Between Mar 19-21, Illinois YMCA Youth and Government’s yearly program concluded with a meeting at the Illinois Capitol to debate issues in actual political facilities.
According to the YMCA Youth and Government website, “Illinois YMCA Youth & Government is a leadership development program for high school students,” according to the YMCA Youth and Government website.
This program influences many students across the state, especially at OH.
“Youth and Government benefits students [because] they see the processes of government function in much more of the way we would like to see our real governments function in terms of working together and productivity,” OH Social Studies teacher and Youth and Government adviser Aaron Henricks said.
While the whole program is meaningful to its participants, the capstone trip to the Capitol is incredibly important.
“The benefits of the Springfield trip are largely that it adds a feel of realness to what is actually just a simulation… that would not feel the same if the assembly were held elsewhere,” Henricks said.
It also teaches students skills that can be used outside of politics.
“It’s very skill-building in the sense of developing persuasive argumentative skills, developing leadership skills, and developing that ability to have civic discourse where they talk to people that they disagree with without getting mad,” OH Social Studies teacher and Youth and Government adviser Brenda Shay said.
Many of the students who participate in Youth and Government look back at their experiences fondly.
“Kids always come back and say that this was the highlight of their high school year. I love working with kids who are willing to have their voice heard and solve problems,” Shay said.
Youth and Government comes with a wide range of roles for students to participate in beyond administration roles.
“I was part of the press, so I got to interview people and talk to a bunch of different people about government, what goes on, and… some fun questions. But other people are… lobbyists, legislators, liaisons, [so] they’re going to be more so… working with the government,” OH sophomore and Youth and Gov member Lizzie Wandolowski said.
The program also helps teach the importance of civic engagement.
“The whole goal of the program is that democracy must be learned by each generation. It helps you find your voice and it helps you become a leader and advocate for issues that really matter to you,” Shay said.
Overall, Youth and Government gives students interested in leadership roles an experience unlike anything else.
“I would definitely recommend it to people. It’s a lot of fun, and you get to learn a lot,” Wandolowski said.
You can just call me Max. I write about things that interest me. This is my second year on the team and I'm in 12th grade. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication
My name is Monaco Tiffany. I am a senior at Oswego High School and Oswego East High School. This is my second year as part of 42Fifty. I am serving as one of the Managing Editors for 42Fifty. I am involved in the frc robotics team 2338 Gear It Forward.
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