LANSING CONFERENCE



     Each fall, local schools and YMCA's select from their members those who are most interested in learning leadership skills and government. Any school or YMCA can participate by contacting the YIG state office.

     The Lansing conference provides over 1600 high school students with a unique opportunity to become acting state legislators, lobbyists, lawyers, committee chairs, etc. In essence, the students simulate all phases and positions of the actual state government. These students are challenged with many of the issues our real legislators must face in their elected offices.

     If you participate in YIG, you could be a:
  • SENATOR & REPRESENTATIVE...researches and presents bills which are debated in committee and in the actual House and Senate chambers in Lansing.
  • EXECUTIVE OFFICER...qualifies through the process of regional primaries at fall conference with state-wide elections in Lansing. These youth leaders include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House and other constitutional officers.
  • CHAPLAIN...opens and close legislative sessions and other program events with a prayer
  • COMMITTEE CHAIR…oversees the running of the joint committees using parliamentary procedure to keep order
  • HOUSE & SENATE CLERKS and COMMITTEE CLERKS… reads the bills and takes notes, keeps records
  • PAGE...is responsible for communication as well as serving as liaisons between all branches of government and officers.
  • LOBBYIST...participates in this key "third house" by influencing and educating youth legislators on key issues and the passage and/or defeat of bills.
  • PRESS CORP...members write and edit a newspaper and film closed circuit TV news programs covering events at the state convention.
  • FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM...gives freshmen and first year sophomores a chance to learn important leadership skills needed to get involved in the regular youth legislature and their future lives.
  • LAWYER...researches civil and criminal cases for mock trials or appellate court.
  • BAILIFF…monitors court proceedings, is responsible for communication and keeping order
  • NATIONAL ISSUES FORUM PARTICIPANT… offers opportunities for junior and senior delegates to debate and research issues of national and/or international importance 

 

© 2008 Michigan Youth in Government