Le and Nathan Grado as they prepare their proposals in the State Affairs section.

It is both their first year in Youth and Government and their first year at the State conference. However, they are finding excitement in this new experience, using it as a way to learn more about policymaking and political engagement while also enjoying the on-site entertainment at Kalahari. According to delegate Grado, he is most excited for his committees and advancing into second committees. According to the YMCA North YAG cheat sheet, in second committees “only proposals that move on are debated.” Essentially, delegate Grado is hoping to advance with his proposal, specifically hoping to win the “Distinguished Delegate” award by the end of the conference. Of course, there is also the added excitement of the on-site attractions at Kalahari.

By Lauren Henriquez

2025-03-01T14:48:16-06:00February 28th, 2025|Uncategorized, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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CASE IS NOW IN SESSION – DAY 2: JUDICIAL VERDICT

Written by: Alberto Robles

Day 2 of the 2024-25 State Conference begins, and things are already intense. On the first day of official competition, delegates head to their sections to compete in everything they’ve worked for. Competitors are spread throughout the city of Austin, with events taking place at various locations: Legislative at the Kalahari, SAF at the Capitol, and Judicial at Austin Community College.

At Austin Community College (ACC), the day began with anticipation as groups were assigned to their competitions. As delegates settle into their groups and courtrooms, tension rises — it’s now time to showcase everything they’ve worked for.

In one courtroom, with the case of Wanda Waffle v. Herb Salt, students prepare for the outcome. As they wait for an evaluator, students review case notes, documents, evidence, and read over their scripts. When the evaluator enters the room, students shift their focus, fully committed to their characters. It’s a chilling story of multiple opinions, with each student deeply immersed in their roles, playing out a devastating narrative. Wanda Waffle, grieving the loss of her child, Hazel Nutterson, who tragically died due to unannounced, ignored, and deadly cross-contamination.

When asked, a delegation group from Houston commented, “Since the bus ride here, we’ve been going over notes!” This highlights the dedication of many other schools, which have been practicing since Day 1 of the conference. Students underwent two trials before noon, alternating between the defense and prosecution sides.

By the time 12:30 p.m. rolled around, students were ready for a real recess. When lunch came, students around campus shared laughter and commented on their cases and trials. Delegates returned to their respective sections, refocused and ready to face the challenges of the afternoon cases. The competition was far from over, but the drive and dedication displayed by each delegate remained a driving force.

2025-02-28T15:38:18-06:00February 28th, 2025|YG Media, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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Civic Responsibility in the State of Affairs Forum

Peggy Guekeng, proposing about mandatory provisions of afterschool child care programs in the State of Affairs Forum.

By: Avril Mauricio-Davila

The State Affairs Forum offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the complexities of civic engagement, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for active participation in public life. By engaging with current events, governance structures, and the decision-making processes that shape society, students gain a deeper understanding of their civic responsibilities. Through hands-on experience in debates and discussions, they develop the critical thinking and communication skills essential for future involvement in politics, advocacy, and other fields that influence public policy. This program not only informs but inspires, fostering a new generation of informed, passionate citizens ready to make a difference.

Civic responsibility is the foundation of a healthy democracy. When individuals actively participate in their communities and the larger political process, they realize how important it is to research and know who and what you’re voting for. The State Affairs Forum plays an important role in helping students understand this responsibility by encouraging them to discuss issues that shape society as well as come up with proposals for solutions. It also opens the floor to pro and con views on said proposals. This doesn’t only allow students to be aware of current issues but also shows them how to respond to debates and allows for other people to propose ideas from different perspectives and backgrounds.

The State Affairs Forum involves staying updated on current events, understanding policies, and advocating for meaningful change. It challenges students to think critically about how their actions, choices, and voices can influence public decisions and contribute to the common good.

Through these debates, students can receive and discuss up-to-date information. Not only that, but each proposal presented is well-researched and structured. Participants are asked questions and demonstrate the in-depth understanding they have learned as preparation.

The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) conducted a poll in early 2023 saying that “76% [of youth] believe that their age group has the power to change things [and e]ven more (83%) recognize the potential of young people working with other generations to create change.” Yet only 77% feel like there are ways to get involved.

Part of the Youth and Government Program is to help young adults see how much they can do. When writing these proposals, students realize just how much potential they have and how much responsibility they carry as future leaders. A big part of being able to do something is being informed and well-researched.

In conclusion, the State Affairs Forum is a facilitator and resource for students to use toward becoming engaged and responsible citizens. By fostering a deep understanding of civic responsibility and exposing students to current events, the forum prepares them for meaningful participation in politics and advocacy. As students gain knowledge of governance and decision-making processes, they are empowered to not only voice their opinions but also take action that can drive positive change.

2025-02-28T14:11:33-06:00February 28th, 2025|YG Media, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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What is the Yapp? Why is it Important?

The Yapp app is used for many occasions and events to prevent getting lost and reduce confusion between individuals. The YMCA Youth and Government program uses the Yapp to indicate the times, dates, and locations of certain conferences and meeting areas to stay connected with all members. There are unlimited features to the Yapp which make it the go to navigation application. Providing maps, schedules and documents to find specific resources helps improve students, teachers, advisors, and parents from drifting to confusion and creates a clear understanding of what is happening within the group. To cure the uncertainty that might be caused when traveling or even getting a hold of staff, the Yapp helps Youth and Government programs run smoothly and efficiently. Ever forgot where you were going during conference? Got lost on the way? Forgot which room you had to go to? The Yapp has all the rooms and times to be there, so you don’t miss an important meeting. The many resources included within the different sections of the app contains legislative bills, candidates, speakers, resources for
every branch along with award photos. Several courts and other schedules are incorporated inside the “conference schedule” icon. An interview from a fellow delegate stated that the Yapp app helped them in various ways to better understand the new environment they were getting into. A few words from our delegate, “I appreciate that the YMCA program is involved with Yapp because it is such a life saver.“ Nevertheless, Youth and Government is proud to have the Yapp app to manage their many activities included.


Written by Isabella Martinez

2024-07-22T12:59:17-05:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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The Addison Hobbs Interview

Today, on February 3 2024, there was an amazing county trial. The defense team from First Baptist Christian Academy were defending Alex Greene, a police officer for the city of Mustang. The case is about a police officer who shot a woman in her home because he thought she was a burglar. Xavier Sazarez and Grace Hargraves are the defense attorney’s for Alex Greene. They are defending Greene’s word of shooting the woman in self defense because the woman he shot had a gun and therefore they believe that Greene is not guilty. The witnesses for the defense are Alex Greene , played by Chloe Frazier, Bellany Frey, played by Haley Hillhouse,
and Ferrin Glass, played by Steven Richards. Alex Greene is related to this trial because he is the defendant obviously. Ferris Glass is a witness because she was the neighbor of Kamari (the lady that was shot) and is the one who made the police call because her house looked off. She said it was off because the front door was wide open and the lights were off. Bellany Frey is a witness because she is an expert in police use of force. She compared Alex’s actions to the studies done
observing the use of force. She decided that Alex is reasonable and acted correctly. The case went back and forth and many good points were made by both sides. The strongest point of the prosecution was that he did not follow police protocol and shot her even though he was not sure of who she was. The strongest point made by the defense was that from his perspective he just saw a gun pointed at him and was shooting at self defense. The sides for most of the trial were
neck and neck. But at the end of the day there was a lack of evidence on the defense side of the trial to prove that he was guilty. The main reason he was found guilty was because he did not follow the proper police protocol and shot her without knowing who she was.

2024-02-03T18:48:04-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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What is Mock Trial? An Overview of Trial Court

By: Benjamin Cisneros Veterans Memorial/Austin Delegation February 3rd, 2024 Austin, TX – The trial court section of the YMCA Youth and Government program can be considered a quite complex endeavor to most. However, the Youth and Government delegates who participate in the mock trial section make it seem as easy as can be. If we were to break it down we would first start with what everyone does. The attorneys are the most important people in the courtroom; they are the ones who interpret the case and turn it into their story, choosing to both defend and prosecute. Next up to bat would be the witnesses, the reason the witnesses are present in the courtroom is that they are here to prove the attorney’s case. They provide testimonies and at times even expert opinion. They help further push the attorneys’ case. Without the witnesses, attorneys would not have a case to present.Ashley Cordes, a witness for Veterans Memorial High School was asked what was the most important part of her role she stated that “Knowing which pieces of information are vital to the case”.

Now for the position who presides over the court, the judge. As the name implies they determine who has the better case at the end of the trial and determine if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Last but not least we have the bailiff, they are the timekeeper and make sure that the trial goes according to schedule. Gael Maldonado, the bailiff for Veterans Memorial High School had this to say about his position. “I love being a bailiff because I get to observe the trial without getting caught in the line of fire, I enjoy being neutral and get to formulate my own opinion much like the judge.” Now that everyone has been introduced, the stage is set, the trial begins with the opening statements by the prosecution (the defense can defer their opening statements until after the state’s case). The judge will now swear in all witnesses requiring them to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Once the witnesses are under oath the prosecution may now call their first witness to the stand for direct examination. The prosecution has eighteen minutes between all three of the witnesses, after the first witness has testified, opposing counsel may begin their cross-examination, which they have fifteen minutes to do so. The same process is repeated for all three of the witnesses. After the prosecution’s witnesses have testified, the defense may now call their witnesses to the stand and repeat the same process.

Immediately after the witnesses have been examined the state may now have three minutes for their closing statements, any extra time may be saved for rebuttal after the defense has given their closing arguments. Finally, once all matters have been taken care of the judge walks out of the courtroom to deliberate accounting for all factors and arguments presented by both counsels and their witnesses. After deliberation, the judge returns with the final verdict of guilty or not guilty. The Youth and Government program has some of the most promising future attorneys and judges. From what I’ve witnessed this weekend the fate of America’s legal system lies in good hands.

2024-02-03T18:36:55-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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The Synergy of Speech & Debate and Youth & Government

So . . . why do so many YG kids do debate?

Written by:  Medha Rapuri


On the seventh floor of the Kalahari resort, the Greenhill delegation’s girls inhabit a room where two are currently active in Speech & Debate, and the other three bring past experience to this extracurricular pursuit. On the sixth floor, the boys of the Greenhill delegation, with two actively participating in Speech & Debate and the remaining two having past experience, continue this trend. Nearly all members of this single delegation boast experience with these extracurriculars, a pattern consistently observed throughout all Youth and Government sections, particularly in Legislative and Judicial activities. Students have compelling reasons for participating in both extracurriculars. Sarah Koshy, a witness in her mock trial team and a Lincoln-Douglas style debater, attests to the transferability of debate skills to mock trial, including “argumentative innovation, quick thinking, crowd engagement, and ethos.” This highlights the symbiotic relationship between debate and mock trial, where skills acquired in one arena significantly benefit the other. Jonaki Bose, an expert-level witness in mock trial and World school styledebater, reinforces this reciprocity by stating that her “speaking style is strengthened by mock trial”, helping her reduce filler words, a valuable asset in debate competitions. The clear consensus is that students choose to engage in both Speech & Debate and Mock Trial for strategic, holistic skill development in public speaking. Although these extracurriculars are fleeting high school experiences, their impact extends beyond graduation. Ethan Chen, a youth governor candidate, credits his time in legislative for enhancing his “ability to speak effectively” and notes that “debate experience has sharpened his skills in effective communication”. These skills, cultivated during high school activities, are invaluable for future endeavors, exemplified by Ethan’s aspiration to pursue a career in law. In short, student’s participation in Speech & Debate or YG highlights a deliberate approach to honing well-rounded communication skills, fostering lasting benefits for their future pursuits and determination to make the world a better place.

Written by: Medha Rapuri
2024-02-03T18:37:07-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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Police Officer’s Tragic Mistake

In the world of good and evil where one second can mean life or death the line between maintain public safety and tragic mistakes can become apparent. Recently, an incident occurred when a police officer mistakenly shot a woman during a burglary. This event has been raising attention about challenges that officers have to face daily. During the night, law enforcement responded to a reported burglary in progress. When officers arrived at the scene, they met a woman who, was the victim being robbed. In the heat of the situation, a police officer name Alex Greene shot her because he thought she was a threat which resulted In her death. On top of that her nephew saw the entire incident unfold which raises the question of whether the incident was a tragic mistake or murder The woman who called the police and should have felt safe in her home is now dead by the people who are responsible for keeping the community safe. Also the nephew who was impacted psychologically due to witnessing this horrific event. Police officer who are put in there high-risk situations, requiring life or death situations that have permeant consequences. This is why it is crucial that all officers have extensive training. Incidents like these bring awareness to the difficulties faced by police officers and why they need to stay in training no matter how long they have served. People argue that with correct training, tactics to de-escalate, and
better communication future incidents like these can be prevented. Another thing is accountability that is required to rebuild a broken relationship between the community and law enforcement. This mistaken shooting during burglary reminds us of the difficult decisions officers make in and day out. As people seek the truth, there is a call for reform with police to reduce these risks. Protecting the public while making the best decisions is a challenge we face today, but with accountability, communication, and training we will fix this these problems. What the nephew saw adds a whole new case. Ultimately
what he wants is a safer world for us to live in.

1st source The Case of the Confused Cop – Eadn-Wc01-11426870.Nxedge.Io, eadn-wc01-

11426870.nxedge.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/23-24-TXYG-Trial-Court-Case-The-
Case-of-the-Confused-Cop.pdf. Accessed 3 Feb. 2024.
2nd Court Case in Judical
Written by Tyler Tran
2024-02-03T18:35:31-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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Information for YG Veterans: Life After YMCA

As the 2023-2024 Youth and Government State Conference comes to an end, for some of the delegates it will be their last time ever doing Youth and Government, in which they will become Alumni of this program. The YMCA has a mission “to help teenagers become responsible citizens and future leaders of our nation.”. The program has acquired all the participants to leave with a new set of skills and abilities. Speaking with alumni, Seleste Long, states “ Youth and Government have shaped me into who I am today. I was able to leave the program with a different set of social skills, after joining the media section. I was once not one who went out of my way to talk to people, but I do now! Actually, I currently attend UT Austin and I room with Ciara Brown, last year’s Lieutenant Governor. So not only did Youth and Government leave me with new friends that I still keep in contact with, but it helped me overcome some of that social anxiety I once possessed!” Seleste has also spoken about her brother, “Sharif Long who also attended UT Austin and was a delegate in Legalstive, now works as a Legislative Correspondent in the
U.S House of Representatives.”. For a bit of background information about Sharif’s journey, Advisor Steven Cain, gave the story. “Sharif didn’t first go to school for his career, he first went in as a different major, but he soon realized this wasn’t what he wanted. He went back and he made the change and now he is successful!” The Youth and Government program, helped one bright men find his passion and not only find it, but he succeeded in it. Now for the message to all the YG Veterans, let this program lead you. You’ve read about what it can do, whether that’s curing your social anxiety, creating new friends, or even
finding your passion after high school- you will receive what you put into this amazing program!

Written by Ajaila Joseph
2024-02-03T18:32:47-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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