By Jaylin Summers on September 22, 2023
YLA, or the Youth Leadership Association, is a great club at GHS that sponsors events and community service projects. Many students of different ages and backgrounds participate in YLA. From its name you may assume that YLA is just a group that helps clean up the school or make cards for the elderly, and though volunteering is a major part of our local meetings, there are so many different opportunities in YLA.
Fall Conference
Fall Conference is an opportunity for new and returning YLA members to meet and learn about the other parts of YLA, as well as discuss service projects and leadership in individual chapters. As stated by Jaxson Hall, “Fall Conference allowed me to meet members of other chapters and learn more about our own members.” I personally attended Fall Conference and thought it was an interesting experience that inspired me to attend other YLA events.
MUN - Model United Nations
MUN is a great opportunity for YLA members to diversify their understanding of different cultures and international political situations. You have an opportunity to represent a country of your choice and negotiate with other countries to resolve current international issues.
Carly Vandergrift stated, “MUN was a very inspiring experience that I would definitely return to.” I attended MUN and it gave me a better understanding of foreign relations and current international events.
YG - Youth in Government
YG allows students to go into the state capital and act as the different branches of the government. Members who choose to represent the legislative branch write or amend bills with a partner and act as members of the house or senate to vote on bills. Members who act as the judicial branch will look at cases, debate, and question. Members who act as the executive branch hold different positions: Youth Governor, Chief Justice, and many more. While speaking with Sophia Austin she stated, “YG helped me step outside of my comfort zone and expand my knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the inner workings of the government.” I attended YG as Sophia’s bill partner, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. YG taught me so much more than I could ever learn in a classroom.
