Dear Capitol Coalition Y&G Delegation Families,
We know that you’re curious - and perhaps concerned - about the future of Y&G. We write to you today to let you know what changes we anticipate for the coming program year - and to let you know what won’t be changing at all.
What will change in the coming year:
So much has changed in our world over the past three months. Everyone has been forced to adapt; the Y and Youth & Government are no exceptions. As a result, the structure and format of YMCA of Superior California Youth & Government programs for 2020-2021 will be changing as well.
Your Y’s primary concern is always the health, safety and well-being of our delegates, volunteers and staff. Due to Covid-19, the traditional Y&G format of delegation meetings and large conferences is simply not feasible. Programming for the coming year will be virtual with weekly delegation meetings being held via Zoom. As conditions change we will explore the possibility of allowing in-person meetings and conferences.
Your advisors are as heartbroken as you are by this reality. Seeing you each week is a gift and Sac Conference is the highlight of our year, too. But living our Y values of Caring and Responsibility means prioritizing your health and the health of those in our community. And CapCo lives its values; always.
But with this crisis also comes opportunity.
Covid-19 has not only impacted the physical health of communities, but their economic health as well. As ever, we remain committed to offering accessible programming to all members of our communities and recognize that the rising cost of Y&G has become a barrier to participation for many families.
For that reason, we, along with other YMCAs across the state, have decided to create new regional programming which can be offered at a much lower price point. We will not be participating in the statewide program this year.
The YMCA of Superior California is partnering with other Northern California YMCAs to build a curriculum that continues to empower youth to be changemakers in their community through instruction in civic engagement and development of leadership skills. Just as we always have, we’ll continue to focus on civic knowledge, civic awareness, and civic action - each guided by our YMCA values.
We envision weekly meetings that feature more guest speakers who are experts in their field, more leaders sharing their road to leadership, the same kinds of delegation and family-group interaction, and, most importantly, the same kinds of leadership provided by your delegation’s elected and appointed officers.
We’ll still write bills. We’ll still learn about the courts. We’ll still end the year in a better position to save the world than when we started. There will be culminating conferences - most likely virtual - at which you’ll raise your hand and your voice, advocate for policies you believe in, and get to know delegates from other delegations.
Along with these changes in format and program, we anticipate a dramatic reduction in program costs that reflects the lack of transportation, hotel, and staffing expenses. While we cannot yet provide an estimated fee, know that we take seriously this opportunity to serve those who may have seen our prior fee as a barrier to participation, especially at a time of economic hardship for so many.
What will not change:
For over 175 years, the YMCA has stood for healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. For YMCAs in California, Youth & Government has been our way of ensuring that democracy is learned by each generation.
Your advisors and your YMCA staff remain 100% committed to our delegates - current and future. While we may not be able to be together in person on the same schedule we’re used to, we can remain together virtually and in spirit, united by our core values and motivated by a shared commitment to make this world a better place through civic engagement.
To put it bluntly, especially for our rising seniors and delegation elected and appointed leadership: we know this coming year isn’t what you signed up for. But as leaders, you must take the world as it exists and work to change it. There has perhaps never been a more critical moment to examine our public policy and our power to influence it. These times are hard and scary, frustrating and sad, but they are also powerful, instructive, and important.
We want you to stay with us. We are the Capitol Coalition of Y&G Distinguished Delegations. We are made for this challenge. The things we do matter. We are not anonymous.
What Comes Next:
Your advisors and staff will continue to work towards a new calendar and new structure for the coming year. As soon as we have information regarding dates and details, including fees, we will let you know.
You are invited to join us at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 for a CapCo Townhall where advisors and staff will be available to answer questions.
Stay safe, be well, your advisors love you,
