The goal of the Lobbyist Program is to promote the ideals of civic involvement and leadership. Students select issue organizations to represent, conduct research, prepare two position papers, develop a legislative proposal packet, and participate in a persuasive speech competition. The Lobbyist Program encourages collaboration and compromise as the lobbyists work with students in other programs to achieve their goals.
The structure of the YIG Lobbyist program is somewhat free flowing, in that participants in the program are in many ways at the mercy of the members of the Missouri YMCA General Assembly. To that end, a successful participant will have conducted in-depth research on his/her issues, be assertive, and go that extra mile to build networks of allies within the chambers of the Missouri YMCA General Assembly.
Participants in the Lobbyist Program serve as lobbyist for their respective issue organizations. The participants will conduct research not only to support their organizations position but also to be aware of any opposition that may come their way. This research will culminate in the writing of two (2) position papers, one (1) legislative proposal packet, and one (1) persuasive speech. The persuasive speech and legislative proposal packet should be for the same issue organization. During the Early Arrival Training before the State Convention (NOTE: this is a mandatory training for program participants), participants will cultivate their leadership and public speaking skills in preparation for testifying before the legislative committee hearings and lobbying in the halls of the Capitol.
The Lobbyist Program is led by a Chief Lobbyist who is selected at the previous State Convention by the student lobbyists. The Chief Lobbyist serves a mentor to all lobbyists, especially to the novice lobbyists. The Chief Lobbyist also assists the Program Coordinator by reviewing legislative proposal packets and offering feedback and suggestions.
In addition to serving as a lobbyist for an issue organization, a participant may work with the print and video media to obtain press coverage for their issues. A lobbyist may also work with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General to advocate their positions on issues being debated in the Missouri YMCA General Assembly.