Minnesota secondary students to learn, practice democracy at Minnesota State Capitol
St. Paul, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Jan. 9-12 will host 1,450 students in grades eight through 12 for the Youth in Government conference at the Minnesota State Capitol and the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
At the 71st annual Youth in Government conference, participants will take on roles as legislators, lobbyists, lawyers, judges, justices and journalists and spend four days running a state model government at the Capitol Complex. The YMCA’s Youth in Government program allows students to elect their own leaders, debate their own ideas and build a vision for a strong state.
“Young people in Youth in Government are leaders, organizers, speakers and decision-makers,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “Participating in Youth in Government gives them the opportunity to spend four days with other young people interested in government and our society, building the skills to take action in their local communities. When we help youth understand the topics they are passionate about in the context of the policymaking process, we give them the tools to transform the world into a better, more just place.”
Youth leadership is a hallmark of YMCA Youth in Government. Eighteen youth officers, elected by their peers, will lead all sessions. Approximately 150 appointed officials assist the officers in providing forums for exchange of ideas and respectfully discussing potential solutions.
WHO: YMCA Center for Youth Voice
WHAT: 71st annual Youth in Government conference
WHERE: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
WHEN: Jan. 9-12
*Sessions offering student interviews and photo opportunities are as follows:
- Thursday, Jan. 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Opening Joint Convention, Minnesota House Chamber
- Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m., Capitol Complex
Contact: Amy Anderson, 651-955-1679
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.