Photograph by Mattias De Los Rios
As the Youth and Government (Y&G) program approaches its seventieth anniversary, hardworking and driven students are learning about government systems and working to address current issues within those systems. Y&G provides all students, not just Berkeley High School (BHS) students, with an outlet for their political aspirations and frustrations to be heard, addressed, and validated.
“Y&G is a model legislature and court program that seeks to expose young people to the real systems of state government and provide them a platform to create and discuss relevant issues,” said current Berkeley Y&G President Simelia Rogers, a senior in Berkeley International High School (BIHS).
Delegates have the opportunity to create and eventually debate legislature, engage in mock cases, as well as attend conferences and meet political figures, such as State Senator Nancy Skinner. Within the Berkeley delegation there are ten officers, who plan the agendas for the meetings, arrange guest speakers, and deal with any conflicts that may come up in a meeting. The occasional disagreement, which is both inevitable and personal to many students, occurs when the meetings discuss politics in depth. However, the leaders are well-equipped to handle these situations. Rogers said, “Officers have to be role models, not by being put on a platform, but by leading by example.”
The goal of Y&G is to make sure that young adults stay educated and take political initiative, while in the process being part of a strong, close-knit community. Helena Busansky, a junior in BIHS, said, “I’ve learned how to be comfortable publicly speaking and voicing my opinions in an effective way.”
During last year's annual conference in Sacramento, members debated their proposed legislation, addressing issues like climate change in the chambers of the state capitol, interact with other students, and possibly had their bills signed by the Youth Governor. These conferences provide amazing educational opportunities, as well as chances to forge new friendships. One of the best parts of the conferences, according to Rogers, is the “thrill of follow through.” Whether that is achieved by passing a bill, winning a debate, or getting elected into office, that feeling is what keeps students returning to Y&G year after year.
As Berkeley generally doesn’t have a significant political divide on national issues, neither does Berkeley’s delegation. The current political climate has not had major effects on the Berkeley delegation, considering the program focuses on statewide issues. However, students discuss and write mock legislature addressing issues that they believe are worthy of attention. Rogers says, “People's legislation is fueled by their opinions of current national issues.” As national focus shifts from topic to topic, immigration to taxes, housing to guns, so do the topics addressed in Y&G.
The Berkeley delegation of Y&G is a model for groups throughout California. They have received statewide recognition for their actions to enact change, and there is no doubt that they will continue to do so for years to come.