Quick Links |
LEARN. LEAD. SERVE. MAINE YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT Welcome to Maine Youth and Government Program
Welcome to the Maine YAG website, we hope our website will be a great resource for your decision to participate in the program.
This site will have answers to most of questions, registration information, how to submit a bill for program consideration, and how to get elected to a leadership role in the program.
The tabs above will give detailed information on various parts of the program.
The Quick Links on the left side will give information and links to all nomination forms.
Please feel free to contanct our Program Director Lonney Steeves
207-441-4426
lonneysteeves@gmail.com
A unique experience in civic engagement, Youth and Government is a three-day conference in which students participate directly in a simulation of the democratic process. Y&G develops involved citizens by offering students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with those who hold like and opposing views. Participant draft all legislation, serve in all leadership roles, and learn about the process of passing legislation and how it isn’t as simple as it seems. Our participants learn leadership, experience the legislative process, and have a chance to network with other student leaders from around Maine talking about the issues they see facing the State of Maine and its future. Congratulations to our newly elected
Youth Governor
Beatrice Elmore,
Brunswick HS
I am so excited to be the 2024 Youth Governor of Maine! I absolutely adore this program and am so excited to help work to continue to keep this program thriving. Youth and Government is a program that has greatly shaped who I am, and I know that I am not the only one who this program has influenced. I will work to make Youth and Government an inclusive program that helps empower and inspire young people to stand up and let their voices be heard. I want this program to foster diverse thought and debate while helping shape Maine’s future. Youth and Government is a program that fosters community, and I hope to extend that community in not just the weekend, but throughout the whole year. Everyone deserves to have a say in the future of this program, and I hope to work with everyone to help expand and better the Youth and Government program so everyone can help develop their voice. I am so excited for this year, and can not wait to be you Governor for this next year! From the 2023 Program evaluations here is what our participants answered to "I learned".....
I love this program sooo much!!! I have been here since the 2020 program and I have loved it since the first day. My home situation isn’t the greatest of things, but this program helped me find my voice and talk to my parents and helped improve my relationship with them. This program has helped my speaking skills and become more confident with myself. I have made so many friends that I have talked with during the years of this program. This has a special place in my heart and I don’t want it to be my last year, I would love to somehow be involved any way I can!
I learned a lot more about the processes going on within the state house, and actually began reconsidering my major, and applying to a couple of colleges with the goal of majoring in government or political science.
I learned more about the passage of a bill when it transforms into a law and it also helped my confidence in public speaking :)
I learned how a government and politics runs in a state. Participating has deeply improved my understanding
To never lose hope and to never give up, how hopeless your bill might be. To follow and advocate for it till the very end.
Over my 4 years with Y&G, I’ve learned more about the day-to-day operation of our government than I ever imagined. This is an incredibly effective way to teach people about civics in a very enjoyable manner.
Democracy ain’t easy
I learned how to take a stand and that I can let my voice be heard even if everyone might not agree. I learned that so many amazing people are so dedicated to Maine, government, and working with others, and even if I didn't agree with all of them I could still be friends with them.
I learned how to properly debate on issue
I learned how to navigate Maines laws, speak up for my issues, and have the confidence to advocate for change.
I learned so much more about the entire legislative process. I’ve learned about issues that are important to people all over the state. I learned how to write a bill. I learned how important it is to use my own voice and argue the things I’m passionate about in a respectful way. I learned that there are people who care what I have to say.
2024 program details are being worked on look back in January 2024 for dates
Thank you to our program sponsor
|
