Y&G El Dorado Delegation Bulletin #18: And then there were two [meetings]

NOTE: Delegations have SEPARATE Bulletins this week. Make sure you are reading the correct bulletin for your delegation. All referenced attachments are in your email inbox. 

There are just two regular meetings left this year and they are BIG ones:

Feb 2: Sac Attire discussions; Delegation Primary Elections

Feb 9: MANDATORY Delegate and Parent/Family Meeting, pre-conference prep

Here's what you need to know this week:

1.) Delegation Elections - IMPORTANT - READ THIS! - In response to delegate concerns expressed at last week's meeting, we are making some additional changes to this year's election process. El Dorado Delegation Elections will occur as follows:

- The Primary Elections will be held this Thursday, Feb 2

- Candidates may run for more than one office.

- All Candidates must prepare a speech for each office they wish to pursue and should be prepared to answer questions about their qualifications and plans for THAT SPECIFIC OFFICE.

- Candidates are invited to complete this "Candidacy" form. They should fill out forms for EACH office for which they wish to run.

- Delegates/Voters can review candidate statements here.

- The top 3 candidates in the Primary will advance to the General Election held on the final day of Sac Conference (Monday, Feb 20)

- Finalists will be required to complete the candidacy form (so you may as well get a start on it now if you're running!)

- Candidates should make sure they review the requirements of all delegation officers and requirements/qualifications specific to the office for which you wish to run. Be prepared to speak specifically about any office for which you want to run. Officer descriptions are available here at the google form. 
- Candidates are strongly encouraged to wear Sac Attire to Thursday, 2/2 meeting. 

2.) End of the Year Celebration Banquet: Join us for our first-ever (we hope first annual!) Celebration Banquet. Delegates and their families are invited to join us for an evening at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Rancho Cordova on Thursday, March 2. Tickets and information available here. 

3.) Y&G Awards. Each year, Y&G recognizes outstanding delegates, advisors, program supporters, and program innovations. You have a chance to nominate people for these awards. Here is the form to nominate (includes descriptions of the various awards). Nominations are due by 11:50pm on Feb 16.

4.) Conference on National Affairs - The YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a ten-day, national Youth & Government conference held in North Carolina each summer. Y&G programs from all over the country send their best and brightest to debate proposals of national and international importance. Applications are now open in Reggo and delegates are welcome to apply. CONA 2017 will be Tuesday, June 27-Friday, July 7.

The application process requires:
-Submission of a leadership application in Reggo
-Completion of a one-minute, unedited video showcasing public speaking ability (topic found in Reggo application)
-Submission of two online recommendations (one must from their delegation Lead Advisor)

-If you wish to apply, you must notify Christiana via email that you need a letter of recommendation no later than Thursday, February 9 at 11:59pm.

All application materials (Reggo application, video and recommendations) are due by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, February 14th. (You may see other deadlines publicized, but this is YOUR deadline so we can make sure your application is approved on time.) The 25 students chosen to represent California are will be announced at the Closing Joint Session in Sacramento.

5.) Annual Campaign Corner: We're off to a good start! So far, we've raised $201 online and more on forms - but we're not done yet. You have until check-in at Sac Conference to give to enter our various friendly competition categories. A pledge form is attached or you can donate online. There are pages for each delegation: El Dorado at http://bit.ly/EldoDonate and Sacramento Central here http://bit.ly/SacCDonate

6.) Program Area Specific News:

- Bill Primary and Secondary Sponsors should make sure they meet up between now and Sac conference to make sure each has everything needed for a successful bill presentation. Primary Sponsors need to have their 2 min sponsor speech ready for committee and the floor (if your bill passes committee. Secondary Sponsors need a floor speech ready if the bill makes it over to their house.

- NIC Delegates need to have a 2 minute sponsor speech ready to go on their proposals. Keep in mind the criteria used for evaluating your proposals. Make sure you're ready!

- Court delegates should be preparing their cases

- DOF delegates should be preparing to present their proposals

- This list is not exclusive! If you have stuff to do before Sac conference, get workin'!

7.) Governing Board Youth Member Applications Available

Each year, Y&G allows delegates to apply to serve on the California YMCA Youth & Government Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the planning and policy decisions for California YMCA Youth & Government. For 2017-2018, there will be four Youth Board Members (70th Youth Governor, 70th Chief Justice and two board members selected by the 69th Youth Governor).

The Board meets approximately four times a year in various locations across the state to discuss issues that affect the program. Transportation costs will be covered by California YMCA Youth & Government. Applicants must be current juniors as they will serve through next year.

Applications are now available in Reggo and are due by 11:59 PM on Thursday, February 16th. Candidates will be interviewed in Sacramento and the 2 delegates selected will be announced at the Closing Joint Session

8.) Delegate & Parent/Family Meeting, Feb 9: Delegates and a family member are required to attend the delegation meeting on Thursday, February 9 from 7:00-8pm for pre-conference information. If you or a parent/family member has a known conflict that evening, you must contact me in advance to let me know.

Missed a bulletin?
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Mark your calendars for these key events!
Feb 2 - regular meetingsFebruary 9, 2017: Mandatory Delegate AND PARENT/FAMILY MEMBER pre-conference meetingsFebruary 16-20, 2017 (Sacramento) Model Legislature & Court

March 2, Celebratory Banquet