This upcoming Presidents’ Day Weekend, a group of diligent students will come together and embark on a journey to the state capital where they will take over Sacramento and become politicians for the weekend. They will sacrifice their “oh so joyful” SAT tutorials and videogames to be a part of the Y&G experience.
Y&G is as James Ho, junior at Crescenta Valley High School, would say, “A huge student council for all of California.” Y&G stands for Youth and Government and is run through the YMCAs throughout the state. Students from all over California are able to take part in a mock state legislature and learn more about politics. Andrew Han, junior in the Verdugo Hills Delegation commented, “Y&G is a program that brings high school students from around the state of California to speak for their beliefs and opinions. It’s like speech and debate, but better.” In Y&G, bills are formulated in committees concerning topics such as immigration or the fiscal problems and then are presented for debate before the senate and assembly. The making and debating of the bills and the process by which these debates are held give students a taste of politics. A key note is that the bills made by the students of Y&G have gone to the actual senate and assembly of the state of California and have been passed, becoming laws today. For example, that pesky rule about having to wear helmets while biking was made, by yours truly, the students in Y&G.
Y&G’s purpose goes beyond exposing teenagers to real world politics, by providing them with a broad network of students. Being able to congregate at camps during the year with fellow delegates from all around the state is priceless. Additionally, having the chance to stand in the senate and assembly chambers of the state capital is simply incredible. Eugene Kim, sophomore at St. Francis High School said, “I’ve been able to meet all kinds of new people through Y&G. I now have made friends with people from Westchester to San Francisco. It’s amazing!”
This steadily growing extracurricular is changing lives and helping students politically and socially. The opportunity to voice an opinion, be heard, and be taken seriously despite being a teenager is what Youth and Government can offer to all delegates. Being able to meet new people and join a welcoming group of peers who have similar interests is a bonus. Yongsoo Kim, sophomore in the Verdugo Hills Delegation put it simply, “Y&G is family.”
