Once you have received your program area assignment, use the resources below to prepare your conference materials.

TURNING IN MATERIALS 

All program areas have pre-conference work that must be turned in by the materials deadline for each program area. 

The documents below will help you complete your assigned materials. Delegation Directors will be able to approve your materials or return them back to your for further review. No program materials will be accepted after the materials deadlines for program areas. This means that no late or last minute bills or proposals may be brought to the conference. If you have trouble or questions about completing and turning in your materials, please email youthvoice@ymcanorth.org. 

YAPP

Our conference-based app can be used throughout the program season. All delegates with a mobile device or tablet are encouraged to download the YAPP after completing their registration. The YAPP is also accessible on a desktop or laptop.

Some of the resources available in the YAPP are below:

  • Announcements to stay informed during the program season and at the Youth in Government conference 
  • Links to program area resources
  • Officer and official filing links
  • Schedules, maps, restaurant availability lists
  • Officer and Specialist bios
  • Evening activities information

DOWNLOAD YAPP NOW!

Program Area Resources

Below you will find program area packets to support your conference preparation. 

The legislature at Youth in Government consists of six different bodies. Humphrey House and Smith Senate, as well as Myers House and Spear Senate, are part of our Hotel Legislature and are available to students in grades 9 and 10. Our Capitol Legislature includes Sanford House and Knutson Senate, is available to students in grades 11 and 12.

Prior to YIG, students have the opportunity to write a bill about a state issue that is important to them. At the conference, they can debate their bill and get it all the way to the Youth—or Youth Lieutenant—Governor, one of the highest honors in Youth in Government.

Get ready to be a Legislator

Legislative Curriculum

There are four options for students wishing to learn more about the courts system: Trial Court for students in grades 9 and 10, Court of Appeals for students in grades 9 and 10, District Court for students in grades 11 and 12, and Supreme Court for students in grades 11 and 12.

All delegates participating in courts must register with a partner. If you do not have a partner at your school, you will be paired with a student from another delegation.

Court spaces are limited and generally fill up before the priority deadline. If you want to be involved in the courts program area, register early for your best chance!

Court assignments are prioritized by:

  • Both partners are registered before the priority deadline
    • First come, first serve by date registered
  • Both partners have only listed the other delegate name on their registration
  • If you do not have a partner, you have listed you want CYV to pair you with another student 

Join the YAPP

Delegates in grades 10 - 12 in National Issues Forum (NIF) have an opportunity that is unique in Youth in Government: they get to debate important and critical national issues with their peers in a forum that is extremely conducive to productive debate. Prior to the conference, delegates prepare a proposal on a topic that they find to be relevant to current events. At Youth in Government, they debate their proposals and can potentially get voted all the way into the top-tier plenary session.

Get Ready for NIF!

NIF Info Packet

Delegate Cheat Sheet

Cabinet members represent the Youth Governor (Senior Cabinet) or the Youth Lieutenant Governor (Junior Cabinet) in committee and they help to progress the executive agenda by speaking in favor or against certain pieces of legislation. They work very closely with the Youth Governor and Youth Lt. Governor and their offices. These positions are Appointed Officials.

Get Ready to be in Cabinet

Cabinet Training Guide

At Youth in Government, Lobbyists represent over 50 different organizations and corporations and speak on legislation while it's in committee. Once a bill has moved beyond committee, Lobbyists work with legislators in the Houses and Senates to progress their clients' agendas.

Lobbyist positions are made by appointment. Delegates can apply to be appointed as a Lobbyist if they will be in 10, 11, or 12 grade the following year. 

Get Ready to be a Lobbyist

Lobbyist Client List - Use this to find out what client you are representing

Lobbyist Training Manual

Leadership Corps serves all 8 grade delegates as an introduction to Youth in Government and all the program choice possibilities. Delegates spend the weekend creating bills, arguing court cases, writing media articles, and visiting all the program areas in order to get the best first year Youth in Government experience. 

Get Ready for Leadership Corps

Leadership Corps Prep Packet