Contents
Pennsylvania YMCA Youth & Government
Delegation Resource Manual
Welcome from the Executive Director
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: YMCA PA Youth & Government 101
Purpose of the Program
The YMCA Difference
Program Values
A note about our beginnings: Lt. Governor Daniel B. Strickler
CHAPTER 2: Starting and Managing a Club
Starting a New Club
Club Organization Standards
Servant Leaders Training
Words of Wisdom for Y&G Club Presidents
Tips for Conducting Effective Club Meetings
Club Officers and their Duties
CHAPTER 3: Month by Month Implementation Guide
Overview of the Program Year
Warm-Up Activities and Icebreakers
Activity (Public Speaking): The Power to Persuade
Activity (Leadership Roles): Town Conflict
Activity (Leadership): Significance of Individuals to a Movement
Activity (Political Ideology): Political Ideology Survey
Activity (Political Ideology): Political Culture and Socialization
Activity (Bill Writing): Suggested Bill Research and Writing Procedures
Activity (Elections): How To Run For Office And Get Elected
Activity (Personal Appearance): Dress for Success
Activity (Public Speaking): Hitting a Home Run
Activity (Separation of Powers): Baron de Montesquieu
Activity (Taking a Stand): Corresponding with Elected Officials
CHAPTER 4: Serving as a Delegate
General Preparation
Preparing Your Delegation
Working with Delegates from Other Clubs
CHAPTER 5: Elections Convention
Election Convention Attendance Really Matters
Elections Convention Governing Rules
Model Convention Officers
Elected Positions
Appointed Positions
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elected Officers
Governor
Lt. Governor
Speaker of the House
Clerk of the House and Clerk of the Senate
Secretary of the House and Secretary of the Senate
Chaplain of the House and Chaplain of the Senate
Sergeant-at-Arms of the House (4) and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate (2)
Judicial Positions
Chief Justice
Justices
Attorneys (not elected)
Press Corps Positions
Editor-in-Chief
Reporters - (14)
Additional Appointed Positions
Chief Page
Page
Online Convention Officer Nominations
Election Convention Officials
CHAPTER 6: Mock Session
CHAPTER 7: Preparing for the Model Legislature
Researching and Developing your Bill Topic
Develop a Bill Topic
Topic Research
Writing Position Papers
Writing the Bill
SAMPLE BILL
Bill Writing Checklist
Online Bill Submission
Bill Writing Policies
Number of Bills to Write
Banned Topics
Committees
Bill Citation Awards
Debating
CHAPTER 8: The Lobbyist Dimension
Qualifications and Responsibilities
CHAPTER 9: The Press Corps
CHAPTER 10: The Executive Branch
Positions on the Governor’s Staff
CHAPTER 11: The Judicial Program
Nature of Appeals
Briefs
Oral Arguments
Justices
Research Tips and Captioning:
CHAPTER 12: Legislative Rules and Procedures
Committee Rules & Procedures
Use of Subcommittees
Committee Calendar
Debate Time / Previous Question
Committee Procedures
Legislative Procedures – Floor Sessions
Presiding Officers
Rules for Debate
House Floor Sessions
Senate Floor Sessions
Order and Decorum
Consideration of Bills - Changes to the Calendar:
Consideration of Bills - Withdrawing a Bill From Consideration:
Demeanor in Chambers During Debate:
Interrogation of a Member Speaking:
Interrogation of the Sponsor:
Amending a Bill:
Recommitting a Bill to Committee
Motion to End Debate or Call for the Question
Reconsideration of Previous Action
Extension of Debate Time
Content of Bills
Motions to Recess, Adjourn, Caucus, Stand at Ease
Constitutionality of Bills
Suspending Rules
Re-Considering Vetoed Bills – (Veto Override Procedures)
Senate Caucus Rules
CHAPTER 13: Conduct and Behavior
Student Expectations
Expectations for Adult Participants
Alumni Volunteer Corps
CHAPTER 14: Website Users Guide
Roster Management
Welcome from the Executive Director