A program of the Ohio Alliance of YMCA’s, Ohio Youth and Government is a student run, student led model government program for teens across the state of Ohio.
Our goal is to provide leadership training to meet the needs of a democratic society and to develop an understanding and awareness of Ohio state government. We aim to strengthen young people and communities through emphasizing character development and the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all that we do. Also to create an inclusive environment in which students develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of others. Our motto is “Democracy must be learned by each generation.”
We provide the content and resources for delegations (schools and YMCA’s) to organize locally throughout the Fall to prepare for our State Assembly in Columbus. The Middle School Assembly takes place in December, whereas the High School Assembly takes place in March. The middle school program features a legislative experience and the high school program includes various program areas in which students can get involved (Legislature, Media, Lobbyist, Judicial and Governor’s Cabinet). These program areas model the systems that make our democracy run.
Our Delegations
Our Staff
Regional Director of Programs – Mary Burleson
Mary grew up in Eaton Rapids, Michigan and is an alumni of the YMCA Michigan Youth in Government program, where she took part in the legislative program area and attended the Conference on National Affairs. Mary has volunteered with Michigan’s program since 2005 and served as Chair of their Alumni Association from 2011-2013.
Mary attended Northern Michigan University and Michigan State University. In college she was Vice Chair of the student government and participated in marching band as part of the color guard section. She graduated with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science and a minor in Spanish from MSU, along with a secondary education certification, in 2010. Mary received her MA in Teaching and Curriculum from MSU in 2014.
Mary has a range of educational experience teaching high school social studies at Everett High School, Mason High School and Michigan Virtual. She also taught middle school social studies in Kalamazoo Public Schools. While teaching in Kalamazoo, she created a middle school YG delegation and brought her students to Michigan’s conference for several years. Currently she is a color guard coach for Eaton Rapids High School.
Regional Director of Strategy – Jeff Litten
Jeff grew up in Lake Orion, Michigan and is an alumni of the YMCA Michigan Youth in Government program, where he took part in the National Issues Forum and attended the Conference on National Affairs. Jeff has volunteered with Michigan’s program since 2013 and served as Chair of their Alumni Association from 2017-2019.
Jeff attended Michigan State University, where he graduated with a BA in Economics, Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, as well as Theatre in 2018. While in college, he was a Resident Assistant, Treasurer of the James Madison College Student Senate and Chair of the MSU College Republicans.
Jeff has a range of political experience working on campaigns, as a legislative assistant, as a press assistant, and leading ballot initiatives. He also has an extensive background in fundraising.
Contact Information
Email: staff@myig.org
Phone Number: 517-639-4480
Facebook: Facebook.com/OhioYMCAYG
Instagram: Instagram.com/ohioymcayg/