YG DISTRICT CONFERENCE: CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY
On November 16th, 1,142 students filled the classrooms of Duncanville High School to attend the 2019 Youth and Government District Conference. As the largest host for a District Conference in Texas, the day consisted of 34 mock trial teams, 25 appellate teams, 50 media teens, and over 300 legislative students. Students from all across the North Texas region spent the conference debating, reporting, and networking with fellow delegates.
“Youth and Government is 10 percent competing and 90 percent meeting new people” Chief Justice Sebastiane Caballes states. “Youth and Government is one of the few programs where you truly have the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse community of athletes, musicians, debaters, artists, and engage with people who believe in the power of being an active citizen.”
With 17 public school districts, seven private systems, and one home school association in attendance, there was no shortage of diverse perspectives to debate. Students prepared for the conference months in advance learning parliamentary procedure, public speaking, and finalizing their arguments. The Youth and Government program gives the opportunity for students to engage and learn more about how the U.S. government is designed and how to make policy change happen.
“Because of Youth and Government, I am now wanting to pursue a career in policy. I want to be able to shape the future, and I want to be able to do that in a manner that enfranchises everyone. Youth and Government taught me what it meant to be in a unified community.” Nikash Harapanahalli, State Affairs Forum ‘20 shares.
We want to give a huge congratulations to all of the students who participated in the 2019 District Conference! We also want to thank the 164 adult volunteers who helped make the day run efficiently. The Texas Youth and Government State Conference will occur January 29, 2020-Sunday February 2, 2020 in Austin, Texas. We want to wish the best of luck to all our YG students who will be in attendance.
For more information on how you can be a part of a Youth and Government program, click here.