CONEJO VALLEY YMCA. Youth & Government PARENT INFORMATION PACKET

Transcription

1 CONEJO VALLEY YMCA Youth & Government PARENT INFORMATION PACKET Dear Parents, The Conejo Valley YMCA Youth & Government Program, in which your child is participating, is a high quality leadership development program for high school students. The California YMCA Youth & Government Model Legislature and Court is a state-wide program for high school students who have taken the initiative to prepare themselves to take a leadership role in our state's future. The program gives students the opportunity to learn first-hand how our government works by offering a statewide youth educational program involving over 3,000 high school students in a 9 month "hands on" experience culminating in a 5 day trip to Sacramento. The benefits of the Youth & Government Program are outstanding. The students who are involved each year not only gain an education in politics and government, but also grow personally and socially. The program promotes self-esteem by pushing students to set and achieve goals. It stimulates personal growth by encouraging them to make decisions that involve their morals and values. Additionally it offers an arena for fostering companionship and mutual understanding among people from all walks of life. Youth & Government provides a safe and respectful environment which supports the students' role as future leaders of our nation. This packet will provide you with general information about the program. It includes key dates, policies, and our code of conduct. We look forward to another fulfilling year in Y&G! Sincerely, Pat Wallace Lead Advisor C: askmrwallace@gmail.com Zak Howell Program Director C: O: zak.howell@conejoymca.org

2 CALIFORNIA YMCA YOUTH & GOVERNMENT MOTTO: MISSION: Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation We build values-based leadership and civic engagement in California's youth to strengthen our democracy. Adopted by the Board of Directors: March 2010 WHY YOUTH & GOVERNMENT: In California, an informed and participating electorate, which shares a common value system, is crucial for building strong communities. Young people need to understand that they can have an effect on their communities, their state, and their country, through their actions. Youth & Government strives to give youth both the tools and the values, which will empower them to solve problems within the established system of government. Participants in the Model Legislature & Court are provided an arena to test their beliefs, to share their frustrations, to examine their ethics, and broaden their knowledge. WHAT IS YOUTH & GOVERNMENT: The California YMCA Model Legislature & Court is a statewide youth educational program involving more than 3,000 high school students, in a nine-month "hands on" experience. Since its inception, the program has used a variety of activities to build, encourage, and strengthen the character traits that will help high school youth become involved, responsible adults who are respected citizens. The tool used is a high quality experiential and educational simulation based upon California's State government. The program is very comprehensive, and its impact on the youth participants is dramatic. The Model Legislature & Court teaches the values of democracy by creating citizen leaders from a cross section of the State's high school population, providing them with the opportunity to experience government first hand and to learn how to solve community problems through the democratic process. The program also helps develop within these youth an attitude of self help and self confidence for their personal futures. HOW THE MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT PROGRAM WORKS: The program begins in September when 3,000 young people and 300 volunteers at approximately 90 locations throughout the State, meet as individual delegations to discuss issues facing California, as well as ways to implement their solutions through the legislative and judicial processes. During a nine-month period, the teen delegates write bills, prepare briefs, and select governmental positions to role play, attend statewide training conferences, and run for various elected offices. The program reaches its peak in Sacramento at the State Capitol with the convening of the five day Model Legislature & Court each February. There, "real" government moves over and the teen delegates "take over", using the historic halls, chambers, and offices of our State Capitol, Supreme Court, and Governor's Office. California YMCA Youth & Government operates as an independently chartered YMCA. A Board of Directors is responsible for determining policy and directional emphasis of the program. Participation is by YMCA youth delegations being sponsored through local community YMCAs.

3 DELEGATION ADVISORS: CALIFORNIA YMCA YOUTH & GOVERNMENT Delegation Advisors provide leadership to their own local youth delegations in preparing them for their participation in the program. They also accompany their delegation to the various conferences, providing direct supervision to their delegation. Delegation Advisors also assist the Director in conducting the Elections & Training and Model Legislature & Court programs, serving as parliamentarians to Legislative Committees, assisting Deans with supervision, taking elevator duty, manning information desks, and working in the Conference Office during the Model Legislature & Court. Each local YMCA must meet the Governing Board s requirement that each delegation maintain adult to youth ratio of 1-11 or 1-9 for certified advisors, and 1-7 for non-certified advisors. This year, over 300 adult advisors will be involved statewide. All delegations with more than 25 delegates are required to have a professional YMCA staff member, or long term volunteer (4+ years) as part of their delegation. Conejo has both! VOLUNTEER STAFF: Each year the Director of the ML/C program recruits volunteers to serve as staff to particular parts of the program. Over 150 volunteers from throughout the state plan and conduct activities, advise youth delegates on their roles, and in general assist the Director in the operation of the different program areas (i.e. Court, Legislature, Media, Lobbyists, etc.) The volunteer staff includes teachers, college students, attorneys, business executives, YMCA professionals, media experts, and law enforcement personnel. DIRECTOR / STAFF: The President/CEO of California YMCA Youth & Government is employed by the Board of Directors to administer the policies and practices of the program and to act as liaison between local YMCAs and the Board. The President/CEO, in turn, employs a small core staff to conduct the Model Legislature & Court, Model United Nations and other training programs. Currently there are six full-time employees. SCHOOL ABSENCE: In 2008 Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 278 (Lowenthal) into law allowing Youth & Government events to be considered for excused absences from school. The section of the bill relating to Y&G is below and the full text may be found at by searching the education code for section (a) Notwithstanding Section 48200, a pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is: (7) For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance at religious retreats, attendance at an employment conference, or attendance at an educational conference on the legislative or judicial process offered by a nonprofit organization when the pupil's absence is requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board.

4 KEY DATES MEETINGS: Every Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Chaparral Middle School, Moorpark, CA - ROOM 6 Social Hour: 6:00-6:30 PM / Delegation Meeting: 6:30-8:00 PM (PLEASE BE ON TIME) CONFERENCES: November 8-10, 2014: Training & Elections I (BOB I) at Camp Roberts Army National Guard Base near Paso Robles, CA This conference provides an overview of the YMCA Model Legislature & Court for new and returning delegates, with specific training in debate and parliamentary procedure. Returning delegates brush up on their debate skills and attend sessions on value, ethics, and peer pressure. All delegates participate in elections for officers for the program. Attendance is not required in order to attend the Model Legislature & Court. This conference is held over the Veterans Day holiday weekend in November. January 17-19, 2015: Training & Elections II (BOB II) at Camp Roberts Army National Guard Base near Paso Robles, CA All youth and adults who plan to participate in the YMCA Model Legislature & Court in Sacramento must attend this conference. Everyone is trained in his or her roles and the remainder of the officers are elected. This conference is held during the Martin Luther King weekend in January. February 11-16, 2015: California YMCA Model Legislature and Court, Sacramento, CA Nearly 3,000 delegates, advisors, and staff travel to Sacramento to participate in a five-day program that encompasses most aspects of state government. Delegates are privileged to use the actual state legislative and judicial chambers. Youth & Government is the only youth program allowed to use the actual capitol chambers. This program is held over the Presidents Day weekend. PARENTS INFORMATION NIGHTS: MINI BOB: Tuesday, September 23, Program Information at 6:30 PM Tuesday, February 3, Sacramento Information at 6:30 PM at Chaparral Middle School, Moorpark - Location: TBD These meetings are highly encouraged because they provide parents the opportunity to have their questions about the program answered in person by an advisor. October 25 - October 26, Conejo Valley YMCA Mini Bob is a fun weekend bonding experience held at the Conejo Valley YMCA where the kids will be camping on the ball field. This provides them with a great opportunity to learn about the upcoming Training trip and to have practice with different roles. BILL HEARING NIGHT: Tuesday, November 18, Location: TBD - 6:00 PM: All parents are encouraged to come to this events to watch the students present and debate legislation that they hope to take to Sacramento.

5 PAYMENT, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, CANCELLATION, & REFUND POLICIES PAYMENTS: All payments must be paid in full on the date they are due (see PAYMENT SCHEDULE below) Payments will be accepted via auto-draft ONLY. Contact the Program Director for alternate payment arrangements Every registrant must have a Payment Authorization Form, with a valid credit card number or Electronic Transfer agreement on file If payment is not made at the meeting on the due date, the billing method on file will be charged Failure to make payments in full and on time may result in your child being dropped from the Youth & Government program and / or a late fee of $25.00 Payment plans are available, and must be arranged with the Conejo Valley YMCA Program Director at the time of registration Participants who sign-up late must pay all past due fees upon registration PAYMENT SCHEDULE: September 23, 2014* $ ($ if you are applying for assistance**) October 21, 2014 $ November 18, 2014 $ December 16, 2014 $ $1, *Registration is due by this date including applications for financial assistance. This fee includes a $40.00 annual program membership which must be paid by all non-members of the Y. (NEVER REFUNDABLE) **The $ is 75% of the normal $ payment plus a $40.00 program membership. Should you qualify for more than 25% assistance, the amount you have already paid will be distributed across your next payments accordingly. Should you qualify for less than 25%, you are responsible for the balance. REGISTRATION: Please register online at WHAT S INCLUDED: The Youth & Government program does have a high cost associated with it but the fee is directly connected to the expenses that the Y incurs. The following are examples of what your payments are covering: Transportation to & from the Training Conferences (airfare is NOT included - See AIRFARE page) Housing at Training Conferences Meals at both Training Conferences (meals in Sacramento are NOT included) Conference Registration Hotel in Sacramento Delegation Dinner in Sacramento YMCA Staff Time Volunteer Training Program Supplies Sweatshirts

6 PAYMENT, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, CANCELLATION, & REFUND POLICIES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: It is the goal of the YMCA to be affordable to all. The Y desires that no person be turned away because they cannot afford to pay. Financial assistance is made possible by the generous support of members, individuals, foundations, and businesses through our Annual Support Campaign. Financial Assistance applications will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis, so please complete the application and return with it the required documentation as proof of income as soon as possible. CANCELLATIONS / REFUNDS: The application is attached to this packet or can be found online at: All cancelations must be communicated to the Conejo Youth & Government Program Director by the delegate and/or their parent. Because the Y will front the program costs prior to when full payments are due refunds (with approval of the Program Director) are limited and will only be issued on a prorated basis minus a 10% Administrative fee based on the deadline dates below: If Cancellation Occurs Between Amount Paid To End Date Refund Amount After January 4, 2015, no refunds of any amount will be given. Amount Non-Refundable September 23, October 7, 2014 $ $ $35.50 October 8, October 20, 2014 $ $0.00 $ October 21, November 17, 2014 $ $ $ November 18, December 2, 2014 $1, $ $ December 3, December 15, 2014 $1, $0.00 $1, December 16, 2014* - January 4, 2015 $1, $ $1, January 5, End of Program $1, $0.00 $1, *Delegates for whom the YMCA purchased airline tickets that cancel after December 16, 2014 will also be responsible for the additional $ airfare (See Airfare Policy).

7 AIRFARE Delegates and their parents should purchase their own tickets through Southwest Airlines. Upon purchase of the tickets you should receive a confirmation notice. A copy of the confirmation notice must be submitted to the Conejo Youth & Government Program Director prior to December 16, (All delegates / parents who do not submit a Southwest Airlines confirmation by the above deadline will be charged an additional $ to their YMCA account and the Conejo Valley YMCA will purchase the delegate s airfare. Charges for airfare will occur by Friday, December 19, 2014 at the latest). Airline reservations for delegates traveling with the Conejo Valley YMCA Youth & Government to the Sacramento Conference can only be made on the following flights (you must book a round trip flight): PLEASE REMEMBER THAT PASSENGERS OVER 17 MUST HAVE ID WITH THEM TO FLY AND THE NAME ON THE TICKET MUST MATCH THE NAME ON THEIR ID Southwest Airlines DEPARTURE (BUR to SMF) Wednesday, February 11, Minute Flights DEPARTURE TO ARRIVAL LOCATION DEPARTURE TIME FLIGHT NUMBER Burbank (BUR) to Sacramento (SMF) 9:10 AM 429 Burbank (BUR) to Sacramento (SMF) 11:20 AM 3942 Burbank (BUR) to Sacramento (SMF) 1:55 PM 371 Southwest Airlines RETURN (SMF to BUR) Monday, February 16, Minute Flights DEPARTURE TO ARRIVAL LOCATION DEPARTURE TIME FLIGHT NUMBER Sacramento (SMF) to Burbank (BUR) 6:05 AM 439 Sacramento (SMF) to Burbank (BUR) 7:55 AM 284 Reservations can be made online at or by phone at The YMCA is not responsible for errors made during reservations or unexpected costs applied by Southwest Airlines. The delegate and their parent/guardian are responsible for any additional cost or fees incurred during the booking process through Southwest Airlines, including but not limited to cancelations and flight changes. AFTER YOU MAKE THE AIRLINE RESERVATION, YOU MUST FORWARD YOUR CONFIRMATION TO ZAK.HOWELL@CONEJOYMCA.ORG OR YOU CAN PRINT, SCAN, & UPLOAD A COPY OF IT AT

8 HOW DO I REGISTER? STEP 1: Go to STEP 2: Click on YOUTH & GOVERNMENT INFORMATION CLICK HERE STEP 3: Click on Registration for the Program STEP 4: Complete the 4 page registration packet! CLICK 1st Option STEP 5: Upon successfully providing payment information you will receive a Thank you notice as well as a confirmation to the address that you provided on page 1, labeled: Parent Confirmation REMEMBER: On page 3, you need to print, complete, and return the Authorization Form STEP 6: Welcome to the Model Legislature & Court Program! You can now return to step 2 to print any additional forms that you may need!

9 WELCOME TO ALL Application for Financial Assistance THE ESSENCE OF THE Y With a commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the YMCA of Southeast Ventura County ensures that everyone has access to the essentials need to learn, grow, and thrive! EVERYONE IS WELCOME It is the goal of the YMCA to be affordable to all. The YMCA desires that no person be turned away because they cannot afford to pay. Financial assistance is made possible by the generous donations of individuals, foundations, and businesses through our Community Support Campaign. COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY Determining assistance amounts is handled by YMCA branches in a fair and consistent manner. Every YMCA member receives the same membership benefits, regardless of whether or not they receive financial assistance. YMCA members can feel confident knowing that they are a part of an organization that cares greatly for the well-being of all people, and is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICIES Applications not including proof of household annual income AND the Letter of Need / Renewal Reflection explaining your circumstances will not be processed until received. Financial assistance reduces the cost of membership and programs; it does not eliminate them. Financial assistance is typically granted for 3-12 months. Some programs may be approved for less than 3 months. The YMCA requires that individuals and families reapply annually, or when requested, with updated documentation of annual income. Failure to turn in all required documentation will delay the application process. No credits or refunds will be given. If you do not reapply before the date of expiration, your membership or program fees will revert to full price. Membership and program fees are subject to change with a 30-day written notice. Assistance will not be granted for programs that are already priced at a lower rate for Full Members. CONEJO VALLEY YMCA 4031 N. Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks, CA Phone: Fax: info@conejoymca.org MILLER FAMILY YMCA 320 Via Las Brisas Newbury Park, CA Phone: Fax: info@millerymca.org SIMI VALLEY YMCA 3200 Cochran Street Simi Valley, CA Phone: Fax: info@simiymca.org TRIUNFO YMCA La Baya Drive #106 Westlake Village, CA Phone: Fax: info@triunfoymca.org

10 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION CONTACT INFORMATION First Name M.I. Last Name Date of Birth Gender Male Home Address City State Zip Female Phone Number Alternate Phone Address HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION Annual Income Affordability Name of Second Adult / Applicant Date of Birth $ / year. I am able to pay $ per session. Name of Dependent Date of Birth Name of Dependent Date of Birth Name of Dependent Date of Birth Name of Dependent Date of Birth FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CATEGORIES MARK EACH CATEGORY OFFICE USE FULL MEMBERSHIP % EXP YOUTH FITNESS CLASSES % EXP SWIM LESSONS / SWIM TEAM % EXP DAY CAMP: BASE CAMP % EXP DAY CAMP: TRAVEL CAMP % EXP MARK EACH CATEGORY OFFICE USE CAMP SEQUOIA LAKE % EXP ADVENTURE GUIDES % EXP CHILD CARE % EXP YOUTH & GOVERNMENT % EXP OTHER: % EXP APPLICATION CHECK-LIST FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION Completed the information requested above. DOCUMENTATION OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME Attached Form 1040 from most recent year. LETTER OF NEED / RENEWAL REFLECTION Attached letter explaining need for assistance. Applications missing one or more of these components will not be processed. If you are unable to provide tax documentation, contact the Y to discuss alternatives. I certify that the above information is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that I do not have additional income not represented above. I agree, if necessary, to submit additional documentation to support the above statements. I understand and agree to the financial assistance policies as indicated on the reverse side of this application. Name: Signature: Date: