2012 Conference Executive Record Report.pdf - YMCA of Greater ...

2012 STATE OF THE STATE
Paige Hughes, Youth Governor
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Lieutenant Governor, honorable members of the legislature, distinguished
guests, and my fellow New Yorkers: allow me to formally welcome you, yet again, to our 76th annual
New York State YMCA Youth and Government state conference.
Over the past six months with the turn of each newspaper page and with the click of the remote to
our television sets, we have seen headline after headline informing us of the importance of the Occupy
Wall Street movement. From Oakland, to Dallas, from Washington to Chicago, and even outside the
walls of the chamber you and I are standing in right now, a revolution has taken place. A revolution
driven by the ability to use the most powerful thing a human being possesses: their voice.
This weekend, there is a new group of individuals occupying Albany. But this group does not
come with an abundance of tents and protest signs. Instead, they come with an abundance of new ideas
and perspectives on the pressing issues they face as New York State citizens. This group, my fellow
delegates, is you and I, because this weekend, we are occupying Albany.
Contrary to what many adults believe, we the youth of New York State have a voice. In fact, over
55,000 teens across the country who participate in this program have a voice. It is a voice that is powerful
beyond measure. And even better, we have opinions, too! Together, we are able to overcome the
obstacles of today’s negative society and make a significant mark on the history our of state. Together,
we are able to see past each other’s differences and realize that there actually is a solution to every
problem. Together, we are able to grasp and fully understand the concept of the four core values of the
YMCA and how we can incorporate these into our day-to-day lives. Together, we are able to utilize our
passions and join as one large extended family striving toward one common goal. Our goal is to make
change; to make our own revolution.
For the state leadership team, we knew that 2012 was a year for reevaluation; a year for revision;
and a year for remembering the sole purpose of why six hundred teenagers gather in Albany for one
weekend in March every year. As a team, we strived to incorporate as many initiatives as possible that
would benefit the wants and needs of the delegates in this program, rather than our own personal desires.
For the first time in many years, we were able to create fairness and equal representation within the
leadership development amongst seven districts. We helped guide an advocacy component to our program
that helps capitalize the concerns the young people of our state deem important and integral for our
legislators to hear. We have introduced a new service learning project known as Operation Gratitude that
helps drive home the concept of servant leadership and the appreciation we have for those men and
women fighting to keep our freedom alive. But realistically, our laundry list of accomplishments would
not have been possible without each of you.
In the beginning of 2011, New York State had seen some of its worst times. In fact, many were
asking when enough is enough. The economy was hurting, our government was in turmoil, and valued
systems were quickly deteriorating before our very eyes. We were divided and uncertain of how to unite
with such burdens resting on our shoulders; but as we entered 2012, we came with a different mindset and
a different way of approaching each issue because we came to realize that things were looking up for New
York.
As a whole, the Executive Cabinet created an agenda that targeted two of what we felt were were
the most significant areas that were in dire need of reform and renovation. By doing so, we entered our
2012 state conference looking for ideas to create a stronger educational system for future generations and
how we can boost the economy so it can gradually grow to become one of the strongest in our nation.
First, we began by evaluating public education. As a state, we must realize the importance of
putting the students first and rising above the public education bureaucracy that has been set forth over
the years. New York State spends more money than any other state in the country for education, yet we
are still lingering 38th in graduation rates. It simply does not make sense. So where do we start?
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