Delegation Resource Manual: YMCA PA Youth & Government 101
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YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
and concept. Seat Belt Laws, Highway Striping, Motorcycle Helmet Laws, Railroad Crossing Laws,
and many more were first passed by students.
The goals of the program include:
1.
Understanding formal and informal government structures;
2.
Actively participating in the legislative, judicial, executive, and political processes;
3.
Enriching the formal education process with realistic learning experiences;
4.
Becoming aware of societal issues and problems and their solutions;
5.
Developing confidence in and dedication to the democratic process;
6.
Learning participative leadership skills;
7.
Appreciation for differing points of view;
8.
Gaining communication skills;
9.
Learning accountability and respect for others’ rights;
10.
Applying moral and ethical valuing processes to public policy making;
11.
Providing career exposure opportunities for teens;
12.
Understanding and accepting the concept of “Servant Leadership” over power-based
models.
Program Values
CARING - Teens become members of a club that supports and at times
challenges their beliefs and provides a platform for their voices to be
heard by other teens, adults, and elected officials. Our Caring Adult
Role Models are there to provide guidance, support, structure, and
boundaries. ("...remember it is not you that support the root, but the root that
supports you." Romans 11:18)
HONESTY - Delegates are asked to conduct research into current event topics, write position
papers, model legislation (bills), and judicial briefs. Intellectual honesty and a strong sense of
academic ethics are critical to the Y&G process of research and debate. ("He that speaks the truth
shows righteousness..." Proverbs 12:17)
RESPECT - Youth & Government delegates will be presented with arguments and positions that
are at times contrary to their own feelings and beliefs. Teens learn to confront those ideas head on
in a respectful manner without the need for personal attacks on the presenter. ("Pay all of them their
dues ... respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due." Romans 13:7)
RESPONSIBILITY - Youth & Government clubs work as a cohesive unit only when each
member contributes to the goals of the club. Delegates are taught and expected to act with a
Servant Leader's heart. It is the responsibility of every participant to measure their actions and
decisions against the standards of Servant Leadership. ("By serving each other you shall prosper..."
Bhagavad-Gita 3.10)
