Let your voice be heard!

Join youth leaders from around the state to debate the issues that are important to you.  Listen to delegates with different experiences.  Research public issues and become aware of local, state, national and international concerns.  Accept your civic responsibilities and your leadership role.  Get involved in the decision making process . . . and have fun the whole time!

What is Youth and Government?

YMCA Texas Youth and Government is a statewide, youth led, civic engagement program for high school and middle school students.  It is an exciting hands-on experience in the mechanics of the state legislative and judicial process of government along with print and broadcast media. 

You will get an opportunity to study and debate public issues, experience the Judicial branch of our state government, write a bill, participate in a Youth Legislature, and produce the State Y&G news broadcast or edit the State Y&G newspaper.

Students across the state of Texas participate in their local District Conference and culminate the experience in a four-day State conference in Austin, Texas.  Contact the YMCA Youth & Government District 5 Director Kendra Norton at 214-526-7293 or kendran@ymcadallas.org

Mission: To help teenagers become responsible citizens and future leaders of our nation.

Goal: To create an environment in which students can increase their political awareness and understanding, while learning the meaning of a social action through an actual experience in government.

Motto: Democracy must be learned by each generation in order for it to survive.

GET INVOLVED
Depending on your time availability, there are various opportunities to volunteer.  From starting a Y&G club, helping with setup at the conference or preparing youth to speak publicly, there is something for everyone.  Submit your contact information here; contact your local YMCA or the YMCA Texas Youth & Government State Director at 1-800-269-9622.

Submit your contact information here if you are interested in the Dallas Y&G program.

If you are interested in having this program in your school or you want to be an advisor, contact us at:

YMCA National Y&G Events
Every year in July, the top 25 represetatives from each of the US YMCA Youth and Government programs participate in the YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA).  This conference is held in Black Mountain, NC at the YMCA Blue Ridge Conference Center.

*The elected Youth Governor of each state attends the YMCA Youth Governors' Conference in Washington D.C.

www.ymcacona.org

ALUMNI
Were you in YMCA Youth & Government when you were in high school?  We would love to hear from you! Submit your contact information here

For more information contact your local YMCA or the State Director at:
972-560-3897 or lgutierrez@ymcadallas.org

YMCA Texas Youth and Government is managed by the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.