If you’re interested in participating, fill out the interest form here so we can keep you in the loop. It’s not a commitment, but it will make sure you get project updates.
Why?
At the YMCA, we want to do more than simulate government – we want to empower you to start changing your community today. This project is a great opportunity to identify needs in your area, create a solution, and persuade others to support your effort. Plus, the selected Project Leaders will travel with us to DC this summer to pitch their idea to a national group of your peers.
What?
Through Changemakers, you have the opportunity to propose a project that addresses a critical issue or need in your community. The issue/need you select is entirely up to you, but should be directly connected to your local community (it can have national/global importance, but must have a specific local context).
Our best advice is to think about specific, concrete solutions. “Register more voters” is a great goal, but think about what steps are required to achieve a finite goal. “Register 100 new voters with a voter registration drive in 5 locations” is a better example of a proposal.
How?
There are two phases to the Changemakers Project – State (January-March) and National (April-June). During the State phase, we’ll be selecting one Project Proposal and one Alternate Proposal from students in Tennessee. During the National phase, we’ll work with the selected proposals to prep them for the National presentation in DC on June 15-17. The top three proposals at Nationals will be granted $5,000 in funding.
Who?
The Changemakers Project is open to 9-12th graders. Although you can have as many people as you want working on the project, each project is led by 2 Project Leaders who are responsible for the application and presenting the project in DC if your proposal is chosen. This opportunity is open to everyone, so feel free to include a friend, even if they don’t participate in YIG/MUN.
When?
- Project leader registration & Proposal submission is due by February 28, 2022.
- We’ll be having two informational meetings – one on February 1 at 4:00pm CST and one on February 21 at 2:00pm CST.
- Project selection will take place by the end of March.
- The chosen Project Leaders will present their proposal in DC to a national group of YMCA Youth Governors on June 15-17, 2022. The winning Projects will be given $5,000 in funding.
Where?
National Phase: National presentations will be in-person, June 15-17, in Washington, DC. Travel and board will be covered by the YMCA for the trip. State Phase: The informational meetings (plus any other meetings we have during the state phase) will take place over Zoom, so everyone in the state has the option to participate.
How Can I Start?
You can find more information about the Changemakers Project here. If you have questions, let us know (it’s a new project, so we’re all learning together)! You can start brainstorming project ideas right away. Our first informational meeting will be Tuesday, February 1, at 4:00pm CST. We’ll use that time to answer questions, look at the Project timeline, and walk through the registration.
Interest Form
If you’re interested in participating, fill out the interest form here so we can keep you in the loop. It’s not a commitment, but it will make sure you get project updates.