Purpose
The goal of the Lobbyist Program is to promote the ideals of civic involvement and leadership. Students select one issue to represent, conduct research, prepare an issue paper, 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.

Structure
The 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 their issues, be assertive, and go that extra mile to build networks within the chambers of the Missouri YMCA General Assembly.

Lobbyists often testify at committee hearings on bills of interest to them. They also work with legislators to share information and assist them in their efforts to pass or defeat bills. Finally, lobbyists participate in a persuasive speech competition.

Roles
Participants in the Lobbyist Program serve as lobbyist for their respective issue. The participants will conduct research not only to support their issue but also to be aware of any opposition that may come their way. This research will culminate in the writing of an issue paper and a persuasive speech.

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 as a mentor to all lobbyists.

Lobbyist Documents
Click here to review the YIG Handbooks and Lobbyist Program Documents. These documents may be useful in your preparation for the State Convention, especially with writing a position paper and fact sheet.

Related Links
Click here for links to other websites that may be of interest to you.