Youth and Government

YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT AT THE Y

Youth and Government (YAG) provides students the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society. Based on the motto “Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation,” Youth and Government is a nationwide program that involves more than thousands of youth each year. See below for how the Gateway Region YMCA participates in and supports these programs locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally.

Delegation Resources for Judicial & Legislative

General Units and Lesson Plans

Sites to Look Up Current and Pending Legislation

Helpful Videos

BrainPOP “How a Bill Becomes a Law”

Judicial Resources

General Units and Lesson Plans

Sites to Look Up Court Precedent

Additional Voter Resources

Thank you to the League of Women Voters for their continued support in offering voter registration and resources in our communities!

table at the ymca with voter registration information

🎓 Calling All High School Juniors and Seniors! We're excited to announce the Bayer YMCA Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest! Share your voice, reflect on Dr. King's legacy, and compete for scholarships:
🥇 1st Place: $2,000
🥈 2nd Place: $1,500
🥉 3rd Place: $1,000

Topic: "Everyday Change Makers: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy through Nonviolent Action"
Choose from three engaging prompts and showcase your ideas for making a difference through nonviolence.
📆 Deadline: Monday, January 6, 2025, at 5 pm
📩 Submit to: Sharon.Holbrooks@gwrymca.org

Essays will be judged by the National Association of Black Journalists - St. Louis. Winners will be announced on January 10 and recognized at the 40th Annual MLK Commemorative Breakfast on January 20, 2025. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy and earn scholarships for your education!

Other Ways to Get Involved:

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Global CoLabs

Mayor's Youth Council

World Council of YMCAs

MOYAG runs from September - December. If you're interested in participating in 2025 MOYAG, fill out the interest form below.

Student/Parent Interest Form

Branch Delegation meetings start the week of September 3rd!

Weekly delegation meetings in person (at the South City YMCA) on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm starting September 3rd
Delegation meetings virtually on Thursdays starting September 5th

LOCAL

Each year, our school-based program, YMCA Local Youth and Government, provides students, grades 9-12, the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society. Youth connect directly with local officials around issues impacting them and their communities.

In collaboration with St. Louis University School of Law, Back to Basics is an 8-week school-based program for teens ages 13-18. During this program, teens research pending legislation by interviewing stakeholders that will be affected by the proposed change. They present their findings and recommendations to state elected officials.

What ages are eligible for Back to Basics?
Teens ages 13-18 who are enrolled in school, 19-year-olds still in high school are also accepted.

What do I do if my school doesn't participate?
Since Back to Basics is a school-based program, if your school is not participating, reach out to your teachers and have them connect with Jacob at jacob.henderson@gwrymca.org.

Is there a cost associated with Back to Basics?
No, we do not charge for this program.

Where does Back to Basics meet?
Back to Basics sessions are currently at multiple high schools in the St. Louis City and East St. Louis areas.

Who leads this program?
A YMCA Director and St. Louis University law students facilitate this program weekly.

STATE

Missouri YMCA YAG is a student-driven simulation of state government, which involves 1,100 MO youth in grades 8-12.

Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register, and prepare for State Conference. At the State Conference, all participants in Missouri come together for a 3-day event at the State Capitol.

2024 DATES

LEARN MORE

Missouri Youth & Government (MOYAG) is open to 9th-12th graders. It engages them in mock government in a program that culminates with a 3-day convention in Jefferson City with high schoolers from across the state. Delegation meetings will be weekly and start in the fall.

Illinois YMCA YAG is a leadership development program for high school students where participants immerse themselves in all aspects of IL government by assuming roles of legislators, attorneys, executive officials, lobbyists, press members, and more. IL YAG is for grades 9-12 each year.

IL YAG holds two conventions, with pre-conventions happening in December, November, and February, and an assembly in March.

LEARN MORE

ymca teens visiting teens in ukraine world service

INTERNATIONAL

The Gateway Region YMCA also works with international teens and students. We regularly host exchange trips for teens with our international partner YMCAs. Check our webpage or talk to someone at your local Y branch to learn more about how you can get involved.

Learn More

World Council of YMCAs

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

MORE TO EXPLORE AT THE Y

Teen Leaders

Leaders Club is a program for teens ages 13-18 that provides opportunities for personal and professional development.

An image of a diverse group of six teenagers gathered together arm-in-arm for a photo at the YMCA.

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Volunteer

Volunteering at the Y is an opportunity for older youth and teens, ages 14-17, to develop leadership and job skills.

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STEAM Programs

In STEAM programs, youth are engaged in activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity, and cultivate the engineering mindset through real world learning.

Learn More

Mental Health Resources

We aim to remove the stigma around mental illness and encourage regular conversation about mental wellness.

Learn More

Youth and Government