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California YMCA Youth & Government Newsletter: April 2026
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25th Model United Nations Summit!
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For this special anniversary year, we are bringing together the state’s 620 middle school delegates and 49 high school secretariats to the LAX Marriott for three days to officially take on their roles as country Ambassadors, working collaboratively to help solve international issues. VIP Day will take place on Sunday, May 3 from 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Please RSVP or contact AllyBahk@ymcaLA.org if interested in attending. Seating is limited.
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SoCal Y&G Alumni, Staff, & Friends Mixer!
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Sunday, May 3 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., Cal Y Y&G invites all alumni, staff, & friends of Y&G to a Mixer at the West Los Angeles restaurant, “Sorry Not Sorry” (11520 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064). It’s the first gathering we’ve had in years. Come celebrate with us! If you’d like to make an in-kind donation towards a raffle, please submit this form or connect with AllyBahk@ymcaLA.org. Let us know if you’re able to join! RSVP here!
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78th MLC Sac Recap: A Delegate’s Experience
DAC Subcommittee on Inter Delegation Relationships
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In the 78 years of its existence, California YMCA Youth & Government has served as the foundation for the civic education of thousands; every year in Sacramento, that very idea is reaffirmed. In Sacramento, delegates from all over the state come together to experience democracy and shape its future, passing legislation that will bring the change they so richly deserve and making connections that will last a lifetime. This year, just like any other, that connection began at the 78th Model Legislature & Court Opening Joint Session.
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Opening Joint Session
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The 78th MLC program year began as it always has, with a motion to call the joint session to order. After being brought to order, delegates heard from their elected officers, 78th Youth Governor Violet Chin, 78th Youth Secretary of State Molly Stout, and 78th Youth Chief Justice Kayla Ring, leading them into a weekend brimming with opportunity and democracy. Delegates had the opportunity to hear from professional policy makers, such as Assembly Minority Leader, Heath Flora, and the new Sacramento City Manager, Maraskeshia Smith, to deeply understand the difference they have the ability to make. Additionally, delegates had the opportunity to hear from the candidates running for state-wide elected office, who continued their
campaign throughout the weekend.
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Campaigning in Sacramento
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Campaign season unfolded with energy, purpose, and heart. Delegates from across the state gathered not only to debate legislation and argue cases, but to support candidates who represent the future of the program. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on three standout leaders: 79th Youth Governor Devon Jasiukonis, 79th Youth Chief Justice Abigail Tesfaye, and 79th Youth Secretary of State Zehra Naqvi.
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Devon Jasiukonis, elected as the 79th Youth Governor, brought energy and clarity of purpose to every room he entered. Whether addressing packed caucus meetings or engaging one-on-one with first-year delegates, Devon emphasized unity, leadership development, and expanding opportunity within Youth & Government.
Campaigning in Sacramento is no small task. Days begin early, schedules fill quickly, and candidates must balance visibility with meaningful conversations. Devon met that challenge with steady leadership and authenticity that will now define his administration. Delegates described the campaign as organized, uplifting, and focused not merely on earning votes, but on strengthening the Youth & Government community itself.
At the heart of the judicial branch campaign stood Youth Chief Justice candidate Abigail Tesfaye, whose message resonated deeply with delegates across all program areas. Reflecting on her experience, Abigail shared:
“It has been a truly rewarding experience. In meeting with new delegates, working with my delegation, and campaigning, I have found more new ways than one to fall in love with Y&G all over again.”
Her words capture what many feel at the Sacramento program event; that campaigning is more than speeches and endorsements. It is about rediscovering why Youth & Government matters. Tesfaye’s approach centered on mentorship, accessibility, and strengthening judicial education, ensuring that every delegate, from trial attorneys to justces, feels empowered in their role. Her presence throughout the Sacramento was steady and inspiring, embodying the thoughtful leadership that defines the judicial branch.
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Campaigning for Youth Secretary of State, Zehra Naqvi focused her campaign on connection and transparency. Tasked with overseeing elections and civic processes within the program, Naqvi emphasized accessibility, voter engagement, and clear communication across delegations. Throughout the week, Naqvi met tirelessly with delegates, answered questions about electoral processes, and championed initiatives aimed at increasing participation among first-year attendees. Her campaign reflected both organizational precision and heartfelt commitment to the democratic spirit that Youth & Government seeks to cultivate.
From spirited delegation chants in hotel hallways to formal speeches, campaigning in Sacramento remains a defining moment in every participant’s journey.
As delegates return home, one thing is clear, that the new 79th administration, led by Youth Governor Devon Jasiukonis, Youth Chief Justice Abigail Tesfaye, and Youth Secretary of State Zehra Naqvi, has not only campaigned successfully but reminded their over 2000 constituents what Youth & Government is truly about: leadership in action, community in practice, and a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.
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The Culture of Y&G: Connection and Kindness
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This year at Sac, the Delegate Advisory Committee (DAC) sold candy grams during lunch and social times. Delegates could buy a candy gram for $1 to be given to another delegate by their advisors. They could write a note to the person and either include their own name and the delegation they’re from or remain anonymous. Over 200 candy grams were sold to delegates and advisors alike, with all funds going towards the success of the Future Leaders Campaign. Activities and sales such as these allow delegates to connect beyond the content they are provided by their program areas and truly embody the sense of community fostered by the program.
Another pillar of Y&G is the caucus program, in which delegates connect and ally with their own communities and share their experiences.
The Queer Delegates Caucus (QDC) is a place for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community to meet, connect, and discuss the issues plaguing the queer community.
The Delegates of Color Caucus (DoC) creates a safe space and community for people of color within the youth and government program.
The Conservative Caucus (CC) hosts extremely popular political discussions and debates for delegates of all political leanings.
The Female Leaders in Power caucus (FLiP) helps unite and empower the women of youth and government.
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The Youth Governor’s Dinner
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The Governor's Dinner is the final joint session before the next Youth Governor, Secretary of State, and Chief Justice is announced. It is one of the last times that the 78th leadership will speak to their constituents. The 78th Youth Governor, Violet Chin, announced the first-ever Executive Order in the history of the California YMCA Model Legislature and Court.
The Order decrees that: 1) California's enforcement agencies stop sharing California data with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); 2) the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required to make it so the immigration status of undocumented immigrants isn’t indicated on their license plate; 3) DHS and ICE are prohibited from conducting operations on state-owned public property without a judicial warrant, issued and signed by a federal judge.
Executive Order N-00-01 aimed to spread awareness of ICE raids in California, to show that the leaders of tomorrow care about the people of today. The Order will be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for review as a part of Governor Chin’s body of work, demonstrating the program’s commitment to civic engagement and advocacy.
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The Future Leaders Campaign Youth Division
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This year's Youth Division of the Future Leaders Campaign, led by the 78th Youth Governor, Violet Chin, and the 78th Chief of Staff, Renu Dommeti, was a tremendous success. With 51 Goal Busters, 15 Double Goal Busters, 2 Quadruple Goal Busters, and 1 outstanding Quintuple Goal
Buster, our youth leaders, striving to make civic engagement far more accessible for those financially underprivileged, have demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and spirit. If you didn’t get a chance to donate, please help support our delegates here. Any amount is most appreciated.
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Closing Joint Session
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At the closing joint session of the 78th Model Legislature & Court, delegates had the opportunity witness the talents of their peers culminate in a multitude of ways, beginning with the announcement of delegate awards and national program acceptances, and ending with the closing words of their elected officers and the start of a new era of MLC.
The 79th Youth Chief Justice and 79th Youth Secretary of State were announced and sworn in before the commencement of a convention-style election for the office of 79th Youth Governor. Delegations cast their votes and used their voice to elect the 79th Youth Governor, Devon Jasiukonis. After being sworn in, Governor Jasiukonis said to his constituents and supporters, “I started off this campaign by saying that I saw the dawn of a new movement in this program. Now I see that sun rising above the clouds of the rain here in Sacramento” words which could not be more true as a new era of leadership is ushered into Cal Y Y&G.
A place not only of legislation, friendly competition, and civic engagement, but of connection; the Sacramento conference is the culmination of the hard work our delegates put into this program, and each year proves that democracy is founded on connection and advocacy.
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Sacramento County OES Supports Youth Leadership Conference
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In February, approximately 2,500 middle and high school students from across California gathered in Sacramento for the annual YMCA Youth & Government Conference. The event gave young people the opportunity to step into the roles of legislators, judges, and civic leaders while learning how the state government works.
While students focused on debates, mock trials and policy discussions, Sacramento County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) worked behind the scenes. ...........
Large-scale events like this one require careful planning and strong coordination among partners. Sacramento County OES is proud to be one of the partners supporting and encouraging California’s future government workers and leaders.
See the full article in the Sacramento County News February 24, 2026 issue.
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New Program Update:
Campaign Strategy Teams
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by Luca Ramos, Board of Managers, Youth Member
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Campaign Strategy Teams is a new program area introduced to the 78th Model Legislature & Court, where delegates had the opportunity to explore the experience of running a campaign.
At Camp Roberts, interested delegates were selected by application and interview to be a part of one of the four Youth Governor semifinalist campaign teams under the leadership of one campaign manager per team.
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After being elected as a semifinalist, candidates were matched with a
campaign team to carry them through Sacramento. Campaign strategy teams created polls to be used at Sac, planned social media content, fine-tuned delegation visit speeches, and read over their candidate’s speeches. Ultimately, team members attempted to utilize social media to its fullest potential between Camp Roberts and Sacramento.
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In Sacramento, the teams got right to work during program area sessions. They prepped their candidates for public appearance and strategized about how to connect with voters both online and in person.
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Introduced by Campaign Strategy Teams in collaboration with Media and the Youth Secretary of State’s Office, the youth governor’s debate was a debate between all four semifinalist candidates. Candidates were given one question to prepare ahead of time with their campaign
team and multiple questions, which were asked in a town hall style by media delegates. Delegates had the opportunity to see where their potential leadership stood on key social and political issues.
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Once the race was centered around two finalist candidates, the Secretary of State’s office hosted one final debate and speaking opportunity for the two finalists. Similar to other public appearances, campaign strategy teams prepared their candidates and consulted on their speeches,
preparing their candidates to the best of their ability.
On the final day, using a convention-style voting system, Devon Jasiukonis from the Anderson Munger Delegation was chosen as the 79th Youth Governor. Behind his campaign was the DaVinci delegation’s Ellyse Legaspi, campaign manager. When asked about her experience in CST, she said, “I am so grateful to have been a part of the first year of Campaign Strategy Teams, and I hope that it continues for many more”.
Luca Ramos, ‘27
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Please help us welcome Sarina Klein back to the Y&G family as our new Program Director for Events and Operations! A proud alum of the Sacramento Central delegation (shout out SacC!), Sarina brings hands-on experience in large-scale event planning, community partnerships and
outreach, and strategic communication. Having recently earned her Masters of Public Health from the University of Washington, Sarina is excited to continue strengthening meaningful, youth-centered programs alongside the Y&G team. Outside of work, Sarina enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and exploring local museums, bookstores, and coffee shops. We are so excited to have her on board and hope you all are too!
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Upcoming Events:
June 6-7, 2026: 79th Model Legislature & Court Lead Program Staff
Volunteer Retreat
June 27-July 2, 2026: YMCA Conference on National Affairs |
Black Mountain, NC
July 27-30, 2026: YMCA National Judicial Competition | Austin, TX
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