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

April 2012
Dear Reader,
In her opening remarks for the 76 th annual New York State YMCA Youth and Government Conference Youth
Governor Paige Hughes stated “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.”
The following pages contain the ideas and summary of work these 555 selected teens delegates from across NY
State have been engaged in since September
Teen attorneys are responsible for developing a brief, arguing their case before an Appellant Court bench of teen
justices. Using four courtrooms the eighteen justices heard each case rendering their decisions. Enclosed is a copy
of each case, an addendum that includes the justice decisions and the Brief they deemed to be “the best.” The teen’s
case assignment contained their select case references.
During the weekend thirty chose to participate as lobbyists researching topics and bills of their interest which
included a deviation from traditional government where they were afforded opportunities to speak for or against a
bill on the chamber floor promoting their speaking/presentation skills. Dependent upon the persuasive arguments of
the lobbyist one was recognized by their peers as “the best” lobbyist in the Senate and in each of the two
Assembly’s.
Integral to government is the reporting of issues, opinions of Bill Sponsors and an overall review of the program.
Inserted you will find a copy of The Dialectic newspaper that was developed by twenty journalism students.
Included as well are copies of the pre and post conference newspaper (The Posti).
This program is sponsored by the YMCA’s in New York State affording a special leadership opportunity for young
people where they nurture their appreciation for the diversity of others while engaging in civic issues that may
include collaborative working relationships with local high schools. In reviewing just one positive impact this
program has on young people a Indiana University Study concluded that Youth and Government graduates when
compared with the general population were much more engaged in civic issues:
• 96 % are Registered voters vs.66 % General Population
• 35 % Contribute to a campaign vs.24 % General Population
• 43% Worked on community issues vs. 17% General Population
• 15 % are Members’ of a local community board vs. 3% General Population
To learn more about this program we welcome you to visit our web site: www.nystateymcayag.org, to contact your
local YMCA or the programs State Director Mark Rutkowski at the host association: YMCA of Greater Rochester,
444 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604 or 585-341-3235.
“DEMOCRACY MUST BE LEARNED BY EACH GENERATION”
YMCA of Greater Rochester • Association Office • 444 East Main Street • Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: (585) 546-5500 5500 • Fax: (585) 454-1328 • www.rochesterymca.org• www.nystateymcayag.org
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