YMCA Texas Youth & Government (Official Page)

Behind every courtroom, committee, debate, and deadline are the people who make Youth and Government possible. Evaluators, advisors, sponsors, and YMCA volunteers give their time, patience, and expertise so thousands of delegates can grow into leaders.

Kenny Ochoa, a security volunteer of nearly two decades, told us he keeps coming back because of the students: “Watching them compete and grow reminds me of the potential of our democracy. I hope they learn to find common ground and build relationships with people who think differently.”

Governor candidate Anvika Jain shared that YMCA volunteers have been “a rock” in her YG journey from late‑night delegation meetings to 3 a.m. airport runs, they’re the reason she made it through some of her hardest moments.

Today’s post is a thank you to the adults who show up, support us, and believe in us. Texas Youth and Government runs because of you and we are so grateful!

By: Natalie Ortiz

Last Chance to Submit your Governor’s Cabinet or Lobbyist Application 🏛️🔥

Are you a returning Legislative delegate ready to experience State Conference from a whole new perspective? The Governor’s Cabinet and Lobbyist sections put you right in the middle of the action, working the rooms, influencing votes, and shaping what happens in the chambers.

These roles are for experienced delegates who want more responsibility, more impact, and a deeper look at how government works.

What you’ll do:
🔹 Speak in favor of or against bills during committee
🔹 Advocate for issues you care about directly with legislators
🔹 Help shape and advance the Youth Governor’s legislative agenda
🔹 Move between chambers and work one-on-one with delegates

Choose your path:
🏛️ Governor’s Cabinet – Work directly with the Youth Governor, support their agenda, and help move priority legislation forward.
📣 Lobbyist – Advocate for or against bills, persuade delegates, and influence outcomes across both chambers.

Good to know:
If selected, you’ll step out of your legislative chamber. You won’t author bills or amendments or vote in chamber—but you will have a major voice in committees and behind the scenes.

📅 Apply today! https://ymcatexasyg.org/program-sections/governors-cabinet-and-lobbyists/
If you’re ready to lead, influence, and level up! This is your moment.

Deadlines
~ JYG State Conference (Middle School) is January 20th
~ YG State Conference (High School) is Today, January 12th at 11:59 PM

🔔 LAST CHANCE — REGISTRATION CLOSES TONIGHT AT 11:59 PM!🔔

Today is the last day to register for JuniorYG or YG State Conference. If you haven't claim your spot for State Conference, there's is less than 6 hours left!

Register at www.ymcatexasyg.org/state-conference-registration

We’re thrilled to share that Texas Youth and Government has received a $5,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to support our program!
This funding helps expand access to civic education and leadership development for youth across Central Texas—giving them opportunities to draft legislation, debate issues, and grow as future leaders.
Huge thanks to the Texas Bar Foundation for investing in the next generation of changemakers!
Since 1965, the Foundation has awarded over $30 million in grants to law-related programs, making it the largest charitably-funded bar foundation in the country.
Thank you, Texas Bar Foundation!

Legislative delegates are debating on bills and deciding if other delegates bills are worth passing. High intensive debates, and questions fill up the room, as curious minds continue to make the debates worthy of spectating. Bills such as implementation of laws, taking down laws, and new crazy ideas may well so be voted to pass. These delegates are performing real life judicial scenarios on the passing of bills which can benefit them for future reference.

Chair-clerk teams work together to lead and organize legislative committees. Clerks are in charge of timing and the bill order. Holland Francis organizes speaking time and pro-con slips as a delegate opposes a bill. “A good clerk makes a big difference in committee and especially full house/senate,” says Holland Francis.

One day. Four opportunities to make an impact.

District Conference is just 3 weeks away, and we need hundreds of volunteers statewide! 🙌

On November 15, Youth and Government will host regional conferences in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston — where thousands of Texas teens will step into roles as legislators, attorneys, journalists, and judges. ⚖️

Just 3 hours of your time can help a student find their voice, build confidence, and lead.

💙 Sign up to Volunteer today
📍 Austin | Dallas | Fort Worth | Houston
🗓️ November 15
🔗 ymcatexasyg.org

📣 TOMORROW! Two Online Events. One Day!
🗓️ Chair/Clerk Training — October 14th at 5:00 PM

Are you ready to lead? 🪑⚖️
If you want to be a Chairperson or Clerk this year, don’t miss our training sessions! Learn the ropes, get important updates, and prepare for an amazing Youth and Government season.

💻 Two Trainings — One Day:
👉 Legislative Chair/Clerk Training
🔗 Join Here

👉 State Affairs Forum Chair/Clerk Training
🔗 Join Here

Don’t miss out — mark your calendar and bring your enthusiasm! 🙌