Awards

Character Development Awards

Character Development awards are awarded BY delegates TO other delegates who demonstrate the YMCA’s Four Core Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility.  The award recognizes not only those who embody the values of the YMCA, but delegates who rise to further strengthen the camaraderie between themselves and others during sessions.  Recipients will be recognized by the committee leadership at appropriate times throughout the legislative weekend.

Outstanding Legislation

Two bills from each of the three (3) Legislatures will be selected based upon the following qualities:

• Adherence to proper format
• Idea is clearly defined and explained
• Originality
• Depth of research is apparent

Outstanding & Premier Delegation

This award will be presented to each delegation that fulfills all of the following requirements:

• All paperwork is correct and on time
• All fees are completely paid on time
• Delegation has 100% adherence to the YMCA Ground Rules and Code of Conduct
• Delegation models the YMCA Four Core Values—Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility
• Participation in two out of the four Specialized Committees

Committee Specific Awards

Each of the Specialized Committees as well as the Legislative Chamber will selects delegate who represents the highest caliber of Statesmanship.  While each Committee will give awards under different criteria, the following is qualifications should be met:

• Officers are ineligible
• Must display a positive, respectful attitude toward the program, chamber proceedings, fellow delegates, and the facilities
• Must have a demonstrated knowledge of content as well as procedures
• Must display behavior consistent with Four Core Values of the YMCA

Awards will be given to the following:

• Outstanding Statesmen
  One winner per Chamber –to be voted on by all legislators
• Outstanding Jr. Legislator
  Up to four winners –to be decided by Program Staff
• Outstanding Lobbyist
  One winner per Firm –to be voted on by all legislators
• Outstanding Judicial Delegate
  Up to two winners –to be decided by Program Staff
• Outstanding Press Delegate
  Up to two winners –to be decided by Program Staff

National Affairs Delegates — CONA

Each year, a delegation of outstanding students is selected to represent the State of New Jersey at the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs held for one week during July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina.  This conference brings together over 500 of the top Youth Legislators from across the United States to debate the current affairs of our nation.

• Must have demonstrated knowledge of legislative procedure, rules, and courtesy
• Must have a concern for and an insight into, national and international issues
• Must have made a significant and positive contribution to the Program
• Must exhibit a willingness to interact with a wide variety of people
• Must demonstrate the four core values of the YMCA