Legislators debating bills in the House and Senate chambers. Lobbyists scurrying to line up votes on important legislation. The Governor threatening a veto. Reporters acting on a hot tip to break a big story. Supreme Court Judges considering arguments from youth attorneys during a mock trial.
Government as usual? Not quite. They are all students participating in the Missouri YMCA Youth And Government (YAG) State Convention held each fall at the State Capitol. It’s the culmination of months of preparation by Youth And Government delegations which have been meeting all fall to prepare for the three-day mock government session.
This experience is designed to familiarize students (8th-12th grades) with the decision-making process at the state level. Involving student delegates in a model state legislature, judiciary, press corps, and lobbying program encourages life-long responsible citizenship and understanding of political processes.
For more information, visit our website at www.moyag.org or call 635-6215. The Jefferson City delegation will start in August to prepare for the State Convention.
