Courtesy photo.
NEWBURY PARK — Information meetings are scheduled for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court delegation programs. Youth & Government is an opportunity for high school students to learn how government works and join other Youth & Government delegations from around California in a major conference in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
The Conejo Valley YMCA Youth & Government (serving Thousand Oaks and Moorpark) will host its information meeting on Wednesday, September 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Email for location: conejoyandg@gmail.com.
The Miller YMCA Youth & Government (serving Newbury Park) information night is Wednesday, September 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Borchard Park picnic area closest to Newbury Park High School. For more information, email milleryouthgov@gmail.com.
The Yarrow Family YMCA Youth & Government (serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park) information meeting is Thursday, September 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Yarrow YMCA (31105 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). For more information, email yarrowyouthgov@gmail.com
Delegations meet weekly at 6:30 p.m. to learn about the legislative process and the roles of elected state and local officials, judges, lawyers and advocates. They also acquire skills including public speaking, team-building, critical analysis and leadership. “These are skills that will serve participants well throughout their school years and career,” says Veronica Rodarte, lead advisor for Miller YMCA Youth & Government. “Youth & Government is an unforgettable experience for participants and builds life-long friendships.”
The California YMCA Youth & Government’s Model Legislature & Court program was established 70 years ago and is considered the state’s premier youth leadership and civic engagement program. It is a six-month learn-by-doing experience that teaches the values of democracy culminating in the Sacramento conference that brings together a cross-section of over 2,000 high school students from across California.
Financial assistance is available. For additional information, go to https://www.sevymca.org, click on Programs, then Teen Programs.