MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH ASSEMBLY
Similar to our high school program, local delegations work together on debate practices, service-learning projects, fundraising efforts and State Assembly preparation prior to the State Conference.
The purpose of this three-day learning opportunity is to bring the workings of the Ohio State Government alive to students in grades 6-8. Students are given an opportunity to discuss current state issues with state administrators, elected officials, and students from other schools throughout the state.
Each conference is led by teens elected to office by their fellow representatives. Held annually at the Statehouse in Columbus. Volunteers and the YMCA Staff help guide the students through mock committee meetings and procedures. Students debate and vote on the bills that their fellow peers have written and presented. Bills that pass in committee are then taken to the floor of the House or Senate for full debate and vote.
Youth hold offices of Governor, Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. Participants also engage in campaigns and elections for officers who will serve during the following year.
Sample Youth and Government Schedule
Program Areas
Executive Branch
The Executive Branch Program allows students the opportunity to experience the executive branch of state government in Ohio.
During the State Assembly, students serving as the Governor’s Cabinet assist the Youth Governor in promoting their agenda and legislation that they want to see passed. They will help the governor interview authors of bills that have passed both senate and house to make a decision to pass or veto the bills. If students are interested, they should select “Governor’s Cabinet” as their first choice on their conference application. Elections take place during the State Assembly to elect the Youth Governor, who then serves the following year.
Legislative Program
The Legislative Program is based as closing as possible to the Ohio General Assembly. The program strives to turn the ideas of Ohio youth into formal laws by writing, debating, and voting on legislation according to the specific rules and procedures.
2023 Conference Information
The 2023 State Conference will take place at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus and the Statehouse on December 10th – 12th. The cost will be $400 per student and the conference will include: Sunday dinner, Monday dinner, commemorative bill book, conference t-shirt, sitting in the hallowed chambers of the Statehouse, tons of fun and lifelong friendships! This printable flyer includes conference details.
Registration and Bill Submission are now live through November 27th. A unique link will be sent to advisors via email to see their roster of registrants and bill submissions.
Financial Aid is available. Advisors are asked to email staff@myig.org if they have students in need of some assistance.
Please contact staff@myig.org with questions. We are excited to “Convene in Columbus!”