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Youth and Government
We lead with confidence as role models and champions of our shared values. Caring, Honesty, Respect, & Responsibility guide our daily work and decisions. Youth & Government provides an opportunity for Middle School and High School students to develop these core values and learn how to become leaders in their communities. Delegates develop confidence, hone skills in writing, research, and public speaking and better understand their powers as citizens.
At the Y, we believe in the potential of all young people. YMCA Youth & Government fosters the development of civic responsibility, guided by positive adult mentors and peers, to learn about the democratic process. Delegates get to participate in the Youth Legislative Session where they debate with teens from around the state, and assume the role of a statewide officer, such as a Senator, House Representative, Lobbyist, or Journalist. This experience culminates in a four-day Youth Legislative Session at the state Capitol. This capstone experience mimics what professional politicians experience by debating their own bills, advocating for their peers on the House or Senate floor, and engaging with press to share their stories as a Delegate.
To learn more, visit our Washington Youth and Government webpage: WA YAG and nationwide page: National Youth and Government .
First Meeting will be October 14, 2026 at the South Sound YMCA Association Office from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
2026-27 80th Youth Legislative Session
This is an 8-month long program meeting twice each month until December and weekly beginning in January. The program culminates in the 80th Youth Legislative Session held at the State Capitol. Participants must be enrolled in the program from October-May. Financial assistance, fundraising opportunities, and payment plan options are available.
First Youth & Government meeting will be October, 14, 2026.
- Fall Meetings will meet bi-weekly from October – December.
- Spring meetings will meet weekly starting in January.
Meetings are Wednesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
- Most meetings will be held at the SSYMCA Association Office
- District 3 Elections – Saturday, February 6, 2027 at the SSYMCA Association Office
- Leadership Training for Major Officers and Elected Officers – April 16-17, 2027 in Tacoma, WA
- 80th Youth Legislative Session – May 5 – 8, 2027 at the State Capitol
- Note: The 80th Youth Legislative Session is an all day event. Delegates will be excused from school during the Legislative Session
Please note: The $125.00 fee amount shown below is a monthly payment plan charge due on the 15th of each month from November 2026 to April 2027. A $50.00 registration fee is also due at the time of enrollment. The total fee for the 2026-2027 program is $800.00.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Facility Member | Program Member | Community Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/28/26 | 1/8/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 125.00 | $ 125.00 | $ 125.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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10/14/26 - 11/14/26
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$50 |
Register Closes 01/08/2027 |
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11/15/26 - 12/14/26
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Register Closes 01/08/2027 |
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12/15/26 - 01/14/27
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Register Closes 01/08/2027 |
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01/15/27 - 02/14/27
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Register Closes 01/08/2027 |
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02/15/27 - 03/14/27
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Register Closes 01/08/2027 |
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03/15/27 - 04/14/27
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Register Closes 01/08/2027 |
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04/15/27 - 05/08/27
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Register Closes 01/08/2027 |