Indiana YMCA Youth and Government (INYaG)

The Indiana YMCA Youth and Government (INYaG) program provides a fun and unique opportunity for youth in grades 7 through 12 to connect with their peers from around the state while learning how to effect change on social and political issues of personal importance to them. Through the program, youth first engage in local delegation meetings where they firm up their understanding of how their governments work. Then, they learn how to make their governments work for them. Along the way, they learn how to effectively investigate and articulate their concerns while being part of decision-making processes. Local activities lead to a day-long regional leadership conference during the fall and a three-day statewide model government conference in February. During the statewide conference, students take over the Indiana Statehouse to apply what they learned during their delegation meetings. The program also creates avenues for youth to apply their developed skills and understandings through real-life advocacy opportunities and national civic engagement opportunities that connect them to their peers around the country.”

INYaG is ideal for any student who wants to improve their abilities to interact with adults and other youth, understand how to influence governments for an effective and peaceful resolution, appreciate the diversity of viewpoints on public issues, demonstrate citizenship responsibilities and leadership roles essential for more accommodating communities, and embrace respect for ideas, beliefs, and the positions of others.” To learn more about the program, download our INYaG Brochure or Packet below. 

 

Register Now 
Youth & Government Brochure  
Youth & Government Packet      

 

How can your School get INVOLVED?

Host a Delegation:

High Schools can get involved with the INYaG Program by hosting a delegation at their school.  INYaG runs like most other school clubs, with a teacher as an advisor and meetings before or after school. 

Teachers serving as Delegation Advisors commit time for the following:
  • A brief training session with YMCA staff
  • Holding 10 delegation meetings between September and the end of January. 
  • Assisting students in engaging in the democratic process, coaching & mentoring them through bill writing, debating, etc. 
  • Attending Pre Conference Training in November (Saturday 9a-4p)
  • Attending/Chaperoning Model Legislative Conference in February (Fri night- Sun afternoon)

The YMCA provides support to each school delegation by assigning you a YMCA Partner.  Your Delegation Advisor will work closely with the Teen Director at your YMCA Partner branch.  In addition, you will have the support of the State Director for INYaG who helps coordinate & organize all of the program activities. 

Support Your Local Y Delegation: 

In addition to serving as partners to local schools, YMCA branches also host a delegation of their own.  If your school does not have enough students to form a delegation yet, you can help support this program by encouraging interested students to get in contact with your YMCA to join an existing delegation. 

Contact us for more information:

If you have questions or want to learn more about the INYaG Program, please contact Francisco Townsend at 260.918.2150. We would love to set up a time to visit your school and/or organization and discuss this important program with you!