Youth Assembly Overview

Each of our YMCA Youth and Government programs across the country host an annual Youth Assembly – a youth-run, you-led model state government.

These conferences are usually held at the state capitol (or at a large conference center/hotel), and allow students to lead and serve in various program areas and roles.

Each Youth Assembly is designed to model their respective state government, so the program areas offered typically include the different branches of government and other entities that interact with government. These include, but are not limited to:

• Legislative – Representatives/Senators who write and debate legislation
• Judicial – Attorneys and Judges/Justices who argue or hear cases in appellate/trial courts
• Executive – Cabinet, Department, and Agency officials who advocate for executive priorities
• Media – Journalists and Editors who report on and investigate issues
• Lobbyists – Advocacy & Special Interests