Photo courtesy Southeast Ventura County YMCA.
WESTALKE VILLAGE — Signups for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court delegation programs are being accepted through September 16. The programs run from September through February and are open to all high school students.
For over 75 years, California YMCA Youth & Government has provided high school youth with a learning program modeling California’s legislature and courts. The program offers teen participants the opportunity to learn how government works, collaborate with others, make new friends and build skills such as critical thinking, persuasive public speaking, writing and research.
“These are skills that can be helpful throughout their school years and career,” says Tori Cusack, Senior Program Director, Member Engagement at the Yarrow Family YMCA. “The programs also encourage a new generation to become invested in the governmental process.”
Delegations meet weekly to learn about the legislative process and the roles of elected state and local officials, judges, lawyers and advocates and the importance of civic awareness, knowledgeand action. Youth & Government members will join over 60 Youth & Government delegations from around California in two statewide conferences culminating in the Model Legislative & Court Conference in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
The three delegations are:
The Conejo Valley/Simi Youth & Government YMCA delegation (serving Simi Valley and Moorpark). koberman@sevymca.org
The Miller YMCA delegation (serving Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks).milleryouthgov@sevymca.org
The Yarrow YMCA delegation (serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park). yarrowyouthgov@sevymca.org
Financial assistance is available. For additional information and to register, go tohttps://www.sevymca.org/youth-government