Program Description
YMCA of San Francisco's Youth & Government works to ensure that youth understand the principles of citizenship, leadership, and democracy, along with the Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We focus on values-based leadership and civic engagement among youth to strengthen their participation in our democracy. We hope to prepare them to be community change agents. Our program fosters a space rooted in inclusive culture and equitable practices.
The program provides tangible skills that prepare teens for success in their academic and professional pursuits. Various project-based activities work on developing individual skills, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, and allows participants to share what they have learned. The program offers numerous opportunities for participants to serve in leadership positions, through appointments or elections.
Youth Leadership
Youth voice and choice are paramount to our program’s ability to develop youth leaders. There will be several opportunities for youth delegates to run and apply for positions.
Delegation Officers: Support weekly meeting planning and facilitation. Engage in monthly officer meetings and training sessions. Work with their advisor to provide delegation specific supports and resources.
Program Area Officers: When applicable, officers will preside over program area meetings, events, and conferences. Officers will maintain parliamentary procedures and support tech management in live sessions.
Advisory Council: Support systems for feedback and delegate satisfaction throughout the year. Plan and facilitate family group time and oversee areas of equity, access, and restorative justice.
Social Council: Plan and facilitate social events. Oversee any delegation clubs, extracurricular activities, or caucuses.
Program Timeline
The program cycle runs from October 2020 through March 2021 (detailed timeline).
Youth delegates meet weekly to discuss current news, deepen their understanding of civic engagement, and prepare for events and conferences. Meetings are centralized and will use large groups and small breakout group time based on weekly lesson format. Delegation meeting content is created by delegation advisors, youth officers, and council members. There will be a mix of synchronous and asynchronous work utilizing virtual platforms; Google Classroom and Zoom.
Program Events
October - Elections and Census
November - College and Career Exploration
December - Teen Leadership Conference
January - Volunteering
February - Guest Speaker Panel
March - Final Conference
Registration Help
Registration opens 9/18
The YMCA has launched a brand new online registration system. If you try to log into your account and receive an error message, you may need to create a new password. Please follow these directions to successfully set up your account:
- Visit community.ymcasf.org
- If you are not able to log in with your email address and password, click on “Current Participant”
- Enter the same email you have always used for your YMCA log-in
- You will then receive a link to create a new Password
- Check your email for the link and activate your account
If you have any problems or receive any errors, please email help@ymcasf.org with the subject line: YMCA Community Help and our support team will be happy to help get you set up.
Program Fee $300
October 20th: $75
November 20th: $75
January 20th: $75
February 20th: $75
Email Jenifer Hughes for Scholarship Information!
Inquiry Form
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People

Jenifer Hughes
Developing teens through Workforce Development, Civic Engagement, and Alternative Education.