Massachusetts YMCA Middle School Model Youth Legislature
Registration will open at 9:00 and last until 9:30am.
9:30-10:00 will be our opening session in the Old South Meeting House.
10:00-to 12:45 students will rotate through 3 stations as well as have lunch. 1 group at a time will meet at the nearby historic Old State House and will walk there and back as a group with supervision. This is a .25 mile walk with only one turn. https://maps.app.goo.gl/6UG3KdSWcyt5FYCx7
Bill Writing and Presenting Workshops. These will focus on helping students to prepare legislation or fine tune the bill they have brought. Based on preparation, participation and time constraints several bills will be chosen to be presented to the House or Senate later in the day. All Students will be assigned as Representatives or Senators.
Debate Preparation, teaching students how to follow Parliamentary Procedure, ask effective questions, and express their opinion on an idea.
Revolution is Brewing, Games for Change Award winner of Best Civics Game, Revolution Is Brewing is a 90-minute immersive experience where students take on the roles of British subjects across the political spectrum. Working in breakout groups and representing their varied interests and beliefs, participants debate the implications of the Coercive Acts, passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Students will explore the different interpretations of representative government, the limits of various forms of protest, and the consequences of resisting arbitrary power in the months and years leading up to American independence.
12:45-1:45 will be for Debate over bills and voting. Students will have the opportunity to chair bills, speak on the bills they have prepared and engage with other students from across the Commonwealth.
1:45-2:00 will be for the Closing Ceremony, including Guest Speaker, Group Picture, and awards.
Participating Grade(s): 8th Grade
Event organizer: Nelson, Robyn
Location: Bus will pick up at HCSS West at 7:50am and then go to HCSS East for a 8:15am pick up then drive to Old South Meeting House 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108. Event ends at 2:00 and student will be driven to HCSS East first and then West.