State Assembly
Local Delegations work together on debate practices, service-learning projects, fundraising efforts and State Assembly preparation prior to the State Conference.
The purpose of the three-day, two-night State Assembly is the opportunity to bring the workings of the Ohio state government alive to students in grades 7-12. Students are given an opportunity to discuss current state issues that they are passionate about, meet fellow teens from across the state, and practice civil discourse through the lens of the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Inclusion, Respect and Responsibility.
Each conference is led by teen Presiding Officers who have been elected to office by their fellow delegates. Held annually at the Statehouse in Columbus, volunteers and the YMCA Staff help guide the students through mock committee meetings and procedures.
Delegates can choose to participate in one of our exciting program areas such as: Legislature, Appellate Court, Governor’s Cabinet, Lobbyists, Media, Oversight, Secretary of State or Supreme Court. Participants also engage in campaigns and elections for presiding officers who will serve during the following year.