St. Augustine YMCA Junior Youth in Government program begins

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Middle school students, grades six through eight, motivated to learn more about how our state government works will want to sign up for the St. Augustine YMCA‘s Junior Youth in Government (JYIG) program. Through this program, students have the chance to build leadership skills, gain self-confidence and discover how our government operates. Students learn debate techniques and an experience to remember while working with high school mentors.

St. Augustine middle school students will begin meetings Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm, at the St. Augustine YMCA starting January 7th. Junior Youth in Government also meets at the Ponte Vedra YMCA on Thursdays from 4:30 – 5:30pm.

This student driven program allows students to learn legislative protocol, formulate arguments and practice debate techniques by learning to “debate ideas not people”. They will learn to draft, research and present a bill in order for it to become state law, all while having a good time learning protocol and Robert’s Rules of Order.

Involved senior high school students are routinely rewarded with scholarships, college credit with two years of involvement, community recognition and most importantly the self-awareness and confidence to be leaders. Junior Youth in Government for Middle School students also attend an assembly each year.

The cost of the program is $75 (which includes all materials, tee shirt and an assembly experience at the County Auditorium).

For more information email Tia Loftin, TCraig@firstcoastymca.org or St Augustine YMCA 904-471-9622 ext 8 The state website is www.floridayig.net. YMCA Youth in Government of Florida’s First Coast Facebook page has registration forms available.as well as the St. Augustine YMCA.