Enjoy A Night Of Entertainment And Support Our Delegation At The Same Time!

To purchase tickets call Samantha Doffo at the YMCA at 916-452-9622 ext 132 or email Christiana at cdominguez [at] cslea [dot] com

See you there!

Delegation Bulletin 10 - No Meeting This Week!

If you received an individual scholarship from the Y&G scholarship committee, you should have received from me a blank thank-you note at Bill Hearing Night. The completed thank-you note was due back to me this past week. You need to make arrangements to drop the completed note off at the YMCA as soon as possible.

DEADLINES:

The December payment deadline has passed for both regular and alternative payment schedules. If you have not met your obligation, you must make arrangements to do so/drop off a check at the YMCA BY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 or risk you position in the program. Email me or call Sam Doffo at the Y if you have questions about the amount you owe. (The standard payment due was $200 by last Friday)

January 8 - Final Payment Deadline ($200)

Upcoming Events:
December 17 - NO MEETING
December 19 - Holi-Day Camp at the Y Fundraiser. So far Tucker, Jordan, Airayana, Lawrence, Maribel, Emily, Kymeshia, and Daija have signed up. Want to sign-up? Email me ASAP. If you have signed up already, your attendance is expected or a phone call is required no less than 24 hours in advance.
December 31 - Noon Year's Eve Volunteer event. Jodran, Maribel, Emily, Kymeshia, Lawrence, and Tucker have signed up for this. If you can help, please call Sam at the Y at 916-452-9622 ext 132. Again, if you have signed up already, your attendance is expected or a phone call is required no less than 24 hours in advance.
January 7 - next meeting, 7pm, Board Room. Bring your payments ($200)
January 10 - Antique Fair parking lot fundraiser

Ongoing Events:
Coupon books can still be sold. Sam should be receiving more at the Y today or tomorrow - including additional sales order forms. If you would like to sell more books (and you should be pushing these for the holidays), contact Sam Doffo at 916-452-9622 ext 132

Door to door sales attempts? Have you tried to sell these books to your neighbor? I would suggest that you - accompanied by your parent(s) and NEVER ON YOUR OWN - put on your best dress-code attire and practice your public speaking skills by presenting the product and talking about the program to your neighbors. Heck, you can even adopt an entirely new neighborhood if you'd like. These books won't sell themselves - you need to get out there. Be safe.

Reminders/New for the Week:

1.) I've sent out many individual updates and messages so far today. Please read all of your email and respond/act when required.

2.) Forgetfullness doesn't excuse non-payment of program fees. If you have no expressed financial need and are behind in payments, your grace period for catching up expires at the close of business on Wednesday, December 16. Get your payments in. Yes, you'll need to make a special trip to the Y if you missed last week's meeting or attended the meeting but forgot your payment.

3.) Thank you to the six (out of 15) delegates who signed up for an attended the parking lot fundraiser on Sunday, despite terrible weather and terrible results. Your dedication is noted and appreciated.

4.) See you at our next meeting on January 7. Please watch your email between now and then.

Delegation Bulletin 9

IMPORTANT: If you have any coupon books, or money collected from the sales of coupon books, in your possession - BRING THE BOOKS/MONEY TO THE MEETING THIS WEEK. We need to figure out where a lot of outstanding books are or else we can't get more from the company. You can take them away with you again after the meeting, but we need to know FOR SURE where they are.

Upcoming Deadlines:
December 11 - December $200 payment is due (be smart: bring it to the meeting on Dec 10)
December 11 - Bill Supplement packets due (again, be smart, if you're a bill sponsor, and bring to the Dec 10 meeting)
Various appointed leadership deadlines - see applications. Note any advisor signature requirements.

Upcoming Events:
December 7 - Big Spoon fundraiser
December 9 - alternative Big Spoon fundraiser day for at least the East Sac location
December 13 - Antique Fair parking lot fundraiser/bake sale/etc
December 19 - afternoon childcare fundraiser(? - see below)

Ongoing Events:
Coupon book sales (note reminder at the top of this bulletin)

Announcements:
We're considering organizing an afternoon of childcare at the YMCA as a fundraiser. Parents would pay a set amount for up to 4 hours of supervised activities for their kids so they can go Christmas shopping, etc. Money raised by the event would benefit those delegates who volunteer to work the event. We don't have details yet. Who is interested in helping with this? (Assume it will be an afternoon event. There are no set hours yet). We're looking at Saturday, December 19.

Reminders/News for the Week:

1.) KEEP FUNDRAISING! Coupon book sales are still going on and can through at least Bob II - maybe longer. This is money you can be earning. So go get it. Also, I sent a good number of you information on how to contact elected officials for help with sponsorships. So far, no one has shown me a draft letter.

2.) Thanks to the efforts of your advisors, we have secured an additional $500 in scholarship money. This money will ONLY be distributed to those who have a) completed the YMCA's need application (given out so many times now, I've lost count) AND b) to those who demonstrate fundraising efforts and participation in delegation meetings and events.

If you have not turned in this form yet - it is due at the December 10 meeting. NO EXCEPTIONS.

3.) Thanks for a mostly successful bill hearing night. It was great to see so many parents there and I think our other special guests were impressed by your efforts. We're almost there on getting everyone to show up for meetings on time. As far as I know, only Angelik and Joseth let Patrick or Christiana know about delays in getting to the meeting on time. Other latecomers: you need to let Patrick or Christiana know if you're going to be late.

Important Reminders for the Week!

Short and to-the-point:

1.) California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser tomorrow. See attached flyer [Download it here]: Hope you told everyone you know and encouraged them to enjoy pizza for a good cause!

2.) Big Spoon fundraiser next Monday (Dec 7). These are hard-copy flyers, not electronic ones. They are available at the Y for anyone who would like to grab some to distribute. We'll also have them at the meeting on Thursday.

3.) DRESS CODE MANDATORY FOR THE MEETING ON THURSDAY. If you don't know what this means, you better email me to find out. Don't show up in jeans and sneakers.

4.) BILL HEARING NIGHT IS THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3. Bill Sponsors owe me copies of their bills by 8pm this evening or they will not present their work on Thursday. They may also jeopardize their roles for the conference.

5.) If you have not made your November, $250 payment (and are not on an alternative payment schedule) you better bring a check on Thursday or we will not be able to register you on-time for Bob II and the Sac conference. This will also jeopardize your position in program areas.

6.) If you are on an alternative payment schedule, you should have received an individual update email from me last week. If you can make ANY AMOUNT of payment on Thursday you are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to do so (be it $20 or $100).

7.) Parents are encouraged to attend Bill Hearing Night. Please invite your parents.

Bill Hearing Night is mandatory. Anyone failing to attend without talking to Christiana beforehand (24 hours in advance, barring extreme medical emergency) will NOT be registered for the rest of the program and may not be able to participate any more. We don't want this to happen! We value all of you and want you to complete the program. Please be on time (That's 6:30pm not our usual 7pm!), in Dress Code, and ready to present your best work to our guests.

Questions? Attendance concerns? Call Christiana at 916-508-3299.

More Leadership Opportunities!

Are you ready to REALLY take on a challenge? Here are some more chances to demonstrate your leadership skills and really shine in Y&G!

There are two categories of offices on this nomination form (one link for everything listed below)

(Oh, and these are ELECTED positions, so get ready to run. You can totally do this.)

First, statewide leadership - that means Youth Governor or Secretary of State. You'll need to be around next year to pursue these offices, so no seniors. :(

Second, some great program area leadership roles:
Attorney General (10,11,12 - prior Y&G)
Presiding Justice (10,11,12 - prior Y&G)
District Attorney (10,11,12 - prior Y&G)
NIC Adversary General (yeah, I think they have two forms for this - if you're interested, we'll sort it out. See the other post for qualifications.)
NIC Administrative Clerk (10,11,12 - no prior experience required)
SGT-AT-Arms (Senate/Assembly)(10,11,12 - no prior experience required)
Secretary of the Senate (10,11,12 - no prior experience required)
Chief Clerk of the Assembly (10,11,12 - no prior experience required)
SIP Presiding Commissioner (not sure - contact Christiana if you're interested in this position)

All of these are due December 4 and all require an Advisor signature! Don't delay!

(Note: there are limits on how many people from a delegation can run for particular categories. I don't think we'll hit them, so unless that becomes an issue, it's nothing to worry about.)

Delegation Bulletin 8

NOTE: Many of you have received individual payment updates from me via email today. If you did not receive one from me it is because you are on-time and ahead of schedule.

If you DID receive an update from me please be aware that our registration for the remainder of the conference is due December 4 - one week earlier than our next payment deadline. It would be vastly, seriously, and I'm-not-kidding-ly better for you to attempt to meet payment goals by Bill Hearing Night on December 3.

Everyone can and should be taking advantage of holiday get-togethers to sell coupon books and hit up your relatives for lose change. ;) Wait until after dinner when their defenses are down.

If you need a coupon book as an example or some to sell, contact me by 10 AM WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25.

Upcoming Deadlines
December 4 - Bill deadline
December 4 - Registration for the remainder of conference due - if you need to fundraise, keep this date in mind.
December 4 - MANY applications for leadership positions due - check this website for more info.
December 11 - Bill supplemental information due

Upcoming Events
Dec 1 - Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen - flyers here
Dec 3 - Bill Hearing Night. Delegate attendance mandatory
Dec 7 - Fundraiser at Big Spoon - several locations.

Ongoing Events
Coupon Book sales
Distribute flyers for the California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser!

Announcements
Bill sponsors have assignments from me via email. I expect you to get some work done even if it's a holiday week!

Reminders/News for the Week

1.) FUNDRAISE! Promote fundraisers! Do it for you, for your delegation, for America.

2.) Our next meeting is Bill Hearing Night on December 3. We will begin at 6:30, not at 7pm. Do Not Be Late. Period.

4.) Meeting attendance is required. In the event you cannot attend due to circumstances beyond your control (and you CAN control homework and general studying), you MUST contact Patrick (595-4191) or Christiana (508-3299) prior to the start of the meeting. If you have lost your contact list, pick up a new on at the meeting. Don't assume someone has called on your behalf if you carpool or included your name if they have identified themselves as unable to attend.

Download the CPK Fundraiser flyer here!

Pass this to your friends and family and facebook friends!

Just remember, no mass, anonymous handing-out of flyers or you'll invalidate the fundraiser and that would be :(

Get promoting, y'all!

Live Links to Leadership Applications!

Here are the live links and some important details for upcoming leadership applications. Feel free to email Christiana with any questions. HOWEVER, if you ask a question that would be answered by carefully reading the application, you will not get an answer. Make sure you READ CAREFULLY the entire application!

Permanent Page Form (keep checking back, this one not yet updated)

Governor's Lobbyist Application Form: Due December 4 - Advisor Signature Required! For seniors who were Lobbyists last year.

Governor's Cabinet Application Form: Due December 4 - Advisor Signature Required! Prior Y&G OR proven leadership skills required (hint: that means prior Y&G experience not required if you have an already impressive resume - which I'm sure many of you do).

National Issues Chair Application: Due December 4 - Advisor Signature Required! Note: our delegation can only have one Commission Chair nominee for every 30 delegates - that means our delegation can only have one Commission Chair nominee. If you are interested in applying for this position, you must submit your application to Christiana on or before Bill Hearing Night.

NIC Adversary General Nomination: Due January 8, 2010 - Advisor Signature Required! NIC AG is responsible for either coordinating or delivering the first Con speech for every proposal in the NIC General Assembly. NIC AG will research and prepare or delegate responsibility for reseaching and preparing the Con statements. Also responsible for coordinating four District Adversaries. No prior NIC experience required.

Broadcast Media Application: Due December 4 - Advisor Signature Required! Applicants must also register in another program area because over 100 delegates apply for about 28 spots (this doesn't mean you shouldn't try, however!). Applicants will interview at Bob II. Applicants will not be considered for Broadcast Media if they also apply for another leadership role selected at Bob II. Note: parental signature also required for this application.

Jury Trial Application (note you cannot apply for both Jury Trial Attorney and Supreme Court/Judicial Review - you have to pick one!) Due December 4 - Advisor Signature Required!

Supreme Court/Judicial Review Application: Due December 4 - Advisor Signature Required!

Chief Page Application: Due December 4 - Advisor Signature Required! The ML/C Chief Page will work with the Page Program staff and implement the duties of their office. The Chief Page will create opportunities for fellow delegates to see and participate in every facet of the Youth and Government Program. The Chief Page will plan, organize, assign, manage and appraise their fellow Pages throughout the Y&G Conferences. Prior Y&G experience not necessary.

T&E II Press Corps Application: due at noon at Bob II - to be hand-delivered by you. Advisor Signature Required. Some positions require that you be a senior, some require past Y&G experience, some require past publications/journalism experience - check the description by each position. Lastly - my guess is they have swapped the application requirements for artist and photographer - I would assume photographers must have samples of photos, not drawings. If anyone is interested in those positions, we'll find out.

Most of these forms will open as a Microsoft Word download (Press Corps opens as a pdf). If you cannot open a document, let me know, and I will email one to you in pdf form. You can always download a free Adobe Acrobat pdf reader here. Some also ask for letters of recommendation. If you want an advisor letter of recommendation for an application due December 4, you must request one by November 30 (that's the Monday before the Friday on which applications are due).

Most of these forms require an advisor's signature or other advisor information. Most of them are also due by December 4. This means if you need an advisor signature, you must bring your COMPLETED APPLICATION to Bill Hearing Night on December 3. We can send in your application for you as well.

Congrats to Daija Williams - Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Sunday Magazine

Sacramento Central Delegation congratulates delegate Daija Williams on her selection as co-Editor-in-Chief of the Print Media program's Sunday Magazine. Daija continues our delegation's proud history of accepting the challenge of leadership and diving into Y&G with both feet!

Can't wait to read your magazine, Daija!

Delegation Bulletin 7

The Calendar mistakenly lists this week's meeting as Wednesday. It is NOT on Wednesday. It is at its normal time on its normal day - Thursday at 7pm.

Upcoming Deadlines
December 4 - Bill deadline
December 4 - Registration for the remainder of conference due - if you need to fundraise, keep this date in mind.
December 4 - MANY applications for leadership positions due - see website for details. http://SacCentralDelegation.blogspot.com
December 11 - Bill supplemental information due

Upcoming Events
Nov 18 - Mock Bill Hearing Night.
Dec 1 - Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen
Dec 3 - Bill Hearing Night. Delegate attendance mandatory
Dec 7 - Fundraiser at Big Spoon (tentative)

Ongoing Events
Coupon Book sales
Distribute flyers for the California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser!

Announcements
Bill sponsors should be ready to present their bills this week and answer questions from the rest of the delegation. This means bringing your research and other background material with you. This, in turn, means you should HAVE some research and background material.

A big THANK YOU to all delegates for arriving on-time on Friday and for being picked up on-time on Sunday. Your advisors appreciate it!

Reminders/News for the Week

1.) Bill groups should be writing actual language this week and should know roughly where in California Code their proposals would live. A hint for most groups: look up the Penal Code.

2.) Bring your calendar or planner to all meetings!

3.) Would you like to invite a VIP to our Bill Hearing Night? A principal, school counselor, advisor, teacher, or community leader? If so, please provide names and addresses by November 18.

4.) Meeting attendance is required. In the event you cannot attend due to circumstances beyond your control (and you CAN control homework and general studying), you MUST contact Patrick (595-4191) or Christiana (508-3299) prior to the start of the meeting. If you have lost your contact list, pick up a new on at the meeting. Don't assume someone has called on your behalf if you carpool or included your name if they have identified themselves as unable to attend.

Bob I Packing List And Parent Letter

Did you lose yours? Need to double check what to pack?

Click here for the Bob I survival guide.

Click here for the parent letter.

Control your role assignment, add leadership to your college applications

UPDATE: Use the live links found here instead of below!!!!!!

Apply for these leadership positions! You'll learn more about them at Bob I. All are due December 4 (some of the links below will be updated - so check back if your desired job isn't listed in the drop-down menu).

Permanent Page Form
Governor's Lobbyist Application Form
Governor's Cabinet Application Form
National Issues Chair Application
NIC Adversary General Nomination
Broadcast Media Application
Jury Trial Application
Supreme Court/Judicial Review Application
Chief Page Application

Delegation Bulletin 6 - Ready to Meet Bob?

Remember: this week's meeting is mandatory for delegates. Please be on time. We will run an efficient meeting from 7pm to 8pm so that everyone can get home to finish packing and get a good night's sleep (especially your advisors).

Upcoming Deadlines

November 12 - $250 payment deadline

(mandatory for conference attendance without prior Y approval for alternate plans. NO EXCEPTIONS)

December 4 - Bill deadline

December 4 - Registration for the remainder of conference due - if you need to fundraise, keep this date in mind.

December 4 - MANY applications for leadership positions due - click here for details.

December 11 - Bill supplemental information due

Upcoming Events

Nov 12 - Last regular meeting before Bob I - Attendance is mandatory.

Nov 18 - Mock Bill Hearing Night.

Dec 1 - Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen

Dec 3 - Bill Hearing Night. Delegate attendance mandatory

Dec 7 - Fundraiser at Big Spoon (tentative)

Ongoing Events

Coupon Book sales

Distribute flyers for the California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser!

Announcements

As a delegation, we raised over $1200 last weekend between the Auction and the Antique Fair. Well Done! We appreciate everyone's participation. Did you miss out on fundraising opportunities? There are still coupon books to sell - which make great holiday gifts!

Tentative upcoming meeting agendas:

Nov 12 - Prepare for the first conference; full bill debates and final preparation for Bill Hearing Night!

Reminders/News for the Week

1.) Bill groups should be writing actual language this week and should know roughly where in California Code their proposals would live. A hint for most groups: look up the Penal Code.

2.) Bring your calendar or planner to all meetings!

3.) Last week, we offered prizes to those who read the Bulletin and replied. Out of 22 delegates, only 5 replied. Not good. This week - do better. This week, reply by telling me what time you should arrive at the YMCA on Friday morning. Your prize? You get a sweatshirt and you get to go to a conference.

4.) Departure time for Friday morning is 3:30am. Do not, however, wait until 3:30 am to arrive. Plan to arrive at 3am. An El Dorado advisor will be at the YMCA to check you in (your advisors have luggage duty in El Dorado Hills). Your parents must remain at the YMCA until you have been checked in by an advisor. Please do not park in the lower parking lot as the buses need room to maneuver.

5.) Don't forget to pack some pens and a highlighter for the conference. A notebook or pad of paper can be helpful as well.

6.) The buses will stop for breakfast on the way to the conference and stop for lunch on the way home. We recommend you bring some pocket money to buy food. Of course, you can always pack a breakfast to bring with you on Friday

7.) Other delegations will be selling items at the conference (like food, sodas, t-shirts, tote bags, etc). These are optional for purchase and certainly not required. If you might want to buy anything, however, bring some extra pocket money for that. You do NOT, however, need money for anything at the conference - all meals there will be provided to you. See your schedule for menus. Vegetarian food is available.

8.) Would you like to invite a VIP to our Bill Hearing Night? A principal, school counselor, advisor, teacher, or community leader? If so, please provide names and addresses by November 18.

9.) Meeting attendance is required. In the event you cannot attend due to circumstances beyond your control (and you CAN control homework and general studying), you MUST contact Patrick (595-4191) or Christiana (508-3299) prior to the start of the meeting. If you have lost your contact list, pick up a new on at the meeting. Don't assume someone has called on your behalf if you carpool or included your name if they have identified themselves as unable to attend.

Meeting Location And Time Changes for Nov 5!

The meeting will be start at 6:45pm tomorrow instead of 7pm.

The meeting will also be held in the TEEN CENTER in the main building of the YMCA (ask the front desk for directions) instead of our usual Board Room location due to last minute Auction preparations taking place there.

YMCA Financial Need Application: Required for Grant Awards

Our departure for the first conference is swiftly approaching. We've had tremendous success this year already by adding more delegates and running more productive, and I hope more fun, weekly meetings. Sam, Rob, and I are very proud of what we've accomplished so far this year and we expect it to continue and improve (we have really high expectations, have you noticed?)

I'm pleased to inform you that the Y&G Scholarship Committee has awarded our delegation $250 towards the fees for the first conference and $1700 towards the fees for the remaining conferences in grant money to support our mission of ensuring that everyone who puts in the work and demonstrates the dedication is able to participate in Y&G.

Many of you have also taken advantage of the program's individual scholarship program. The committee deciding that award does not meet until November 20 - so if you have applied, expect to hear back at the end of November or beginning of December.

As we have discussed previously, everyone has the opportunity to participate in delegation fundraisers regardless of demonstrated financial need or financial hardship.

In awarding the grant money given to us by the Y&G scholarship committee, however, it is important for us to also take into account demonstrated financial need - along with meeting attendance and participation, fundraising attendance and efforts, and dedication to the delegation as a whole.

Available here to download is the YMCA's standard financial need application. Note: This is NOT a separate award for which to apply. This is a generic application we would like to collect from those wishing to demonstrate eligibility for the grant money we have received. You'll note that some of the application's information or questions may not apply to our program - you can leave those areas blank. Clearly, we're not using this information to determine membership discounts, nor do you need to be concerned with the "what programs are you applying for" section on the back, since this isn't about camp, sports, or swim lessons.

You do need to fill out the family member and income information and provide the requested documents.

You have until Friday, November 6 at 5pm to submit this information. If you are attending the Auction, you may submit it to Christiana at the Auction until 7pm. I will have extra copies of the application at the meeting on Thursday as well if you cannot print out the attachment. That won't leave you much time to complete it, however, so keep that in mind.

We encourage you, however, to bring this to the meeting on Thursday.

If you have questions or concerns about this application YOU or a parent MUST CALL CHRISTIANA ASAP at 916-508-3299. Otherwise, I will expect to see applications from those who have expressed financial need and requested accommodations thus far this year.

Thank you for a great year and a great program.

Delegation Bulletin 5 - Countdown to the first conference!

Remember: this week's meeting is mandatory for delegates and encouraged for parents. The meeting this week STARTS AT 6:45PM not at 7pm. Please arrive on time. We will not wait for late-comers and you'll miss important information. The second half of the meeting we will continue to work in bill groups. Bill sponsors and group members should be bringing in outside research and information this week: we're past the brain storming stage now!

Upcoming Deadlines

November 12 - $250 payment deadline

(mandatory for conference attendance without prior Y approval for alternate plans. NO EXCEPTIONS)

Upcoming Events

Nov 5 - First Conference planning meeting. Attendance is mandatory. Parents are invited to attend to learn more about our conferences.

Nov 6 - Sold On Youth Auction 5:30pm-8:00pm at Sac State Ballroom (BIG MONEY FUNDRAISER)

Nov 8 - Antique Fair Parking Lot Fundraiser

Nov 12 - Last regular meeting before Bob I - Attendance is mandatory.

Nov 18 - Bill Hearing Night. Parents are welcome. Delegate attendance mandatory

Dec 1 - Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen (tentative)

Dec 3 - POSS SCHEDULE CHANGE: we may hold Bill Hearing Night on Dec 3 instead of Nov 18 depending on room availability at City Hall. Please keep BOTH dates open.

Dec 11 - Fundraiser at Big Spoon (tentative)

*Note on Mandatory Events: Even if you think you have an ongoing exception from Patrick or Christiana about missing regular meetings, that exception DOES NOT APPLY to the Nov 5, 12, and 18 meetings. You will need to speak to Christiana separately about these meetings if you have a specific, valid reason for being unable to attend. Very few excuses will be accepted.

Ongoing Events

Raffle ticket sales (you have until Friday to sell them! Call Sam if you want to pick up tickets this week to sell: 916-452-9622 ext 132. If you have tickets you have checked out but not sold, please bring them back on Thursday)

Coupon Book sales

Announcements

Tentative upcoming meeting agendas:

Nov 5 - Prepare for the first conference; bill groups will present any changes to their bills

Nov 12 - Prepare for the first conference; full bill debates and final preparation for Bill Hearing Night!

Auction Details: Those wishing to attend the Auction on Friday must arrive at the Ballroom at Sacramento State by 5:45pm and plan to stay until about 8:15pm. If you need a parking pass, email Sam to let her know: sdoffo at sacymca dot org.

Reminders/News for the Week

1.) Bill groups should be writing actual language this week and should know roughly where in California Code their proposals would live. A hint for most groups: look up the Penal Code.

2.) Meeting attendance is required. In the event you cannot attend due to circumstances beyond your control (and you CAN control homework and general studying), you MUST contact Patrick (595-4191) or Christiana (508-3299) prior to the start of the meeting. If you have lost your contact list, pick up a new on at the meeting. Don't assume someone has called on your behalf if you carpool or included your name if they have identified themselves as unable to attend.

Absences may count against you when choosing role selection and may preclude your continued participation in the program. Last week's attendance was great - thank you!

3.) Save your self and your advisors considerable stress by getting your payments in on-time or even early. We don't want to leave anyone behind when we head to Bob I on November 13th. Remember: have a parent call Samantha Doffo at 916-452-9622 ext 132 if you have continuing or changing payment concerns. We can only assist with problems about which we are informed! It's better to make ANY payment ($50 a week? $20 a week?) than none at all.

4.) Meeting Check-in Process: Upon arriving at meetings, delegates should first check the side table for any sign-up forms, handouts, or other information. CELL PHONE POLICY: Beginning Oct 15, delegates must turn off their phones (vibrate-mode is not the same as turned-off!) and leave them on the side table for the duration of the meeting. Delegates are not permitted to make or answer calls or texts during the meeting. This policy ensures an efficient, respectful meeting and allows us to continue with an hour-format for our meetings. Exceptions to this policy are granted only in legitimate, medical emergencies. Otherwise, everyone can survive for an hour. (This policy extends to the wearing of headphones/ear pieces/or blue tooth equipment. All are prohibited during the meeting.)

4a.) Are you reading your bulletins? Reply by email saying "I read it!" and receive a prize at this week's meeting.

5.) Bring your calendar or planner to all meetings!

Press Corp Leadership Application Now Available!

Do you work on your high school newspaper? Have any experience with publications in the past? Writing? Producing? Design? Want to add some extra to your Y&G experience and enhance your college applications even more?

Consider applying for a leadership position in the print media program! Most positions do not require previous Y&G experience (though some do, and some prefer it). If this is your first year in the program, don't take yourself out of the running - give it a shot!

Click here to download the application. Applications are due when we arrive to Bob I.

Delegation Bulletin 4

Upcoming Deadlines

Oct 30 - Political Parties program area application due. See http://www.calymca.org/parties for more info or talk to Christiana.

November 12 - $250 payment deadline (mandatory for conference attendance without prior Y approval for alternate plans. NO EXCEPTIONS)

Upcoming Events

Nov 5 - First Conference planning meeting. Attendance is mandatory. Parents are invited to attend to learn more about our conferences.

Nov 6 - Sold On Youth Auction 5:30pm-8:00pm at Sac State Ballroom (BIG MONEY FUNDRAISER)

Nov 8 - Antique Fair Parking Lot Fundraiser

Nov 12 - Last regular meeting before Bob I - Attendance is mandatory.

Nov 18 - Bill Hearing Night. Parents are welcome. Delegate attendance mandatory

*Note on Mandatory Events: Even if you think you have an ongoing exception from Patrick or Christiana about missing regular meetings, that exception DOES NOT APPLY to the Nov 5, 12, and 18 meetings. You will need to speak to Christiana separately about these meetings if you have a specific, valid reason for being unable to attend. Very few excuses will be accepted.

Ongoing Events

Raffle ticket sales (sell 20 tickets and meet your Nov 12 payment; sell 52 tickets and your program is paid for)

Coupon Book sales

Announcements

Tentative upcoming meeting agendas:

Oct 29 - Groups will present their first draft bills and be prepared to debate them. Need guidance on what information to gather before Thursday? Check here: http://saccentraldelegation.blogspot.com/2009/10/bill-writing-101.html

Nov 5 - Prepare for the first conference; bill groups will present any changes to their bills

Nov 12 - Prepare for the first conference; full bill debates and final preparation for Bill Hearing Night!

California Pizza Kitchen and Big Spoon fundraisers: we've contacted these businesses and they have sent us the material we need to proceed with scheduling fundraisers. We'll have more information on Thursday. These should be fun and tasty events!

Reminders/News for the Week

1.) Meeting attendance is required. In the event you cannot attend due to circumstances beyond your control (and you CAN control homework and general studying), you MUST contact Patrick (595-4191) or Christiana (508-3299) prior to the start of the meeting. If you have lost your contact list, pick up a new on at the meeting. Don't assume someone has called on your behalf if you carpool or included your name if they have identified themselves as unable to attend.

Absences may count against you when choosing role selection and may preclude your continued participation in the program. We've had great attendance so far, but last week NINE people were absent and only one person notified Christiana in advance. That's not cool.

2.) Save your self and your advisors considerable stress by getting your payments in on-time or even early. We don't want to leave anyone behind when we head to Bob I on November 13th. Remember: have a parent call Samantha Doffo at 916-452-9622 ext 132 if you have continuing or changing payment concerns. We can only assist with problems about which we are informed! It's better to make ANY payment ($50 a week? $20 a week?) than none at all.

3.) Meeting Check-in Process: Upon arriving at meetings, delegates should first check the side table for any sign-up forms, handouts, or other information. CELL PHONE POLICY: Beginning Oct 15, delegates must turn off their phones (vibrate-mode is not the same as turned-off!) and leave them on the side table for the duration of the meeting. Delegates are not permitted to make or answer calls or texts during the meeting. This policy ensures an efficient, respectful meeting and allows us to continue with an hour-format for our meetings. Exceptions to this policy are granted only in legitimate, medical emergencies. Otherwise, everyone can survive for an hour. (This policy extends to the wearing of headphones/ear pieces/or blue tooth equipment. All are prohibited during the meeting.)

4.) Bring your calendar or planner to all meetings!

Important Upcoming Events

There are four MANDATORY MEETINGS/DEADLINES coming up:

November 5: Delegates are required to attend – and their parents are invited and encouraged to attend – this meeting to learn about our first conference for the year: Training and Elections Conference I. We will spend approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the meeting discussing the conference, travel, and answering questions. The remainder of the meeting will be spent discussing and debating bill proposals.

November 12: Delegates are required to attend the final meeting before we depart BRIGHT AND EARLY the following morning for the conference. This meeting is important for two reasons: 1) notifying delegates of any last-minute changes and answering any last-minute questions and 2) continuing with our bill group work since the next meeting will be our Bill Hearing Night.

Note: November 12 is also the deadline for the next $250 payment.

Delegates who do not attend the November 5 and November 12 meetings and do not make the $250 payment WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE BUS FOR THE CONFERENCE.

(Meeting absences will be excused only if signed note from a parent is provided. Alternative payment plans are granted only by Samantha on a case-by-case basis. Forgetting to attend a meeting, forgetting to provide a timely payment, or forgetting to have a parent call to make alternative arrangements will not be excused and you will not be permitted to attend the conference.)

November 18: Bill Hearing Night! This will be a special meeting at which we will select which of our bills will be presented at the final conference in Sacramento. Parents will be invited and encouraged to attend. Delegate attendance is mandatory. Delegates will also need to attend in dress code. This meetings will start at 6:30, not at our normal 7:00 pm meeting time.

Delegation Bulletin 3

Lots of information here - please take the time to READ IT ALL and act on it accordingly!

Upcoming Deadlines

Oct 30 - Political Parties program area application due. See http://www.calymca.org/parties for more info or talk to Christiana.

November 12 - $250 payment deadline (mandatory for conference attendance without prior Y approval for alternate plans. NO EXCEPTIONS)

Upcoming Events

Oct 24 - Halloween Volunteer Event at the Y (Sam needs more help! Note, this is not a fundraiser per say, but participation and volunteerism will be considered when awarding limited scholarship funds.)

Nov 5 - First Conference planning meeting. Attendance is mandatory. Parents are invited to attend to learn more about our conferences.

Nov 6 - Sold On Youth Auction 5:30pm-8:00pm at Sac State Ballroom (BIG MONEY FUNDRAISER)

Nov 8 - Antique Fair Parking Lot Fundraiser

Nov 12 - Last regular meeting before Bob I - Attendance is mandatory.

Ongoing Events

Raffle ticket sales (sell 20 tickets and meet your Nov 12 payment; sell 52 tickets and your program is paid for)

Coupon Book sales

Announcements

Bill Hearing Night is currently scheduled for Thursday, November 19 from 6:30-8:00pm. This is the meeting immediately following Bob I. Bills are due on December 4 and Nov 19 is our only real shot at a meeting that leaves us time to revise before bills are due.

ATTENDANCE AT BILL HEARING NIGHT IS MANDATORY.

To prepare for this meeting, we're going to spend the meetings between now and then accomplishing a lot of work on our bills. Here's a tentative schedule:

Oct 22 - Final day to introduce new ideas - bring them all to the table! We'll divide into bill groups and go over parliamentary procedure.

Oct 29 - Groups will present their first draft bills and be prepared to debate them.

Nov 5 - Prepare for the first conference; bill groups will present any changes to their bills

Nov 12 - Prepare for the first conference; full bill debates and final preparation for Bill Hearing Night!

Reminders/News for the Week

1.) Save your self and your advisors considerable stress by getting your payments in on-time or even early. We don't want to leave anyone behind when we head to Bob I on November 13th. Remember: have a parent call Samantha Doffo at 916-452-9622 ext 132 if you have continuing or changing payment concerns. We can only assist with problems about which we are informed! It's better to make ANY payment ($50 a week? $20 a week?) than none at all.

2.) BILL IDEAS: we've had some great bill ideas discussed in our meetings already. This week, be ready to be divided into bill groups. Haven't brought up your idea yet? It's not too late! Come with something on Thursday and pitch it to the delegation. If you've already brought an idea to the table, you should spend some time before Thursday's meeting looking up some initial research. Click here for a list of questions you'll need to be able to answer and that will help guide your research.

3.) Paperwork: THANK YOU! We have nearly 100% of your paperwork submitted. Just a few stragglers to go and we'll be all set. Good work!

4.) Meeting Check-in Process: Upon arriving at meetings, delegates should first check the side table for any sign-up forms, handouts, or other information. CELL PHONE POLICY: Beginning Oct 15, delegates must turn off their phones (vibrate-mode is not the same as turned-off!) and leave them on the side table for the duration of the meeting. Delegates are not permitted to make or answer calls or texts during the meeting. This policy ensures an efficient, respectful meeting and allows us to continue with an hour-format for our meetings. Exceptions to this policy are granted only in legitimate, medical emergencies. Otherwise, everyone can survive for an hour. (This policy extends to the wearing of headphones/ear pieces/or blue tooth equipment. All are prohibited during the meeting.)

5.) Bring your calendar or planner to all meetings!

6.) Kudos to everyone who took the initiative to complete Individual Scholarship Applications. We appreciate your efforts and your getting everything in on time!

7.) Remember: If you are interested in the Treasurer or Secretary positions, you need to submit your statement of interest to Patrick by Tuesday evening (smithpat1992 at yahoo dot com) And be prepared to arrive at the Y early on Thursday!

Bill Writing 101

Do you have a bill idea you'd like to discuss and pursue this year? If so, here's a guide for your research.

If you've already brought up an idea at a past meeting, you should be able to answer these questions this week. If you have a new idea to bring to the table, you should also be prepared to answer these questions.

Bill Writing Questions:

1. What is the topic of your bill?

2. How did you think of this bill?

3. Have you looked up legislation already written on this topic?

- www.leginfo.ca.gov

4. Is there legislation already in place on your topic?

- If so, does your legislation ADD to what exists? Does it REPEAL what exists? Does it AMEND what exists?

5. In what section of the California Code would your bill live?

- Check www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw for a list of codes

5. Who might support your bill?

6. Who might oppose your bill? Why?

7. List the websites and other sources you used in your research.
Have questions? Leave a comment below or email your delegation leadership/advisors.

And the winner is!

Meet your new sweatshirt!

Sweatshirt Design Ideas!

Our delegation sweatshirt design must be to the printers by Friday at 8:00am! Time to come up with some good ideas. Here's an initial idea with two variations. Note that we're limited to two colors printed on a burgandy background, the shirt must include the Y&G and Capital Coalition logos, and must comply with the printer's technical specifications. Bring your ideas to the meeting Thursay - Last Chance!!!

School House Rock/I'm Just A Bill 1

School House Rock/I'm Just A Bill 2

License Plate - Note: Not up to full technical specification, may not be possible; would be limited to 2 colors.

Freeway Sign - Note: Not up to full technical specification, may not be possible; would be limited to 2 colors.

A Bug's Life font; Xanadu font; Collegiate font; License Plate font (click to enlarge) - Note: believed to meet technical specifications, but not confirmed.

More fun fonts (click to enlarge) - Note: believed to meet technical specifications, but not confirmed.

Be prepared to rank your choices and remain flexible due to technical requirements imposed by printer and technical limitations of your advisors.

Delegation Bulletin #2

Upcoming Deadlines

Oct 15 Paperwork! (see item 4 below)

Oct 15 Sweatshirt Design due to printers (SUBMIT IDEAS NOW!)

Oct 16 Individual Scholarship Deadline (REQUIRES ADVISOR SIGNATURE)

Nov 12 $250 payment deadline (mandatory for conference attendance without prior Y approval for alternate plans. No Exceptions)

Upcoming Events

Oct 24 Halloween Volunteer event at the Y

Nov 6 Sold On Youth Auction (BIG MONEY FUNDRAISER)

Nov 8 Antique Fair Parking Lot Fundraiser

Ongoing Events

Raffle ticket sales

Coupon book sales

Announcements

Keep the bill ideas coming. Now is the time to start your preliminary research as well. Next week we will divide into bill groups.

Reminders

1.) Two payment deadlines have now passed and each delegate is responsible for having paid $300 for the program so far. Remember, you can meet that requirement in two ways: first, with a check; second, through your fundraising activities. If you have spoken to me regarding payment concerns, please remember: it is better to make ANY payment ($50?) than to make no payment at all. Making some level of payment will demonstrate to the YMCA that you are dedicated to the program. It's a "putting your money where your mouth is" showing of good faith. Again, we understand that in some cases, even $20 is impossible for some families. If this is you and your family, you MUST have a parent contact Sam Doffo at the YMCA to discuss the situation. 916-452-9622 ext 132. Don't delay!

2.) Bring your calendar or planner to meetings to record events and deadlines.

3.) If you sign up for an event but are unable to attend at the time you said you would or at all, you MUST contact Patrick, Chelsea, or Christiana at least 24 hours in advance. Unexcused absences may count against you when it comes to dividing fundraising proceeds and selecting program roles.

4.) ALL PAPERWORK is due at the next meeting. Did you lose yours? Download here. NOTE: do not return the entire parent packet. There is information there designed for your reference throughout the program. Return only forms requiring a signature. Delegates must submit the Delegation Contract, Medical Release Form, Code of Conduct, and Payment policy by Oct 15 or jeopardize their place in the program.

5.) Meeting Check-in Process: Upon arriving at meetings, delegates should first check the side table for any sign-up forms, handouts, or other information. CELL PHONE POLICY: Beginning Oct 15, delegates must turn off their phones (vibrate-mode is not the same as turned-off!) and leave them on the side table for the duration of the meeting. Delegates are not permitted to make or answer calls or texts during the meeting. This policy ensures an efficient, respectful meeting and allows us to continue with an hour-format for our meetings. Exceptions to this policy are granted only in legitimate, medical emergencies. Otherwise, everyone can survive for an hour. (This policy extends to the wearing of headphones/ear pieces/or blue tooth equipment. All are prohibited during the meeting.)

Need Forms? Click the link below!

Click here for a list of forms and information to download, including the Individual Scholarship Application that is due OCTOBER 16 and that MUST BE SIGNED BY AN ADVISOR.

IMPORTANT: All forms requiring a parent signature MUST be turned in at the next meeting on October 15. Also, payments were due Sept. 25 ($100) and Oct. 9 ($200). If you have not made one or both payments, you need to contact Samantha Doffo at the YMCA (916-452-9622 ext 132) ASAP to discuss your payment situation or risk jeopardizing your place in the program.

We understand it is a difficult time for most families. You can help the Y help you by making whatever payment you can afford as soon as possible, even if it is $20. Also, coupon books and raffle tickets are available for you to sell to raise money. This will not only help you with funds but also demonstrate to the YMCA that you are dedicated to the program and fundraising efforts.

Delegation Bulletin #1

Greetings, Sac Central Delegation! Here are some notes and reminders for the coming week:

Upcoming Deadlines

Oct 9 - Payment #2 ($200)

Oct 9 - Registration for the first conference due - we can't register you without your paperwork!

Oct 9 - Elected and Appointed official applications due

Oct 15 - Sweatshirt design deadline

Oct 16 - Individual Scholarship Applications due

Upcoming Events

Oct 11 - Parking lot fundraiser

Oct 24 - Halloween Volunteer event at the Y

Nov 6 - Sold on Youth Auction at Sac State (HUGE fundraising opportunity!)

Ongoing Events

Raffle ticket sales

Coupon book sales

Announcements

Bring more bill ideas to the meeting this week. In the next few weeks, we'll move from general discussions to researching bill ideas. It's never too soon to start using the internet to guide your research.

Reminders

1.) IMPORTANT: If you sign up for an event, such as the College Application Workshop, but can't make it, it's very important that you let Christiana know. On Saturday, two delegates enjoyed a nearly-private tutoring session on how to get into college, but the other 4 delegates who signed up neither showed up nor let anyone know. This is disrespectful to the volunteers who give their time to enrich your Y&G experience. Attendance at events aside from meetings and conferences is never mandatory, but if you sign up, you show up. In the future, unexcused absences will be considered when it comes time to award group scholarship money and select program areas. The 4 absentees this week get one-time-only pass because we'll use this email and the next meeting to make sure you know how to get a hold of someone in case of an absence.

Contact information (translate email addresses which are spelled out to avoid spam coming to us):

Lead Advisor Christiana Dominguez - cell 916-508-3299, email cdominguez at cslea dot com (email notice only valid if received at least 24 hours in advance of event)

Delegation President Patrick Smith - cell 916-595-4191, email smithpat1992 at yahoo dot com (same policy)

Delegation Vice President Chelsea Dascher - cell 916-203-9855, email ccdascher at yahoo dot com (same policy)

Samantha Doffo (Y Liaison) - 916-452-9622 ext 132

2.) Bring your sweatshirt designs to the next meeting! We need to choose one and have time to work with the printers!

3.) Bring your calendar or planner to meetings so you can be aware of potential conflicts when we schedule additional fundraisers and events.

4.) Remember to check the delegation website after and between meetings for updates and announcements. We'll also post downloadable versions of forms in case you lose any after a meeting. http://SacCentralDelegation.blogspot.com

5.) BRING BACK YOUR SIGNED PAPERWORK. Registration for the first conference is due next week. We cannot register delegates who have not turned in their signed: Delegation Contract; Medical Release Form; Code of Conduct; Payment Policy. Don't get left behind!

College Application Workshop: Free and Open for Delegates, Friends

On Saturday, October 3, Sac Central Delegation will host a FREE college application workshop for delegates, friends, and any interested students in the area. Learn more about the UC application process, get advice on those tricky personal essays, and get your burning application process questions answered. The event is tentatively scheduled to being at 1pm and will last approximately 2 hours. Check back for updates. Want to attend? Leave us your name and email address in the comments section so we'll have enough materials. More questions? Leave those in the comment section too!

Check out our Facebook invite too and join our FB Group today!

Sac Central Parents' Night A Success!

Dozens of parents and delegates convened at the Sacramento YMCA last Thursday for delegation's Parents' Night. Thanks to the outreach efforts of delegates, advisors, and the Y, we welcomed several new families into the exciting world of Y&G. A lot of information was dispensed in a short amount of time, but the meeting ended with several new delegates officially taking the plunge into the program and enthusiastic parents offering more help with recruiting.

If you missed Parents' Night, you can download this year's Parent Packet here in pdf format.

Missing a specific form?
Click on the following forms to download:
Code of Conduct
Emergency Release and Medical Information
Individual Scholarship Application
(due October 16; needs Advisor signature!)
Sac Central Delegate Contract

See you at our next meeting, this Thursday, October 1 in the Board Room at the Y! Bring your forms and, if you haven't turned it in yet, your first, $100 payment.

New(er) Brochure available for download!

Click here for the latest version of the Sac Central brochure. Share it with your friends!

Meeting Tonight! Sept 17 at 7pm - YMCA Board Room

It's our second meeting and the last before next week's big Parents' Night meeting! If you've been thinking "hey, I feel like I need some handouts and paperwork to fill out," well, your time is coming.

We'll be meeting in the Board Room this evening. You can access it via the lower parking lot (right before the train tracks). Ask the front desk if you need further directions!

See you tonight!

****DATE CHANGE!!!**** Meetings Start September 10!

Due to the sports and class schedules of many current delegates, Sac Central will now be meeting on Thursdays at 7pm at the YMCA. This means our intro meetings will be on Sept 10 and 17 and our Parents' Night will be on Sept 24.

See you then!!!

Meetings Begin September 9!

Join us at the Sacramento YMCA each Wednesday at 6:30pm starting September 9 for this year's Youth & Government program.

Our first Parents' Night will be Wednesday September 23!

Check back for more updates and we'll see you soon.

E-Waste Fundraiser! Clean Your Garage, Help A Cause!

Click to enlarge, check out the details, print, and share!

Root, Root, Rooting for the Home Team!

A good turn-out for last week's River Cats game and a fine time had by all as the home team soundly beat the visiting Salt Lake Bees. We're off to a great start recruiting for next year's delegation!

You know, there's a Big Spoon at Raley Field now

Join us on Thursday, June 18 at 6pm at the River Cats game. Make some new friends, hang out with your old friends, learn a bit about the program, and relax in the grass - all for a discounted $5 a ticket! You must register in advance to secure this rate! Bring your hot dog money and your sunny disposition. See you there!

To register, leave a comment below with your contact information, email cdominguez[at]cslea[dot]com (writing it that way prevents spam!), or call delegation president Patrick Smith at 595-4191. All are welcome!

First Meeting Draws New Delegates!

Returning delegates and prospective new delegates met Wednesday night at the Y to learn more about Y&G and hear from delegation president Patrick Smith about our upcoming social events and fundraising opportunities. It was great to see a group of potential recruits turn out before this school year's even out!