“I hereby call to order this joint session of the Youth General Assembly of Maryland.” These are the words that, for 76 years, have kicked off the Y’s Maryland State Youth & Government three-day Mock Legislative Conference. Last week, over 120 Maryland high school students thankfully heard these words in person in the halls of the Maryland State House in Annapolis, as they ran an impressive, condensed state legislative session.
In preparation, the youth met for weeks with Y program mentors and volunteers to learn about democracy and how to make government function (an increasingly novel concept, I might editorialize). During the session, they elected their leaders, legislated bills, lobbied for those bills, argued their constitutionality, voted, and if passed, wrote them into “law,” all while being covered by a mock press corps.
If politics is truly the “art of the possible,” rest assured that we are in good hands. Some of the mock bills that were signed into law this year included:
- a paid parental leave fund;
- expansion of mixed-income housing developments;
- a Maryland LGBTQ+ bill of rights; and
- drug decriminalization and rehab reform, and more…
Just like our actual elected officials around the state, the Y Youth & Government delegates brought to Annapolis different political views and life experiences. Many of these bills were grown out of personal life experiences, and those that passed were the product of artful compromise.
In addition to the impressive work of these young legislators, there was time “off the clock” in which they could just be themselves. The camaraderie and positivity on display were truly inspiring. They congratulated and celebrated each other’s success, caught up on life, and reveled in the joy of 120 teens from unique backgrounds simply coming together to support each other and build lasting friendships.
As always, thank you to the incredible team of Y volunteers, associates, program mentors, advisors, and students. All of you make us proud and hopeful for the future.
Thanks also goes to Maryland State Senators Cory McCray and Cheryl Kagan for attending the Youth Lt. Governor Banquet and sharing motivating words with the students. Special thanks and recognition to our very own Ryan Novo, the MD Y Youth & Government State Director, Molly Walker, the Y’s Teen Experience Intern, and Executive Director of the Y’s Teem Experience Heather Naviasky. Without their leadership and vision, this year’s program would not have been possible.
In keeping with the legislative tone, until next time, “I hereby declare this joint session adjourned sine die.”
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Y in Central Maryland