YMCA Youth in Government brings together students interested in public service to provide real life experiences that will help them on their future paths. Vice Mayor Patricia Fairclough recognized the program and its participants at the May Council Presentations for their excellence in creating the next generation of leaders.
“We are only temporary stewards of leadership as we serve our community and it’s very important for us to engage you in the democratic process on the local and state government level so you can carry on the democratic process,” said Vice Mayor Patricia Fairclough as she addressed this year’s program participants.
She then introduced Ms. Sue Loyzelle, Governmental Affairs Director for the YMCA, who spoke about the program and introduced student participants from Homestead Senior High and Homestead Middle School. The students researched and created bills that they took to Tallahassee to defend, debate, and work towards passage. Since 1957, Florida YMCA Youth in Government has brought the best and brightest to Tallahassee to experience the law making process first-hand.
Florida Youth in Government has grown dramatically over the years and continues to develop programs for students in grades 9-12. The largest program is the State Assembly, designed to familiarize high school students with the process, organization, and roles involved with our state’s governmental process. Local Chapters work together on debate practices, service-learning projects, fundraising efforts, and State Assembly preparation. Students choose an area of focus and through these personas delegates are given the means to learn about their specific role in the context of state government.
For more information about the YMCA Youth in Government programs, go to www.floridayig.net
