What is Michigan Youth in Government?

YMCA Michigan Youth in Government is a model government program for teens across the state of Michigan. The middle school program has three different program areas in which students can get involved in. With having such a wide variety of programs there is truly something for everyone!! Click the links below to get more insight of what each program has to offer! 

Legislature

Contemporary Issues Forum

Students combine into teams of 4 to compete in a six round debate tournament. Each year we select a topic for the CIF debate and the Political Compromise sessions. Recent topics include the banning of zoos, water diversion changes to the Great Lakes compact and equipping schools with school resources officers. Student debate the merits of the assigned question in a formal timed debate. 

Political Compromise 

The Political Compromise Program’s objective is to provide students a framework that requires cooperation and compromise to create a single resolution based on a predetermined topic. Students will meet in their assigned special interest group to determine what policy ideas they want to present in committee. Then, students meet in their assigned committee and discuss policy ideas from all three interest groups. They will then vote on which policy ideas they want to go forward to General Assembly. Students will alternate meeting in their special interest group and committee. When prepared with policy ideas, students will meet in General Assembly with all program participants to officially vote on and form the final resolution.