Delegation Resource Manual: Serving as a Delegate
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YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Members of the home district regularly call their representative or senator and tell their staff
about issues they are facing – and need help with. Sometimes, the staff members give the
constituents help in solving the problems through existing channels. There are times,
however, when a person’s problem becomes an inspiration for a bill.
Yes, we know… you do not have constituents calling you… but, what is stopping you from
asking your family, neighbors, and other people you know in your area what would they like
to see changed?
Every day members of the General Assembly receive calls from different special interest
groups asking for their support on an issue. What is a special interest group? Simply, a
group or organization of people who believe in a cause and will try to get laws changed in
that area. An example of a special interest group could be the Sierra Club. They do a
number of things, but one thing they do well is get people together and lobby members of
the legislature to strengthen laws on the environment.
As members of the Youth Government, you will be confronted by lobbyists representing
various special interest groups. You should hear them out – and weigh what they have to
say with what you heard from members of your community and your own personal values.
Preparing Your Delegation
1.
Research
Since most delegates on a team will be doing similar research, it is a good idea to share the
workload. If done properly, all of the information combined will give each delegate a full
summary of the relevant issues – and providing more opportunity to research topics.
As far as committee topics are concerned, it is less feasible to share resource. However,
some topics will undoubtedly have some overlap. Spending time working with your
delegation can save you hours – any overlap could be a possible time saver!
2.
Team Identity and Strategy
Just knowing the bill topics that will come before your committee or chamber might not be
enough at the conference to excel. Each delegate is a small part of the bigger club at the
Model Government Convention. The strongest delegations support each other all weekend
long. How does a team accomplish this goal?
1.
Each delegate must identify themselves with their club.
2.
The club should act like a team. For example, if one member of your club is sitting on
the side line, they will not be effective at advancing legislation. If an entire club works
together to support each other and building alliances (as discussed below), the club will
be one of the strongest at the convention.
