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Every year, youths from around the state gather at the Arizona Legislature to debate student-drafted bills addressing issues important to them.
The process is a real-life model legislative experience from YMCA’s Youth and Government program that includes every step in the life of a bill, from debate in committee to the signing or vetoing of it by a governor elected by his or her peers.
This year, Dec. 6-8, the delegation included 150 high school students and more than 70 bills addressing subjects ranging from education and gun safety to LGBTQ issues.
The YMCA has delegations throughout the state of Arizona, but not one at the Glendale/Peoria Family YMCA, 14711 N. 59th Ave., Glendale.
Sarah Nelson, this year’s student-elected governor, said the program is amazing for those interested in civil service.
It has been rewarding and fun and has taught her so much, she said.
To learn more about the program visit valleyymca.org/get-involved/community-programs/youth/youth-government.
“For kids who are interested in politics, this program opens so many doors. For example, I have been able to travel across the country and meet kids from all over the United States because of what I have been able to do here and the opportunities (the program has) been able to give me,” she said. “If you are interested in politics, go to your YMCA. If they have a delegation, join it. If they don’t have a delegation, form it.”
But, she said, it’s not just for kids who are passionate about politics, it can be for everybody.
Ms. Nelson is a senior at ASU Prep Digital and plans to study public administration in college, focusing on policy writing.
She cited a member of her delegation who did not want to be in the YMCA program but uncovered a hidden talent in the process. He found inspiration in his sister’s struggle with asthma.
“When he came into committee on the first day, something inside him transformed. He expressed his feelings about that issue and articulated it and he became this amazing speaker. So I think youth who may not think this is the thing for them, I can understand that. But it uncovers something you may not have realized,” she said. “This program is more than just writing bills. It shows you all the other ways you can contribute to the Arizona community. There are so many things you can do. Politics may not be your thing, but I promise you (the program) shows you so many ways you can express your interests.”
The YMCA Youth and Government Program is for students in grades 6-12 who have the opportunity to participate in a variety of roles: legislator, lobbyist, or press member. Participants are grouped randomly into delegations organized as states. Based on role, students will receive state-relevant information such as bills, positions and political outlook.
Legislators interview with the press who produce news blogs and polls.
Program director Jenna Cooper said the most remarkable part of program is that it is an opportunity for students to refine their opinions while having civil discourse. She said students with very different backgrounds come together for the weekend to critically think and listen to one and other and solve very real issues, she said.
When students leave the program they have pretty amazing ambitions — they are college bound, some want to write policy, run for office, work for local political parties — this program really exposes them to those opportunities, she said.
“We are teaching them to form their own ideas and opinions, do research, how to find if the ideas they want to implement are happening anywhere else in the country,” Ms. Cooper said. “We teach them those skills but also we practice debate so that when they get to the House or Senate floor, they are ready to have that civil discourse where they can talk about their own opinions, but also listen empathetically to the opinions of others. And that’s what we strive for, a program where the best ideas are created for our future.”
Philip Haldiman can be reached at 623-876-3697, phaldiman@newszap.com, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman.
Philip Haldiman is a third generation Arizona native with brief residencies on the east and west coasts.
He has bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Journalism at Arizona State University, and is an award winning journalist with more than 15 years worth of experience in reporting and editing.
Most recently, he took first place for investigative reporting and third place for best sustained coverage or series at the 2023 Arizona Newspapers Association awards.
In his free time, he produces an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.
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