Welcome to Youth in Government

A note from the State Director

Welcome to the 48th year of the YMCA of Delaware’s Youth in Government Program! Our program is designed to provide asset building experiences for young adults. Youth in Government allows young adults tobecome a part of the state government, actively debate issues of state importance while meeting new friends and finding the power of one’s voice. The program promotes leadership through character development, while introducing teens to a vast array of ideas.

The caliber of the YMCA of Delaware Youth in GovernmentProgram is built upon the quality of work and preparation performed by the individual participant prior to attending the Youth Model Legislative & Judicial Conference. Youth in Government is an excellent learning situation where teens participate to the fullest extent of their abilities. Adequate preparation will ensure that you will be able to fully enjoy the experience as well as help others enjoy the full benefits of Youth in Government.

We would like to bring a few changes to your attention. We have eliminated Bill Ranking from our conference agenda. All completed bills, that are submitted on-time, will be entered into a lottery system to create the dockets for each chamber. Also, all registration and candidate application forms are now located on under forms and documents. The lobbyist pre-conference assignment has been changed and more information can be found on pg 62. Finally, please also take a chance to review the conference dress code and the code of conduct located on pg 83.

Join in on the conversation by liking our Facebook page at Delaware Youth in Government and Instagram and Tweet at us @DelawareYIG. If you have any questions, please email or call. We look forward to working with each of you in the coming months.

Yours in Youth Development

Sam Sachs

State Director, Youth in Government

YMCA of Delaware

501 W. 11th St.

Wilmington, DE 19801

302.254.9622 ext. 173

Table of Contents

Calendar of Eventsp. 3

Overview of Youth in Government (YIG)p. 4

Delaware’s Former Youth Governors and Justicesp. 7

Program Feep. 9

YMCA Character Valuesp. 10

Options for Participationp. 11

Executive Branchp. 12

Legislative Branchp. 16

Judicial Branchp. 39

Lobbyistp. 56

Press Corp p.64

Page Programp. 69

Youth Delegation Leadershipp. 70

State Conferencesp. 71

Formsp. 82

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2016 YMCA OF DELAWARE

YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT SCHEDULE

Date / Event / Details / Location
November-January / Delegation Meetings Begin /
  • Delegations begin meeting on different dates. Contact your delegation advisor for your dates.
/ Varies
January 1st / Judicial Case Released /
  • Case packet released
/
February 7th / Registration Packet Due /
  • Mandatory forms for all delegates
  • Registration Form
  • Authorization/ Medical Form
  • Code of Conduct
  • Payment Due
  • $50 Deposit OR
  • Financial Aid Application
/ Forms to be submitted to advisor. Advisors either e-mail or mail to or
Sam Sachs – Central Y
501 W 11th St, Wilmington , DE 19806
February 21st / 1st Drafts Due /
  • All first drafts due
  • Bills from Legislators
  • Briefs from Attorneys
  • Legislative Priorities Section 1
  • Leadership Applications Due(2016 positions)
  • T-Shirt Design
/ Bills submitted on yigde.org. Briefs, Legislative Priorities, leadership applications and t-shirt e-mailed to
March 5th
9am – 4pm / Training and Elections Conference /
  • Statewide training and elections conference for all delegates and advisors.
/ Legislative Hall
Dover, DE
March 13th / Due Dates /
  • Hotel Rooming List(advisor)
  • All program fees due
  • James C. Hardcastle Nomination
  • Leadership Applications Due(2017 Positions)
/ 2017 leadership applications, Hardcastle nominations and rooming list e-mailed to
March 19th / Assignment Due Dates /
  • All final drafts due
  • Bills from Legislators
  • Briefs from Attorneys
  • Legislative Priorities from lobbyist
/ Bills submitted on yigde.org. Briefs, Legislative Priorities, e-mailed to
March 19th / Leadership Training /
  • Mandatory leadership training for elected leadership.
/ TBD
April 7th / Governor’s Leadership Retreat /
  • Mandatory Leadership retreat for elected high school leadership.
/ Hilton Garden Inn, Dover, DE
April 8th-10th / Model Legislative and Judicial Conference /
  • Statewide Model Legislative and Judicial Conference for all delegates and advisors.
/ Legislative Hall,
Kent County Court House, Hilton Garden Inn, Dover Downs,

The following dates are when documents must be submitted to the State Director. Your delegation will likely have separate due dates.

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Overview

“Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation”

YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) is a national teen leadership program, which involves thousands of teens nationwide in state organized model government programs. YIG was established in 1936 by the YMCA of the USA, the Delaware Youth in Government program began in 1969. Thirty-eight states host a YIG program with over 53,000 teens participating nationwide

Several months each year, teens meet in their local delegations to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of Delaware. At delegation meetings, teens create and write proposed legislation to address Delaware issues, learn about the democratic system, are trained in parliamentary procedure, bill development, the legislative committee process and debate. Judicial delegates learn about writing legal briefs, the appellate court system and performing oral arguments. The program culminates with the teen participants serving as legislators, attorneys, lobbyists press and more at the 3-day model Legislative and Judicial Conference held annually at Legislative Hall and The Kent County Court House in Dover, Delaware. Delegates learn by doing, and have the opportunity to try their hand at leadership in an open and receptive learning environment.

MISSION

Develop life-long responsible citizenship in teens by being both knowledgeable and active in determining the future of our democracy.

OBJECTIVES

  • Provide training and experience in understanding the legislative process
  • Develop critical thinking and analytical abilities
  • Deliver hands-on, active participation in the legislative process
  • Empower students to develop interpersonal communication skills
  • Instill awareness of social issues and their possible solutions
  • Supply opportunities to hear and respect varying viewpoints
  • Encourage active participation in political and public affairs
  • Academic enhancement through the development of research and reading/writing skills

PROGRAMS

There is one major program currently being offered by the YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government and two national programs for those who excel at the local level. They are:

  1. The Youth Model Legislativeand Judicial Conference– a 4 month hands-on learning experience for participating high school and middle school youth throughout Delaware, modeling Delaware’s executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Weekly delegation meetings prepare delegates for the two statewide conferences:
  2. March 5th, 2016: Training and Elections Conference –All youth and adults who plan to attend the YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government Youth Legislative & Judicial Conference in Dover must attend this conference. Bill Sharing Committees are held for the purpose of improving bills, officers are elected, and delegates are trained in their specific roles. Lobbyists will have their first opportunity to network with legislators and lobby for their organization. Press will vote on their leadership and create a newspaper and other media promoting the event. Judicial delegates will be given a chance to speak with an adult attorney and receive their Judicial Review Assignment.
  3. April 8th, 9th, 10th, 2016: Model Legislative and Judicial Conferences- All delegates, advisors and staff travel to Dover to participate in this culminating 3-day youth led, hands-on experience that encompasses many aspects of state government. Delegates are privileged to use the state legislative chambers and meeting rooms as well as the Governor’s office and Kent County Court House. Legislators will debate their bills in an attempt to get them signed by the Governor. Lobbyists will provide testimony on legislation that may benefit or hurt their organization. Press will create daily newspapers, video interviews as well as document the whole event on social media. Judicial delegates will participate in oral arguments for an Appellate court case.
  1. The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) – a national conference dealing with national and international affairs. Twelve delegates are elected during the Youth Model General Assembly to represent Delaware.
  2. June 25 – July 2, 2016: CONA - The pinnacle of success for any Youth in Government legislative, lobbyist or press delegate is to be named as a representative for their state to attend the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This annual conference offers the unusual opportunity to do research in an area of national or international concern, organize this information in a documented proposal and then engage in debating proposals with other outstanding young people from other states.
  1. The YMCA National Judicial Competition (NJC)– a national competition for Mock Trial and Appellate teams. Six delegates from the judicial branch are elected during the Youth Model General Assembly to represent Delaware.
  2. August2 -5th, 2016: NJC - The pinnacle of success for any Youth in Government Attorney or Justice is to be named as a representative for their state to attend the YMCA National Judicial Competition in Chicago, IL. This conference offers the unusual opportunity to compete in an appellate competition against other outstanding young people from across the nation. .

DELAWARE YOUTH MODEL LEGISLATURE

Since its inception in 1969, the YMCA of Delaware Youth Model Legislative program has served youth in grades 7-12 in a quality experiential and educational simulation of Delaware’s State government. Youth in Government uses a variety of activities to build, encourage, and strengthen those life assets and character traits that will help high school youth become involved, responsible citizens. The program is very comprehensive, and its impact on the youth participants can be dramatic. The core purpose of this highly regarded national program is exemplified in the program’s motto, “Democracy Must Be Learned by Each Generation.”

The Delaware Model General Assembly begins each January when young people from across the state meet in groups as individual delegations with two common goals: 1. to discuss issues facing Delaware, 2. to discuss ways to implement their solutions through the legislative process. During a four-month period, the teen participants (called delegates) write bills, select governmental positions to role-play, attend a statewide training conference, and run for various elected offices. The program reaches its peak in Dover at the State Capitol with the convening of the three-day Youth Model Legislature in April. There, real government moves over and the teen delegates “take over.” Many leadership opportunities exist for interested delegates. The possibilities for discovery are virtually limitless.

The basic principle of the Youth Model Legislature is to bring each delegate’s bill through the legislative process toward enactment into law. To do this, the bill must pass the Senate and House, and be signed by the Youth Governor. Of course, the bill can be defeated anywhere along the way.

DELAWARE JUDICIAL COMPETITION

For the past three years, the Judicial Competition has provided 9-12th graders with a hands-on experience within the Judicial Branch of government. . The basic principle of the Judicial Competition is to educate students in the judicial process. The Judicial Competition engages delegate attorneys in an appellate case modeled after actual court case. Youth attorneys research the cases, develop briefs and prepare legal arguments in an attempt to sway the youth justices. Delegate attorneys will also debate constitutionality of YIG legislation.

While the primary goal of Youth in Government is the promotion of responsible citizenship, youth come away with much more than a greater knowledge of the inner workings of the judicial system. Participants sharpen their leadership skills and improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities while they become more adept at debate and public speaking.

Very few people have experienced the thrill of making a speech in the Delaware Senate or House of Representatives or acting as a justice in the Kent County Court House. Students’ self-esteem is improved as they learn that their ideas do matter and that they can make a difference in their world.

DELAWARE PRESS CORPS

The Youth in Government Press Corps is tasked with reporting on all of our Youth in Government activities. Students take the rolls of Journalists, Photographers, Editors, News Anchors, Social Media mangers and much more. During our 3 day conference, the Press Corps will create a Newspaper, Videos, Social Media Content, and Blogs to help tell the story of Youth in Government.

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DELAWARE’S YOUTH GOVERNORS

1

YEAR GOVERNORDELEGATION

1969 Dennis BrownCentral DE (Dover)

1970 Edgar CregarCentral DE (Dover)

1971 Nancy GabelBrandywine YMCA

1972 William BaileyBrandywine YMCA

1973 Howard CooperWalnut St. YMCA

1974 Susan BriggsCentral DE (Dover)

1975 Jeff MichelmanBrandywine YMCA

1976 Patricia Lee WallickCentral DE (Dover)

1977 Linda LevyCentral DE (Dover)

1978 George KaffenbergerBrandywine YMCA

1979 Karen ShaferWestern Family Y

1980 Robert CerfWestern Family Y

1981 Derrick McNeilWalnut St. YMCA

1982 Doug HawkinsBrandywine YMCA

1983 Colleen RomspertWestern Family Y

1984 Bryan NanceWestern Family Y

1985 Vienna BroadbeltWestern Family Y

1986 Heather LathamWestern Family Y

1987 Stefanie SaduskyBrandywine YMCA

1988 Kelly YoungBrandywine YMCA

1989 Robin DavisWestern Family Y

1990 Mark GoodrichBrandywine YMCA

1991 Trina BubasDelmar High School

1992 Stephanie CullomBrandywine YMCA

1993 Erik WarnerBrandywine YMCA

YEAR GOVERNORDELEGATION

1994 Carl GoodrichBrandywine YMCA

1995 Kristy TimkoBrandywine YMCA

1996 Brett McBride Brandywine YMC

1997 Daniel ShortridgeSussex Family YMCA

1998 Thomas HousleyWestern Family YMCA

1999 Jennifer SmithWestern Family YMCA

2000 Kristen FoerySussex Family YMCA

2001 Robyn GelmanWestern Family YMCA

2002 Tom DelCarloWestern Family YMCA

2003 Chris Tinsman Sussex Family YMC

2004 Eli TurkelWestern Family YMCA

2005 Angelyn TinsmanSussex Family YMCA

2006 Mansoor ZamanBrandywine YMCA

2007 Brian TinsmanSussex Family YMCA

2008 Anna GalatiWestern Family YMCA

2009 Sudi GreenWestern Family YMCA

2010 Holly FirleinWestern Family YMCA

2011 Matthew RoartyWestern Family YMCA

2012 Sarah SweigartWestern Family YMCA

2013 Tim HegedusWestern Family YMCA

2014 Phoebe LucasWestern Family YMCA

2015 Jarod WilsonWestern Family YMCA

2016 Vilas AnnavarapuCharter School ofWilmington

2017 COULD BE YOU!!

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DELAWARE’S YOUTH CHIEF JUSTICES

YEARYOUTH CHIEF JUSTICEDELEGATION

2013Keenan RoartyWestern Family YMCA

2014Nick BonaventureBear-Glasgow YMCA

2015Paige MorrisonWestern Family YMCA

2016Aditya ShuklaCharter School of Wilmington

2017COULD BE YOU!!!

DELAWARE’S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YEAREDITOR-IN-CHIEFDELEGATION

2001Zack Baddorf

2006Tyler Twilley

2008Jess WillisCaravel Academy

2010Samantha JamgochianSussex Family YMCA

2011AkaylaMazzaWestern Family YMCA

2012Alyssa O’MahonySussex Family YMCA

2013Dana ClemWestern Family YMCA

2014Cole Bedford Western Family YMCA

2015Cole BedfordWestern Family YMCA

2016Leah O’neillCharter School of Wilmington

2017COULD BE YOU!!!

State Program Fee

$250 *

*Your YMCA or School may add additional charges for cost related to hosting your delegation.

State Program Fee includes:

  1. Delegate Manual and Bill Book
  1. All materials for the Statewide Conferences
  1. Hotel Room during three day conference
  1. The following meals:
  1. Dinners during the Model Legislature Conference on Friday and Saturday
  2. Breakfast during Model Legislature Conference on Saturday and Sunday
  3. Lunch during Training and Elections Conference on Saturday

(Delegates will be responsible for their own lunches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the Legislative and Judicial conference)

  1. Transportation between the Hotel and Legislative Hall
  1. Conference T-shirt

The YMCA of Delaware works hard to insure that any young person may participate in Delaware’s Youth in Government program. Financial Aid funds are available based on financial need. If you are in need of financial assistance, please discuss this with your advisor as soon as possible.

*Do not allow the program cost to prevent you from participating.

YMCA CHARACTER VALUES

All Youth in Government participants, advisors and volunteers accept and demonstrate:

CARING
to love and help all people / If you disagree with someone’s view, praise their intentions but disagree with their ideas.
Appreciate what is different about other people instead of thinking differences are bad.
Help others solve their problems instead of ignoring the problems.
HONESTY
to be truthful in what you say and do / Tell the truth. Truth creates things, lies destroy them.
Speak only for yourself and not for others.
Speak out against injustice.
RESPECT
to treat others as we wish to be treated / Listen to everyone closely.
Respect other people’s life experiences and strengths, don’t put them down for weaknesses.
Thank someone for helping you out.
Take special care of all facilities.
RESPONSIBILITY
to do what is right and to be accountable for your actions / Do the right thing even when it is the hardest thing to do.
Meet deadlines, fulfill commitments and show up on time when you say you will.
Take responsibility and admit fault if you did something wrong.
Always realize that your actions have a consequence to others.

This document was developed from remarks made to delegates by 2005 Youth Governor, Angelyn Tinsman, Sussex Family YMCA delegation.

OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

BASIC DELEGATE REQUIREMENTS

Everyone participating in the YMCA of Delaware Youth in Government program is required to support the following standards as conditions for participation. The Youth in Government State Director reserves the right to disqualify anyone who does not appear to have the necessary attitude or qualifications.

  1. Must complete all required paperwork by deadlines.
  2. Delegates are to be members of grades 7-12.
  3. Affiliated with one of the Youth in Government certified delegations.
  4. Must attend all required conference sessions.
  5. Must abide by all Code of Conduct rules.

The list below is intended to provide a general picture of the various positions available to delegates. Detailed descriptions for each position are provided in the Delegate Manual

The list below is intended to provide a general picture of the various opportunities available to participants. More detailed descriptions for each position are provided in subsequent sections of the Delegate Manual. For example to find out more about serving as a Senator, reference the Legislative section of the manual.