Question 1

WHAT DO I WEAR TO YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT?

Accepted Answer

Pre-conference events (Orientation, Training, and YAGreat Night) are casual unless otherwise stated in communications before the event.

The State Conference at the New Mexico Capitol is business professional. Appropriate business professional attire may include slacks or a skirt with a button-down shirt or blouse and a jacket. Ties are also appropriate for business professional attire. See the following article from Indeed on business attire: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/guide-to-business-attire (https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/guide-to-business-attire)

If you don't have business professional clothes to wear to State Conference, you can check out the YAG Closet at Training or YAGreat Night to pick out donated clothes for free!

Question 2

WHAT IS THE BEST BRANCH FOR NEW DELEGATES TO PARTICIPATE IN?

Accepted Answer

New delegates are strongly encouraged to participate in the Task Force that occurs online between November - February. This is a way to learn more about the branches and the legislative process. After participating in Task Force, you can participate in another branch at State Conference.

For State Conference, there is not any one place that would be best for a new delegate. It really depends on what you are interested in! If you are interested in debating, understanding case law, and in the judicial processes, then participating in the Judicial branch may be the best fit for you. If you are interested in learning how our state legislature works, or you have an idea of something that should be law in New Mexico, then the Legislative branch may be a great fit for you. Do you like to write, take photos, or create videos? Then consider participating in Media!

Question 3

CAN I PARTICIPATE IN MULTIPLE BRANCHES?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. The Judicial, National Issues Forum, Executive, Legislative, Lobbyist Corps, and Media branches all require full commitment and it is generally not possible for a delegate to participate in multiple branches. The only exception to this is the Attorney General's Cabinet. Members of the AG Cabinet may also participate in the Legislative branch, Lobbyist Corps, Media, or Governor's Cabinet. Members of the AG Cabinet may not participate in the Judicial or National Issues Forum branches.

Question 4

WHAT HAPPENS AT PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS, AND ARE THEY REQUIRED?

Accepted Answer

ORIENTATION
The first event of the conference year is Orientation, which happens in December, it is a half-day event. This event will go over the basic structure of the program, and will include any updates for participants who are returning about changes in the program. This is the first opportunity to get to know the Executive Officer team, as well as meet students from other programs. Delegates do not have to choose their branch before Orientation, Orientation is a great opportunity to learn more about all branches before making a decision. Orientation is required, but there is an online recording that students may watch if they are unable to attend the session live.

TRAINING
By Training, delegates must choose their branch. At Training, they will attend the session for their chosen branch. At Training, delegates will receive detailed instructions and advice on how to prepare for their branch. For Legislative delegates, this includes the bill writing process and an overview of Parliamentary Procedure. For Judicial delegates, this includes the brief writing process and an overview of Oral Arguments. Training is required, and there are three dates offered, one in each region of the state (Southern, Central, and Northern). Delegates must attend one training event.

YAGreat NIGHT
YAGreat Night is a fun, relaxed opportunity to prepare for the presentation aspect of YAG. For the Legislative/NIF branches, this focuses on Parliamentary Procedure and the committee process. For the Judicial branch, this focuses on Oral Argument prep. For the Executive branch, this focuses on the process for making decisions on legislation. This event is optional, but recommended.

Question 5

IS IT OKAY TO EMAIL THE OFFICERS AND THE STATE DIRECTOR WITH QUESTIONS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! They would be more than happy to assist you with anything you need before our various events.

Have any questions that are not currently answered on this page? Feel free to email the state director or any of the officers to have your question answered!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have any questions that are not currently answered on this page? Feel free to email the state director or any of the officers to have your question answered!