What does Youth in Government mean to YOU?

Liya Patel –

February 24, 2022, marks the start of the 69th Youth in Government Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Over 400 delegates from all across Tennessee assemble to learn and understand how the court system works. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Delegates will put countless hours of work into constituting bills that can be implemented into Tennessee law. This is what the conference is meant to be, but what does Youth in Government truly mean to the delegates? 

Youth in Government to Abdoulaye Charles from Antioch High School represents being able to be more social and outgoing. He states that it is a way to discuss topics that have never been seen before and be able to implement changes in the Tennessee Community. Ada Vance, Lang McDaniel, and Megan Zhao from Central Magnet School state that YIG represents youth empowerment in government. Colin Fisher from Signal Mountain Middle-High School notes that the conference is a way for everyone from across Tennessee to come together and share ideas on what they want to see Tennessee become in the future. Youth in Government to Amna Alam of Valor College Prep is a way for students to stay connected on important decisions and keep up with crucial events that are occurring in the community. She further explains how this allows people of our community to be better prepared for the future. Aman also states that it is a creative way to meet new people and build connections.

From these interviews, it can be seen that Youth in Government is not simply just a learning platform for students. It is an experience, where they can form new relationships and collectively move towards making the Tennessee community stronger. What does Youth in Government mean to you?