I hope everyone made it through finals and college applications (or will have done so in the next few weeks!)
We won't meet this Monday (12/19). We also won't meet on 12/26 or 1/2.
Our next meeting will be Monday, January 9.
That will be a MANDATORY pre-conference meeting. We will leave for Bob
II on Saturday, January 14 (yes, another 3:30am arrival time at the
YMCA. Yes, even though the buses were late last time, we're still
meeting that early).
Have a happy, safe, and festive holiday season.
Best,
-Your advising team
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Delegation Bulletin #7 Reminders, Applications, and Registration, Oh My!
1.) Elected and appointed leadership applications are online and due by
December 9. Let me know if you apply for a position - I need to know so
I can approve your application.
Appointed: https://docs.google.com/a/phoblographer.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFNkamduRXhIc0dyNFM3X09DbjRVM0E6MA#gid=0
Elected: https://docs.google.com/a/phoblographer.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dHh5Z2VLT2k5VmU4MzBQdm9iTFpNVlE6MA#gid=0
Questions about the available roles? FIRST check past bulletins and the Delegation Website - then ask an advisor. Delegation website is here.
2.) Payments were due at yesterday's meeting. Only one delegate brought a payment. The rest of you have a second chance to turn in your payments on Wednesday. Please bring them to Bill Hearing Night.
3.) Don't forget to time your bill presentations and polish your talking points for tomorrow!
3.) Here's a recap of the reminders we reviewed yesterday:
Appointed: https://docs.google.com/a/phoblographer.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFNkamduRXhIc0dyNFM3X09DbjRVM0E6MA#gid=0
Elected: https://docs.google.com/a/phoblographer.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dHh5Z2VLT2k5VmU4MzBQdm9iTFpNVlE6MA#gid=0
Questions about the available roles? FIRST check past bulletins and the Delegation Website - then ask an advisor. Delegation website is here.
2.) Payments were due at yesterday's meeting. Only one delegate brought a payment. The rest of you have a second chance to turn in your payments on Wednesday. Please bring them to Bill Hearing Night.
3.) Don't forget to time your bill presentations and polish your talking points for tomorrow!
3.) Here's a recap of the reminders we reviewed yesterday:
Bill Hearing Night
Reminders:
Date and Location
Bill Hearing Night is Wednesday, November 30 and will be
held in the Board Room (accessed via the lower parking lot)
Time
Delegates must arrive by 6pm. Parents and guests should be invited to
arrive at 6:30pm. Plan for the hearing to run until 8pm
Attendance
Attendance is MANDATORY
Attire
You MUST attend in Sac attire. This means professional
attire. Young men should wear a suit or
dress pants and a collared shirt, tie, and a blazer or a sweater (you must
having something covering your shirt, but not merely an overcoat). Don’t forget to wear dress shoes (no casual
shoes allowed). Young women should wear
a suit or dress, or a skirt (must be knee-length) or dress pants, with a dress
shirt or sweater (and also appropriate dress shoes). Young women must wear
hosiery with skirts and dress socks with pants (i.e. no bare legs or feet).
When in doubt “church attire” may be a useful term of guidance for you. If you
are unclear on Sac attire, contact your delegation or an advisor before the
meeting.
Preparation
Bill sponsors should be prepared to present their bills;
group members should have planned who will act in a supporting and an opposing
role. Successful bill groups will be
prepared with questions (supporting and challenging the bill) and answers which
evidence your hard work and research over the course of the last few months.
Voting
Parents and guests will vote on which bill the delegation
will carry to Sac conference. Our delegation is required to bring one bill. In
certain circumstances, we may be permitted to bring an additional bill.
After Bill Hearing
Night
The bill(s) chosen will need to be in their final form and
uploaded to the Y&G website by this Friday, December 2. Bill supplemental material will be due one
week later, on December 9. Bill sponsors
must be prepared to dedicate additional time outside of the meetings to meet
these deadlines. Sponsors unable to do so should withdraw their bills from consideration
before Wednesday.
Dec 5 – regular meeting
Dec 9 – Elected & Appointed Leadership
Applications due
Dec 12 – regular meeting
Dec 19 – regular meeting
Dec 26, Jan 2 – no meeting – Happy Holidays!
Jan 9 – MANDATORY meeting; Final $240 (or
your specified amount) payment deadline.
Jan 14-16 – Bob II. Note: this conference
runs Saturday through Monday.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Y&G Bulletin #6: Important changes to the calendar
1.) We made some important changes the the Delegation Calendar last
night. You can also pull it
up on line here.
There will be NO MEETING on Monday, November 21. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 28 will be our practice bill hearing night. If you are a bill sponsor and holiday travels will keep you away through 11/28, make sure someone in your groups is prepared to present your bill.
WEDNESDAY, November 30 will be our Bill Hearing Night. Delegates need to arrive at 6pm for last-minute preparations, guests will be invited to arrive at 6:30. Our meeting will run until 8pm.
Bill Hearing Night is MANDATORY for all delegates. During Bill Hearing Night, bill groups will present their bills in a modified committee hearing format. At the end of all bill presentations, our guests (parents and whomever you would like to invite) will vote on which bill will proceed to the Sacramento conference and be presented on behalf of the delegation. Again, note that this event will take place on a WEDNESDAY night, not our normal meeting day.
We will email an invitation you can pass out to your friends, family, teachers, principal, sponsors, etc, in the next day or two.
2.) The first round of Mixed Bag orders are available for pick up at the Y. If you can't recall whether your order was in the first or second round, please contact Morgan at 916-452-9622.
3.) Role Selection: last night you filled out your Bob I survey and your program area preferences. If you change your mind about your rankings, please let me know by our next meeting. The best way to ensure you get what you want is to apply for a leadership role! Those applications will be available soon and I'll email you to let you know when they are online. Elected and appointed leadership applications are due by December 2. For more information on program areas and available positions, check out the delegate handbook here : http://calymca.org/mlc-delegates/
We'll see you again on November 28. Please keep checking email for updates and any additional changes.
There will be NO MEETING on Monday, November 21. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 28 will be our practice bill hearing night. If you are a bill sponsor and holiday travels will keep you away through 11/28, make sure someone in your groups is prepared to present your bill.
WEDNESDAY, November 30 will be our Bill Hearing Night. Delegates need to arrive at 6pm for last-minute preparations, guests will be invited to arrive at 6:30. Our meeting will run until 8pm.
Bill Hearing Night is MANDATORY for all delegates. During Bill Hearing Night, bill groups will present their bills in a modified committee hearing format. At the end of all bill presentations, our guests (parents and whomever you would like to invite) will vote on which bill will proceed to the Sacramento conference and be presented on behalf of the delegation. Again, note that this event will take place on a WEDNESDAY night, not our normal meeting day.
We will email an invitation you can pass out to your friends, family, teachers, principal, sponsors, etc, in the next day or two.
2.) The first round of Mixed Bag orders are available for pick up at the Y. If you can't recall whether your order was in the first or second round, please contact Morgan at 916-452-9622.
3.) Role Selection: last night you filled out your Bob I survey and your program area preferences. If you change your mind about your rankings, please let me know by our next meeting. The best way to ensure you get what you want is to apply for a leadership role! Those applications will be available soon and I'll email you to let you know when they are online. Elected and appointed leadership applications are due by December 2. For more information on program areas and available positions, check out the delegate handbook here : http://calymca.org/mlc-delegates/
We'll see you again on November 28. Please keep checking email for updates and any additional changes.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
In case we haven't mentioned it....
Bill group work is due by 11:59pm tomorrow night - emailed to me - or
we'll proceed with our Monday meeting (and you'll have to answer to a
disappointed 19 month old in a cupcake costume)
I haven't received any questions from Bill sponsors so I assume everything is going well and I'll see lots of great work and bill language in my inbox by tomorrow night.
Bill sponsors: make sure you check the list of what is due: http://saccentraldelegation.blogspot.com/2011/10/bill-sponsorgroup-information-one-more.html
Delegates: check in with your bill sponsors and get them the information they need!
Parents: please check in with your delegates and ask them about their progress. There isn't much "homework" associated with Youth & Government, but the hour or so of outside research we need to prepare our legislation are very, very important to getting the most out of a program that everyone is working hard to remain a part of. Please remind them to refer to the delegation calendar and complete their tasks!
I look forward to seeing your bills and materials soon!
p.s. Don't forget that regardless of whether we meet on Monday, your payment is still due to the YMCA and all delegates' accounts must be current by November 1. Additional Mixed Bag orders and money are due by November 2.
p.p.s. Haven't sold many bags on your own? Worried about meeting your payment requirement in time to attend the first conference? There are MANY slots available on the schedule to sell Mixed Bags in the lobby of the YMCA - any time the Y is open. The weekends are busy with members coming and going through the lobby. Lots of potential sales! You should really sign up - why haven't you signed up?
I haven't received any questions from Bill sponsors so I assume everything is going well and I'll see lots of great work and bill language in my inbox by tomorrow night.
Bill sponsors: make sure you check the list of what is due: http://saccentraldelegation.blogspot.com/2011/10/bill-sponsorgroup-information-one-more.html
Delegates: check in with your bill sponsors and get them the information they need!
Parents: please check in with your delegates and ask them about their progress. There isn't much "homework" associated with Youth & Government, but the hour or so of outside research we need to prepare our legislation are very, very important to getting the most out of a program that everyone is working hard to remain a part of. Please remind them to refer to the delegation calendar and complete their tasks!
I look forward to seeing your bills and materials soon!
p.s. Don't forget that regardless of whether we meet on Monday, your payment is still due to the YMCA and all delegates' accounts must be current by November 1. Additional Mixed Bag orders and money are due by November 2.
p.p.s. Haven't sold many bags on your own? Worried about meeting your payment requirement in time to attend the first conference? There are MANY slots available on the schedule to sell Mixed Bags in the lobby of the YMCA - any time the Y is open. The weekends are busy with members coming and going through the lobby. Lots of potential sales! You should really sign up - why haven't you signed up?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Y&G Bulletin #5: Do Your Work, Enjoy Halloween
1.) We WILL meet on Monday, October 31 unless all bill sponsor material
is received by Friday, October 28 at 11:59pm per the information found
here:
http://saccentraldelegation.blogspot.com/2011/10/bill-sponsorgroup-information-one-more.html
Plan on attending the regular meeting on Monday unless you hear otherwise. (Halloween, parties, trick-or-treating, etc, do not constitute valid absences)
I encourage delegates to stay in communication with their bill groups this week and make sure sponsors get their materials in on time. Note: all of the work we are requesting from you can be accomplished in a solid 30-60 minutes of work. This is doable. So do it.
2.) Regardless of whether we meet on Monday, a $240 payment (or amount in your letter) is due by Monday. All accounts must be current by November 1 to attend the first conference. If you still have payment concerns DO NOT JUST QUIT - call Morgan Bauer at the Y immediately: 916-452-9622. We've already paid for your slot on the bus and your bed in the barracks at this point. You should talk to us about any help you need.
3.) Mixed Bag sales have been extended through November 2. All orders and money must be turned in the Y by November 2 or your items will not be ordered. If you need more catalogs or order forms, contact Morgan.
4.) Interested delegates may sell bags in the lobby of the Y any time the Y is open. Contact Christiana to sign up for a spot so we know when to make sample bags available to you.
5.) The meeting on Monday, November 7 is MANDATORY FOR ALL DELEGATES. Delegates who do not attend will not be permitted to attend the conference. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend, especially parents of first-time delegates.
6.) The first conference is only 17 days away. We depart from the YMCA parking lot (lower) at 3:30am (not a typo) on Friday, November 11 and return between 6 and 8pm on Sunday, November 13. Don't be late.
http://saccentraldelegation.blogspot.com/2011/10/bill-sponsorgroup-information-one-more.html
Plan on attending the regular meeting on Monday unless you hear otherwise. (Halloween, parties, trick-or-treating, etc, do not constitute valid absences)
I encourage delegates to stay in communication with their bill groups this week and make sure sponsors get their materials in on time. Note: all of the work we are requesting from you can be accomplished in a solid 30-60 minutes of work. This is doable. So do it.
2.) Regardless of whether we meet on Monday, a $240 payment (or amount in your letter) is due by Monday. All accounts must be current by November 1 to attend the first conference. If you still have payment concerns DO NOT JUST QUIT - call Morgan Bauer at the Y immediately: 916-452-9622. We've already paid for your slot on the bus and your bed in the barracks at this point. You should talk to us about any help you need.
3.) Mixed Bag sales have been extended through November 2. All orders and money must be turned in the Y by November 2 or your items will not be ordered. If you need more catalogs or order forms, contact Morgan.
4.) Interested delegates may sell bags in the lobby of the Y any time the Y is open. Contact Christiana to sign up for a spot so we know when to make sample bags available to you.
5.) The meeting on Monday, November 7 is MANDATORY FOR ALL DELEGATES. Delegates who do not attend will not be permitted to attend the conference. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend, especially parents of first-time delegates.
6.) The first conference is only 17 days away. We depart from the YMCA parking lot (lower) at 3:30am (not a typo) on Friday, November 11 and return between 6 and 8pm on Sunday, November 13. Don't be late.
Bill Sponsor/Group information - one more time!
We WILL meet on Halloween night unless Christiana receives the requisite bill information from all bill groups by Friday, October 28, 11:59pm.
(And your payments are due by Monday regardless of whether we meet. Get them in.)
Here is what bill sponsors need to do between now and Friday:
- Review this document if you're still a bit lost in the process. Pay special attention to deciding what type of legislation you are writing. Is it a bill (something that adds, repeals or amends an existing statute)? A Constitutional Amendment (something that changes the State Constitution - hint, you can find that document at leginfo.ca.gov also)? A Joint Resolution (do you want to make a national change and you'd like California to ask Congress to act)? A Concurrent Resolution (do you want a state department or board to act? Tell the Department of Education to do something with schools?)?
- Complete this form and email it to Christiana. You can fill out by hand and scan (or drop off at the Y if you need to) or you can complete it on your computer or retype in an email.
- Assign group member roles: who will argue for your proposal? Who will argue against it?(this goes on the form, but also needs to be communicated to your group members.
- Research your bill idea. Start with www.leginfo.ca.gov and Google and move on from there. Make sure your idea doesn't already exist! If it does, can you make it better or more effective? You need to check existing code. It's also not a bad idea to search Bill Information, maybe somebody has tried your idea before and you can take a cue from that effort. Search some keywords for your bill and see what you get.
- Collect your research. You should describe your efforts on the form and you can/should include links to information you have found. Include sources that support AND oppose your bill. You must learn about both sides otherwise your argument will be weak and easy to target.
- If you are arguing AGAINST the group's idea, research as well! The same rules apply and you'll need to come to the next meeting prepared.
- Draft language. You need to write your first draft of actual bill language.
- Check out this bill template.
- The first line is called "the enacting clause" - it begins "An act to ____________" - the act will either ADD, REPEAL, or AMEND (if your idea is totally new, it adds, if it erases language, it repeals, and if it changes existing law, it amends) the "__________ code" - the second blank will be the code section (Penal, Public Resources, Vehicle, Government, Corporations, etc). "Relating to _________________" - what's your bill about? And act to amend the penal code, relating to the death penalty? An act to add to the Government code, related to state employee pensions?
- Don't worry about a bill abstract right now.
- The language is the biggest concern. If you are amending a section, cut and paste it from the leginfo website into a new document. If you are removing language, you use the "strikethrough" option (do this by highlighting the words to strike, right-clicking on them, choose "font" and then click the box next to "strikethrough." If you are adding language, the new language should be in italics. The language that doesn't get changed just stays regular. (you don't need to worry about formatting the spacing or the line-numbering as our bills are entered online and not using this template anymore. This is just a guide to help you.)
- Here is one of last year's bills as an example. (You'll need to download it to get it to open.)
- So, to review, you owe Christiana, by Friday at midnight, your completed bill worksheet, bill group assignments, evidence of research, and draft language.
- And you still need to get your payments and any remaining mixed bag orders to the Y by Monday whether or not we have a meeting.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Oct 24 Last Minute Reminders!
Just another reminder to please, please bring your Mixed Bag orders and money to tonight's meeting.
Reasons to bring them:
1.) Help ease your next payment amount by offsetting with your sales!
2.) If you don't bring the orders, your order will be delayed and your customers will be sad!
3.) Your parents don't want to make a special trip to the Y tomorrow. Trust me, I'm sure they are very busy.
Also, next Monday (Oct 31) is a $240 payment deadline. There is NO MEETING on October 31 (Happy Halloween) so if you don't bring a payment tonight, you'll need to make a special trip to the Y between now and next Monday.
Reminder: delegates whose accounts are not current by November 1 will not be able to attend the first conference. As always, if you have questions or concerns about payments contact Morgan Bauer at the Y (916-452-9622) ASAP!
You should also be bringing bill language and research with you this evening.
See you tonight!
Reasons to bring them:
1.) Help ease your next payment amount by offsetting with your sales!
2.) If you don't bring the orders, your order will be delayed and your customers will be sad!
3.) Your parents don't want to make a special trip to the Y tomorrow. Trust me, I'm sure they are very busy.
Also, next Monday (Oct 31) is a $240 payment deadline. There is NO MEETING on October 31 (Happy Halloween) so if you don't bring a payment tonight, you'll need to make a special trip to the Y between now and next Monday.
Reminder: delegates whose accounts are not current by November 1 will not be able to attend the first conference. As always, if you have questions or concerns about payments contact Morgan Bauer at the Y (916-452-9622) ASAP!
You should also be bringing bill language and research with you this evening.
See you tonight!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Y&G Bulletin #4: Bring your Bill Resarch, Your Money, And Your Order Forms
1.) Money
OUR THIRD PAYMENT DATE IS NEARLY HERE: We have passed two due dates already, so you should have paid $480 in program costs so far. The next payment due date is October 31. We will not have a meeting that night. You are strongly urged to bring your payment to this coming Monday's meeting. The amount due is $240 (or the amount listed in the letter Morgan provided to you last week).
Delegates whose accounts are not current as of November 1 will not be permitted to attend the first Training & Elections Conference. Don't miss out! Get your payments in. Have your parents contact Morgan Bauer at the Y immediately if you have additional financial concerns. (916) 452-9622.
2.) More Money
Please bring Mixed Bag order forms and money to the meeting on Monday. We may extend the deadline an additional week, however, bring what you have sold so far so that we may credit your account.
3.) Calendar changes
There is a newly updated delegation calendar available here. Note that there will be no meeting on Monday, October 31 (happy halloween) and that Bill Hearing Night will be held on Monday, November 21. Please be reminded that Bill Hearing Night is mandatory for all delegates.
4.) Mixed Bag Sales at the Y
For those interested in raising more money toward their program fees, the Y will allow the delegation to set up a sales table in the YMCA lobby in the evenings and on the weekends. We have many sample bags and signs to set up an eye-catching display. If you're the only sales person working at a time, you will get credit for the bags sold during that time period. Multiple delegates will share the proceeds. Given the number of swim classes and members generally coming and going, you stand to earn some good money.
Currently, no one has expressed interest in weeknights nor for this coming Saturday. The Y is open until 10pm on weeknights, 8pm on Fridays, from 8am-6pm on Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-6pm. If you're applying for financial aid, please take advantage of this opportunity. If you're not applying for financial aid, the delegation could still use your help. Please email Christiana immediately to schedule a shift.
5.) Bills
The legislative kind.
We will select bills to move forward in the development process next week. This document will help get you in the right frame of mind. And now is the time to fill out this form (you can omit "group members" for now) and bring two copies to the meeting (if you don't have a printer, email to Christiana by 5pm on Monday). One major part of bill development is conducting some basic research into whether your proposed law exists and if it does/doesn't, where in the California codes it lives. An easy way to start looking for where you bill lives is to visit this site. You'll find a list of all the codes of California law. Click on one of them and hit "search" without entering text in the search box. That will take you to the code section's table of contents (like this one for the Penal Code - where all statutes criminalizing behavior live). You need to do this basic research or your bill will not be permitted to move forward in the process.
6.) Pen and paper
You should be bringing them to meetings. Start bringing them to meetings. Delegates without these basic supplies are hard to take seriously.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Y&G Bulletin #3: Letter-Writing and more (read carefully - there may be a bonus down there)
How to turn 44-cents into $1200
At the last meeting we discussed individual effort you can put into fundraising money to put toward your program costs. This idea is available to anyone, whether or not he or she has applied for financial aid. But we expect to see delegates who have applied for aid try this method to raise money.
Developing your Contact List:
1.) Who is your community? - School? Church? Clubs? Service Organizations? Your neighborhood? Kiwanis, Elks? Masons? Lions? Junior League? 20/30 Club? Who should you target who would be likely to support your efforts to participate in Y&G?
- Note that if you're going to approach businesses or foundations with whom you do not currently have a contact or existing relationship, you should talk to Christiana first. Sometimes the YMCA already has asked local businesses for help and we should coordinate efforts.
2.) Who are your elected officials? - Some of them will be willing to help from their personal funds and some, like the Sacramento City Council, have discretionary funds to use for programs just like this. You'll never know until you ask. But make sure you ask the write elected officials. Use your home address. You can look up your representatives here.
3.) Don’t forget your family – near and far. Instead of birthday or holiday gifts, ask them to sponsor your participation, instead. Video games come and go, but Y&G is forever!
4.) Learn how to properly format and address a business letter - FORM MATTERS, almost as much as content, in most cases. In addition to instilling democracy into each generation, Y&G is about teaching you to act professionally. You dress professionally in Sacramento and behave professionally at all times. You should look professional on paper as well. You can google up examples (like this one) and many computer programs (like Word) will have templates ready for you. It doesn't have to be fancy, it just has to be clean and competent. Also, make sure you appropriately address elected officials. For example, if you were writing to Congresswoman Doris Matsui, the address and top of your letter would read:
If you have questions about how to properly address or format a letter, ask your parents or advisors!The Honorable Doris MatsuiUnited States House of RepresentativesRobert T. Matsui United States Courthouse501 I Street, Suite 12-600Sacramento, CA 95814-7305Dear Congresswoman Matsui,
Developing Your Fundraising Letter:
1.) Know your audience - where is this letter going? If you're asking a service club to sponsor you, how would your letter differ from one directed to your city council person? A lot of your letter can be standard and will be applicable to anyone. But you should always have a carefully tailored paragraph so the recipient can tell you are really paying attention and asking the recipient specifically for aid. For example, if you are asking your city council member, how might learning about civic engagement and democracy benefit the city? If you are asking a legal club (the local bar association?), maybe you are interested in the model court part of the program? No one likes a pure form letter!
2.) Explain the program - we know this is more difficult for new delegates, however, you can still have a solid paragraph about Y&G. Pull information from the website, for example. In its most basic terms: Youth & Government is a YMCA sponsored program for California high school students to learn about democracy and civic engagement. It is a model legislature and court program that runs from September through February. We attend 3 conferences . . . etc etc. If you are a returning delegate, give concrete examples of what you've done at conferences in the past. ("Last year, I sponsored our delegation's bill to open adoptee records. As a sponsor, I spoke about my bill in legislative committees and on the floor of the Assembly." etc etc)
3.) Draft your "ask," be specific - Don't just say "I need a lot of money." Say, "This year's program fees are $1200 and due to our financial situation, my family can afford to pay $400, so I am working hard to raise $800 myself. Would you be willing to donate $100 toward my goal?" Jordan recommends including a self-addressed-stamped-envelope and a reply sheet to make it extra easy for would-be donors to send you money. The easier the better!
4.) Explain what participating in the program means to you - Why do you want to do this? You don't need to claim that you want to run for President someday. And its also fine to mention the social aspects of this program: it is beneficial to meet people from all over the state, to hear about the problems their legislation focuses on, to socialize with people from different backgrounds, etc. If you've been before - why are you back? If you have never been - what made you come to a meeting this year?
5.) Explain what else you are doing to raise money - This may come at the start or end of your letter, but mention your other efforts. You are reaching out to community clubs. You are selling bags. You're doing something, etc etc.
6.) SPELLING AND GRAMMAR COUNT - this should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway. And do not rely on a computer program's spell check feature. You must read what you write. You must ask at least two other people to proofread your work.
7.) Say thank you.
The Thank-You Note:
1.) Don’t bother taking on this project if you aren’t going to write a solid, heartfelt thank-you note and send it in a timely manner.
You can buy very inexpensive, basic thank-you-note cards at office supply stores, craft stores, Target, WalMart, etc. Prepare your thank you note at the same time you write your initial letter. Address it the same way you addressed your letter. Then, just keep your pile of prepared thank you notes handy and ready to fill-out and pop in the mail as soon as you get a response. Send a thank you regardless of the amount you receive, be as thankful for gifts of $10 as for gifts of $1000, and send a thank you note even if the response you receive is "sorry, we can't contribute right now."
2.) Thank you notes MUST be sent no more than one week after you receive a gift of funding
3.) Thank you note should be heartfelt, sincere, and give a concrete example of what the funds will be used for (this $300 will cover my registration fees for our final conference of the year; this $100 will help to cover the hotel room in which we'll stay during our final conference, etc)
4.) Hand write it. Write neatly. Spell correctly. Write a draft first. If you cannot write legibly, go ahead and type your letter instead.
The Follow-up:
1.) Contact is essential to maintaining your network - you worked hard to put this list together and to cultivate this donor/recipient relationship. Don't forget about your contacts. You may need them later.
2.) Send a follow-up thank you after each conference, especially after Sacramento - this may depend on when/if you receive a gift.
3.) Include a photo - especially post-Sacramento - you'll have some great pictures of you in your professional attire in your program area and donors love to see proof of the good they are doing by supporting you.
4.) Explain what you have learned from your participation and how you will use that knowledge. A donor wants to know you benefited from their gift.
5.) Craft this and all communication with the specific recipient in mind, just like before. Avoid obvious form letters. If someone spared even $1 for you, you can spare time to be unique in your response.
So what do you do now?
1.) Draft your “ask”
2.) Ask someone to proofread it
3.) Email it to Christiana for review - if you are applying for financial aid, I won't know about all your hard work unless you let me know about it. Even if you don't receive any money as a result of your letters.
4.) Mail it ASAP - payment deadlines come quickly and delaying does you no good.
5.) Keep a list of the people you contact and the date on which you contact them - and what the result of each letter is.
6.) Send a copy of your records to Christiana
7.) SEND THANK YOU NOTES (see above)
We've had several parents graciously volunteer their efforts as proofreaders and resources as well. We thank them for that offer! Take this option seriously: past delegates have completely funded their program costs just by sending some letters. Why shouldn't you be able to claim the same?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Running For Office/Applying for Leadership Positions
The deadline for nominations and applications for T&EI elected/appointed positions is OCTOBER 14.
Find some basic information after the jump, below.
Here's the link to run.
Here's the link to apply for a political party chair position.
Find some basic information after the jump, below.
Here's the link to run.
Here's the link to apply for a political party chair position.
Meeting location change for Oct 3 and Financial Aid Deadline is October 7
We'll be holding tonight's (October 3) meeting in the Board Room (returners: that's
where we met last year. New delegates: the Board room as accessible
through the lower parking lot at the Y (the one by the train tracks).
We'll have people outside giving directions. Please pass along this
location change!)
Also, if you are applying for financial aid, your COMPLETED paperwork MUST be submitted by this Friday, October 7. To be considered complete, the application must be filled-out and signed and you must include a figure for the amount your family can afford to pay (we know there is no box on the back for Y&G, but that's okay, you can still fill out the rest), you must include supporting documents, and you may include a letter or additional explanation about your circumstances that you feel might be missing from the numbers in the rest of the application. The more information you give us, the better able we will be to help you. We cannot award any money to delegates without a COMPLETED application. And lastly, delegates, if you're having trouble getting documents from your family, please talk to Morgan or I about the situation. Again, the more we know, the more we can help.
So remember: tonight's meeting is in the Board Room and Financial Aid is due by Friday (but is welcome and encouraged at tonight's meeting!). Get those things in by fax, email, hand-delivery, or carrier pigeon - just get them in!
Also, if you are applying for financial aid, your COMPLETED paperwork MUST be submitted by this Friday, October 7. To be considered complete, the application must be filled-out and signed and you must include a figure for the amount your family can afford to pay (we know there is no box on the back for Y&G, but that's okay, you can still fill out the rest), you must include supporting documents, and you may include a letter or additional explanation about your circumstances that you feel might be missing from the numbers in the rest of the application. The more information you give us, the better able we will be to help you. We cannot award any money to delegates without a COMPLETED application. And lastly, delegates, if you're having trouble getting documents from your family, please talk to Morgan or I about the situation. Again, the more we know, the more we can help.
So remember: tonight's meeting is in the Board Room and Financial Aid is due by Friday (but is welcome and encouraged at tonight's meeting!). Get those things in by fax, email, hand-delivery, or carrier pigeon - just get them in!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Y&G Bulletin #2: Sweatshirts, Money, and Leadership
PARENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE TO ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING: We need to
talk about financial aid, Parents. Or there won't be any money for your
kids.
1.) Get that paperwork back, stat! That means completed paperwork. That means you have to read the paperwork and figure out where to sign. Get it in!
2.) Financial Aid application: must be completed. Must include amount your family can pay. Must include supporting documentation. Include a letter of explanation if you think your documents don't tell the whole story. If you turn in incomplete paperwork you will not be considered for aid.
3.) We will have a scholarship letter-writing workshop at the next meeting. Review last week's bulletin for information on gathering the names of elected officials and other possible networking connections. Bring pen and paper to the next meeting.
4.) PARENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING: We need to talk about financial aid, Parents. Or there won't be any money for your kids. Did I say this already? I might have. But really, please come. (Delegates, bring your parents).
5.) Are you going to run for a leadership position in the delegation? I received no statements from anyone, but be ready to give your pitch on Monday. The available offices are: Vice President, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms.
There was a question last week about whether two Sergeants-at-Arms might be necessary. If you're running for an office, you should plan to fulfill your role and attend all meetings. So we should only need one.
6.) SWEATSHIRT DESIGN IDEAS! Due Monday. Our Sweatshirt will be navy blue and feature a hood and front-pocket. Designs can be up to two colors (though 3, if you are clever and use the navy background as part of the design). There can be two printing areas. Designs can be on the front or the back or both, with some technical restrictions we'll address if necessary. Here are some examples of past years' shirts:
7.) Please Be On Time. Tardy-fees are in effect!
8.) Bring Bill Ideas! Bring freshmen and sophomores, too!
1.) Get that paperwork back, stat! That means completed paperwork. That means you have to read the paperwork and figure out where to sign. Get it in!
2.) Financial Aid application: must be completed. Must include amount your family can pay. Must include supporting documentation. Include a letter of explanation if you think your documents don't tell the whole story. If you turn in incomplete paperwork you will not be considered for aid.
3.) We will have a scholarship letter-writing workshop at the next meeting. Review last week's bulletin for information on gathering the names of elected officials and other possible networking connections. Bring pen and paper to the next meeting.
4.) PARENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING: We need to talk about financial aid, Parents. Or there won't be any money for your kids. Did I say this already? I might have. But really, please come. (Delegates, bring your parents).
5.) Are you going to run for a leadership position in the delegation? I received no statements from anyone, but be ready to give your pitch on Monday. The available offices are: Vice President, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms.
There was a question last week about whether two Sergeants-at-Arms might be necessary. If you're running for an office, you should plan to fulfill your role and attend all meetings. So we should only need one.
6.) SWEATSHIRT DESIGN IDEAS! Due Monday. Our Sweatshirt will be navy blue and feature a hood and front-pocket. Designs can be up to two colors (though 3, if you are clever and use the navy background as part of the design). There can be two printing areas. Designs can be on the front or the back or both, with some technical restrictions we'll address if necessary. Here are some examples of past years' shirts:
 |
| Click to enlarge. The center pictures and the ones on the right are the fronts and backs of those years' shirts. |
7.) Please Be On Time. Tardy-fees are in effect!
8.) Bring Bill Ideas! Bring freshmen and sophomores, too!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Y&G Bulletin #1: Bills, Meetings, & Stuff
1.) Please bring back your complete paperwork! New? Missing forms? Click here for everything you need. We ESPECIALLY need your financial aid forms! Get them in - completed - as soon as possible.
2.) Next week, we'll begin discussing bill ideas. Where do you start? How do you come up with bill ideas? Check out this document for some quick advice on all things legislative. (If you want a sneak peak at what's coming, bill-wise, you can check this out too, but nothing to worry about for now.)
Start thinking about problems in your community that need attention. That's the root of most legislation. Inspiration can come from anywhere so be alert and take note of things. Also, it's a good idea to add this website to your list of daily reading.
3.) We'll be talking a bit more about program areas at the next meeting, too. You can have the maximum control over your eventual program area by running for office or applying for a leadership position in the program. Get a head-start on program information - flip through this handy delegate guide.
4.) Fundraising Letter-Writing Workshop: At the October 3 Meeting, we will have a letter-writing workshop for all delegates applying for financial aid. You should bring with you to that meeting:
5a.) $1 will also be donated to the delegation dinner fund for each delegate who brings a complete list of his/her elected representatives (see this post) to the September 26 meeting.
6.) We will begin enforcing our delegation's tardy-fine at the next meeting. You will be fined $1 per minute you are late to the meeting up to a maximum of $10 UNLESS you contact your delegation President, Jordan Feri, in advance. You can call him at Nine-One-Six 281-7068. He must hear from you prior to 6:15pm or you will be fined! Fines will go to the delegation dinner fund.
2.) Next week, we'll begin discussing bill ideas. Where do you start? How do you come up with bill ideas? Check out this document for some quick advice on all things legislative. (If you want a sneak peak at what's coming, bill-wise, you can check this out too, but nothing to worry about for now.)
Start thinking about problems in your community that need attention. That's the root of most legislation. Inspiration can come from anywhere so be alert and take note of things. Also, it's a good idea to add this website to your list of daily reading.
3.) We'll be talking a bit more about program areas at the next meeting, too. You can have the maximum control over your eventual program area by running for office or applying for a leadership position in the program. Get a head-start on program information - flip through this handy delegate guide.
4.) Fundraising Letter-Writing Workshop: At the October 3 Meeting, we will have a letter-writing workshop for all delegates applying for financial aid. You should bring with you to that meeting:
- Pen and paper
- The names and address of your elected officials (state/federal/city/county)
- Names and addresses of leaders in your community (church? sports teams? neighborhood councils? Get creative!)
- Your best spelling and grammar skills!
5a.) $1 will also be donated to the delegation dinner fund for each delegate who brings a complete list of his/her elected representatives (see this post) to the September 26 meeting.
6.) We will begin enforcing our delegation's tardy-fine at the next meeting. You will be fined $1 per minute you are late to the meeting up to a maximum of $10 UNLESS you contact your delegation President, Jordan Feri, in advance. You can call him at Nine-One-Six 281-7068. He must hear from you prior to 6:15pm or you will be fined! Fines will go to the delegation dinner fund.
Finding your elected officials
Who represents you?
Finding out couldn't be easier - all you need is your home address and these links:
Finding out couldn't be easier - all you need is your home address and these links:
- US Senate - California is represented by two Senators. Who are they? Let google help you (you don't even need your address for this.)
- US House of Representatives
- California State Senate
- California State Assembly
- Sacramento County Supervisors
- Sacramento City Council
- Elk Grove City Council
- Do you live somewhere else? I bet you can find info for your city pretty easily, too!
Monday, September 19, 2011
2011-2012 Paperwork Now Available! (Updated!)
Click on the forms below to download, print, and complete the forms required to be part of this year's delegation. (NOTE: Files fixed to print out correctly!)
Antique Fair and Flea Market fundraiser sign-ups - now online!
We have some easy money making events available to us, but we need your help. Please check out the information here and sign up to volunteer here!
First Email of the Year - Bulletins resume next week
Welcome to the email list, new delegates!
We had a great turn out at last week's meeting. I hope that you enjoyed it - we know it was just a lot of information thrown at you, but now that the nuts-and-bolts are mostly out of the way, the fun can begin.
Just a few quick notes before next Monday's 6:30pm meeting:
1.) Please bring back all of your paperwork! Did you miss the meeting and the paperwork? No problem, you can download it all here: http://SacCentralDelegation.blogspot.com Click on the "Forms and Downloads" tab. (will be posted by 5pm today)
2.) If you are applying for financial aid: please return that *completed* form ASAP! You will note that there is no Youth & Government box on the back. That's okay! We know for which program you are applying for aid. Please make sure you fill in the line marked "What can you afford to pay?" Please be honest with us. And include all requested supplemental information AND any information you feel we need to know. Write a letter explaining your situation fully. The more we know, the better able we are to help you.
3.) The first $240 payment is due at next Monday's meeting. If you are applying for aid and if you cannot make the $240 payment, you must pay $100 on Monday.
4.) Parents: please review this information about our Antique/Craft Fair parking lot volunteer events. We need your help! You can sign up online!
Remember: it's not too late to join Y&G! You can stack the deck with all your friends - this program is what you make of it. We ESPECIALLY NEED UNDERCLASSMEN - please bring your friends in the 9th/10th grades! Siblings? Grab a frosh and bring him/her over!
See you Monday!
p.s. New delegates, check out this video giving a brief overview of the program. Share it with your parents and friends!
http://www.youtube.com/user/calymca#p/u/11/EMB6B9_qaRs
We had a great turn out at last week's meeting. I hope that you enjoyed it - we know it was just a lot of information thrown at you, but now that the nuts-and-bolts are mostly out of the way, the fun can begin.
Just a few quick notes before next Monday's 6:30pm meeting:
1.) Please bring back all of your paperwork! Did you miss the meeting and the paperwork? No problem, you can download it all here: http://SacCentralDelegation.blogspot.com Click on the "Forms and Downloads" tab. (will be posted by 5pm today)
2.) If you are applying for financial aid: please return that *completed* form ASAP! You will note that there is no Youth & Government box on the back. That's okay! We know for which program you are applying for aid. Please make sure you fill in the line marked "What can you afford to pay?" Please be honest with us. And include all requested supplemental information AND any information you feel we need to know. Write a letter explaining your situation fully. The more we know, the better able we are to help you.
3.) The first $240 payment is due at next Monday's meeting. If you are applying for aid and if you cannot make the $240 payment, you must pay $100 on Monday.
4.) Parents: please review this information about our Antique/Craft Fair parking lot volunteer events. We need your help! You can sign up online!
Remember: it's not too late to join Y&G! You can stack the deck with all your friends - this program is what you make of it. We ESPECIALLY NEED UNDERCLASSMEN - please bring your friends in the 9th/10th grades! Siblings? Grab a frosh and bring him/her over!
See you Monday!
p.s. New delegates, check out this video giving a brief overview of the program. Share it with your parents and friends!
http://www.youtube.com/user/calymca#p/u/11/EMB6B9_qaRs
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Welcome to the New Y&G Year!
Hello All!
It's time for us to get the new year started!
Our first meeting will be next Monday, September 12 at 6:30pm at the Sacramento YMCA in the teen center (community room) in the main building of the Y (not the board room where we met last year).
Parents are strongly encourage to attend as we'll be discussing all the nuts & bolts for the year and creating our contact list and getting you all officially signed up for the coming year. It'll be an efficient and important meeting for everyone.
Please encourage your friends and classmates who might be interested in joining to grab a parent and come on down! (Bonus points for bringing us some frosh and sophomores! Help your delegation continue after you graduate!)
This year's conference dates will be:
November 11-13, 2011
Training and Elections I
February 16-20, 2012
Model Legislature & Court
You must be able to attend the January and February conferences to participate. While you can still participate if you miss the November conference, we strongly, STRONGLY discourage you from missing it! (This means that while Y&G may allow you to miss the conference, the delegation policy might not. Also, your program fees will not be discounted if you miss the first conference.)
Feel free to pass this email along to interested friends and families (and teachers, guidance counselors, principals, community leaders, coaches, etc).
Also worth noting, our first payment will be due at the second meeting on September 19. That payment amount will be $240.
We'll see you on Monday!
It's time for us to get the new year started!
Our first meeting will be next Monday, September 12 at 6:30pm at the Sacramento YMCA in the teen center (community room) in the main building of the Y (not the board room where we met last year).
Parents are strongly encourage to attend as we'll be discussing all the nuts & bolts for the year and creating our contact list and getting you all officially signed up for the coming year. It'll be an efficient and important meeting for everyone.
Please encourage your friends and classmates who might be interested in joining to grab a parent and come on down! (Bonus points for bringing us some frosh and sophomores! Help your delegation continue after you graduate!)
This year's conference dates will be:
November 11-13, 2011
Training and Elections I
January 14-16, 2012
Training and Elections II
Training and Elections II
Model Legislature & Court
You must be able to attend the January and February conferences to participate. While you can still participate if you miss the November conference, we strongly, STRONGLY discourage you from missing it! (This means that while Y&G may allow you to miss the conference, the delegation policy might not. Also, your program fees will not be discounted if you miss the first conference.)
Feel free to pass this email along to interested friends and families (and teachers, guidance counselors, principals, community leaders, coaches, etc).
Also worth noting, our first payment will be due at the second meeting on September 19. That payment amount will be $240.
We'll see you on Monday!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
YG63 Delegation Bulletin #13 - CONFERENCE TIME!
Can you believe we're just about a week away from Sac conference?!
A few things:
1.) Annual Support Campaign
You should've received an email with information about the support campaign. All delegates and their families are expected to participate. Delegates are needed to help with the kick-off dinner tomorrow, Feb 10, in the conference room. Please plan to arrive at 5:15pm to help. Parents are invited to attend.
Campaign training will be offered (and it will be brief) promptly at the start of next week's delegation meeting to parents and delegates.
Each family will be responsible for a minimum of 20 campaign calls. (What are these calls? All will be explained at the training.) The money raised by Y&G delegates and families goes back into our pot for next year.
2.) Dress Code Dress Rehearsal
If you have not yet attended a meeting in FULL, COMPLIANT dress code attire, you need to wear dress code attire to the Monday meeting. The dress code is attached to this email for your reference.
- Foot/leg coverings are required at all times (ie: female delegates in skirts/dresses must wear hosiery of some sort; female and male delegates in pants must have socks/trouser socks/knee-highs/tights/etc as appropriate as well.)
- Female delegates: anything that is a boot or boot-like shoe (ankle boots, calf, knee, whatever) - the top of the shoe MUST be covered by the bottom of whatever you are wearing: ie skirts must cover the top of boots. So no knee-length dress with ankle boots.
- Male delegates: vests alone do not count as a covering for your dress shirt and tie. You must have a suit jacket/blazer/full sweater covering you at all times between 8am and 10pm
- After 10pm, casual dress is allowed, so long as it is still in-line with general dress standards (ie: no flip-flops, no pajama pants outside of your hotel room)
3.) Parent letter slip
The parent letter is again attached to this email. Parents: please sign and return the slip. You do not need to return the signed code of conduct again. So far I have received slips from:
Sarah
Chris
Liliana
Gabe
Jordan
Jermaine
If your name does not appear above, please either return the slip next Monday or reply to this email acknowledging you have read the conference information. (If you did give me a slip and I didn't list your name, let me know)
4.) Awards, Governing Board, and CONA applications
Due at the start of the conference
http://calymca.org/mlc/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2011CONA_Packet.pdfhttp://calymca.org/mlc/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/63MLC_AwardForm.pdf
5.) Really, no one wants a free lunch during conference?
If you don't know what I'm talking about, you should re-read the Feb 3 Reminders email.
6.) End-of-the-Year Schedule
Monday, February 14: A Special Valentine's Day Delegation Meeting - spend the evening with the delegation you love!
Agenda:
Campaign training
Conference Q&A
Bill Sponsors will practice their sponsor speechs
Colin's Campaign To-Do list
Thursday, February 17: Meet in the Hyatt Lobby at 11am IN DRESS CODE to beging the best conference ever!
Reminders - Feb 3
Just a few quick reminders:
1.) We WILL have meetings next Monday and the Monday after.
2.) Bill sponsors and NIC delegates should be prepared to present their bills/proposals. Last chances to practice before ML/C!
3.) CONA (Conference on National Affairs) applications are due on Thursday, February 17
4.) Are you a vegetarian? You need to let me know if you require a vegetarian meal at the Governor's Banquet during the conference. (I don't know what the vegetarian option is, I don't know what the meat-eaters option is.)
5.) Did you watch Governor Brown's State of the State Address this week? Watch it and send me a paragraph on what you think might help fix California's budget woes and you'll earn a free lunch during Sac Conference.
6.) There are a slew of awards given each year at Sac Conference. If you think someone deserves a nomination, nominate him or her!
Michael White Spirit of Youth & Government Award
The Outstanding Advisor Award
The Irvin C. Chapman Outstanding Service to Youth Award
The Outstanding Program Innovation or Development Award
The Irvin C. Chapman Outstanding Service to Youth Award
The Outstanding Program Innovation or Development Award
7.) Would you like to serve on the Y&G Governing Board and help craft the policies that shape the program? If so, now's your chance! http://calymca.org/mlc/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/63MLC_GoverningBoardApp.pdf
Monday, January 3, 2011
Get Your Bob II Information Here!
Here's the usual rundown of important conference information!
Of particular note:
1.) Though the last conference ran Friday through Sunday, this conference runs from SATURDAY to MONDAY to take advantage of the Monday, January 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
2.) Parents please discuss with delegates/delegate please remember: also politely and quickly follow the instructions given to you by ANY advisor, not just your own delegation advisors, unless doing so will place you in immediate, physical harm. If you feel an instruction was wrongly given or that you were being blamed for something not your doing, follow the instruction and then discuss the matter with your delegation advisors when possible. Do not argue with any advisor giving you instructions. That is an inappropriate response. It is usually ineffective as well.
3.) As mentioned in previous emails, we have charter buses for this conference for the first time in the history of our program at the Sacramento YMCA. Please appreciate this and maintain your usual level of courteous behavior and be very nice to the bus drivers. This bus things is kind of a big deal.
4.) Bring clothing appropriate for the weather which will likely be very cold and potentially also rainy. A parka or ski jacket wouldn't be out of place at night. You'll need more than your sweatshirt.
5.) As ever, nothing that plugs in. You know the rules on that.
We're looking forward to a wonderful Bob II and then it's on to Sacramento which, trust us, will be just about the best thing ever. Seriously, it's that good.
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