Youth (can) Inspire Government

At almost 250 years old, one would

think that the US government would

have become a mature en t i t y .

Ironically, it may be able to look to a

group of teenagers for guidance. After

all, “They’re looking

at future politicians and lawyers,” says

S o u t h C o u n t y

Delegate Rhea Patel.

Unfortunately, it seems that the US

government has fallen into the trap

of bipartisanism. The most amazing part of

Youth In Government is that it has managed

to overcome the stigmas of party lines

and give every delegate, no matter

their beliefs, the chance to influence

the nation.

Just one look at

YIG would show

politicians how easy

it is to work

together. As Editor-in-

Chief Haley Oberhofer

said, "Your last

n a m e , p a r t y

a f f i l i a t ion , and

economic background

don't matter. What

matters is your love

and passion."

Representative Vollmer speaks in the Sullivan House. Picture courtesy of Florida YMCA Youth In Government.

BY CAT SMITH ASSISTANT EDITOR

SOUTH COUNTY DELEGATION

Leading starts with serving others

YIG delegates can learn how to

effectively lead their

chapters wh i l e

s e r v i n g t h e community. At the

Spr ing Servant L e a d e r s h i p

Conference, which

will be held at YMCA

Camp Wewa April 19th—21st, delegates

will develop their a d m i n i s t r a t i v e

leadership skills and plan for the new YIG

year. They will also participate in service

projects, such as collecting air potatoes

and painting the floors (and other delegates).

The Fall SLC will focus on teaching

basic YIG concepts,

such as bill writing

and the different

program areas.

Governor Christina

Wiley encourages d e l e g a t e s t o

participate. “Usually the people who

show up at these events are the ones

who are committed to YIG and moving

up in leadership… A leader is someone

who is willing to serve and get on the

same level as their

team.”

BY ALI RENCKENS ASSISTANT EDITOR

TAMPA DELEGATION

Courtney Scoufis (South County Delegation) and Patrick McDaniel (West Central Florida Delegation) at Fall Servant Leadership Conference this past September.

POST STATE ASSEMBLY EDITION 6 APRIL 2013

2 Capitol Briefings Post State Assembly Edition 6 APRIL 2013

What is special about YIG?

Y o u t h I n

Government was a part of my life even

before I joined. My b ro the r , Na t e ,

graduated last year, leaving his YIG

legacy. My brother, Seth, helped me

with bills, research, and debating. This is

only two examples

of people who help in YIG.

E v e r y Y I G meeting, I watch

teenagers stand up

and share great points, interesting

facts, and fun debate, and it makes

me want to do the same. Fortunately,

t h e r e a r e opportunities and

events for both the younger and older

delegates. Y o u t h I n

Government i s special in so many

ways. You have

opportunities. You feel welcome and

part of something bigger than yourself.

YIG is not only a

program, but a family, who is

available to help you in every situation.

A s 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 Governor Christina

Wiley said, “You don’t need to be afraid of setting your goals high.” When you do, you open the door to

more opportunities.

Trust this family. Trust Youth In

Government.

BY DANIELLE REID CONTRIBUTOR

TAMPA DELEGATION

Letter from the Editor There comes a

time when we are forced to close a

chapter of our lives; however, it also

g ive s us the opportunity to open

new ones. It's been a wonderful six

years with the p r o g r a m . T h e

lessons I've learned have carried into all

aspects of my life, from public speaking

to learning to shape

my own ideas. Serving as your

editor for the last two years has been

one of the most

r e w a r d i n g experiences of my

high school career. To all graduating

seniors, I encourage you to keep in touch

and consider becoming a Graduate Advisor or

joining College YIG. Whether you want to

pursue law, journalism, or politics, use the skills

you learned from Youth In Government to help

achieve your goal.

Thank you to my fellow Presiding

O f f i ce r s , E r i ka A m a y a , a n d

Samantha Lane for

y o u r c o n s t a n t s u p p o r t ,

enthusiasm, and dedication over the

years. Although I will not be a

delegate during the upcoming program

year, I know the press program is in

fabulous hands. Congratulations, Ali!

Make your next chapter the best one

yet.

In the Spirit of Democracy,

Editor-in-Chief

COMMITMENT ISSUES? YOU CAN STILL SUBMIT ARTICLES! EMAIL PRESSCORPS @FLORIDAYIG.NET

PRESS CORPS EARLY DECISION

Like what you read? Log onto the Deledex to apply to be a member of the 2013-2014 Press Corps!

SERVANT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE APRIL 19-21 YMCA CAMP WEWA

WHO SHOULD GO? Chapter leadership Program

coordinators PO hopefuls Underclassmen who

show leadership potential

Y-staff & advisors

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Chapter

administration Recruitment &

Retention Leading your peers Budgets &

Fundraisers Working with your Y Servant Leadership YIG Culture

HOW DO I REGISTER? Talk to your advisor or Y-staff!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @FLORIDAYIG