Trending...
- Global Families Turn to Young Travelers Concierge Amid Rising Safety Concerns in the U.S
- Sober.Buzz the Sober Token : Ticker $BUZZ
- Don't Leave Your Body Behind: The New Children's Book Series Helping Kids Move, Feel, and Thrive
Statewide Youth and Government Conference Draws Nearly 400 Students
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. - WisconsinEagle -- 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 Wisconsin Eagle
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 Wisconsin Eagle
"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 Wisconsin Eagle
- Adster Techologies awarded US Patent for breakthrough innovation in reducing latency in Ad Serving
- Robert Fabbio Inducted into the Austin Technology Council Hall of Fame
- Cybersecurity is Protecting Your Personal Information and Your Portfolio
- L2 Aviation Celebrates Grand Opening of New Facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Managing Summer Staffing Surges with Confidence: Why Name Badges Are a Must for Seasonal Success
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 Wisconsin Eagle
- Visa Named Title Sponsor of Ascending Athletes' Business Owners Summits for NFL Entrepreneurs
- The Paris Court of International Arbitration Elects Dr. John J. Maalouf as its New President
- $56.7 Million Announced in Q1 2025 with Revenue Growth and Progress Toward NASDAQ Uplisting for AI Marketing Company: IQSTEL, Inc. Stock Symbol: IQSTD
- When The Call Hits Home Podcast Features Tom Rizzo
- SAVVY MINING raised $500 million and launched BTC.XRP.DOGE cloud mining, increasing investors' returns by 30%
"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
Filed Under: Government
0 Comments
Latest on Wisconsin Eagle
- Austin Keen Joins WakeFX RopePal as Official Brand Ambassador
- Bonelli Systems Expands Managed IT Services Nationwide, Leveraging Microsoft Azure Expertise
- $4.3 Million Patent Application Waiver Fee Granted by FDA on New Drug Application Fee for Treatment Addressing Suicidal Depression & PTSD: NRX Pharma
- Whistleblower Claims Dental Patient Deaths Likely Due to Book Ban
- xREnergy up as much as +3,094,634% on first day listed on the XRP Ledger. Ticker : $XRE
- Psychiatry's Legacy of Racism and Coercion Highlighted in Restraint Deaths
- New Book 'Cybersecurity Leadership' Guides SME Leaders to Make Smart, Strategic Security Decisions
- "Stop scrolling and start watching" - Beloved film recommendation site Criticker gets a major makeover
- Green Energy Solar Expands with New Offices in Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach, and Orlando
- Events by Dubsdread Expands Services to The Venue at Lake Lily
- London Gala Emphasizes Trade, FDI and Ongoing Cooperation
- Sahit Muja Launches Trillion-Dollar Green Revolution with 10 Groundbreaking Cryptos
- Free and Low-Cost Dental Care Now Available in London Through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
- Garden State Gay Socials Turns One: 1st Birthday Celebration for Gay Men Who Want Real Connection
- Sea Fox® 368X "Extreme Edition" by Black Label Marine Group Celebrates 5 Years of the Commander Legacy
- 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