Trending...
- Mission 3A Establishes Healthcare Advisory Board with Addition of Industry Leaders Patrick Fisher, Kevin Cordell, and Dr. Greg Berlet - 138
- REALTY ONE GROUP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS, MAY 1st, WITH COMMUNITY GIVING AROUND THE WORLD
- Anern Launches New Generation of Lithium Solar Batteries, Empowering a Smarter, Greener Future
Statewide Youth and Government Conference Draws Nearly 400 Students
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. - nvtip -- Hundreds of students from across New Jersey gathered at the YMCA Youth and Government Conference this weekend, a hands-on civic engagement experience that YMCA leaders are working to expand to reach more youth in underserved communities.
Nearly 400 middle and high school students participated in the three-day conference at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel, stepping into the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and press corps, debating and passing mock legislation they developed themselves.
Civic education, YMCA leaders say, is more important than ever and programs like Youth and Government are vital to shaping a new generation of active, informed citizens.
"Youth and Government is a proven program that helps students gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works," said Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance Julie Gallanty. "At the same time, students sharpen their leadership skills, improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities and grow in self-confidence."
"We must ensure that young people in every community, regardless of background, have access to this powerful learning experience," said Gallanty, who oversees the YMCA Alliance, representing 30 YMCA associations and 80 local branches in the Garden State.
The YMCA Alliance secured funding in the current state budget that enabled nine local YMCAs to engage 144 new students from historically underrepresented communities in this year's Youth and Government Conference, Gallanty said. In total, 18 delegations participated, reflecting the program's growing reach and commitment to expanding civic opportunities for all New Jersey youth.
More on nvtip.com
For 13-year-old Maya Woods and seven schoolmates from Sisters Academy of New Jersey in Asbury Park, it was their first Youth and Government conference and they've been busily preparing since mid-February. "What excites me," she said, "is getting to convey my bill to other delegates and get their critiques."
The Asbury Park students worked weekly with their Youth and Government advisor from YMCA of Greater Monmouth County to research, draft, and prepare bills on issues like reducing medical costs for working women, climate change mitigation, and addressing domestic violence.
Thomas Bugliaro, principal of Sisters Academy, said Youth and Government has been a wonderful experience for his students. "Children learn most from each other. This provides opportunities to think critically, speak clearly and most importantly obtain good leadership skills that make a difference in our world," he said.
Gallanty said the YMCA Alliance aims to build on this year's program expansion with a proposed state budget appropriation of $550,000 to ensure more students from underserved communities can benefit from the Youth and Government program and opportunities to interact with local legislators.
As 15-year-old delegate Mahie Panjwani of Westfield said: "I think knowledge is powerful, but I believe it should be shared."
For many students, including Jasai Howard Wright, 18, from Sommerville High School, a highlight of the conference was encouragement about shaping New Jersey's future from three state legislators who spoke: Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (D-14); Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy (D-7); and Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-16).
More on nvtip.com
"Getting young people engaged early is so critical," said Senator Zwicker, who championed the New Voter Empowerment Act, a new law that allows registered voters who are 17 by the time of the primary election to vote in that primary if they turn 18 on or before the next general election.
Looking ahead, Gallanty noted, Youth and Government participants will continue their civic engagement at the YMCA Alliance's Trenton Day on May 22, where they will advocate for funding to support both Youth and Government and the Y's Safety Around Water initiative — another vital program designed to provide life-saving swimming skills to children across New Jersey.
For more information on YMCA Youth and Government and water safety programs and how to support these initiatives, visit the YMCA Alliance website at www.njymca.org.
About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.
Nearly 400 middle and high school students participated in the three-day conference at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel, stepping into the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and press corps, debating and passing mock legislation they developed themselves.
Civic education, YMCA leaders say, is more important than ever and programs like Youth and Government are vital to shaping a new generation of active, informed citizens.
"Youth and Government is a proven program that helps students gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works," said Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance Julie Gallanty. "At the same time, students sharpen their leadership skills, improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities and grow in self-confidence."
"We must ensure that young people in every community, regardless of background, have access to this powerful learning experience," said Gallanty, who oversees the YMCA Alliance, representing 30 YMCA associations and 80 local branches in the Garden State.
The YMCA Alliance secured funding in the current state budget that enabled nine local YMCAs to engage 144 new students from historically underrepresented communities in this year's Youth and Government Conference, Gallanty said. In total, 18 delegations participated, reflecting the program's growing reach and commitment to expanding civic opportunities for all New Jersey youth.
More on nvtip.com
- ImagineX, in Collaboration with Qualys, Launches New mROC Services to Transform Enterprise Cyber Risk Management
- Ditch Micromanagement: New Leadership Book for Results-Driven, Accountability-Based Teams
- Jay Tapp was named Managing Director in British Columbia
- Hubei Heavy Equipment Makes a Striking Appearance at CIMT and Competes with International Brands
- 20 Patents Issued Worldwide, Cementing Company Leadership. First Ever Cable-Free 12-Lead ECG: HeartBeam, Inc. (Stock Symbol: BEAT)
For 13-year-old Maya Woods and seven schoolmates from Sisters Academy of New Jersey in Asbury Park, it was their first Youth and Government conference and they've been busily preparing since mid-February. "What excites me," she said, "is getting to convey my bill to other delegates and get their critiques."
The Asbury Park students worked weekly with their Youth and Government advisor from YMCA of Greater Monmouth County to research, draft, and prepare bills on issues like reducing medical costs for working women, climate change mitigation, and addressing domestic violence.
Thomas Bugliaro, principal of Sisters Academy, said Youth and Government has been a wonderful experience for his students. "Children learn most from each other. This provides opportunities to think critically, speak clearly and most importantly obtain good leadership skills that make a difference in our world," he said.
Gallanty said the YMCA Alliance aims to build on this year's program expansion with a proposed state budget appropriation of $550,000 to ensure more students from underserved communities can benefit from the Youth and Government program and opportunities to interact with local legislators.
As 15-year-old delegate Mahie Panjwani of Westfield said: "I think knowledge is powerful, but I believe it should be shared."
For many students, including Jasai Howard Wright, 18, from Sommerville High School, a highlight of the conference was encouragement about shaping New Jersey's future from three state legislators who spoke: Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (D-14); Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy (D-7); and Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-16).
More on nvtip.com
- NASDAQ Uplisting for Higher Market Exposure and Wide Corporate Benefits to AI Boosted Marketing Company On Track Towards $1 Billion Revenue by 2027
- Congressional Men's Health Caucus Shows Bipartisan Consensus and Focus on Prevention, Mental Health, and Closing the Lifespan Gap
- DuoKey, Axiomtek and Blue Edge Network Partner to Enhance Smart Cities with Privacy-Preserving Urban Safeguarding and Fleet Management
- Mix Master AI Bartender Launches Web Platform, Revolutionizing Cocktail Creation
- Evolving Gaming Regulations: New Insights From Info-Tech Research Group Shows How IT Leaders Can Strengthen Compliance and Reduce Risk
"Getting young people engaged early is so critical," said Senator Zwicker, who championed the New Voter Empowerment Act, a new law that allows registered voters who are 17 by the time of the primary election to vote in that primary if they turn 18 on or before the next general election.
Looking ahead, Gallanty noted, Youth and Government participants will continue their civic engagement at the YMCA Alliance's Trenton Day on May 22, where they will advocate for funding to support both Youth and Government and the Y's Safety Around Water initiative — another vital program designed to provide life-saving swimming skills to children across New Jersey.
For more information on YMCA Youth and Government and water safety programs and how to support these initiatives, visit the YMCA Alliance website at www.njymca.org.
About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.
Source: New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
0 Comments
Latest on nvtip.com
- CCHR Florida: Mental Health Awareness Month Open House
- Introducing LĪNA Universal Balm: A Luxury Multi-Use, Plant-Powered Solution for Skin & Hair
- UIFCA Revolutionizes Financial Education with Elite Team of Investment Experts
- Global Families Turn to Young Travelers Concierge Amid Rising Safety Concerns in the U.S
- Sober.Buzz the Sober Token : Ticker $BUZZ
- Divorce-Online Marks 25 Years Transforming Family Law Services in the UK
- Tampa-Based Digital Marketing Agency Launches New Website to Help Local Businesses Grow Online
- Meditech International Inc. and Los Angeles Rams Continue Strategic Partnership to Enhance Athlete Performance and Recovery
- Avantor® to Participate in Bank of America Securities 2025 Health Care Conference
- myb.day Launches New Birthday Gift Shop Filled With Personalized Surprises
- DuoKey to Unveil Encrypted Financial Intelligence Use Case at GISEC Global 2025
- Markzware Announces New Pricing for MarkzPortal
- REALTY ONE GROUP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS, MAY 1st, WITH COMMUNITY GIVING AROUND THE WORLD
- Mission 3A Establishes Healthcare Advisory Board with Addition of Industry Leaders Patrick Fisher, Kevin Cordell, and Dr. Greg Berlet
- SSATI Completes Acquisition of Invex Technology Solutions and ITIC Corporation's Government Support Services
- TACS, LLC Attending 90th NAMA Show in Las Vegas May 7-9, 2025
- New Podcast "Change Cycle" Unpacks the Complexity of Driving Systemic Change Toward a Circular Economy
- Rkaydz Video Game Museum Launches "Acquisition Series"
- Coastguard Nelson (NZ) selects Omnitronics omnicore Express Dispatch - Completing their transition from analog to digital
- First Choice Neurology Partners with NeuroDiscovery AI to Advance Neurological Care and Research