Welcome to the Sac Central YMCA Delegations!

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Sac Central Delegation Bulletin #10: Welcome Back, Back to Work!

What a tremendous weekend! I hope you all had a great time conquering some fears, meeting new people, and learning more about program areas. A huge congratulations to our two elected office candidates who poured their heart and soul into their campaigns. The results may not have been as we had hoped, but without a doubt, Liam and James got their message out there to hundreds - and thousands! - of people this weekend. They made their delegation and advisors very, very proud. 



At the next meeting: Post-Conference Debrief, Review of Elected and Appointed Leadership Round 2, Applied Programs, other opportunities; Review of DoD progress so far this year; and more!  
What's due: Payment #3

1.) Yes, Meeting Tomorrow Night: 6:30, Tahoe Park, officers at 6pm.

2.) Two Forms to Complete by 12 Noon on Wed, Nov 13:

READING TEST READING TEST READING TEST: if you complete these by 12 noon tomorrow, we'll have a treat at tomorrow night's meeting! 


3.) DoD Lanyards: Make sure you put your blue, Delegation of Distinction lanyard in a safe place so you can bring it to the next two conferences. We won't be provided with replacements if you lose/forget yours.

4.) Political Party Swaps. If you want to change your political party then complete this form by Thursday, November 21 at 11:59pm. This is the only opportunity to change parties this year. Let me know if you submit this form. You are not guaranteed your first choice of new party assignment.

5.) Issues & Activism Program Area Application. If you are interested in serving in I&A this year as your program area,  you must complete this application by Sunday, November 17, 2019. You must also let me know ASAP if you complete that application as delegates serving in that program area cause our number of spots in other program areas to change, which impacts the entire delegation.

6.) Role Selection. Program area assignments will happen soon! This process will determine your role at T&EII and Sac Conference. Here are the spots we are allotted this year IF no one signs up for I&A:


Appellate Court1
Bench Trial1
Board of Ed1
CIB1
ConCon1
DoF1
IAC1
Houses3
LegAn1
Lobbyist1
Media1
NIC1
TOTAL14

I'll do my best to swap our way into more spots but be aware that ConCon is the hardest program area to secure spots for, followed by IAC, DOF, and Lobbyist (usually, though it can vary year to year). I do everything I can to get folks their top choice, but, adjust your expectations accordingly. 

7.) Elected/Appointed Leadership Apps - round 2 due Nov 18! Now that you've all Reggo-ed for our remaining two conferences, you have access to lots of exciting leadership applications - elected and appointed positions, special programs, the works. If you want THE BEST SHOT at your program area of choice. To see how to access apps, click here. For a list of available elected and appointed positions, including qualifications, click here. I strongly encourage you to apply for a leadership position! Campaigning and interviewing can be stressful but the experience is so rewarding, regardless of the outcome! 
  • New Opportunities! For those with 1 year of Bench Trial, there is now a Lead Prosecutor Position and a Lead Defense Attorney position. Both are appointed. Applications are in Reggo. 
8.) Additional Program Apps: CONA, NJC, Advocacy Day, and more are all available in Reggo. Ask Christiana if you have questions on any of these. More info will be provided at an upcoming meeting.

REMINDERS

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.

Letters of Recommendation Feeling the college application stress? Y&G Advisors are happy to provide letters of recommendation upon request. For info on how to request a letter, check out the last bulletin.

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: 

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:

Mark your calendars:
November 15 - Payment #2 Due
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 (tickets on sale in January) 

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.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Sac Central Delegation Bulletin Special: PRE-CON FINAL!

Here's a final rundown of info for this weekend:

1.) Be at the Amtrak Station tomorrow morning at 6:45am sharp. Advisors will be curbside to check-you in and you'll load your very small amount of luggage into the van. (Station address is 401 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814)
  • Have your $7 for Monday lunch with you. EXACT CHANGE PLEASE.
  • Closed-toed shoes are required all weekend. Wear comfortable walking shoes!
  • Bring your Sac lunch for the train ride there. 
2.) Here is the conference schedule. Be on the look out for remind texts alerting you to schedule changes during the weekend. You do not need to print this now -  you'll be given a copy when we get to Fresno. 
3.)  Here is the pre-con letter and packing list. PACK LIGHT. Bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended. 
  • Parents of the following delegates need to reply to Christiana to confirm they have read the pre-conference letter that was sent home last week. 
    • Aaron Reese
    • Jenni Tsao
    • Miraya Gomez
    • Mitchell Youker
    • Priya   Sharma
    • Ting Ting Pu
4.) Candidates should have their completed disclosure forms or governor agreement with them. 

5.) Candidates, Applicants, and Delegation Presidents should take note of interview and meeting times. 

See you bright and early tomorrow morning!



Helpful Links:

Mark your calendars:
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.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

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) 

Monday, November 4, 2019

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:

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.

Friday, November 1, 2019

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:

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.