Students attending in the New Jersey Youth and Government program can participate through a variety of different positions.  Students chose the position through which they would like they participate with each position focuses on exposing students to different aspects of the political processes.  All positions require the following qualifications:

•  Must be a high school student, grade 9 – 12 (unless noted otherwise)
• Self-motivated
• Willing to communicate well, both verbally and in writing
• Willing to do research in advance
• Must agree to abide by the Dress Code, YMCA Ground Rules, Code of Conduct and all other program requirements and regulations

 Students are able to participate through the following positions: 

• Legislator:
          -Assemblyperson
          -Senator
• Lobbyist
• Treasurer
• Attorney
• Press Corp
          -Written Press
          -Video Press
• Junior Legislators
• Program Leadership

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Legislator

Students may elect to attend as either a Senator or an Assembly member collectively referred to as a legislator. As a legislator these delegates are the writers and debaters of the legislation of the conference. Each legislator must write at least one Bill and co-sponsor at least two other bills from the other Chamber.

Example: A delegate elects to be a Senator. That delegate will write one Bill that will originate in the Senate and co-sponsor two Bills, written by other students that will originate in the Assembly.


Duties and Responsibilities

• Must write a Bill and Sponsor and/or co-sponsor two additional Bills
• Read and know the Resource Manual and rules of Parliamentary Procedure
• Speak knowledgably on behalf of Bills in Committee and Chamber
• Research the legislation thoroughly
• Evaluate all proposed legislation with a concern for the welfare of the citizens of NJ
• Must uphold the YMCA Ground Rules during all debate

Lobbyist Corps

Youth Lobbyists have a unique opportunity to experience the legislative process as professional lobbyists.  As a Lobbyist, students will advocate for both their own personal agenda and a series of clients associated with the firm that they will serve as a member of.  Students will provide testimony (written and/or oral), based upon extensive research, which either supports or opposes specific Bills that protect their client’s interests. 

Additional Qualifications

• One years experience in the program is preferred
• Assertive enough to approach unfamiliar delegates to discuss Bills

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare a 1-2 page research paper on the background and interests of their client
• Identify bills that protect or harm their clients interest and submit written research pertaining to those bills
• Students will prepare and present oral testimony before at least two Committees
• Lobbyists may not Sponsor, Co-Sponsor, debate, or vote on Bills
• Must uphold the YMCA Ground Rules at all times

Office of the State Treasurer

As a member of the State Treasury, students have a unique opportunity to experience the legislative process from a budgeting perspective.  With volunteer professionals as advisors, the State Treasurer along with the Assistant State Treasurers will evaluate all of the Bills submitted by the delegates and assign a monetary value to the bill. The State Treasurer, along with the Assistant State Treasurers, is expected to develop several spending bills for authorization by the state legislature. Students may also testify during committees. Space is limited on this committee to (12) twelve students.

Addtional Qualifications

• One year experience in the program is required for participation
• Assertive enough to approach unfamiliar delegates to discuss Bills

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review the NJ State Budget and prepare a proposed Budget for their assigned department
• Develop a proposed budget for the entire conference
• Prepare a budget statement for each bill in their assigned committee
• Present the budget to their committee
• Prepare and present oral testimony before Committees in support of proposed budget
• Must participate in debate with the Governor and Cabinet regarding fiscal aspects of proposed legislation
• State Treasurers may not Sponsor, Co-Sponsor, debate, or vote on Bills
• Must uphold the YMCA Ground Rules at all times

Attorneys (Judicial Program)

The youth Appeals Court of New Jersey will resolve cases dealing with issues of law that affect State laws, State Constitutional Issues, or Federal Constitutional Issues.  Students will both present and deliberate a case twice during the conference against different opponents.  The presentation part of the case will require a student to write a brief before the conference and present an oral argument before the court.  The deliberation part of the conference will require the student to hear the arguments of a case, question the attorney presenting the case, and write an opinion outlining the outcome of the case as well as the reasoning for that outcome. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Partake in advance independent and team research on a case and case law
• Must prepare and submit an outline of their brief prior to Pre-Legislative Conference
• Must prepare and submit a brief to the court prior to the Conference
• Prepare and present oral testimony before the Court at the Conference
• Must uphold the YMCA Ground Rules at all times 

Written Press & Video Corps

Participants write, edit, and produce two newspapers and video slideshow presentations during the Legislative Weekend.  All Press members work together to develop the format, decide on worthy news items, and are trained in the coverage of governmental news.

Additional Qualifications

• Must be able to work on a tight schedule
• Must be able to write well according to accepted journalistic practices
• Knowledge of video equipment and editing software preferred (Video Press)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Cannot vote, debate or sponsor Bills
• Will serve on the staff of the Conference Newspaper
• Prepare and ask questions of the Candidates for Governor at the Election Forum
• Contact local newspapers to determine if they would run at story on the Program
• Cover activities at Pre-Leg, Committee Sessions, and Legislative Sessions
• Report all events in an unbiased, balanced, and professional manner
• Must uphold the YMCA Ground Rules at all times

Junior Legislators

This special committee is for seventh (7^th) or eight (8^th) grade to allow younger students to experience the various aspects of the program.  Students will meet during the Legislative Weekend and emulate various aspects of the conference and experience the same debate and problem solving situations as their high school counterparts.  Students will also serve as pages for a portion of the weekend to view first-hand the debate and proceedings of committee/chamber in the State House.

Qualifications

• Must be in seventh (7^th) or eight (8^th) grade
• Responsible for carrying out tasks without reminders or one-to-one supervision
• Must be willing to walk!
• Willingness to learn in multiple environments and settings

Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn and partake in the process of drafting and debating a bill
• Emulate the processes within specialized committees
• Observe committee / chamber sessions
• Responsible for the flow of all official documents through the proper channels
• Perform other duties at the request of Program Staff

Program Leadership

Please refer to the "Leadership Positions" page for a description of positions as well as an overview of the election processes.