Delegation Resource Manual: YMCA PA Youth & Government 101
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YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
CHAPTER 1: YMCA PA Youth & Government 101
So what is PA Youth & Government you might ask? The Youth & Government program is a
yearlong simulation of the real Pennsylvania state government. Hundreds of high school students
each year participate as representatives, senators, lawyers, justices, cabinet members, lobbyists, and
reporters. Students conduct research on the topics they will discuss and debate, learn the rules of
the legislature or the courts, work on their public speaking skills and apply this acquired knowledge
and skills at the three statewide events.
The three statewide events (all discussed in greater detail throughout this guide) are:
Elections Convention – at Elections Convention students choose their servant leaders for
the program year. After hearing from peers who have stepped up to the challenge of leading
the program, they vote for every office in the program, except Governor and Chief Justice
(they are elected at model). This program is one of the most exciting experiences every year!
Mock Session – it is at Mock Session where students enter the homestretch to the Model
Legislative Weekend. At Mock, they hear from potential candidates for Youth Governor,
attend workshops that prepare them for their roles at Model, and get one final opportunity
to hone their debate skills outside of their club.
Model Legislative Weekend – this is the event that past participants wait all year for, and new
delegates never want to leave! During this weekend, all of the students' efforts are rewarded
as they debate in the real House or Senate chambers, argue in the hallowed halls of the
Supreme Court, attend press conferences in the Rotunda, and work youth legislatures for
votes in committee.
It is noteworthy to point out that the Youth & Government program is not a one-to-one simulation
of the Pennsylvania legislative process. The timeframe is radically different (in most cases) than the
real work. While the Model Legislative Weekend occurs over four days, it usually takes months or
years for bills to get passed or for the Supreme Court to hear a case. However, the fun, challenge,
and educational value of the experience is not diminished in the least!
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the program is to bring the workings of state government alive to students. It
creates a hands-on opportunity for students to discuss current state issues with state administrators,
elected officials, and students from 40 schools and YMCA's throughout the state. Club members
are extensively trained over a school-year program cycle to fulfill the following roles at the Model
Legislature Conference:
Officers and Administration are given responsibility for the planning, implementation, and
leadership of the conference and must learn parliamentary procedure and the duties of the
Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Clerk, Sgt.-at-Arms, and Secretary.
Legislators must stay up to date on current affairs, learn parliamentary procedure, and bill-
writing skills in order to author bills, vote on bills, speak their minds on current events, run
for office, and vote for officers.
