Courtesy photo.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Kick-off 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 two statewide conferences culminating in the Model Legislative & Court Conference in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
Delegations meet weekly 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—skills that can be helpful throughout their school years and career.
The Conejo Valley/Simi Youth & Government YMCA delegation (serving Simi Valley and Moorpark) will host its kick-off meeting on Tuesday, September 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley Y (3200 E. Cochran St.). For more information, email conejoyandg@sevymca.org
The Miller YMCA delegation (serving Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks) hosts its meeting on Wednesday, September 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Art Trek (703 Rancho Conejo Blvd., Newbury Park). For more information, email milleryouthgov@sevymca.org .
The Yarrow YMCA delegation (serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park) meeting is Thursday, September 5 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). For more information, email yarrowyouthgov@sevymca.org.
The California YMCA Youth & Government’s Model Legislature & Court program was established 77 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.Scholarships are available.
For additional information, go to https://www.sevymca.org/youth-government.