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California YMCA Youth & Government
Bimonthly Newsletter: January 2024 |
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‘Tis the Season for Bill Hearing Nights! |
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On November 21, the Sacramento Central Delegation of the Capitol Coalition presented 6 bills to family, friends, and distinguished guests at Sacramento City Hall. After an introduction by Delegation President Karishma Nagin and welcoming remarks from Sacramento Vice Mayor Caity Maple and Mayor Pro Tem Karina Talamantes, the delegates debated the merits of legislation including requiring homeless shelters to allow pets, requiring high school students to learn about wildfire mitigation, and instituting campus drug detecting dog programs. |
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The Greater Long Beach Association Delegations held their Bill Hearing Night at the Long Beach Transit Board Room, where the delegates presented their bill focused on public transportation. Newly appointed CA Speaker pro Tempore Honorable Josh Lowenthal (Y&G Alumnus) joined the group, sharing how his experience in Cal Y Y&G influenced his career path. His story was both inspiring and a wonderful testament to the impact of Y&G. |
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From the Future Leaders Campaign
Youth Division Leaders |
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Hello all!
As our program continues to regrow, we’re constantly reminded of how inaccessible it remains. The Future Leaders Campaign, also known as FLC is an annual fundraising campaign led entirely by volunteers, dedicated to raising money that directly funds Youth & Government (Y&G). The money raised is not only used to ensure that Y&G can reach sustainability, but it also allows the program to expand its impact, providing scholarships to delegates who may not typically have access to Y&G.
This year our Youth Division has pledged to raise $16,500, while that number may sound intimidating, we are more than confident that we can achieve it through your help! We’re asking you to support Y&G and help to grow scholarships so more teens can have the same experiences that we have. Any amount whether it be $50 or $500 can make a huge difference for students and will be much appreciated. For any questions on how to support the Youth Division in reaching their FLC goal, please reach out to maribassel@ymcala.org.
Thank you for your support!
Anjali Matthews and Julia Toggenburger
FLC Youth Division Leaders
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Meet Our Legislative Houses Co-Lead Volunteers: Spencer & Rachel! |
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Please meet the Program Leads for the 77th Model Legislature & Court Legislative Programs, Rachel Newhall and Spencer Cox! Both alums of California Y&G, Rachel and Spencer run one of our biggest program areas, giving back to the community that helped shape them as young people.
After serving as the 66th Secretary of State, Rachel earned her BA in political science from Boston College and her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Today, she helps philanthropists make a positive impact on health in her role as the Director of Development at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. She credits her time in Y&G for helping her communicate opportunities to make a difference.
After serving as the 66th Secretary of the Senate in Youth & Government, Spencer went on to attend American University in Washington, DC and now serves as the Manager of Service Operations Finance at Rivian. He credits his time in Y&G for helping him become comfortable with public speaking and leading teams.
California YMCA Youth & Government depends on alumni like Rachel and Spencer to steward the next generation of leaders. Not only are teens immersed in a curriculum that teaches them how to be civically engaged, but they are being encouraged to do so by volunteers like Rachel and Spencer who have exuberance for the program themselves.
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The YMCA of the Foothills Social Initiative |
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The Foothills Delegations proudly presents their Annual Christmas Tree Lot, a cherished tradition since 1965. This festive event plays a vital role in supporting our local youth and strengthening our community. Funds raised from the Tree Lot directly benefit scholarships for our teen programs at the Y, ensuring that no participant is ever turned away due to financial need. Our Y&G delegates dedicate countless hours to organizing the lot, unloading over 750 trees, and assisting with sales— all while hosting fun family events for visitors. With support, they continue to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in their community. |
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Alumni Highlight:
Bryan Noguchi & Emily Noh |
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Bryan Noguchi (South Pasadena/San Marino YMCA 1984-1986) and Emily Noh (South Coast YMCA 1985-1987) have been married for 23 years and live in Portland, Oregon. The pair met at Y&G in 1985 and attended the Governor’s Ball together that year! Bryan was the 38th Youth Governor in 1986, and Emily was a senator and committee chair in 1987.
Bryan graduated from Claremont McKenna College in 1990, and Emily from Scripps College in 1991. Bryan was a fly-fishing guide and instructor in Northern California (“for more years than was probably prudent!”) before pursuing a career in advertising, and Emily was a retail merchandiser and buyer before landing in her current sales profession. Their daughter, Hannah, is a Junior at Boston University where she’s a coxswain on the men’s rowing team. “One of the hardest things about moving to Oregon (10 years ago from the Bay Area) was realizing that Hannah wouldn’t get to participate in California Y&G!” said Bryan.
Both credit Y&G with shaping their lifelong interest in politics and policy, and for developing skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. “Each of our experiences were unique, and we both cherish our Y&G memories and friendships,” said Emily. “It’s amazing that we’re still in touch with so many over 30 years later!” |
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Save the Date! 77th MLC VIP Day is February 15, 2025 |
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