Since 1949, Missouri YMCA Youth In Government (YIG) has provided
students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and
experience democracy. Based on the motto “Democracy Must Be
Learned By Each Generation”, YIG is a statewide educational
program that involves over 700 Missouri youth each year in
various programs. These include our Model Government Program
(State Convention), Executive Branch Leadership Institute, YMCA
Advocacy Day, and Conference on National Affairs. Through Youth
In Government, students are provided with an opportunity to
engage in discussions and debates on many critical issues facing
our state and society. They learn to respect other points of
view, while at the same time advocating their position on an
issue. They interact with fellow students from around the state,
while also having invaluable contact with adult role models,
leaders, and public policy makers. For many, participation in
YIG is an opportunity to develop as a leader. The program can
help students make a career cho