YOUTH & GOVERNMENT
At the Y, we believe in the potential of all young people. YMCA Youth & Government fosters the development of citizen responsibility by developing problem solving and communication skills, providing positive adult mentors, and giving young people opportunities to practice new skills in hands-on programs.
Go behind the scenes at the Washington State Capitol. Learn about the democratic process and practice civil discourse. Gain confidence and social skills through challenging debates, bill writing, and campaigning.
Through the process of identifying issues and developing solutions, young people build confidence in an environment that inspires them to act with integrity and respect. Youth Legislature is a student directed model offering teens the opportunity to develop leadership skills, explore a career in public service, write and critique law, attend bi-monthly meeting and the annual Youth Legislation session in May at our state capital with teens from around the state, and assume the role of a statewide officer, such as Senator, Representative, Lobbyist, Journalist.
Youth and Government meets every other Wednesday from 6PM-7:30PM at the Briggs Community YMCA – 1530 Yelm Highway SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Open to everyone from ages 13 to 18.
Financial assistance is available.