Youth and Government students are taking over the state capitol in Austin, Thursday-Sunday for the State Conference where they get the unique opportunity to debate, compete, and pretend to be real members of the Texas government.

The YMCA-sponsored club tries to emulate the state government and gives students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the government.

“It has the legislature, it has a governor, it has a whole court system, and it even includes what some people call the fourth branch of government, the media,”  club advisor Sarah Wiseman said. “So, it’s really trying to make students aware of the government. And they go, and they compete in whatever field of government they’re in and have the chance to win awards.”

Many students choose to compete in the Legislative Branch of the mock government, which entails writing their own bills about issues they feel worthy of discussion and debating them.

Sophomore Adriana Sun’s bill centers around neurodivergence and the role of education in neurodivergence.

“Instead of having a fully typed out speech, I just had bullet points that I want to hit on,” Sun said. “And I talked with a lot of my friends who were neurodivergent to ask about their opinion, as well as going online and researching a lot about this topic.”

For many students, the opportunity to spend three days with their friends, having fun and debating at the Capitol is a highlight of the trip.

“I know that a lot of people in my club are more excited to go and see Austin because you know, a lot of people haven’t been there without adult supervision before,” club president, senior Sadhana Dharmireddy said.

But to Wiseman, the most important aspect of this trip is what students could take with them when they leave. 

“I hope that students take away a sense of responsibility, moving forward to be involved in civic life in some way, shape, or form, a sense of pride in their accomplishments, some good friendships, and also developing good leadership values,” Wiseman said. “It’s sponsored by the YMCA and they really focus on their core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. And I love the idea that you can debate and still be all four of those things. Like that’s what our society needs more of.”