LEARN. LEAD. SERVE.
Stand Up. Speak Out. Be the Difference.
YMCA of Honolulu
Youth & Government Program
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 email, social media, and
newsletters throughout the year.
Participate Today
Join your local YMCA delegation or
start your own delegation today,
contact us at [email protected].
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.
Conference On
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.
YMCA Youth & Government State Director: Mr. Cassidy Inamasu
Office: Nuuanu YMCA 1441 Pali Highway Honolulu Hawaii 96813 808-541-5260 [email protected]
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE TO DELEGATES
Youth & Government in Hawaii is a significant and unique program. We will be celebrating our
66th 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 66th session and
shape our future.
Mr. Cassidy Inamasu State Director
www.ymcahonolulu.org/social_responsibility/advocacy/youth_and_government
facebook .com/hawa i i youthandgovernment hawa i i _yag
1441 Pali Highway Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 541-5261 [email protected]
66th 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 27th – 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 1st – 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 22nd – Association Training #2 ($15 scholarship)
o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA
o Community Speakers
o Bill Topics & Bill Writing
o Mock Debate
Tuesday, November, 8 – ELECTION DAY!
Friday-Sunday, November 11th-13th – 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 3rd – Association Training #3 ($15 scholarship)
o 10am-2pm Nu`uanu YMCA
o Mock Debate and Chamber Officer Practice
o Bills are due
Wednesday-Friday, December 28th-30th – 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
www.ymcahonolulu.org/social_responsibility/advocacy/youth_and_government
facebook .com/hawa i i youthandgovernment hawa i i _yag
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. 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.
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 School Principal selection of School Level Ambassador (SLA). Principals will be contacted by a WVH coordinator or liaison for the name and email address of the SLA (due by end of August).
September Instructions posted on the website School Password emailed to each Principal & SLA by September
Sept. 26 Practice ballot voting for WVH General Election begins (Student Passwords NOT required)
Sept. 26-Oct. 21 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 Ambassadors or des ignee(s)
Sept. –Nov. 8 On-campus spirit-building for participation in the online voting, e.g., voter registration drives, school rallies, candidate forums
Oct. 25-Nov. 8 WeVoteHawaii GENERAL ELECTION with required student passwords & voting district and precinct numbers WVH GENERAL ELECTION results posted online at 6 PM, Tuesday, Nov. 8th
8-30-10
7-2016
For more information and updates, go to our website www.wevotehawaii.org
WVH Founder & Board Chair Lyla Berg WVH Board Advisor Linda Coble
Education Chair Kay Yogi [email protected] 542-7683
District Coordinators: Honolulu: Jeanne Chang [email protected] 291-2478 Central: Ellamarie Savidge [email protected] 224-2084 Roberta Tom [email protected] 285-9912 Leeward: Naomi Yap [email protected] 383-3623 Linda Victor [email protected] 349-9619 Windward: Valerie Okihara [email protected] 224-0927 Maui: TBA Moloka`i/Lāna`i: Linda Matsumoto [email protected] 551-0510 Hawai`i: East: Claudia Kobayashi [email protected] 987-6856 West: JoAnn Iwane [email protected] 640-9487 Iris Higashi-Oshiro [email protected] Kaua`i: Barbara Baker [email protected] 652-4295 Dora Hong [email protected] 651-8893 Home Schools: Shannon Chang [email protected] 222-4784
Independent Schools: Lovey DeRego(Catholic) [email protected] (808)203-6755 Cindy Turse (HAIS) [email protected] (808)343-4121 Charter Schools: TBA
www.wevotehawaii.org
2016
1441 Pali Highway | Honolulu | Hawaii | 96813 | [email protected]
66th 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 66th 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: https://goo.gl/forms/5MnQAs3JhJOk3rS92 The link can also be emailed 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 1st & 15th 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
www.ymcahonolulu.org/social_responsibility/advocacy/youth_and_government
YMCA of Honolulu
66th Youth & Government Program
Gender
City Zipcode
Grade: Adult Shirt Size:
Insurance Provider
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's Name Printed: _______________________________________ Parent's Signature: ___________________________________________
Parent Understanding and Agreement
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.
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, 2015. It is my responsibility to ensure my youth or myself communicates with the
Delegation Director regarding schedules, events, sessions, or finances.
Cell Number
Last Name First Name
Home Number Cell Number
Mother/Legal
GuardianEmail
Father/Legal
Guardian
Youth's Last Name Youth's First Name
Delegation: ____________________________________________
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
https://goo.gl/forms/5MnQAs3JhJOk3rS92 to apply for assistance. You may also request it emailed to you. All
applications will be processed by the office of the State Director. Deadline is December 1.
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.
Program Placement
Youth's Information:
Parent/Guardian's Information:
Financial Assistance
Youth's Cell: Allergies/Medial or Food Conditions:
Home Number Work Number
First Name
Work Number
Youth's Email: School:
Birthday (Month/Date/Year):Home Address
Last Name
For YMCA of Honolulu
Youth & Government Programs 2016-2017All 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: __________________
Email (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.
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.
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: _______________________________________________________________________________
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 -Dress Slacks or Khakis
-No long jeans, cargo pants, shorts, baggy pants or sweats
TOPS -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
SKIRTS/DRESSES -Dresses, skirts, and blouse combinations are okay
-Dresses/skirts must be at fingertip length or longer
SHOES -Dress shoes, appropriate casual shoes, flats or heels
-No athletic shoes, slippers or sandals
OPENING CEREMONIES BUSINESS DRESS
PANTS -Dress Slacks and belt
-No khakis, long jeans, cargo pants, shorts, baggy pants or sweats
TOPS -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
SKIRTS/DRESSES -Dresses, skirts, and blouse combinations are okay with sports coat/blazer
-Dresses/skirts must be at fingertip length or longer
SHOES -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.