Delegation Resource Manual: The Press Corps
Page 97
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Did you know
that PA law requires
all meetings of boards
or commissions must
be open to the public;
reasonable notice of
such meetings must
be given, and minutes
of the meeting must
be taken?
This is called the
Sunshine Law.
CHAPTER 9: The Press Corps
Noted as the fourth branch of government, the Press Corps provides the eyes and ears to
the Convention. Responsible for publishing multiple editions of the newspaper as well as a
slide show/video report, the collective journalistic team will dictate the quality and content
of the publications.
The Youth & Government program hopes that by participating in this part of the program,
you will be inspired to further pursue your interests and expand your knowledge regarding
reporting, editing, newspaper layout and design, and local government in general.
The Editor and the reporters are elected at the Election Conventions due to the limited
number of Press Corps positions and the overwhelming number of interested delegates
(See Press Corps Positions on page 71).
As a member of the Press Corps, you will work in conjunction with the Press Corps advisor
to write and develop a conference newspaper. This paper will be distributed to delegates,
advisors, and local officials, and will serve as an official record of the legislative weekend.
Additionally, the Editor will produce periodic online editions for use on our web site.
Members of the Press Corps have the unique ability to affect the
outcome of legislation, uncover the secrets of certain participant’s
success, and make real change to Youth & Government. Delegates who
have and interest and ability to observe, comment, and make an impact
through words and pictures should seek membership in the Press Corps.
You should approach the Press Corps with the goal of empowering your
reader to react – to initiate response. Make sure that you approach the
YIG experience anticipating not only what your reader’s next question
might be, but also what their response and/or first action may be after
reading/seeing your work.
Just as legislators have the ability to debate the merits of certain policies
on the floor of the House and Senate and attorneys in the courtroom, as
a member of the Press Corps you have the entirety of your publications
to comment on the issues being discussed at the State Assembly.
