Youth & Government
Washington State YMCAs operate a successful Youth and Government Program. There are two programs that are available, Youth Legislature for grades 6-12 and Mock Trial for grades 6-12.
Youth Legislature
Youth Legislature participants work all year to learn parliamentary procedure and write their own legislation that is later presented to other delegates during a state-wide conference. Teens develop confidence, hone skills in writing, research and public speaking, and better understand their power as citizens in a democratic society. More than 400 youth from across the state of Washington participate in the conference each year!
Mock Trial
Students in Grades 6-8 engage with the legal system and in trial advocacy in a variety of roles, including attorneys and witnesses on both sides of a case, learning both theory and practice of trial practice.
Participants in the program will learn the various roles found in real-life courtrooms in preparation for taking on those same roles themselves at the Mock Trial Championship each Spring. Consistent participation in meetings and completion of occasional at-home assignments is required to compete on the Championship team.