Mission Statement To Help Teenagers Become Responsible Citizens and Future Leaders of Our Nation.
This goal is accomplished by creating an environment in which students can increase their political awareness and undestanding, while learning the meaning of social action through an actual experience in government.
Objectives
A. To aid high school students in gaining knowledge of state government organization and structure through participation in some of its processes.
B. To increase their understanding and appreciation of the legislative and judicial processes through participation in committees, legislative debate, and receiving leadership from resource persons who are members of the various State and Judicial departments.
C. To expand youth members' interest in, and knowledge of, the current problems of the State.
D. To develop a citizenry with a personal interest in government operations and one which participates in it government.
E. To see the importance and significance of the services of community welfare in relationship to "Y" youth groups.
F. To know the governmental agencies that perfom these services.
II. Creative Self-Expression
A. To increase the ability of youth members of organize ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively.
B. To give added opportunities for articulate speech and the development of the art of speech-making.
III. Character Development
A. To provide a fellowship that fosters an understanding of others' problems.
B. To teach the application of ideals in civic life.
C. To develop the ability to accept defeat without discouragement.
D. To stimulate the skill of learning through self motivation and sharing with others.
IV. Christian Principles in Application
A. To help imlement in our daily lives the concept of brotherhood and the Golden Rule as it applies to the political process.
B. To inspire the use of basic Christian values as fundamentals in discussion, decision-making and behavior.
History The Texas Youth and Government Program was organized in 1946. Its first Legislature was held in December of 1947, under the chairmanship of Dr. Humphrey Lee, Chancellor, Southern Methodist University. The Texas Program was modeled after the New York State Program, and was organized under the auspices of the Southwest Area Council of YMCAs.
Purpose
The purpose of the Youth and Government Program is to prepare a selected group of young people for moral and politial leadership in the American democratic process by providing guidance, training and experience in the theory and practice of dertermining public policy on the state level. It is called "a labortory in citizenship and government." The program also affords youth the opportunity to comprehend the meaning and importance of the personal experience with the Judicial branch of our state government. The Judicial system of the Youth and Government Program began in Texas in 1960. Since then, other programs have been added including lobbyists, government planners, media and more.
