2006-2007 Annual Report
Our Story Continues
2007 Annual Report

2006-2007 Annual Report
Annual Message
2007 was a year of tremendous accomplishments and
milestones for the Washington Youth & Government
program. Most importantly, this year marked the 60th
anniversary of Youth Legislature and the 20th anniversary of
Mock Trial. Thanks to the hard work, creativity, volunteer
hours, and financial support of many dedicated supporters,
we were able to honor these important programs and look
back at the impacts they have had on so many young
people over the years.
The 60/20 Anniversary included an alumni reunion, a
Lucy Helm parade of Washington’s elected and youth governors, and
a wonderful celebration banquet attended by over 600
students, advisors, alumni, and supporters. Former Chief Justice Robert
Utter, a member of the 1947 Youth Legislature, was honorary co-chair of
the Anniversary Committee. Joining him in this role were long time state
Senator Sid Snyder and Former Secretary of State Ralph Munro. Their
witty and inspiring remarks at the banquet were a testament to the impact
of Youth & Government programs on our state and its leaders. They also
reminded us that even in a rapidly changing world, Youth & Government
programs continue to teach and inspire hundreds of Washington State
youth each year.
Once again this year, thanks to supporters like you, we exceeded our
ambitious target for our annual campaign, raising over half the funds
needed to operate Youth & Government programs. As you are aware,
the programs are operated entirely on contributions and program fees, so
your continuing support is critical to our success.
This year we also received a financial boost and vote of confidence from
the Washington State Legislature. We are proud to report that during
the 2007 session, legislators found Youth & Government to be critical to
improving the quality of civic education around the state and appropriated

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$50,000 in the biennium budget to assist Youth Government in meeting
this goal. Over the next two years we will use these funds to develop
programs in underserved areas and populations within our state.
Youth Government is fortunate to have a group of talented and tireless
volunteers who participate as members of our Board of Directors. This
year, we say goodbye and thank you to several board members who
have provided immeasurable support to the program. Included in this
group are Garrison Kurtz who played an instrumental role in supporting
our annual campaign over the 5 years he was on the board; and Judge
William Downing, Mock Trial Program Chair through 2006, and this year’s
recipient of the Utter Award for distinguished service to youth. Special
thanks also to Pam Curtis-Bjornsen, who steps down after over 15 years
of board service, including 8 years as Board Chair. Pam has served the
program since 1981 when she was Washington’s Youth Governor. Her
leadership, organization, fundraising skills, good humor, and devotion to
the program will be difficult to replace.
Thank you for participating in our anniversary events, volunteering for
program activities and providing financial and volunteer
support for the continued expansion of the Youth
Legislature and Mock Trial programs around the state.
We are enclosing a commemorative book from the 60/20
Anniversary celebration. We hope you enjoy reading
the story of Youth Government. As the year and our
anniversary celebrations come to a close, we are not closing
the book; we are writing a new chapter. Thank you for being
a part of the YMCA Youth Government story!
Lucy Helm Janelle D. Nesbit Janelle D. Nesbit
Board Chair Executive Director

2006-2007 Annual Report
2007-2008 Board of Directors
Lucy Helm*, Chair Stuart Elway*
Starbucks Corporation Elway Research
Enid Layes*, Vice Chair Chris Koenig*
Koenig Chevrolet-Subaru
Sam Bovard, Treasurer
Key Bank Jim Ferrell
King County Prosecutor’s Office
Jennifer Joly, Secretary
Jim Bricker*
Joan Yoshitomi, Past Chair PEMCO Financial Services
Louis Brotherton, Judge Robert Lewis
Mock Trial Representative Clark County Superior Court
Erik Ashida, Michael Miles
Youth Governor Lawton Printing, Inc
Mike Egan* Noah Davis*
Microsoft Corporation In Pacta Lawyers, PLLC
Don Brevik Dwayne Slate*
YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County
Responsibility

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2007-2008 Advisory Board
Sam Reed
Secretary of State
Sharon Tomiko Santos
WA State House of Representatives
Scott Washburn, COO/SVP
YMCA of Greater Seattle
Ralph Munro
Former Secretary of State
Justice Robert Utter*
Washington State Supreme Court, Retired
YMCA Youth Government Staff
Janelle D. Nesbit, Executive Director
Sarah Clinton*, Program Director
Kandi Lee, Administrative Coordinator
*Alumni of the Youth Legislature or Mock Trial programs

2006-2007 Annual Report
Motto
Democracy must be learned by each generation.
Vision
New generations of ethical and informed, public-minded citizens.
Mission
Teach Democratic values and skills to youth through hands on experience.
Board of Directors Strategic Goals (2007-2009)
1) Increase participation in Youth Government programs with emphasis
on geographic, economic and ethnic diversity.
2) Enhance the consistency and quality of local Mock Trial and Youth
Legislature programs.
3) Increase and diversify Youth Government financial resources.
4) Ensure the staff and volunteer resources necessary to accomplish Goals
1, 2 and 3.
“Democracy is more than being governed by a majority vote. It is a process
in government which must be learned and earned by each succeeding
generation. Youth cannot inherit democracy. They achieve it as adults provide
opportunities and leadership.”
-Dr. Earle T. Hawkins, Chair, Maryland Youth Government (1940s)

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Because of the amazing time that I had at Mock Trial and the State Competition
I have a much better understanding of the judicial system. This program has
also brought me closer to many people in my class by working closely with
them in preparing different parts of the trial and watching and cheering them
on at state. I am very grateful that I have had this opportunity to represent
my school and have an unforgettable experience with my classmates, friends,
teachers, and volunteers.
Peter Mallahan, student 2007
Youth and Government relies on the support of the community. So many
people have contributed their time, expertise and money to our program all
these years it is only fitting that our delegations learn to be active in their local
communities. We are taught that community involvement is a life responsibility
and can happen on any scale. Whether it is school or community activities,
working fundraisers or giving to them, helping a campaign or running for
office, there is always room to contribute. It is our privilege, our responsibility,
and we believe, our duty.
As the motto goes, we believe that, “Democracy must be learned by each
generation.” We have a responsibility to learn it, and a responsibility to teach
it. YMCA Youth and Government gives us the platform to do both, while giving
everyone involved memories to last a lifetime.
Ken Heidi Simpson, alumni 1984
YL Advisors Parents 2007

2006-2007 Annual Report
Mock Trial
Program Highlights
• 46 teams competed in 6 district competitions around the state
• 33 schools were involved in Mock Trial statewide
• FOUR teams represented Washington State at two national competitions:
National High School Mock Trial Championship
Seattle Prep
American Mock Trial Invitational
University Prep, Eastside Catholic, Franklin
• Snohomish County hosted its first district competition in several years
• Expanded collaboration with the Washington State Trial Lawyers, WSBA,
Young Lawyers and the Washington Judges’ Foundation
Inns of Court scholarship winner
The Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn
of Court partnered with YMCA Mock Trial again
this year to offer a $1,000 college scholarship
to a graduating senior who exemplifies the
values of professionalism, ethics, civility,
legal skills, and understanding of the YMCA
core values – honesty, respect, responsibility,
caring, faith and fun. This year’s award
recipient was Sofia Noorani from Tri-Cities
Prep.
Judge Stephanie Arend (left) Jill
Stone (center) present Sofia Norrani
YMCA Mock Trial - A Story of Service with Inns of Court scholarship
The YMCA Mock Trial Program would not
be possible without the continued support of Washington’s legal community.
Over one hundred attorneys and judges volunteer their time to preside over
and rate local and state competitions. Legal professionals throughout the
state also volunteer hundreds of hours each year helping students learn
courtroom procedures, research case law and develop courtroom strategies.
By developing relationships with local attorneys and judges students gain an
understanding of our democratic system of government as well as a respect for
the judicial process and those who work within it.

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Mock Trial
My Mock Trial Story:
Louis Brotherton, student 2007
Mock Trial is not just debate, not just theatre, and not
just law. It is a mental battle, fought in a court room,
combining elements of theatre, law, debate, and
speech. Mock Trial is the single best experience of
my High School career. Through Mock Trial I have
learned a great deal about trial litigation, gained
confidence in my public speaking, and made life
long friendships.
Participation in Mock Trial is an emotional
roller coaster. In my time in the program I
have experienced the ecstasy of a state championship and the
disappointment and disbelief of a lost round; and as a result I have
grown, matured, and witnessed the same growth in my teammates.
There is no doubt that when I look back on my time in high school,
Mock Trial will be what I remember most fondly. Mock Trial is a fantastic
program and it is worth every minute.
Special Thanks
Thank you to Washington State Supreme Court Justice Jim Johnson for
presiding over the Championship Round of the 2007 State Competition!
Respect

2006-2007 Annual Report
Youth Legislature
Program Highlights
• 460 students involved in 29 local programs statewide
• Delegates served in 6 legislative chambers
• 3 new delegations – including one from Spokane
• Addition of District 5 on the Olympic Peninsula
• Support of Sid Snyder, Ralph Munro and Justice Utter as honorary co-
chairs of the Anniversary Celebration
• Anniversary events including: Alumni Reception, Banquet, Procession of
Governors and publication of the 60/20 Commemorative Book and video
YMCA Youth Legislature - A Story of Dedication
For the past 60 years the success of YMCA Youth Legislature has lied in the hands
of program volunteers. Nearly half of the delegates attending the 60th session stay
with host families around the Olympia area; adult advisors, parents, teachers and
YMCA staff members spend hundreds of hours each year teaching delegates the
processes of state government. Your time and energy is an investment not only in
the futures of individual students, but in that of our state as a whole.
The dedicated support of individuals around Washington made it possible for Youth
Government to subsidize student participation fees by 40%. Your contributions
also made the Youth Government programs accessible to students around the
state through $3,324 in individual scholarships.
Caring

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Youth Legislature
Legislation Passed by the 60th Youth Legislature
HB 100 Limiting Allowable Work Hours for Medical Professionals
HB 110 Expanding the Definition of Hate Crimes
HB 15 Inclusion of Braille Values on Paper Money
HB 21 Lowering the Age of Mandatory School Attendance
HB 33 Limiting Awards in Medical Malpractice Cases
HB 39 Requiring Foreign Language Education in K-12
HB46 Ending Affirmative Action for Application into Higher Education
HB 75 Allowing the Hunting of Sasquatch
HB 93 Definition of Traffic Safety Course
HB 97 Mandatory Hand Washing
SB 2 Legalizing Hemp
SB 23 Voting w/o Selecting a Party
SB 27 Instant Runoff Voting
SB 312 Removing “Under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance
SB 32 Cities w/1,000+ Required to Have a Biofuel Pump
SB 330 Action in Darfur
SB 48 Regarding a Mortician’s Disclosure of Information w/o Consent
SB 5 Unfair Practices of Employers Regarding Sexual Orientation
My Youth Legislature Story:
Erik Ashida, 61st Youth Governor
In 1965, Lyndon Johnson told the graduating class of Howard
University
“it is the glorious opportunity of this generation to end the one huge wrong
of the American Nation and, in so doing, to find America for ourselves,
with the same immense thrill of discovery which gripped those who first
began to realize that here, at last, was a home for freedom…”
These words are still true a generation later. Young people
discovering what our country and its institutions mean to them and how
they can contribute continues in the YMCA Youth Legislature Program.
The program gives us unparalleled access to the institutions of our state
government. It enables us to not only learn about these institutions, but to
make them our own.

2006-2007 Annual Report
2007 YMCA Youth Government Participants
Youth Legislature Delegations
Whatcom (YMCA) Southridge High School
Monroe (YMCA) Tri-Cities Prep
Southeast (YMCA) Port Townsend High School (2)
Northshore (YMCA) Central Kitsap High School
Sammamish (YMCA) Camas High School
Metro Delegation (YMCA) Columbia High School
MMEM (YMCA) Evergreen High School
Seattle Academy of Heritage High School
Arts and Sciences Fort Vancouver High School (3)
Bellevue (YMCA) Ridgefield High School
Shoreline (YMCA) Hudson’s Bay High School
Lakeside Eastside Catholic (2)
West Seattle (YMCA) Franklin High School (2)
South King (YMCA) International Community School
Normandy Park Seattle Academy of
Tacoma (YMCA) Arts and Sciences (2)
Lakewood (YMCA) Seattle Parks and Recreation
Holy Rosary Chief Sealth High School
Thurston (YMCA) Roosevelt High School
Grays Harbor (YMCA) Liberty High School
Olympic Peninsula (YMCA) Mercer Island High School (2)
South Puget Sound Renton High School
Community College Seattle Prep (3)
Heritage High School University Prep (3)
Mt. View High School Archbishop Murphy (3)
Stevenson High School Marysville-Pilchuck High School
Dayton High School Meadowdale High School
Walla Walla High School The River Academy
Bickleton Mount Spokane High School
Yakima (YMCA) Meridian High School
Spokane (YMCA) Windward High School
Lynden High School
Mock Trial Teams
Kennewick High School (# of teams if greater than 1)
Richland High School

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Conference on National Affairs
My CONA Story:
Alex Mech, student 2007
Five hundred teens from all over the US represent
their Youth Government programs, their states, and
their beliefs. Even with the tremendous differences
we have, we still come together every year in the
Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to share our
common passion for democracy and our common
identity as Americans. It is this collaborative
experience which puts in our hearts an even deeper
appreciation of freedom, leads us to gain the famous
“Blue Ridge Spirit,” and bonds us together, creating friendships that last a
lifetime.
2007 Washington Delegation
Over the 4th of July, seven students from the Washington Youth Government
Program represented our state at the 40th Annual YMCA Youth Conference
on National Affairs in Black Mountain, NC. Students wrote proposals on
issues ranging from the regulation of dietary supplements to creating a system
of proportional representation in the US House of Representatives. The
Washington Delegation was recognized with the honor of Premier Delegation for
the third year in a row!
Honesty

2006-2007 Annual Report
Percentage ofYour Support Percentage of Student Fees Supported Your
In 2007 Student Fees Supported Counted!
Percentage Your Contributions in Students paid byYour Contributions in 2007 Contributions
by of Student Fees Supported Your Your
2007 Contributions
Students paid
Students paid by Your Contributions in 2007 Contributions
40% 60%
Your contribution reduced student fees by:
40% 60%
40% per student in Youth Legislature
• $159 60% Your Support of
Student Fees
• $158 per student in Mock Trial
40%
60%
Total costs per student in 2007 were: 1 2
• $359 per Youth Legislature delegate
• $198 per Mock Trial participant 1subsidized by contributions
2
1 2paid by students
2007 participation:
• 460 students participated in the 60th Session
• 556 students participated in the Mock Trial
Program Mary Pryor and fellow advisor
James Rosensweig
2007 student fees:
• $200 for Youth Legislature
• $30 + team fees for Mock Trial Distircts
• $30 + team fees for Mock Trial State
Watching the students work on bills and listening to
their endless debates is a reminder of why I became
a teacher in the first place. Youth Government has
had a lasting, positive effect on our students.
- Mary Pryor, Dayton HS teacher and YL advisor (2007)
Fun!

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2006-2007 Financial Summary
Public Support and Revenues
Contributions $140,000
Grants $35,600
Participant Fees $113,500
Endowment Spending Allowance $3,824
All other income (special events, training workshops, inner-assoc. transfers) $11,500
Total Support and Revenues $304,424
Expenses
Salaries (2.5 FTE) $126,320
Program Supplies* $17,500
Telephone $4,500
Postage $6,750
Rent $5,940
Equipment $500
Printing $17,500
Training $1,500
Travel $4,500
Operations expenses (service fees, volunteer committee expenses, org. dues) $26,094
Subsidized program expenses* (Youth Leg, Mock Trial CONA) $79,896
Individual need scholarships and program fee awards ** $3,324
Reserves $10,000
Total Expenses $304,424
*subsidized through annual support, foundations, grants and sponsorships
**Scholarships and Direct Individual Program Awards (Mock Trial, Youth Leg, and CONA)
Assets 2006-07
Endowments
General YG Endowment $41,401.22
Foster Scholarship $3,746.81
Bill Sieverling Youth Gov $51,772.29
Reserve Account Balance $92,846.03
This reserve fund is made up of funds that Youth Government brought when it left Y-USA,
plus funds set aside each month from it’s operations. It has been decreased with a deficit, and
increased with a surplus.
Year-end Balance 2006 $96,920.32

2006-2007 Annual Report
Robert F. Utter Award
Judge William Downing:
Recipient of the 2006 Robert F. Utter Award
Each year YMCA Youth Government recognizes
one individual in the state of Washington for ethical
leadership, commitment to the ideals of democracy, civic
responsibility and service to the community by presenting
them with the Robert F. Utter Award. This year’s recipient
of the Utter Award was Judge William Downing of the
King County Superior Court.
Judge Downing began working with the Mock Trial
Judge William Downing,
program after being appointed to the Superior Court by King County
Governor Booth Gardner in 1989. Since then he has Superior Court
served on the Board of Directors as Program Chair,
written and edited several mock cases, and organized the
King County District Competition.
In addition to Mock Trial, Judge Downing is involved in the Bench-Bar-Press
Committee and the WA Pattern Jury Instruction Committee. In an interview taken
after being presented with the 2005 Washington State Trial Lawyer’s Association
Judge of the Year Award, Downing said he is involved with these programs in
an effort to “de-mystify the law...and get information about the justice system to
people who are primarily outside of it.” Judge Downing is known statewide for
his professionalism and dedication. YMCA Youth Government thanks Judge
Downing for his work and commitment to the legal education of Washington
citizens.
Judge Downing has always been a bright star in whatever he chose to do. The
YMCA Youth Government Program has been fortunate to be the recipient
of his dedication and industry in their Mock Trial program since 1989. The
participants have had the benefit of a splendid role model in their work with him,
which in turn serves as a catalyst for encouraging adoption of his values in
their choice of a career. I am honored to have my name associated with Judge
Downing and thank him for his involvement in this worthwhile program.
Justice Robert F. Utter
Washington State Supreme Court, Retired

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What’s Your Youth Government Story?
The Story Continues
The stories here would not be possible without the continued support of
individuals and organizations who value the democratic future of Washington
State. 40% of Youth Government’s annual operating budget is collected
through our annual fundraising campaign each fall. We look forward to
continuing our community partnerships over the next year.
2007-2008 Student fees
Youth Leg Participation fee $200
Mock Trial District fees $30 per student + team costs
Mock Trial State fees $30 per student + team costs
2007-08 Budget
Proposed Youth Leg and Mock Trial Operating Budget $308,424
Estimated program fees $116,000
Anticipated foundation/sponsorships/special events $77,424
Need for additional support $115,000
Faith

2006-2007 Annual Report
Opportunities for Support
CONA was one of the most amazing experiences of my
life. I have truly grown as a person and have learned a lot
about myself.
Rachel Leavitt-Baron, student (2007)
Leadership Giving Levels
Ambassador - $10,000+
Founder - $5,000 - $9,999
Benefactor – $2,500 - $4,999
Champion - $1,500 - $2,499
Governor’s Cabinet/Amicus Circle - $1,000 - $1,499
Builder Giving Levels
Sustainer - $500 - $999
Friends - $250 - $499
Supporters - up to $249
Be a part of the next chapter...
Write your own page in the history of YMCA Youth Government. Below
are a variety of ways you can support the future of our democracy by getting
involved!
• Volunteer with a local YMCA or school program
• Participate in program committee meetings
• Judge students during regional or state Mock Trial competitions
• Provide expertise during statewide training events
• Offer to host Youth Legislature delegates during session in Olympia
• Guide the future of the organization as a member of the Board of
Directors
• Sustain programs through an individual or corporate contribution
• Make an in-kind donation of program materials, food, meeting space or
merchandise

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Join YMCA Youth
Government in building
a brighter future for
Washington!

2006-2007 Annual Report
YMCA Youth Government
PO Box 193
Olympia, WA 98507
(360) 357-3475
youthandgovexec@qwest.net
www.youthandgovernment.org