What is Michigan Youth in Government?
YMCA Michigan Youth in Government is a government simulation 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!
Students write their own bills, elect their own leaders and advocate for policies that they believe will make their communities better. The teens complete the background research and prepare the make the case for their own bill. Additionally they need to prepare to deliberate bills written by their fellow legislators. Team work is an essential part of passing legislation both locally and state wide. Through the legislative process of YMCA MYIG teens build lasting friendships, gain leadership skills and are empowered to use their voice now and into the future.
Bills passed by the Middle School legislatures are consider for signature by the High School Youth Governors. See the most recent legislation passed here.
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.