How many people in this Role?
1 Youth Governor
Who can run for this Role?
Must have at least 1 year of experience participating in Youth and Government.
Candidates for Governor MUST be able to travel, usually the 3rd week of June, to Washington, DC for National Youth Governor’s Conference. The YMCA will cover all registration and travel expenses for Maine’s Youth Governor to attend this event.
Main Role and Responsibilities
The Youth Governor is the student leader who serves as the head of the program’s Executive Branch during the Youth and Government year. The role mirrors Maine’s Governor with a focus on leadership, civic engagement, and guiding the student government process.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead the Executive Branch and represent delegates
- Set priorities and goals for the year in consultation with their Cabinet
- Select Cabinet members from those nominated to the positions.
- Review passed Bills with their Cabinet to either support or veto the legislation
- Preside over Executive Branch meetings and help coordinate leadership officers
- Represent Maine YMCA Youth and Government at leadership events, including opportunities such as the YMCA National Youth Governor’s Conference
- Serve as a role model and spokesperson for the program’s values of leadership, service, debate, and civic responsibility
- Represent Maine YMCA Youth and Government as requested throughout the year.
What skills are important for this Role?
- Strong leadership skills
- Public speaking
Does this Role attend the Leadership Training beginning on Thursday?
Yes!
Election/Selection Procedure
Youth Governor is elected in a two-step process that begins at Caucus B with nomination and ends on Sunday morning at the Closing Ceremony with the announcement and swearing in of the next year’s Youth Governor.
Step 1: Become a Candidate
At either Caucus B or C (see Caucus Agenda) when the Role is put up for nomination by the Program Director:
- Have someone from your delegation put your name in nomination, this is done by entering your name in the chat.
- After all nominations are in you will be asked to speak about why you want this role. Please be prepared to speak about your qualifications and why you think you would be the best person to fill this Role.
- Then the election will be held, all those present will cast a vote, the candidates receiving the most votes will be announced as 2 of the candidates for Youth Governor.
Step 2: Two Candidates Campaign to Become Youth Governor
- Once you are selected as a candidate, you must complete the Governor Candidate Application
- Submit a recent photo to lonney@maineycamp.org
- Begin campaigning on Saturday morning at 8:30 AM
- Candidate may hang posters on glass only; no posters may be hung on painted or wood surfaces in the State House
- Candidates may not distribute any materials on the floor of the House/Senate
- No campaign materials may be worn or displayed by any members in the House/Senate
- Campaign material must be positive messaging. No negative comments about any other candidates.
- Candidates will participate in the following events:
- Interview with the Media
- Be a part of the Candidate’s Town Hall Debate on Saturday after lunch
- Be interviewed by current Governor
- Give campaign speech at the Saturday evening banquet
- Pick up all campaign materials on Sunday morning
- Vote takes place Sunday Morning.
- No campaign materials are allowed on Sunday morning on the 3rd floor.
- Winner will be announced at the closing ceremony and take oath of office.
