Participating in Youth and Government is an opportunity to engage in civic education, develop leadership skills, and impact your community. Whether you are new to the program or a returning participant, there’s always room to grow or learn. Being a rookie in Youth and Government comes with the territory being a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Youth and Government is often looked down upon by students due to it’s long process, practices, and participation.

“Whenever I got into it (Mock Trial), I realized it was way more fun than it seemed,” Valentino Ortiz, a first-time participant of YG, said. “It’s kind of like putting yourself in the story plot line. You get to prove a story if someone is guilty or not guilty.” Youth and Government aims to equip students with the insights and strategies necessary to thrive in this dynamic arena, from navigating parliamentary procedures to honing persuasive communication techniques. “Mock Trial has given me perspective on the way the law system works. It doesn’t matter what side you are on, whether it be defense or prosecution, you have to think towards your side. If your defense, you have to think, let’s look through the story and see how they’re not guilty,” Ortiz said.

As a returning Youth and Government participant, students come back with more knowledge on the law system and public speaking, effectively communicating with their peers, and creating friendships. “I would tell a rookie YG member not to be afraid, and even if you don’t feel the
confidence your first time, fake your confidence, and eventually you will be confident,” Aviana Zuniga, third-year participant of YG, said.
Even though Youth and Government is a time-consuming opportunity, returning participants return due to the outcome it brings for students. It brings opportunities and challenges that can be rewarding.
“YG is such a positive community, and you gain so many skills. You learn how to talk to people, improve public speaking, and self-advocacy,” Zuniga said.

Whether you are participating for the first time or have been a long-time participant, the empowering journey all these students embark on together will unlock life skills students will use forward. “Self-advocacy is the most beneficial thing you join from this program,” Zuniga said.

Written by: Elianna Balderas