Alicia Dinnell YMCA Executive Director Offers Insight into the Youth in Government Program Among Other Offerings

Alicia Dinnell, executive director of Boyertown's YMCA, oversees the many facets of the "Y" --an impressive array of programs and opportunities serving individuals and families. Reviewing the offerings of the "Y" included highlights of the Youth in Government program--a national program that began in 1936 and currently serves over 55,000 students in 41 states. The program provides an opportunity for students to learn and experience government policies and methods. Students write bills, debate issues that affect the lives of their state's constituents on the floor of the legislature, serve as members of the press and lobbyists, and even propose legislation. I wanted to know more about the program after meeting a few of the teen participants recently--impressed with the fluency in their communication and the confidence they projected.