YMCA Teen Civic Engagement Programs
YMCA Youth and Government
A national YMCA program active in ~40 states since 1936; Texas joined in 1946. Nearly 25,000 students participate annually, mentored by 3,300 adult volunteers and YMCA staff. The program helps teens become responsible citizens and future leaders through hands-on experience in government, boosting political awareness and teaching social action.
Clubs start each August/September, compete regionally in November, and top performers advance to State Competition in Austin (Middle School: late Jan/early Feb; High School: late Feb/early March).
Legislative
Students write, research, and debate mock bills on real Texas issues (education, healthcare, public safety, environment, and more), mirroring the actual legislative process.
Judicial
Trial and Appellate tracks let students argue high-profile mock cases as attorneys, witnesses, judges, or appellate writers, building legal reasoning and courtroom skills.
Media
Students run the newsroom: print, broadcast, podcast, and social media coverage of YG events, learning journalism, photography, and the media’s role in politics.
State Affairs
Students research and debate policy proposals (not bills) on state, national, and international issues, solo or in teams, developing solutions rather than legislation.
Purpose & Leadership
YG is a “laboratory in citizenship and government,” preparing teens for moral and political leadership by teaching them the theory and practice of state-level public policy. Each cycle, students elect ten high school and three middle school officers to lead the program, with all candidates held to the Y’s core values: caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty.
YMCA Texas Model United Nations
TXMUN is a youth development program for students in grades 6–12 who simulate the United Nations, taking on the role of ambassadors from Member States to tackle global issues through diplomacy and compromise. Through regional summits and an annual state conference, delegates build leadership and diplomatic skills while joining a community of young changemakers working toward global impact.
Delegates can join a range of committee simulations — General Assemblies, ECOSOC, Security Council, and more. Returning delegates with a year or more of experience can go further by joining the TXMUN Media Corps, chairing committees, or running for Secretariat roles.
Education & Service
Model United Nations launched its own conference in 2015, hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, and welcomed delegates from YMCA MUN clubs from around the state. This program and its events allow young global leaders the opportunity to not only meet others with similar interests, but also to develop their leadership abilities, gain confidence through public speaking, and train critical thinking and conflict resolution skills, all while becoming better people and better leaders.
Volunteer
Are you passionate about empowering youth and helping build a brighter, more unified world? Volunteering for Youth and Government or Model United Nations gives you the chance to guide and support the next generation of leaders — helping teens build civic engagement, diplomacy, and leadership skills while making a tangible impact in your community.Are you passionate about empowering youth and helping build a brighter, more unified world? Volunteering for Youth and Government or Model United Nations gives you the chance to guide and support the next generation of leaders — helping teens build civic engagement, diplomacy, and leadership skills while making a tangible impact in your community.
