TEENAGERS TODAY INFORMED CITIZENS TOMORROW Texas Youth & Government

1. TEENAGERS TODAYINFORMED CITIZENSTOMORROWTexas Youth & Government

2. DEMOCRACY MUST BE LEARNED BY EACH GENERATION • WHAT IS TEXAS YOUTH & GOVERNMENT ? • A youth-led, hands-on experiential program • Local and Statewide, with opportunities on the National Level. After attending their local District Conference here in Dallas, students have the unique experience of using Capitol facilities at the culmination event, a three day conference in Austin. • Students learn the mechanics of government: • State legislative - house and senate • Judicial process - mock trial and appellate court • State Affairs Forum – work in teams on proposals for action • Model United Nations • Media – Broadcast, Print and Cyber • Leadership roles such as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the • House, and Attorney Genera, Chief Justice, Chair and Clerk positions, • and Editor positions in all forms of media.

3. MISSION To help teenagers become responsible citizens and future leaders of our nation. GOAL To create an environment in which students can increase their political awareness and understanding, while learning the meaning of social action through an actual experience in government. MOTTO Democracy must be learned by each generation.

4. STRUCTURE NATIONAL YOUTH & GOVERNMENT Y OF THE USA COMMITTEE OF STATE DIRECTORS NATIONAL CONFERENCES STATE OFFICES & CONFERENCES CONA: Conference on National Affairs (Blue Ridge Assembly, NC July 4th week) ALABAMA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT DELEWARE FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE TEXAS VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, D.C. WISCONSIN TEXAS STATE OFFICE & CONFERENCE Ligia Gutierrez, STATE DIRECTOR (AUSTIN TX, END OF JANUARY) (JUNIOR YG, FEBRUARY) National Judicial Competition (Chicago, Summer) DISTRICT OFFICES DISTRICT 1 MIDLAND / ODESSA DISTRICT 2 AUSTIN / SOUTH TEXAS COPPELL GAYLE WESTAPHER CROSS TIMBERS ADAM SHORT FRISCO JENNA STRUBLE GARLAND AARON BARNETT GRAND PRAIRIE TIFFANY K IRVING LLOYD PULLAM JER CHILTON JENNA STRUBLE LAKE HIGHLANDS KYLE MCLCURE LAKEWEST JAMONICA WASHINGTON MCKINNEY LORELEI PINEDA MOORLAND/OC TROY WILLIAMS PARK CITIES KENDRA YANCHAK PARK SOUTH STEVE HUDSON PLANO SAMANTHA BUELER RICHARDSON DUSTIN DAVIS T.BOONE JAMONICA WASHINGTON TOWN NORTH MICAELA GOMEZ WAXAHACHIE AMBER LATHAM WHITE ROCK CASSIE MCKEE DISTRICT 3 HOUSTON / THE COAST DISTRICT 5 DALLAS / METROPLEX Jenna Struble DISTRICT DIRECTOR *Dallas is the State Office for Texas YG DISTRICT 4 FORT WORTH / ARLINGTON DISTRICT 6 EL PASO DISTRICT 7 SAN ANTONIO DISTRICT 8 AMARILLO / PANHANDLE

5. NURTURING TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY ● Understanding of local, state, national & international issues ● Research, writing about and debating these public issues ● Exploration of careers in public service ● Interaction with adult and youth leaders involved in the decision-making processes ● An understanding of effective and peaceful resolution of issues and concerns, fostering diplomacy ● An appreciation for the diversity of viewpoints on public issues and a concurrent respect for ideas, beliefs and the positions of others, teaching empathy ● Demonstration of citizenship responsibilities and leadership roles essential to the health of a democracy ● A positive self-image and confidence necessary to succeed in post-secondary education and the work Place ● Promotion of values such as servant leadership, civic engagement, the voting process and volunteerism

6. NURTURING SECTIONS TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY SECTIONS JUDICIARY (TRIAL AND APPELLATE) The judicial program including the trial and appellate courts, provide opportunities for youth to experience the state system of jurisprudence and law enforcement. Trial courts are held with youth judges, attorneys, and witnesses. Some of what students will learn in this section: knowledge of legal procedure, ability to communicate, questioning skills, reasoning ability, knowledge of law, organization, critical thinking, preparation and teamwork. LEGISLATURE (Includes JuniorYG) Members of the legislature prepare legislation (Bills) for consideration, debate and action. Research using the library, internet, interviews of experts and so forth to develop a strong bill is a must. Student learn parliamentary procedure and oral presentation skills.

7. State Conference Fees And Registration • 2014 Jr. High School State Conference Fee • CONFERENCE FEE • The conference fee is based on the minimum number of students and adults expected to attend each of the State Conferences, the number of rooms being used, and numerous program and conference expenses. It is not based on how much the room costs per night, per student/adult, even though on the rate there is a distinction of the fee and the number of participants in a room. This is done to provide the lowest amount per student to charge. • Please note: In order to keep the adult fee low, not all expenses are charged to the adult fee, therefore the fees will not compare to the student rate. Middle school and high school fees will also not compare because the cost and number of participants associated with each conference are not the same. • The set conference fee is non-negotiable and non-refundable after January 10. • The fees listed are what will be charged to each District. It is at the discretion of each District Director to add additional fees. The State office requests that the fees be kept at a reasonable rate. Please communicate with the participants/adults that due to various factors the State Conference fee will vary Statewide due to specific needs of each District such as transportation expenses and Branch support fees. • Type of room is NOT guaranteed. Hotel assignments will be made based on first come first serve of room list by the deadline. If there is a need for an overflow hotel, assignments will be based on time of submission. • Youth and Government Program Registration and Fees include: STUDENT • Club Participation • Curriculum and Outlines • Program Materials for students & adult advisor • Student Training • Dallas District Conference • Youth and Government State Conference Registration and Fees include: • Transportation to Austin from local Y • Three nights stay at the Renaissance, Arboretum • Conference Competition and Night time Activities • Conference T-shirt • Conference Materials • Banquet Meal and Awards ceremony • HS State Conference Fee Per Student: $ 320.00 • ADDITIONAL Fees that will be charged to State fee, if applicable • Per student fee if ONLY three to a room:$96.00 • Per student fee if ONLY two to a room:$287.00 • ADULT • HS State Conference Fee Per Adult (1 to a room):$ 614.00 • HS State Conference Fee Per Adult (2 to a room):$ 339.00 • HS State Conference Fee Per Adult (3 to a room):$ 248.00

8. List of What to Bring • Business Casual attire for Thursday evening activities and meetings. NO JEANS! Some clubs choose to wear a delegation shirt. • Business attire for all day Saturday. Include dress shoes. THIS is MANDATORY! See Dress Code! • Black and White Business or Dressy attire for Saturday’s Governor’s Banquet and Closing ceremony. • Casual clothes for Saturday evening and Sunday morning. A t-shirt will be provided to wear that morning. • We are having a masquerade on Saturday. Bring a mask to get in on the fun • Comfortable dress shoes. You will be walking a lot, it is not recommended to break-in new shoes or wear super high heel shoes. • Band aids for blisters, if you choose not to heed the shoe recommendation. • Shampoo/ conditioner • Soap, shaving cream, razor, deodorant, any necessary hygiene products • Toothbrush/toothpaste • Hairbrush • Towel-The hotel room will have towels in the room enough for one large towel, a hand towel and a wash cloth for each person. Need more than this, bring your own. • Money for food and personal expenses. $85-100. Saturday lunch will be pre-ordered by advisor, payment must be made directly to local YMCA and dinner will be provided; all other meals are on your own. Restaurants around the hotel are $$ to $$$. Pizza and room service is available. If planning on ordering pizza or getting room service bring additional money. For students, room service is cash only. All room service has an 18% charge plus tip. • Pen and paper • Pillow/blanket for the bus and room • Extra hangers for your clothes. The closet has limited hangers and not enough for 4 people in the room. • Jacket/Coat-expect to wait outside for the bus pickups regardless of weather • Backpack/brief case for conference • Your favorite snacks. To save $, bring breakfast foods that don’t need refrigeration. • A good attitude! • MP3 & charger for free time • Umbrella-look at the weather forecast for Austin. • Camera, charger, memory card to capture special State moments • Sleeping bag or air mattress if you don’t want to share a bed. • Mobile phone & charger-phones cannot be used while in session. • Bring a copy of your bill. • Advisors make sure to bring a copy of signed student or adult acknowledgment registration forms and Code of Conduct (signed by parent or guardian) for all members of club. • YMCA STAFF and ADVISORS ONLY: Please bring 2 or more items to be used to as giveaways for the carnival. Please drop off at the conference office by Saturday morning.

9. STATE CONFERENCE AGENDA • IN FEBRUARY • Have a parent meeting early on to talk about State Conference and the Code of Conduct and Dress Code for students.  There will be a packing list provided so that parents can assist their children pack the necessary materials for State. • Fees are due February 4; attached.  Fees are non-refundable after February 4th .  There will be an additional fee added if paid after the 4th.  • To reduce costs; it is recommended that multiple adults share rooms. Rooms will be either double queen or King with rollaway or inflatable mattress.  • Transportation to State: • This will be provided by the Durham Bus through the Metropolitan YMCA.  When we have complete registration after January 10, a schedule will be made by one of our staff and circulated to all on the THURSDAY morning pick up time is 9:00am.  Students will board the Bus provided with all of their items and they will stop for lunch in Waco.  After lunch, they will arrive in Austin at the Renaissance Hotel Arboretum by 4 or 5 pm. • Renaissance Austin Hotel • Address: 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759 • Phone:(512) 343-2626 • Arrival at the Hotel Friday: • STUDENTS will disembark the bus, drop off luggage in the designated area and head downstairs to check in with their Section and then onto the Rio Grande Room for a Trade Show.  • ADVISORS will check students in, hold onto their roster and obtains student name badges and lunch tickets. • ADVISORS will then head downstairs to turn in their roster and obtain keys for hotel rooms (FYI, we are able to hand keys out, whenever we receive them.  There may be a delay.) • Once keys are given out, students and advisors may check into their hotel rooms and deposit their things before heading onto their various meetings and events that evening. Schedule provided upon arrival of the Conference.

10. STATE CONFERENCE AGENDA

11. CODE OF CONDUCT YOUTH & ADULTS As a member of a YMCA sponsored program and in conformity with the basic purpose of the YMCA, I agree with and will observe the following principles as my personal code of conduct while attending any of the YMCA sponsored events. Please read and initial: • I understand that violations of the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary actions by the Conference leadership, and/or appropriate legal authority depending on seriousness of the infraction (i.e. drugs, alcohol, shoplifting, etc.). • Disciplinary actions may also include expulsion from the program and being sent home at your own expense. I will conduct myself at all times in a way, which reflects good conduct and sense of responsibility, remembering the YMCA values: respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. Rest is most important to maximum participation; therefore, it is important that I observe all curfews on overnight events/conferences. • The use and/or possession of alcohol, firearms, tobacco, or illegal drugs are against all standards implied in our principles and are prohibited. Therefore, I agree not to bring, obtain, possess or use them en-route to, during, or returning home from the Conference/event. • My greatest respect will be given to the facilities that we use for our program. • I will not visit in other delegates’ lodging rooms. Visiting will be done in the Lobby/common area only. • An adult cannot enter a student’s room by themselves. Adult must have another authorized adult with them in order to go in to a room that requires the need to enter it. • For emergencies: Authorized adult may transport delegate in personal vehicle only if another authorized adult is in the car AND prior approval has been obtained from guardian, District Director and/or State Director. I understand that the driver’s personal vehicle insurance will be used in case of an accident. • I will abide by the set Dress Codes. • I understand that any violation of the above can result in suspension or expulsion from the program. Behavior Policy Statement The YMCA reserves the right to warn, suspend, dismiss or remove any program participant or member from our programs, program locations and facilities upon the following conditions: • If their behavior poses a threat to themselves or others. • If they require an inordinate amount of attention from the staff thereby causing inadequate levels of supervision for the remainder of the participants or members. • If their behavior is determined to be inappropriate within the scope and spirit of the YMCA values. • For any reason within the discretion of YMCA management If your teen is removed from the program for any of the above reasons, you must retrieve your teen at your expense.

12. DRESS CODE • Young Women • A women’s “suit” can be a dress or skirt/pants paired with a blazer/cardigan.  In a few instances, blouses may be worn without a blazer/cardigan. • Pants/skirts cannot be made of khaki/cargo material or denim. • Skirts must be longer than mid-thigh/finger-tip length (wearing stockings does not void this rule).  Any skirt that can have the word “mini” applied to it, does not qualify. • Jackets, blazers, cardigans are highly encouraged.  Blouses worn without any of these articles of clothing must be tasteful (i.e. not low cut, sheer, sleeveless, or midriff). • No open-toed shoes permitted.  High heeled shoes are permitted, but not encouraged due to the excessive amount of walking over the weekend. • No sandals, moccasins, uggs, boat shoes, Converses, slippers, etc

13. DRESS CODE • Young Men • Men’s business formal attire is fairly-straight forward.  All men are to wear a suit, complete with a shirt and tie.  • A suit alwaysincludes a coat, blazer, or sports jacket, which will be worn at all times.  Cardigans do not count as men’s business formal. • Men’s business formal requires a tie. • Pants cannot be made of denim. • Dress socks should be worn. • Shirts must be tucked in at all times. • No hats. • No sandals, moccasins, luggs, boat shoes, Converses, slippers, etc.

14. Texas Youth & Government THANK YOU PARENTS, ADVISORS, AND STUDENTS