2019-20 El Dorado Youth and Government Delegation Bulletin #11

"Men give me credit for some genius. All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. Day and night it is before me. My mind becomes pervaded with it. Then the effort that I have made is what people are pleased to call the fruit of genius. It is the fruit of labor and thought.” – Alexander Hamilton 

I hope all of you enjoyed your Halloween week off. I wanted to say a special thank you to all of the delegates who presented and worked hard on their bills for Bill Hearing Night. I mean it when I say ALL of the families did a great job this year. Your speeches were moving and your arguments compelling. I look forward to seeing how our four bills progress once they get to conference. Once again, well done all and thanks to all the friends and family who came to support us!

1.) Mandatory Parent and Delegate Pre-Conference Meeting Thursday: Our first Fresno conference is right around the corner! Make sure you attend our mandatory pre-conference meeting this week to discuss the logistics, and what you will be doing as delegate at the conference. Review this pre-conference letter and survival guide (also attached) to provide more information on all things conference.

If you are a new delegate (or a returner!) this meeting will be especially important to attend. Each delegate will get 7 points if they attend this mandatory meeting and an bring an adult member of their family. If you do not bring an adult member of your family, you will only get 5 points for attending. Get those points y'all! 

2.) Conference Transportation: We will be traveling to Fresno on charter buses which will depart from Oak Ridge High School (1120 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762),promptly at 9:30a on Saturday, November 9. Plan to arrive at ORHS by 9:00am.  Parents, please make sure you and your delegate have checked in with an advisor before you leave.  Additionally, ensure that each piece of your luggage is clearly marked with your last name and delegation. (Best way is write the info on a piece of duck tape and stick it to your bag.)

3.) Fresno Conference Lunch Order: Please fill-out this link for your Fresno 1 conference lunch order for the bus ride home. Since the conference does not provide lunch on Nov 11, we order lunch from Subway to eat on the way home. If you would like to order a sandwich for the ride home on the 11th, fill-out this form and bring $7 in EXACT CHANGE IN CASH to the bus on Nov 9th. More details to come about the Fresno conference in the coming weeks. 

4.) Bill Hearing Night Final Results: Below are the final four bills that will be advancing to our Training and Elections II conference:

• Causley - Related to pesticide labels
• Driscoll - Related to cannabis drug testing for employees
• Melehani - Related to sugar-sweetened beverages
• Merchant - Related to teacher tenure

Congrats to our four bill groups advancing to the conference! 

5.) Save the Date! Celebration Banquet 2020: We'll convene our post-sac conference Celebration Banquet on a new date in a new location this year. Make sure you add Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Sacramento Central YMCA to your calendars now. Tickets will go on sale in January.

Parent Corner

- Mandatory Parent and Delegate Pre-Conference Meeting (11/7): Our mandatory parent pre-conference meeting is this Thursday, Nov 11 at 6:30pm. Please attend this meeting to learn about the conference, the logistics, and what your delegate will be doing there. If you cannot make this meeting, please let me know.

As always, thank you for reading and I will see you on Thursday!

Derek Dolfie

Lead Advisor/Delegation Dad

El Dorado Delegation

Helpful Links:
Missed a bulletin?

Need to make a payment?

Question about the Sacramento Central YMCA?

Question about CalYMCA?

Question about our delegation?

Want to know how many points you have?

Want to know which family you are in?

Mark your calendars for these key events!

November 9-11, 2019 -Training and Elections 1 Conference (Fresno)

Nov. 15, 2019 - Third Payment Due

December 13, 2019 - Fourth and Final Payment Due

January 18-20, 2020 -Training and Elections 2 Conference (Fresno)
February 13-17, 2020 -72nd Model Legislature & Court (Sacramento)

February 23, 2020 - Celebration Banquet (Sacramento Central YMCA) 

Gold Country Delegation Bulletin #9a: Pre-Pre-Con Info!

Wow, what an amazing Bill Hearing Night! Congrats to Mia and Nalasia on their group's selection, and to all bill groups on a job well done! I was one proud advisor. Now it's time to get ready for our first conference of the year! More information is in the works, and I plan to send Bulletin #9b tomorrow or, at latest, on Tuesday.

At the next meeting: Pre-Conference Prep!  

What's due: From Mia & Nalasia: Final updates to your bill language and bill worksheet. 

Now overdue: Payment #2

1.) Pre-Con Meeting 11/7 Mandatory for Delegates and a Parent of First-Year Delegates: To help everyone prepare for the meeting, I'll be sending out an informational letter tomorrow in Bulletin #9b.

2.) Conference Transportation: It's looking like we'll be meeting at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills at 9am, for 9:30am departure via bus to Fresno. If you haven't already, please discuss carpooling. I hope to confirm plans tomorrow so as to include them in Bulletin #9b.

3.) Meeting Agenda: In addition to Pre-Con Jeopardy and conference prep, we'll also have a sign-making party for our Forum elected leadership candidate, Zayo. Bring your markers!

4.) Quick Note: At T&E1, sophomores, juniors, and seniors will learn about different program areas. After the conference, you'll be asked to select your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for program areas (freshmen are automatically placed in Forum). We don't have unlimited spots for each program, but we will do our best to accommodate your interests. Priority will be given based on seniority in Y&G (MLC + MUN). Preview Program Areas here -- just navigate to the Program Areas tab.

5.) Save the Date! Celebration Banquet 2020: We'll convene our post-Sac Conference Celebration Banquet on a new date in a new location this year. Make sure you add Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Sacramento Central YMCA to your calendars now. Tickets will go on sale in January.

6.) Check out the latest Y&G newsletter, featuring El Dorado Hills's own Anusha--who, as returners may recall, won this year's Chief Justice role! https://mailchi.mp/9bba894db4ae/yg-awards-70000-in-scholarships-3029693?e=6dcfaf0b7c

REMINDERS

Letters of Recommendation Feeling the college application stress? Y&G Advisors are happy to provide letters of recommendation upon request. Here's what you need to do:

• Email MaryJane (or the advisor of your choosing) your request and include:
• Due dates for any requested letters
• Submission Process (email? online form? sealed envelope?)
• If you have it - a resume or list of your other activities, accomplishments
• It's your responsibility to nag until you receive confirmation that the letter has been written and submitted.
• Please give at least 2 weeks notice in advance of due dates where possible. 
• Also - if you're applying to University of Michigan, let MJ know; Claremont McKenna College, let Christiana know.

MUN Secretariat Program: MLC has a companion program for middle school students called Model United Nations (MUN). MLC delegates are eligible to serve as MUN Secretariats - leaders who help the Model UN Ambassadors succeed in their roles at conferences by teaching them and being role models. Details on the Secretariat duties can be found here. (disregard the deadlines in this document, however) Applications are available now in Reggo and are due by November 12.

You're  not required to attend local MUN delegation meetings (expected to be on Tuesday starting in January), but Gold Country Secretariats are welcome and encouraged to do so (tentatively they'll be held Thursday evenings). There are two conferences to attend: March 14-15 (Santa Cruz Mountains) and April 23-26 (Los Angeles). There is a $515 cost to participate and financial aid is available. If you are interested in applying for financial aid, make sure to complete the Secretariat application on time and let an advisor know.  

Family Corner: 

November 7 Pre-Conference Meeting is mandatory for all delegates and for a family member of new delegates. It's highly encouraged for a family member of returning delegates to attend as well.

Model United Nations Family Info Night, TBA: Do you have a middle schooler at home? We have a program for you! Join us on an upcoming date TBA for a Family Information Session on the YMCA's Model United Nations program for grades 6-8. To sign up for the MUN mailing list, click here. 

Helpful Links:

Missed a bulletin?

Need to make a payment?

Looking for forms or handouts?

Who We Are?

Mark your calendars:

November 7 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting

November 9-11 - Training & Elections Conference I

November 14 - MUN Secretariat Applications Due in Reggo

November 15 - Payment #3 Due

December 4 - Elected/Appointed Leadership and Program Apps due in Reggo

December 8 - California International Marathon Volunteer Event

December 13 - Swim with Santa Volunteer Event at the Sacramento Central YMCA

December 13 - Payment #4 Due

January 16 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting

January 16 - CONA, NJC, Governing Board Apps Due in Reggo

January 18-10 - Training & Elections Conference II

February 6 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting

February 13-17 - 72nd Model Legislature & Court

February 23 - Celebration Banquet 2020

We are committed to equal program access for all and are dedicated to ensuring the benefits of Y&G are available to every student in our community without regard to financial need. No delegate should ever drop out or refrain from joining because of financial concerns. If you want to do this program, we want you to do this program.

Sac Central Delegation Bulletin #9: Pre-Con Info!

UPDATES: adding the links to:
The Conference Schedule
Your assigned group numbers and political parties (be sure to double check your badge. Follow number on your badge. If it conflicts with what is on this chart, let me know)
Hotel evacuation plan

Wow, what an amazing Bill Hearing Night! Congrats to Mitchell's bill group on their selection and to all our bill groups on a job very well done! Now it's time to get ready for our first conference of the year!

At the next meeting: Pre-Conference Prep!  
What's due: Final updates to your bill language and bill worksheet. 
Now overdue: Payment #2

1.) Pre-Con Meeting 11/6 Mandatory for Delegates - Parents Off the Hook This Year: Parents are no longer required to attend next week's pre-conference meeting, however, it remains required for all delegates to attend. Here's what you need to do to prepare for the meeting:

• Parents and Delegates need to read this pre-conference letter and delegates should bring the parent-signed confirmation slip to the meeting. 
• Parents and Delegates should check out these slides with further details about conference prep.
• Delegates should prepare for a detailed, high-stakes game of Pre-Con Jeopardy on Wednesday.

2.) Conference Transportation: This year, Sac Central will be taking Amtrak to Fresno. Here is what you need to know:

• Delegates must arrive curbside at the Amtrak Station (401 I Street) in downtown Sacramento at 6:45am on Saturday, November 9. Luggage will go in the minivan and delegates and advisors will walk to the train. Do not be late. Trains don't wait for people. 
• For our return trip, luggage will again get a ride in the minivan. Sac Central Delegates and Advisors will have lunch in Fresno after closing joint session and catch the 2:15pm train back to Sacramento. We expect to arrive back at 6pm. Parents, please be prompt in picking up your delegate from the Amtrak Stations. 

3.) Meeting Agenda: In addition to Pre-Con Jeopardy and conference prep, and some group games, we'll also have a sign-making party for our non-Youth Gov elected candidate, James. Bring your markers!

4.) Save the Date! Celebration Banquet 2020: We'll convene our post-sac conference Celebration Banquet on a new date in a new location this year. Make sure you add Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Sacramento Central YMCA to your calendars now. Tickets will go on sale in January.

REMINDERS

Letters of Recommendation Feeling the college application stress? Y&;G Advisors are happy to provide letters of recommendation upon request. Here's what you need to do:

• Email Christiana (or the advisor of your choosing) your request and include:
• Due dates for any requested letters
• Submission Process (email? online form? sealed envelope?)
• If you have it - a resume or list of your other activities, accomplishments
• It's your responsibility to nag until you receive confirmation that the letter has been written and submitted.
• Please give at least 2 weeks notice in advance of due dates where possible. 
• Also - if you're applying to Claremont McKenna College, def let Christiana know. If you're not applying, research it and then you should definitely apply there :) 

MUN Secretariat Program: MLC has a companion program for middle school students called Model United Nations (MUN). MLC delegates are eligible to serve as MUN Secretariats - leaders who help the Model UN Ambassadors succeed in their roles at conferences by teaching them and being role models. Details on the Secretariat duties can be found here. (disregard the deadlines in this document, however) Applications are available now in Reggo and are due by November 12.

While not required to attend local MUN delegation meetings (expected to be on Tuesday starting in January), Sac Central Secretariats are welcome and encouraged to do so. There are two conferences to attend, however, over March 14-15 (Santa Cruz Mountains) and April 23-26 (Los Angeles). There is a $515 cost to participate and financial aid is available. If you are interested in applying for financial aid, make sure to complete the Secretariat application on time and let an advisor know.  

Family Corner: 

November 6 Pre-Conference Meeting is mandatory for all delegates! It's no longer mandatory for family members. 

Model United Nations Family Info Night, Tuesday December 10: Do you have a middle schooler at home? We have a program for you! Join us on Tuesday, December 10 for a Family Information Session on the YMCA's Model United Nations program for grades 6-8. To sign up for the MUN mailing list, click here. 

Helpful Links:

Missed a bulletin?

Need to make a payment?

Looking for forms or handouts?
Who We Are?

Mark your calendars:

November 6 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting
November 9-11 - Training & Elections Conference I
November 14 - Secretariat Applications Due in Reggo
November 15 - Payment #3 Due
December 4 - Elected/Appointed Leadership and Program Apps due in Reggo
December 8 - California International Marathon Volunteer Event
December 13 - Swim with Santa Volunteer Event at the YMCA
December 13 - Payment #4 Due
January 15 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting
January 16 - CONA, NJC, Governing Board Apps Due in Reggo
January 18-10 - Training & Elections Conference II
February 5 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting
February 13-17 - 72nd Model Legislature & Court
February 23 - Celebration Banquet 2020

We are committed to equal program access for all and are dedicated to ensuring the benefits of Y&G are available to every student in our community without regard to financial need. No delegate should ever drop out or refrain from joining because of financial concerns. If you want to do this program, we want you to do this program.

Gold Country Delegation Combo Bulletins #7 + #8: BHN + Fall Break catch-up

[After Bill Hearing Night, there's only ONE meeting left until our first conference, and parents are invited as it'll be a pre-conference discussion! Parents, scroll down to the blue section for details.]

As you all know very well by now, tomorrow (Monday, 10/28) is our annual Bill Hearing Night! It'll take place at 6:30pm at Grass Valley City Hall's City Council Chambers. Delegates, please arrive at 6pm. The big "question mark" is whether the Public Safety Power Shutoff will affect the BHN. If power to City Hall is off as of 4:30pm tomorrow, we will move the event to a difference location or, worst case, reschedule it. WATCH GROUPME FOR DETAILS.

Remember, please wear Sac Attire (professional business clothing) to BHN! If you have any questions about Sac Attire, here's a link to the official dress code, which describes Sac Attire.

Other important business: Payment #2 is now overdue. Please make your payment ASAP if you haven't already.

Here's what you need to know this week:

1.) Bill Hearing Night

FINAL BILL LANGUAGE, WORKSHEETS DUE TOMORROW:

In case you need to review anything last-minute, here's a link to the 2019 Gold Country Bill Drafts folder. Your bill language and bill worksheets should be done.

PRESENTATION FORMAT:

Each Bill Group member should have put the finishing touches on, and practiced, their designated speech for Bill Hearing Night. It's fine to work from notes but make sure that you've printed your notes out. Please don't read from cell phones or tablets. Here is the BHN Procedure (ignore #9 -- lobbyists do not need a 1-minute summation speech) and here is the BHN Script (again, ignore the lobbyist summation speech section, but otherwise, this format should look familiar to you from our Bill Hearing Practice).  

Here are the roles you assigned yourselves and one another last week, in Bill Hearing Night order:

#1: Chair=Anni, Author/Sponsor = Mia, Leg An=Jihada, Pro Lobbyist=Zayo, Con Lobbyist=Nalasia

#2: Chair=Mia, Author/Sponsor=Jihada, Leg An=Anni, Pro Lobbyist=Ethan, Con Lobbyist=Skyler

#3: Chair=Nalasia, Author/Sponsor=Anni, Leg An=Mia, Pro Lobbyist=Sabine, Con Lobbyist=Zayo

NOTIFY ME ASAP OF ANY CHANGES!

OTHER REMINDERS:

Practice your speeches with a timer running

Print your speech

Wear Sac Attire. 

You may do a subdued "CapCo" callback. No shouting please :)

Make sure you have a notepad and pen with you. You'll want to track critical questions and comments from the audience and work those into your summation speeches, lobbyists and sponsors!    

Voting: all present at BHN are eligible to cast a vote for the bill that goes on to Sac Conference. So turn out your vote! 

2.) Letters of Recommendation

Feeling the college application stress? Y&G Advisors are happy to provide letters of recommendation upon request. Here's what you need to do:

• Email MaryJane (or the advisor of your choosing) your request and include:
• Due dates for any requested letters
• Submission Process (email? online form? sealed envelope?)
• If you have it - a resume or list of your other activities, accomplishments
• It's your responsibility to nag until you receive confirmation that the letter has been written and submitted.
• Please give at least 2 weeks notice in advance of due dates where possible. 

3.) Schedule Overview: Make sure you attend Pre-Con next week!

• Monday, Oct 28 - BILL HEARING NIGHT!
• Thursday, Oct 31 - No meeting
• Nov 7 - Mandatory Pre-Conference meeting -- also mandatory for a family member of new delegates
• Nov 9-11: Training & Elections Conference I (Fresno)  

4.) Planning Ahead: Prepare for T&E 1 Conference departure likely around 8:30am on Saturday, November 9 from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills (details to be confirmed next week), NOT the Sacramento YMCA like years past. Please start planning your carpools! 

 

Family Corner: 

Bill Hearing Night is Monday, October 28 at 6:30pm and You're Invited! This annual event is a chance for delegates to show off to friends, family, and special guests all of their hard work so far this year. You won't want to miss it! 

November 7th Pre-Conference Meeting is mandatory for all delegates and for a family member of new delegates. It's highly encouraged for a family member of returning delegates to attend as well.

Model United Nations Family Info Night TBD: Do you have a middle schooler at home? We have a program for you! We are putting together a Family Information Session on the YMCA's Model United Nations program for grades 6-8. To sign up for the MUN mailing list, click here -- I'll send you details on the Info Session as soon as they are available. 

-MaryJane

Lead Advisor

415-515-4945

Helpful Links:

Missed a bulletin?

Need to make a payment?

Looking for forms or handouts?

Mark your calendars:

October 28 (Monday) - Mandatory Bill Hearing Night, 6:30-8pm (GV City Hall) 

November 7 - Pre-Conference Meeting (Mandatory for parents new to MLC)

November 9-11 - Training & Elections Conference I

Nov. 15, 2019 - Third Payment Due  

December 8 - California International Marathon Volunteer Event

December 13 - Swim with Santa Volunteer Event at the YMCA

December 13, 2019 - Fourth and Final Payment Due    

January 15 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting (also mandatory for parents new to MLC)

January 18-20 - Training & Elections Conference II

February 5 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting (Mandatory for all parents)

February 13-17 - 72nd Model Legislature & Court

We are committed to equal program access for all and are dedicated to ensuring the benefits of Y&G are available to every student in our community without regard to financial need. No delegate should ever drop out or refrain from joining because of financial concerns. If you want to do this program, we want you to do this program.

Sac Central Delegation Bulletin #8: BHN Special!

We've already reached Bill Hearing Night! Time flies when you're learning how to run the world. You all did a wonderful job at our Practice Bill Hearing Night at this week's meeting. Very impressed by your preparation! There are still some things to do, though, so read this bulletin carefully.

At the next meeting: Bill Hearing Night! Wear Sac Attire! 
What's due: Final updates to your bill language and bill worksheet. 
Now overdue: Payment #2

1.) Bill Hearing Night:

Here is the updated BHN Procedure and BHN Script. Check out both of those links because times and speech requirements have been updated (lobbyists need a 1 min summation speech in addition to their initial pro/con speech). In our delegation, we don't read from our cell phones or tablets so make sure to print or write out your speech in advance. For tips on constructing your persuasive speech, check this out. 

Make sure you have a notepad and pen with you. You'll want to track critical questions and comments from the audience and work those into your summation speeches, lobbyists and sponsors!

We'll convene our annual Bill Hearing Night in the Historic Hearing Room at old Sacramento City Hall (915 I Street) from 6:00-8:00pm. Allow time for downtown traffic and to find parking and still arrive on-time, ready to go at 6pm. Do not be late.

BHN Reminders:

1. Practice your speeches with a timer running
2. Print your speech
3. Wear Sac Attire. 
4. You may do a subdued "CapCo" callback. No shouting please :)
5. Voting: all present at BHN are eligible to cast a vote for the bill that goes on to Sac Conference. So turn out your vote! 
6. All bills must have identified a primary and secondary sponsor on their bill worksheet who are committed to serving those roles in the Houses program at Sac Conference. 

2.) Bill Language and Worksheets:

Authors need to check out their bill language and worksheets. I have left notes of things for you to update or expand on that need to be taken care of by Monday, Oct 28 at 5pm.   Every bill group has notes that need to be addressed on their language, worksheet, or both. 

3.) Letters of Recommendation

Feeling the college application stress? Y&G Advisors are happy to provide letters of recommendation upon request. Here's what you need to do:

• Email Christiana (or the advisor of your choosing) your request and include:
• Due dates for any requested letters
• Submission Process (email? online form? sealed envelope?)
• If you have it - a resume or list of your other activities, accomplishments
• It's your responsibility to nag until you receive confirmation that the letter has been written and submitted.
• Please give at least 2 weeks notice in advance of due dates where possible. 
• Also - if you're applying to Claremont McKenna College, def let Christiana know. If you're not applying, research it and then you should definitely apply there :) 

4.) Planning Ahead: Prepare for an earlier-than-you're-used-to Conference departure on Saturday, November 9. Per the last bulletin, we're taking the train and delegates will need to be at the Amtrak station at 6:50am on the dot. More details at our Pre-Con meeting on Nov. 6. But plan those rides now!

5.) Updated! MUN Secretariat Program: MLC has a companion program for middle school students called Model United Nations (MUN). MLC delegates are eligible to serve as MUN Secretariats - leaders who help the Model UN Ambassadors succeed in their roles at conferences by teaching them and being role models. Details on the Secretariat duties can be found here. (disregard the deadlines in this document, however) Applications are available now in Reggo and are due by November 12.

While not required to attend local MUN delegation meetings (expected to be on Tuesday starting in January), Sac Central Secretariats are welcome and encouraged to do so. There are two conferences to attend, however, over March 14-15 (Santa Cruz Mountains) and April 23-26 (Los Angeles). There is a $515 cost to participate and financial aid is available. If you are interested in applying for financial aid, make sure to complete the Secretariat application on time and let an advisor know. 

REMINDERS

Schedule Overview: 

• Oct 30 - BILL HEARING NIGHT!
• Nov 6 - Mandatory Pre-Conference meeting - required for all delegates. Family member required for new delegates, recommended for returning delegates. 
• Nov 9-11: Training & Elections Conference I (Fresno)

Family Corner: 

November 6 Pre-Conference Meeting is mandatory for all delegates and for a family member of new delegates. It's highly encouraged for a family member of returning delegates to attend as well. Of special note: a new transportation plan for the upcoming conference. 

Model United Nations Family Info Night, Tuesday December 10: Do you have a middle schooler at home? We have a program for you! Join us on Tuesday, December 10 for a Family Information Session on the YMCA's Model United Nations program for grades 6-8. To sign up for the MUN mailing list, click here. 

Helpful Links:

Missed a bulletin?

Need to make a payment?

Looking for forms or handouts?
Who We Are?

Mark your calendars:

October 30 - Mandatory Bill Hearing Night, Sac Attire Required
November 6 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting
November 9-11 - Training & Elections Conference I
November 14 - Secretariat Applications Due in Reggo
November 15 - Payment #3 Due
December 4 - Elected/Appointed Leadership and Program Apps due in Reggo
December 8 - California International Marathon Volunteer Event
December 13 - Swim with Santa Volunteer Event at the YMCA
December 13 - Payment #4 Due
January 15 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting
January 16 - CONA, NJC, Governing Board Apps Due in Reggo
January 18-10 - Training & Elections Conference II
February 5 - Mandatory Pre-Conference Meeting
February 13-17 - 72nd Model Legislature & Court
February 23 - Celebration Banquet 2020

We are committed to equal program access for all and are dedicated to ensuring the benefits of Y&G are available to every student in our community without regard to financial need. No delegate should ever drop out or refrain from joining because of financial concerns. If you want to do this program, we want you to do this program.