Purpose of the Program

The YMCA New Jersey Youth and Government Program is a student debate program and simulation that is designed to help teens gain an understanding and appreciation of our State's legislative process.

While many schools offer classes about our Government and have Student Councils or other extracurricular groups which focus on various aspects of government, only NJ Youth and Government provides students with the opportunity to learn in a society-wide environment with students from across the state of New Jersey.

Each student selects an issue of real concern, which can be addressed through State-level legislative action. Students then research and write a Bill which is to be presented and defended in Committee sessions and Senate and Assembly sessions held in the historic State House in Trenton. Students have the opportunity to meet State Legislators and Department staff, all active supporters of the Program. These sessions are meant to provide students with the opportunity to openly debate topics that are of the utmost importance today, both in the national and local arenas.  The program also allows students to experience the process and effort put into passing legislation in government.

Unlike a classroom experience, Youth and Government is a hands-on program.  Delegates learn by doing and have the opportunity to try their hand at leadership in a safe learning environment.  Throughout the Program year, students develop self-confidence in their individual abilities through the mastery of a significant body of knowledge.  Through the drafting of bills, sessions of debate, students better learn to:

• Understand and patake in political and public affairs
• Organize and clearly present one's ideas and understand the importance of doing so
• Exercise the research, writing, and presentation skills necessary to defend ones ideas
• Communicate effectively with a wide diversity of students from across New Jersey
• Practice cooperation, tolerance and good will in making democracy work
• Use Parliamentary Procedure (simplified) as established by Robert's Rules of Order
• Understand the theory and praactice of determining public policies
• Understand the value of servant leadership           

State legislators also take an active inteest in the program in their local communities and at the State House.  As a result, participating students gain opportunities to see how State government is run and discover opportunities for internships at local and State offices.  However, perhaps the most important benefit of the program, not only for the students but also for society at large, is that it teaches the youth how to become active citizens in a democracy.  In fact, Bills written by students have been adopted and passed into “real” laws in the State of New Jersey. 

The New Jersey Youth and Government Program shows all of its participants that they CAN make a difference and play a significant role in New Jersey’s affairs.