Youth in Government

1. Youth in Government STATE OF KANSAS

2. What is Youth in Government ? • An Opportunity to participate in a mock state legislature at the capitol in Topeka with students from around the state. • A unique hands on experience in bill writing, committee meetings and the legislative and executive process.

4. Media Positions and Job Descriptions – Other ways to be involvedNEW FOR 2012Must be part of Youth in Government

5. Media positions • Must be a member of YIG • Must attend all meetings • Will be overseen by the YMCA liasson • For more information contact: Doug Berkel dougberkel@kansascityymca.org Application and assignments are due by November 1, 2012

6. YIG - In the Senate

7. YIG - Voting in Committee

9. YIG - Governor of Youth in Government

10. Collaborating in the House of Rep.

11. Speaking in the Senate

12. It’s not all work - -

13. When is the state YIG? Topeka, KS Arrive Sunday, November 18th Session begins at 10:00 a.m. Session adjourns Monday, November 19th at 3:45 p.m.

14. What is required? • A strong interest in government or leadership • A commitment to take the process seriously • Write a bill that would better the life of Kansans. Each student must write their own bill.

15. Attend Pre-Legislative meetings as required by your school or district • Cover any financial obligations to attend. This depends on your school and your district. It could include transportation and in most cases overnight stay and meals.

16. Typical YIG costs • $ Money for hotel. This varies depending on how many are in the room. It includes your Sunday evening banquet and breakfast on Monday. The amount is based on how many students in a room. • 4 to a room (typical) $43.82 • 3 to a room = 50.98 • 2 to a room = 65.29

17. Transportation • This depends on your school. • Typically transportation is $10 per student.

18. Additional spending money • $ for two lunches and any snacks • Small amount of $ for the bowling Sunday evening • Last year it was $3.00 for all you can bowl plus any money for snacks

19. Who may attend 2012? • Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

20. Your Bill • Think of something that is important to you or think of something that you would like to see changed in the state of Kansas that would benefit its citizens. • In the past, laws dealing with legalization of marijuana, making ‘Big Foot’ the state monster do not show serious thought from the writer.

21. Some bills that have been presented in the past • License plates on the front of cars (this would help law enforcement) • Environmental credits to companies that “go green” • An act to prohibit the sale of candy and food that resemble tobacco or alcohol products

22. You should do some research about your proposed bill • Your bill should be a new law or proposal. • Does a law already exist? If one already exists then you have not created a new bill. OR are you creating a law that would repeal the old law? • Is it within the state government’s realm of control (jurisdiction).

23. For instance A bill that allows freshmen and sophomores to take AP Psychology in the state of Kansas. Or require students to take driver’s ed in their high schools. This is NOT in the control of the state. That is in the control of the district school boards.

24. Steps to writing the bill • Come up with your idea. • If you are having trouble of thinking of bills, check the legislative web sites of nearby states including ours. http://www.kslegislature.org • See what bills were recently vetoed. Could you rework these to make them better? • Research your idea. • Is there already a state law that exists? What states have a similar law? This can provide you with additional material for writing your bill.

25. For instance A bill proposing a requirement that all schools receiving federal funding MUST teach a class on CIVICS. This IS in the jurisdiction of the federal government NOT the states.

26. For instance A bill proposing that license plates be displayed on the front AND the back of vehicles. This IS in the jurisdiction of the states. So…. now you need to think about: How would this be funded? When would it be enacted? Enforced? What fines?

27. Your bill continued • Your bill must be typed and submitted electronically to the YIG coordinator in final form prior to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 9th. No exceptions. • Each participant must write their own bill. This is part of the process. Later you can combine forces in committee.

28. You will have access to an electronic template for your bill.

29. Other communication and information will be available from the Youth in Government website. • Links to some states or other YIGs with some bill ideas • Important documents • This website is currently under construction

30. The Bill Template Electronic version • Available from your sponsor’s web back pack • Available by emailing Deb Brown deborahbrown@smsd.org

32. Things to remember • Discuss Youth in Government with your parents • Attend pre-legislative sessions as determined by your school or district. • Turn in your $ and permission form and YIG agreement to your sponsor by the date they give you.

33. YIG meetings • Information meeting - that is this one! • Building meeting – September • District meetings (required*) at Indian Creek • October 16th 6:00 – 8:00 • November 12th 5:30 – 8:00 *exceptions must be building and then district approved

34. See you at YIG 2012!

35. Additional questions contact: Deb Brown Youth in Government State Coordinator SMSD Social Studies Specialist deborahbrown@smsd.org 913-993-8664