LEARN. LEAD. SERVE. YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Program. Stand Up. Speak Out. Be the Difference.

Transcription

1 LEARN. LEAD. SERVE. YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Program Stand Up. Speak Out. Be the Difference.

2 YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government The YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government encompasses various ways to participate for students of all ages and interests. All students learn about the democratic process and YAG offers students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with those who hold like and opposing views. Ways to Participate Legislative Branch 6th-7th Grade Youth as lobbyists or aides, students will participate in the same training as other students. Lobbyists will select and support bills they connect and feel passionate about assisting youth legislators in the promotion of their bill. 8th-12th Grade Youth student Representatives and Senators elect their leadership, research current events, and write bills throughout program months. For these legislators, the experience culminates in a three day conference with opening ceremonies in the Hawai`i Senate Floor and seeking the signature by the Youth Governor. The Press Corps 6th-12th Grade Youth youth journalists, reporters, and camera technicians will work under the supervision of the elected Youth Editor in Chief to research, interview for, and present accurate articles regarding the Youth & Government program. Participants of The Press Corps are responsible for communications to all Youth in Government participants via , social media, and newsletters throughout the year. Conference On Participate Today Join your local YMCA delegation or start your own delegation today, contact us at YAG@ymcahonolulu.org. Current delegates reside all over Oahu, and the islands of Maui, Molokai, & Hawaii. Starting your own delegation is easy. Training, support, and resources are available. National Affairs 9th-12th Grade Youth students represent the State of Hawaii at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina discussing and debating national or international issues. An experience like no other to share Hawaii s aloha spirit while putting Hawaii on the national scene. Global Issues Network 9th-12th Grade Youth students will participate in the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools hosted event gathering youth to not just discuss, but problem solve the world s top 20 pressing issues. Students will be able to collaborate locally, regionally, and globally creating project based sustainable solutions for our shared global issues.

3 YMCA Youth & Government State Director: Mr. Cassidy Inamasu Office: Nuuanu YMCA 1441 Pali Highway Honolulu Hawaii DIRECTOR S MESSAGE TO DELEGATES Youth & Government in Hawaii is a significant and unique program. We will be celebrating our 66 th session this year, meaning yes, the program has existed longer than Hawaii has been a state. Hundreds have benefited from the dialogue and friendships that one can only get from an experience in Youth & Government and we welcome you to that experience. Over the years we have challenged ourselves to ensure we are providing a relevant, student led, inclusive and accessible, high quality program. We remain flexible as we continue to find just the right formula; however, we are on the right path as we expand our depth and reach. This year we have partnered with We Vote Hawaii to link our efforts to engage youth in civic education and action beyond a program or classroom. We are also participating in the Global Issues Network hosted by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) engaging youth across the globe to create project based solutions to our glaring global issues. Our outcomes for Youth & Government remain the same; participants will: 1. Have a greater connection to the YMCA 2. Know and understand the democratic, legislative process 3. Gain knowledge of local, national, and international issues 4. Value partnerships and collaborations 5. Have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a servant leader These outcomes are our guiding light to push us to do better and to do more for all of the youth we serve thus strengthening community. It was said best by one of our first year students, At first, I only joined Youth & Government to meet girls. I didn t know how serious it was, but man, when I started to take it serious, I felt like the real deal. This program made me realize how much I can do to help the world. In this election year, be involved. Work with your social studies teacher, school administration, We Vote Hawaii, or us at the Y to assist you further in submitting articles to Civil Beat, organize voter registration drives, organize candidate debates or voter turnout rallies, or become a spokesperson with We Vote Hawaii for leadership and civic engagement. But, above all else, make sure you vote and have your voice heard. Thank you for your interest in wanting to join us in as we engage in the 66 th session and shape our future. Mr. Cassidy Inamasu State Director hawaii _yag facebook.com/hawaiiyoutha ndgovernment

4 1441 Pali Highway Honolulu, Hawaii th Annual YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Important Program Dates Various Days & Times Throughout September Veteran participants to gather and record online training videos to support other youth Tuesday, September 27 th Global Issues Network Event o 4pm-6:45pm Pacific Buddhist Academy o Orientation to Global Issues Network o Breakout sessions with guest speakers and community experts Saturday, October 1 st State Training #1 ($15 scholarship) o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA o Intro to Youth & Government Program & Get to Know You Activities o Officer Positions Sign Ups o Mock Debate Saturday, October 22 nd Association Training #2 ($15 scholarship) o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA o Community Speakers o Bill Topics & Bill Writing o Mock Debate See We Vote Hawaii flyer attached. Ask your social studies teacher for your We Vote Hawaii password to be given access to vote on Election Day. Tuesday, November, 8 ELECTION DAY! Friday-Sunday, November 11 th -13 th Election & Opening Session (tentative) o Friday 9am to Sunday 4pm, mostly at YMCA Camp Erdman o Community Service Project **TBD o Officer Candidate Speeches, Town Hall, Voting o Opening Session (tentative) Saturday, December 3 rd Association Training #3 ($15 scholarship) o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA o Mock Debate and Chamber Officer Practice o Bills are due Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8 th, remember to vote and save your voting stub to submit for TBD event or scholarship. Results of Youth & Government student raised issues will be broadcast along all other state results. Wednesday-Friday, December 28 th -30 th State Session o Committees, Chambers, and Crossover o Youth Governor s Banquet o Closing Dates still to be determined: Officer & Committee Chairs Debrief Conference on National Affairs Application Release and Deadline Global Issues Network Conference Dates hawaii _yag facebook.com/hawaiiyoutha ndgovernment

5 WVH Founder & Board Chair WVH Board Advisor Lyla Berg Linda Coble Education Chair Kay Yogi District Coordinators: Honolulu: Jeanne Chang Central: Ellamarie Savidge Roberta Tom Leeward: Naomi Yap Linda Victor Windward: Valerie Okihara Maui: TBA Moloka`i/Lāna`i: Linda Matsumoto Hawai`i: East: Claudia Kobayashi West: JoAnn Iwane Iris Higashi-Oshiro Kaua`i: Barbara Baker Dora Hong Home Schools: Shannon Chang Independent Schools: Lovey DeRego(Catholic) (808) Cindy Turse (HAIS) (808) Charter Schools: TBA WeVoteHawaii (WVH), formerly known as Kids Voting Hawaii, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that promotes citizen participation by providing K-12 students in public, private, charter and home schools the opportunity to experience democracy first hand, by voting online in Hawaii s General Elections. Since 1996, WVH has been providing an age-appropriate curriculum and classroom activities, which align with the Hawaii State Social Studies Standards, and address the civic responsibility and civic character measurements Internet technology combines with civics education to inspire our youth to explore candidates and issues, engage in dialogue with their peers and families, develop leadership potential, and prepare for a lifetime of voting. IMPORTANT DATES July-September September Sept. 26 Sept. 26-Oct. 21 Sept. Nov. 8 Oct. 25-Nov. 8 School Principal selection of School Level Ambassador (SLA). Principals will be contacted by a WVH coordinator or liaison for the name and address of the SLA (due by end of August). Instructions posted on the website School Password ed to each Principal & SLA by September Practice ballot voting for WVH General Election begins (Student Passwords NOT required) Printing & distribution of Student Passwords for WVH General E l e c t i o n b y S c h o o l L e v e l Ambassado rs o r designee(s) On-campus spirit-building for participation in the online voting, e.g., voter registration drives, school rallies, candidate forums WeVoteHawaii GENERAL ELECTION with required student passwords & voting district and precinct numbers WVH GENERAL ELECTION results posted online at 6 PM, Tuesday, Nov. 8th For more information and updates, go to our website

6 1441 Pali Highway Honolulu Hawaii th Annual YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Program Fees and Available Scholarships Fees include all supplies, meals, transportation, and lodging expenses during any state run Youth & Government training, event, conference or session for the 66 th annual program. Delegations are responsible for any additional costs incurred including, but not limited to travel to a state training, event, conference, or session as well as any delegation specific meetings. Program Fees: $500 per youth, $300 per adult (lodging), $100 per adult (no lodging) Payments must be made in full by the December 15 unless authorized by the State Director. All payments can be made to the YMCA and should be processed through the State Director s office. Scholarships Each participant who takes an active role within the program may receive scholarships. All scholarships will be distributed via the State Director s Office. Scholarships are non-transferrable. Youth may receive any and all scholarships that apply. First Year Participants - $100 scholarship Elected Youth Officers - $50 scholarship Students must attend all Officer Trainings/Meetings/Events before and after being elected. Positions Include: Youth Editor in Chief, Youth Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, Vice President, Vice Speaker, Clerks, Sergeant at Arms, and Chaplains. All officer candidate forms must be submitted by the deadline to receive the scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at prior to the state session. Referral - $50 scholarship per new student referral Attendance to a state run training - $15 scholarship per training (3 training events) Financial Assistance & Payment Plans Deadline to Apply December 1 Available based on need and qualification. Online applications may be found by visiting the following link: The link can also be ed to you or you can scan the code to the right. Financial Assistance will be applied to the final total AFTER the above scholarships and fundraising dollars are applied. Payment plans are available and may be drafted on the 1 st & 15 th of each month. Example: 1) $500 Fee - $100 (First Year Student) - $45 (attendance at all 3 training) = $355 2) $355 - $50 (fundraising) = $305 3) $305 - $122 (40% Financial Assistance) = $183 Final Balance to be paid by December 15 h a w a i i _ y a g f a c e b o o k. c o m / h a w a i i y o u t h a n d g o v e r n m e n t

7 YMCA of Honolulu 66th Youth & Government Program Delegation: Youth's Information: Youth's Last Name Youth's First Name Gender Home Address City Zipcode Birthday (Month/Date/Year): School: Grade: Adult Shirt Size: Youth's Youth's Cell: Allergies/Medial or Food Conditions: Insurance Provider Preferred Hospital: In the event of a medical emergency, YMCA staff or volunteers will make all attempts to contact parents/legal guardians. If they are unable to be reached and in the best interest of the youth, 911 will be called. Parent/Guardian's Information: Last Name First Name Mother/Legal Guardian Home Number Work Number Cell Number Last Name First Name Father/Legal Guardian Home Number Work Number Cell Number Financial Assistance It is the YMCA's belief that no one be turned away due to financial difficulty. Funds are limited and will be distributed by percentage and based off need. Please scan the QR code to the right or visit to apply for assistance. You may also request it ed to you. All applications will be processed by the office of the State Director. Deadline is December 1. Program Placement Returning Students Legislature Press Corps New Students Legislature Press Corps Students may choose to switch focuses from previous year, but may not switch between chambers. 6th & 7th grade youth on the legislative side will be placed as Lobbyists, unless approved by the State Director Teen Understanding and Agreement I understand that I am committing to the Youth and Government program and must communicate with my Delegation Director regarding any absences from training, events, or sessions. I further understand that if I am running for an officer position that I am unable to miss any training. As a teen participant I agree to abide by all YMCA rules, expectations, and the code of conduct including following the Four Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, and Respect. Parent Understanding and Agreement Youth's Name Printed: Youth's Signature: I understand that in my youth committing to the Youth and Government program, I will be financially responsbile for the fees and will make all necessary payments and/or arrangments prior to December 31, It is my responsibility to ensure my youth or myself communicates with the Delegation Director regarding schedules, events, sessions, or finances. Parent's Name Printed: Parent's Signature: The YMCA of Honolulu is a fellowship dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

8 YMCA OF HONOLULU PHOTO RELEASE WAIVER Photos Video Artwork Stories Profiles Journaling Youth & Government has specific outcomes and goals that are aimed at growing and nurturing the potential of each individual youth. In efforts to seek funding, resources, and greater community support, the YMCA of Honolulu will be asking youth to participate in surveys, evaluations, questionnaires, and journaling. I understand that any data, stories, and/or information collected from such surveys, evaluations, questionnaires, or journaling may be used by the YMCA of Honolulu to represent the Youth & Government program. The YMCA of Honolulu has my permission to use my, and my child(ren) s photograph, video, artwork, journal entries, taken surveys and evaluations, profile and/or story and any likeness to in any of its publications, web pages, and other promotional materials produced, used by, and representing the YMCA of Honolulu. I understand the circulation of the materials could be worldwide and that there will be no compensation to me or my youth for this use. For YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Programs All Activities During Program Hours and/or YMCA Special Events outside of Program Hours Youth s Names: Print Parent/Legal Guardian s Name: Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian: Best Phone Contact: (optional): The YMCA of Honolulu is a fellowship dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

9 YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Code of Conduct REGARDING PERSONAL BEHAVIOR All youth must abide by and portray the YMCA of Honolulu s Four Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, and Respect throughout all aspects of the program. This includes participation in activities, group discussion, and debate. Harassment, bullying, or intimidation through language, gestures, or other negative behavior is not allowed. The use, possession, or concealment of weapons, alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs will not be tolerated. Electronics are discouraged. Any youth choosing to bring electronics (phones, games, tablets, etc.) chooses to bring it at their own risk. The YMCA of Honolulu, its staff, and its volunteers will not be held responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items. Each participant is legally and financially responsible for any removal, defacing or willful damage to public or private property. This includes the property of fellow participants, advisors and staff, organizations, businesses, lodging & conference facilities, and the State of Hawaii. No participant shall leave the program without the permission and knowledge of the Branch Director. The dismissal and return from program must be coordinated with the Branch Director prior and requires authorization of the State Director. This includes program hours and lodging facility. Intimate or sexual activity, including physical display of affection (PDA) is not allowed and will not be tolerated. Dress Code is to be followed at all appropriate times. REGARDING LODGING FACILITY All participants must remain in their own rooms. Socializing in a room other than the one assigned to you is only allowed during delegation meetings and time allotted according to the schedule. When other youth are visiting the door must remain open and all guests must remain in the front area of the room. All rooms are pre-assigned and assigned by gender. There is no swapping of rooms unless authorized by Branch and State Director. No rooms shall be mixed gender. All participants must be respectful of other participants and guests at the lodging facility. This means noise levels, activity, and cleanliness must remain appropriate. Curfew and lights out must be closely followed according to the schedule. Curfew remains in effect until 7:00am the following morning, unless otherwise stated. Guests are not allowed at any time unless authorized by the Branch or State Director. This includes past participants, friends, or family. I have read, understand, and agree to the above CODE OF CONDUCT. I understand that failure to abide by the above will result in a warning, communication with parents, and the possibility of removal from the program. Any illegal activity will result in a call to the police. If at any time I am unsure of a specific action, I will ask my Branch or State Director for clarification prior to acting. Participant s Name Printed: Date: Participant s Signature: Parent s Name Printed: Date: Parent s Signature:

10 YMCA of Honolulu Youth & Government Dress Code It is very important that participants look as impressive as we know they are. By dressing for the role they play as legislators and journalists, youth are more able to appreciate the program. By simply having a standard of dress the quality of our program is increased. YMCA staff and Delegation Directors reserve the right to ask a participant to change their outfit if it does not fit the dress code. If a student does not have access to appropriate clothing, it should be brought to the Delegation Director and State Director prior to the start of any training or session. BUSINESS CASUAL PANTS TOPS SKIRTS/DRESSES SHOES -Dress Slacks or Khakis -No long jeans, cargo pants, shorts, baggy pants or sweats -Button down collared shirt; Aloha shirts are okay -Button down blouses, must cover shoulders -No T-Shirts or polo shirts; tummy area should not show -Dresses, skirts, and blouse combinations are okay -Dresses/skirts must be at fingertip length or longer -Dress shoes, appropriate casual shoes, flats or heels -No athletic shoes, slippers or sandals OPENING CEREMONIES BUSINESS DRESS PANTS TOPS SKIRTS/DRESSES SHOES -Dress Slacks and belt -No khakis, long jeans, cargo pants, shorts, baggy pants or sweats -Long sleeve button down collared shirt, tie, and sports coat/blazer -Button down blouse (must cover shoulders), sports coat/blazer -No T-Shirts or polo shirts; tummy area should not show -Dresses, skirts, and blouse combinations are okay with sports coat/blazer -Dresses/skirts must be at fingertip length or longer -Dress shoes or heels -No athletic shoes, casual shoes, flats, slippers or sandals YOUTH GOVERNOR'S BANQUET & DANCE Semi-formal, well dressed; No shorts, jeans or athletic shoes CASUAL ATTIRE (Social & Down Time) Any clothing in line with the YMCA s Four Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, and Respect. Imaging may not be too revealing, display any derogatory remarks/images, or reference any behaviors not allowed at a YMCA function. Dress code is not optional, failure to follow them may result in non-participation.