By Lilly Salcedo,
Duncanville High School
Youth and Government is a prestigious competition in which young delegates practice the formality of our government system in classrooms. The idea of Youth and Government was created to help reform our society to create change for the better. This program has helped inspire young delegates to consider devoting their livelihood to careers in public service and help the citizens across our country.
“It’s definitely given me a larger scale to think on,” says Izzy Ryals from Belton New Tech High School. “I know I want to go into a law career and things like that, so I see this as me getting more involved.” This comment made by the Appeals Court member shows just how important an organization like this can be. Youth and Government not only allows for the students to be a part of a community but to grow and make society more efficient and fair.
While watching State Affairs Forum committees take place, this theme of community and growth was prominent in the environment. “I had no interest in politics whatsoever, but this has been a lot more fun than I thought it would be,” Thomas Goa from SAF said. “I am really glad that I took the opportunity to come here and get to present about real world problems.” Growth has been a clear part of his experience as a delegate and many others here at the Renaissance Hotel in the Arboretum section of Austin.
This organization also exposes these young students to different ways debate issues. “I do think I would enjoy politics,” State Affairs Forum member Aanika Dewan said. “It’s fun to debate!” This Youth and Government organization may seem small and inadequate as an academic sport. However, all around the members are not only loving what they do, but are inspired to continue this path.
Youth and Government has become one of the most powerful organizations a school can host because of the wave of productive youth it helps generate. These groups of outspoken and thoughtful youth are becoming more powerful by having the inspiration and drive that Youth and Government has given each and every delegate.
Youth and Government students debate their legislative proposals.