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YG State Conference

What is the Yap? 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

2024-02-03T18:45:31-06:00February 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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Should High Schools Provide Contraceptives?

The Youth and Government program’s legislative branch requires students to address issues within their community and propose a bill that will communicate their concerns. In order to ensure that each delegate is able to argue and defend their own bill within their respective committee rooms, which consists of a smaller number of delegates. However, among the hundreds of bills proposed by the Texas YG legislative delegates, only a few are chosen to be presented in the House of Representatives. One of the bills that were presented to the House regarded free access to contraceptives and sexual education within schools. This bill author, Mike Christner, argued that high schools should provide contraceptives, such as condoms, birth control, and emergency contraception. It stated that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will conduct periodic audits to confirm that these high schools are adequately providing contraceptives. The penalty for not complying is that
schools will lose 5% of their annual state funding for the next school year. Within the debate period, House members can turn in amendments in which the rest of
the delegates can vote on whether this amendment will be implemented into the bill. For instance, an amendment was presented regarding the removal of “Provision D” of the bill which stated that schools must provide education on the use of contraceptives and family planning. Although this amendment did not end up getting applied to the bill, it did provide insight on how this bill could be edited. Supporters of this bill addressed the issue of poverty amongst young parents and that with
the implementation of this bill, students will be better informed on this topic. In fact, Planned Parenthood states that “if used perfectly a birth control pill is 99% effective.” Moreover, Wang states that “it may be an effective strategy.” However, some opposers of this bill stated that this bill will encourage more teenagers to participate in more sexual intercourse and allow them to discreetly hide their acts from their parents. But what do you think? Should Texas High Schools provide contraceptives, such as condoms and birth control to their students?
Video Caption:
What are your thoughts on this? Learn more about this debate using this link __________

Sources:

Parenthood, P. (n.d.). Are birth control pills effective?: Do birth control pills work?. Planned
Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-
effective-is-the-birth-control-pill
Wang, T., Lurie, M., Govindasamy, D., & Mathews, C. (2018, January). The effects of school-
based condom availability programs (CAPS) on condom acquisition, use and sexual
behavior: A systematic review. AIDS and behavior.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758683/#:~:text=Three%20studies
%20showed%20that%20school,and%20promoting%20positive%20sexual%20behaviors.
2024-02-03T18:29:54-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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State Affairs: Climate Change and Pollution

State Affairs: Climate Change and Pollution
Climate Change has been an ongoing problem and has increasingly been being an alarming threat. Pollution is of the leading factors of this issue. In state affairs, they have proposed a couple of plans to stop this issue. For example, tiles that help create clean energy which saves a lot of energy and is very good for the environment. They state how many streetlamps in Texas take up a lot of energy and cause a lot of pollution, but the implementation of these tiles could change this problem. Another solution they came up with was to “implement photogenic molecules, also known as solar roadways, in roads and streets across Texas” (Video. Mohammed, 2024). They state how other countries have already started implementing this, such as China and Japan, to show that they have been widely successful. In another article written by Jeeva Achari et al, who states that Solar Roadways will also features wildlife preservation, the elimination of impervious surfaces, law enforcement, DUI detection, counterterrorism, etc. It provides a decentralized, secure, intelligent, self-healing power grid which pays for itself (Achari 2018). In other words, they say that solar roadways help protect wild animals and their ecosystems and try to prevent pollution and climate change. They state that it is reusable and does not cause a lot of pollution in the making of it. As shown, climate change is becoming and increasing huge and hard problem to deal with. New ideas are being proposed to deal with this problem all around the world. This issue is a well-known topic and has had a lot of proposed ideas, but there are a few ideas where change is seen and be implemented. This topic needs to be heard loud and clear for everyone to hear. If we want to solve and fix this disastrous problem, we need to take a stand now and change ourselves before we change the world.

Source:
Achari, J. J., Holla, K. A., Hebbar, A., & Revankar, S. M. (2018). Review Study on Solar Roadways.
International Journal of Recent Research Aspects, 20–26.
Video recorded by Krrish Mohammed
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vBQFPpWUKbHE7whs9

Achari, J. J., Holla, K. A., Hebbar, A., & Revankar, S. M. (2018). Review Study on Solar Roadways.
International Journal of Recent Research Aspects, 20–26.
Video recorded by Krrish Mohammed
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vBQFPpWUKbHE7whs9

Written by Krrish Mohammed

2024-02-03T18:27:34-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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Empowering Voices: Media Overview

In the dynamic landscape of the Youth and Government, one section stands out as an empowering platform for students to use their voices to inform others: the Media section. With a mission to engage, inform, and inspire their peers, participants in this section harness the power of media to shine a spotlight on pressing issues, amplify diverse voices, and drive positive change in their communities. Operating at the intersection of journalism, the Media section serves as a platform for
young journalists, photographers, videographers, and social media experts to hone their skills and make a meaningful impact. Through a blend of hands-on training, collaborative projects, and real-world experiences, participants gain invaluable insights into the role of media in shaping public discourse and fostering informed citizenship. According to the YMCA Texas Youth and Government website, students in media are evaluated on grammar/journalist style, photos/multimedia content, voice, and their overall. Media has become a multimedia outlet in recent years. Students need to know how to write stories, take good photos, craft interesting videos, and grasp the right social media platforms. As the internet grows, social media only becomes bigger and bigger. Students in Media need to be able to handle all aspects. Media seems to hold the image of being unnecessary when it comes to government and politics yet media is the very source people seek when looking for information on politics and government. In a world where information is power, the Youth and Government Media section is empowering the next generation of leaders to wield their voices for positive change. “I used to think we didn’t need a media branch in Youth and Government but after seeing everything the media has covered over the past 2 years I believe media is just as important as the other branches,” Leslie Contreras said.

2024-02-03T18:24:22-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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Chat in the App: How Good is Your Communication?

Austin, TX – For the longest time, people have been trying to figure out the fastest and easiest way to connect with each other. Now there is an app called GroupMe! This is a communication app, where you can create “groups” / group chats with the topic of anything. This app was first created in May of the year 2010 and is still being used now. Ever since the Covid year of 2019, schools have moved from papers to laptops. Students went from going to school to staying at home. Since then, education has changed. More schools have allowed students to use their devices to submit assignments and work on studies through the internet. With education allowing this, it created an environment where students are glued to their devices. This problem comes with its strengths and weaknesses. At first, teachers believed that this was an good because the process to grade around 400 students papers/tests, now they’ve realized that their students have been spending too much time on their devices. According to the statistics, the average person spends 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phone every day. An average person is more likely to use their phone to communicate with others through many different apps. Learning this, education has used this to their advantage. Now, teachers have been making group chats with their class to communicate to each other about the topics in the class, using GroupMe. This app now has about 10.75 million users. Recently, GroupMe has spread throughout the world for many purposes. Though there are many people who use this app, its main users are individuals in education. Instead of emailing students, teachers moved to texting them through the app because they’re most likely to respond. Not only is this a faster way of communicating but, this app makes students feel more comfortable to talk to teachers about the things they need. Lastly, the only problem left is the real communication. Will students and people actually use this app to talk to others and expand their knowledge? Or will they just ignore along with everything else/apps they have?

Written by: Emma Hoang

2024-02-03T18:20:47-06:00February 3rd, 2024|2024, YG State Conference|0 Comments
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