On March 18, the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance held Trenton Advocacy Day to connect local students with New Jersey legislators. The students who are part of the YMCA Youth and Government (YAG) program were able to ask questions, advocate for important issues and learn more about what it means to be a government representative.
“It’s one thing to learn about government in a civics class,” said Alex Martinez, the president and CEO of Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. “It’s totally different to learn from actual practitioners who can tell stories and talk about what it’s like in an elected official’s office on lobbying day and what it’s like to represent New Jersey.”
Advocating for Community Development
An important aspect of the event gave participating youth experience lobbying for issues the Y aims to address. These topics include youth civic engagement and water safety which the Alliance hopes to gain more funding to increase community development programming.
“The mission of Trenton Advocacy Day is to lift up the work we’re doing in the state,” said Julie Gallanty, the CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. “It’s critically important to young people in high school because events like this let them find their voice and learn about what they feel is important. They were really honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to advocate for and support our ask.”
Another way students interacted with local legislators was by presenting awards to representatives who have supported Y initiatives in the past. Gallanty said this was the biggest hit for the five student presenters who are part of the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity YAG program. It was also a highlight for honorees to see future leaders and changemakers’ excitement to be involved.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Gallanty and Martinez emphasized the effect the YAG program and experiences like the Trenton Advocacy Day can have for empowering youth. Especially for teenagers, encouraging civic involvement can change lives.
“A lot of the time, youth are disenfranchised and their voices are discounted — especially if they’re from communities of color,” said Martinez. “You can’t replace the efficacy and sense of accomplishment they feel when they go up to present. I’m sure it’ll stick with them for a long time to come.”
From this event, Gallanty expressed hope to grow the program to increase its reach to different groups of youth. One of the asks is for $1 million to fund the YAG program and expand financial assistance so more students can attend the New Jersey Youth and Government Conference. This year, about 400 students will be participating, but Gallanty hopes with increased financial assistance opportunities, they can bring in a larger number of the 1,000 youth in the program.
“I’m really inspired by the young people and what they’ve gained from this program,” said Gallanty. “We’re collectively committed to expanding the program so that more young people have the opportunity to participate in the YAG program in New Jersey.”
Along with discussing the future of the program, Martinez explained how participation in the program and event inspires students to continue along the path to become the future leaders of their community.
“Public service, when done well, is the best feeling,” said Martinez. “It’s the most noble profession. That’s what we’re trying to instill in them, and that’s what this event and program does. I don’t think you can teach it.”
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