Student YMCA
Florida YMCA Youth in Government Membership
7 Steps to starting a Youth in Government Club/Chapter
Remember these suggestions should be tailored to the needs and personalities of the local communities you serve.
1. Check to see if you have a Local Program in your area! Contact your local YMCA leader or the state office for help throughout this process.
2. Look to the Board of your local YMCA for past volunteers, parents of participants, or alumni of the Youth In Government, Leaders Club, or Y Achievers program (Florida or otherwise) – while the details of the programs may vary from state to state, the enthusiasm of those who have been involved is quite contagious. Also seek out those who may be able to help you make contact with your local high school (public or private), school system, or home school community.
3. Meet with the school principal to share the program’s goals and objectives. Ask to be directed to the appropriate member of the staff. Guidance counselors are an excellent alternative if the principal’s schedule does not allow for a meeting.
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3. Meet with a teacher to discuss the program and let them suggest the best approach for establishing a new Club/Chapter. Please note that teachers in Social Studies, Debate, Math, Science, Theatre, and English have all made excellent advisors over the years, and one subject of teacher is not ideal over another.
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3. Meet with a local YMCA director/coordinator to share the program’s goals and objectives. Ask if there is a volunteer or staff member that would consider becoming an advisor.
4. Once an advisor has been identified, presentations to selected classes or meetings with students after school to introduce the program are effective. Whenever possible have a current participant, recent graduate, or prominent alumnus of the program make the “pitch” – this makes for a more effective sell and starts the trend of youth-run, youth-led early on.
5. Keep in mind that Youth in Government may not be for everyone. While the program can be a life-changing experience for some teens – the appeal is not universal. The program requires time, energy, fun-loving spirit, and commitment! Teens seem especially drawn to and value the program because of:
The freedom of choice
The ability to advocate for individual passions
The acceptance of responsibility WITH accountability
The opportunity to seek social change
The realistic coping with “real world” concerns
The life-changing regional, state, national, and international experiences
The contact with community leaders
6. Look for students from a wide range of areas. Look at students at your or surrounding schools, sports teams, other social circles. All abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, interests, and academic levels will benefit from participation. Don’t forget TEEN members of your local YMCA!
7. Once the recruiting process is underway, if possible identify a "core group". This group should be between 5-8 students who are interested in the creation of a Club/Chapter. It is wise to have a few members of this group be underclassmen – ensuring that not all of your leadership will graduate within your Club/Chapter’s first year. The advisor or school administration may personally identify these students or you can recruit them from the student body. These students will be responsible for setting up the initial organization for your club/chapter.
We're here to help! Contact the State Office or your local Delegation Leader to help you start a new Club/Chapter.