Youth & Government
MUN IS SUSPENDED AND WILL RESUME IN APRIL.
Model Legislature & Court with the Richmond District YMCA
Program Overview
The YMCA Youth & Government (Y&G) Model Legislature & Court program is a truly unique and immersive educational and social experience for high school students (ages 14-18). Y&G is a 6-month, learn-by-doing experience for participants to discover the tools to make a true impact on our democracy and our society. Delegates experience government firsthand through a series of conferences with thousands of other youth leaders, culminating in a 5-day conference at the state capitol in Sacramento. Taking on the roles of state legislators, attorneys, lobbyists and other officials, they navigate government processes and work together to develop real solutions to real issues. Y&G is a place for teens to raise their voices and be heard while building skills in leadership, public speaking, research, critical thinking and true civic engagement.
Weekly Meetings
- Delegates meet weekly to prepare for conferences, debate, discuss current events, plan, and develop legislation with the support of a delegation advisor.
- Meetings will run January 8th - February 26th and will be held at the Richmond District Y (360 18th Ave) with a tentative weekly time of 4:30pm-5:45pm.
Registration
If you or a family member are interested in participating, please contact Youth & Teen Director, Brandon Drake at bdrake@ymcasf.org or 415 666 9602. 2019-20 will be our launch year for the Richmond District delegation and we hope to measure interest from the community as we get started.
Cost
Facility Member: $1,260
Community Participant: $1,400
*Financial assistance is available to families on a sliding scale
Conference Dates:
- February 29 - SFY Retreat - Point Bonita YMCA, Marin Headlands
- March 14-15 - MUN Training - Camp Jones Gulch, La Honda
- April 23-26 - MUN Summit - LAX Sheraton, Los Angeles
Model United Nations
Program Overview
The California YMCA Youth & Government – Model United Nations program is a simulation of the “real-life” United Nations Assembly for middle school students. Students will research, debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions. The focus will be on international issues, including disputes between countries, peace-keeping responsibilities and stabilizing financial markets. The program concludes with an Assembly involving youth from YMCA’s all over California, representing each nation recognized by the United Nations.
Program Schedule, Meetings and Conferences:
The program will run once a week for 1.5 hours, starting in November, and host 3 weekend conferences. Within the program delegates’ research, debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions. Their main focuses are international issues, including disputes between countries, peacekeeping efforts, border crisis, stabilizing financial markets and dealing with hunger, disease and poverty. The four-month program culminates when delegates from around the state meet at the annual Model United Nations Summit in Los Angeles, California. The Training Conference curriculum includes a thorough orientation of the overall program and its program areas, as well as workshops that focus on culture acceptance, public speaking, and leadership skills. Delegates also receive an introduction to the staff, role training, and a chance to meet program participants from other across the state.
Weekly Meetings
Delegates participate in the program through the SFY/Richmond delegation. SFY/Richmond hosts weekly meetings starting in November, which are mostly facilitated by youth officers but are supported by adult advisors and volunteers.
Location and Time: Richmond District YMCA, 360 18th Ave San Francisco, Wednesdays from 4:30pm-5:45pm
Conferences
The California YMCA Youth & Government MUN program holds two conferences each year.
MUN Training Conference: Held at Camp Jones Gulch, near La Honda, the first conference of the year focuses on giving new delegates an overview of the Model United Nations program. Returning Delegates will focus on leadership development. During this conference participants receive specific training on their role in the Model United Nations.
18th Model United Nations Summit: The Model United Nations Summit is held in Los Angeles, California at the LAX Sheraton. This four-day conference is the heart of the MUN program. Delegates are given a chance to put all their research and practice to work as they perform their roles and explore how the United Nations is run. In addition to statewide conferences, local activities focused on community building will be planned with other YMCA of San Francisco delegations.
Point Bonita Day Trip (local): Lunch will be provided and students will have an opportunity to meet other students in MUN from San Francisco. The day will focus on building relationships through activities that challenge them and explore leadership development.
Program Areas
- Security Council
- International Court of Justice
- General Assembly
- Economic and Social Council
- International Press Corps
- Non-Governmental Organizations