AL YMCA Youth in Government

Tomorrow-Today Staff

Each year, college students who have participated in Youth Legislature return to assist the new year’s delegates. They are always a huge help and enjoy the job immensely; the best part is meeting new people and getting to know them. There was a dance-off going on between the college staff in which they had 15 seconds to show everyone their best moves.The winner was Daniel Connors featuring vocalist Jessica Christie. Congratulations!

Daniel Connors

By Youth Governor Jonathan Quisenberry:

Welcome to the 62nd annual YMCA Youth Legislature Conference! You are in for a great experience this weekend as we take charge of our state government and learn the lessons of representative democracy. For those of you who don’t know me yet, I am a big John Mayer fan, and I believe he is right when he sings that “one day our generation is going to rule the population.” Our work here this weekend is very important because we are the future leaders of our state and nation.

I can assure you that your Youth Legislature experience will be a great one, if you have adequately prepared yourself for it. In other words, you will get out of this weekend whatever you put into it. I hope that you have worked hard crafting and polishing your bills! I challenge you to look for opportunities to speak in chambers! Step out of your “comfort zone” and participate in the democratic process in every way possible. Learn as much as you can, and have fun doing it. Most importantly, go out of your way to meet new people and build relationships with them. Realize that this opportunity is fleeting and rare, and make the most of it.

I look forward to meeting each of you during the conference. If I can do anything to make your Youth Leg experience better, please let me or any of the other officers know. I challenge all of you to step out of your comfort zone, actively participate each day, and of course, HAVE FUN!

Youth Governor Jonathan Quisenberry met with Governor Bob Riley today to discuss this year’s Youth Legislature.  When asked by Gov. Quisenberry for a piece of advise, Gov. Riley responded with a quote from Davy Crockett:  ” Be always sure you are right - then go ahead.”

Youth Governor Jonathan Quisenberry and Alabama Governor Bob Riley.

Governor Roscoe Anderson speaks at Opening Session

By ELIZABETH VEASEY
Tomorrow-TODAY Co-Editor

The 61st annual Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature Conference is finally here! Our Alabama Youth Governor Roscoe Anderson started off with a quick but meaningful address. He encouraged all individuals involved in the program to “go out of your way and really immerse yourself in the experience of Youth Legislature.” Gov. Anderson also stressed the importance of going the extra mile and meeting new people. From the editors of the press, a warm thank you to the governor for mentioning the Tomorrow Today issues and our newly added blog. The final remarks made by the youth governor were, “Good luck, have fun, and I look forward to seeing you throughout the conference,” which adequately sums up the opening session.

Youth Gov. Roscoe Anderson

When referring to Youth Legislature participants, Speaker of the House Seth Hammett said, “You are here because you are leaders. I would like to encourage you to make the most of your opportunity here and use your leadership abilities to help shape the future of Alabama.” As Speaker Hammett said we are Alabama’s future, but we are also Alabama’s present. This concept is one of the founding principles of the Youth in Government program. Every spring we gather together to learn and become involved in our government while meeting new people from throughout the state. We don’t just convene in the Alabama legislative building to practice for what lies ahead. As leaders, we can make a difference in our own communities and state policies now; we don’t have to wait for anyone to tell us when we are old enough or when it will be our turn. It is my hope that over the course of this weekend, and once you return to your respective communities, you will retain this mindset of impacting those around you in a positive manner.

I also encourage each of you to go beyond your comfort zone and to be proactive in all that you do at this year’s conference. Meet new people from throughout the state. Get up and voice your opinion at least once while in chambers. See what you can do personally to make this year the best Youth Leg experience anyone has ever had. If you do these things, I am confident that you will have a wonderful time at Youth Leg.

Over the last few months I have looked forward to Youth Legislature with great anticipation. I hope you fully immerse yourself in the opportunities this unique program has to offer. I look forward to meeting you over the course of the weekend, and if I can be of any assistance to you throughout the conference, please don’t hesitate to talk with me … let’s have a great conference.