Y&G has impacted my life in several ways. The most important being that it has taught me that communication is key when trying to make a decision. Without communication, it is very difficult to exchange ideas and understand the ideas of others. Communication means listening to the opinions of others, voicing your own opinions, and lastly, learning how to negotiate and compromise. Youth and Government has made me a more open-minded individual.
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Ms.Drea The Poet Joined: Nov-19-2010 |
Program History
In the mid-1930′s, Clement Duran, a YMCA director from Albany, New York, wanted to find a meaningful experience for young people that might inspire them to become active and concerned participants in government as citizens. He struck upon the idea of a “model” legislature that would provide “hands on” learning. The slogan, “Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation,” was developed by Duran to interpret the purpose of the program. The first Model Legislature was held in Albany, New York, in 1936.
With encouragement from the National YMCA, the program spread rapidly to nearby states. With Duran’s help, California initiated its program in 1949. Approval and support was enlisted from Governor Earl Warren, father of two boys in the first program. A statewide committee of leading citizens, including several State officials and legislators, was organized. The committee, now known as the Governing Board, secured resolutions of both legislative houses for the youth delegates to use the Senate and Assembly Chambers. State officials worked as consultants to youth officers as well as conducting training sessions for delegates.
