YMCA teen correspondents report on learning governmental process at State Capitol

YMCA teen correspondents report on learning governmental process at State Capitol

Youth in Government students learned civic engagement and participated in the Florida Legislative Process

Submitted by Maryalicia Johnson

 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – YMCA of Broward County students took part in the 56th Annual State Assembly in Tallahassee on Feb. 21-23, 2013.  The YMCA Youth in Government civic engagement program prepared the 31 students to represent Broward County and debate their bills on topics such as; child abuse prevention, environmental accountability, and firearm restrictions at the State Capitol Building.

    Natalie Antoine, a student at Deerfield Beach High School, explains that “before a bill can go to floor for debate it has to first pass two committees; if the bill in fact makes it to the floor, the bill authors must then be prepared to go through 5 rounds of debate with the student legislators”. After the debates, the bill would then go to a vote.

    Teen Correspondent Evens Orinvil of Deerfield Beach High School writes, “With this experience at the State Assembly, YMCA Youth in Government has taken me beyond just book learning. A person can read about the process of a bill, but it is extremely satisfying to experience it rather than just reading about it”. Orinvil’s bill proposing that ACT & SAT Prep classes be added to school curriculums made it to the chamber floor for debate.

    The Broward YMCA Youth in Government Program is ranked statewide as the largest new delegation. The students participated in the law-making process first hand in the chambers of the Capitol and attended the State Assembly to act as part of the legislative program.   Visit http://www.floridayig.net/ for more information on the YMCA Youth in Government history. The Youth in Government program is one of many YMCA youth development programs focused on nurturing the potential of Broward teens, while mentoring future leaders.

    “Our Leadership programs help youth and teens raise their academic standards, build character, explore career options, and meet and interact with role models to inspire them to greater heights”, said Sheryl Woods, Broward YMCA President.

    Visit www.ymcabroward.org for additional information.