Youth and Government: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The YMCA proudly empowers the next generation of leaders through its Youth and Government program. This unique initiative provides teens with a hands-on experience in the legislative process, allowing them to learn about Government, hone their public speaking and advocacy skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the issues that impact their communities.  

This month, several of our Youth and Government participants will head to the state capital to present their bills and participate in the legislative process from May 8 to 12.   

Youth Governor Landon Hulser, posing with Suzanne McCormick YMCA USA President 

Meet our Major Officers:    

Youth Governor Landon Hulser from the Franklin Pierce High School delegation, Attorney General Jack Lindsey from the Mel Korum Y delegation, and President Pro-Tem Sirena Jove from the Mel Korum Family Y delegation. These three major officers have been with the YMCA Youth and Government program for over two years.  

Youth and Government are about more than learning about the legislative process. It's a youth-led program where teens fully immerse themselves in the roles they were elected to and run the legislative show.   

According to Youth Governor Landon Hulser, Youth and Government has changed his life. "If you asked 8th-grade me if I would ever be interested in politics, the answer would have been a resounding no. But after experiencing the capital's energy and making lifelong friends through this program, I've been encouraged to continue my journey into politics in the future."  

President Pro-Tem Sirena Jove learned about Youth and Government through her mother and was drawn to the program to enhance her civic education. " This program has allowed me to grow immensely, and I encourage anyone to join!"  

For Attorney General Jack Lindsey, joining the program made sense. "I've always been interested in politics and law. I wanted to find a program where I could expand my knowledge and gain practical skills that would someday help me in my political career."   

The YMCA is thrilled to see these young leaders heading to the state capital and knows they will do us proud. Stay tuned for updates on their experiences and accomplishments in the capital.  

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