The Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) is a 3-day expanded educational opportunity in which students serve as part of a model state government. KYA offers students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with their peers from around the Commonwealth. For more information, visit the KYA website here.

There are a variety of ways to get involved, including...

...Acting as a bill sponsor

...Running for Governor

...Participating in the Supreme Court program

...Participating in the Media Corps Program, and more!

How do I go to KYA?

The first step is to become a member of the Lafayette Student Y by filling out this form. Once you have paid your dues, you will need to complete a quick survey from the KYYMCA providing them with some information. Congratulations! You are now affiliated with the Y.

Next you'll need to fill out some information regarding your interest in participating in the conference, including letting us know which program areas you would like to be a part of. Once the deadline for indicating interest has passed, you will be notified of your role at the conference, and can start preparing!

What will KYA look like during the pandemic?

KYA is going to be completely online this year. It has been shortened to two days from the typical three, but will still contain the same amazing content from previous years. Since the Y doesn't have to rent out a hotel, the cost of participation has been lowered to $75.

What if I'm not sure I can pay?

The Y recognizes that people come from all backgrounds, and may not have the ability to pay the full price of participation in a conference. Keeping this in mind, the Y offers a scholarship program to make sure that all students can participate, regardless of circumstance. You can apply for a scholarship here.

What do "Bluegrass" and "Commonwealth" mean?

These terms are the way the Y differentiates between more experienced and less experienced delegates at KYA. There are few differences in the conference between groups besides eligibility for Presiding and Supporting Officer positions and the ability to add amendments to bills in CW.

If you aren't sure which category you fall into, review the chart below.

Program Areas

Representatives and Senators (General Debate)

General Debate offers students a space to debate bills in a parliamentary format with their peers. Though not required, students are encouraged to raise their placard and take the stage to deliver their arguments in support of or against the bill being discussed. After the time for oral arguments has elapsed, students will vote on whether or not to pass the bill.

Check out these resources for General Debate:

More information on the role

Debate guide

Bill Sponsors

Up to four delegates can work together to sponsor a bill. Students will conduct research, develop a plan, and then write a bill that addresses an issue Kentuckians face. This can be anything from tax reform to kudzu control--if you can think of it, you can write a bill on it.

After writing the bill, authors will prepare speeches to present their bill before their chambers. They must also respond to questions and pro/con debate. Bills that are ranked well will be passed on to higher chambers, and if passed by both the House and the Senate, will go before the Governor of the conference for signature or veto.

Check out these resources for Bill Sponsors:

More information on the role

Media Corps

Media delegates craft compelling news stories on important Assembly topics. Students will find themselves working on written journalism, social media, photo journalism, and broadcast journalism.

Though the conference will look different this year, there are still plenty of opportunities for Media delegates to participate in a meaningful experience, including social media documentation of KYA.

If you have any questions about our Media Corps program, please contact Program Coordinator Ryan Simpson at: ryan@kyymca.org

Check out a sample of what Media Corps does here. The person in the center is Audrey Fields, former Vice President of Lafayette Student Y. She was the Editor-in-Chief at KYA 3 2018.

Supreme Court

Reach out to Bobby Lowther, Chief Justice of KYA 3, for more information on the Supreme Court Program.

(E): rclowther1410@gmail.com

(P): (859) 230-1410

Check out these resources for Supreme Court Advocates:

2020 Case materials (coming soon)

2020 Case supporting materials (coming soon)

Glossary of court terms

Judicial analysis guide

Oral argument guide

Oral argument sample outline

Sample scoring sheet

Court procedure script

A first-come, first-served program, Supreme Court delegates serve as attorneys in teams up to 3 presenting oral arguments before the KYA Supreme Court made up of student Justices, and also advise the Attorney General on the constitutionality of bills passed by the Commonwealth House and Senate.

Attorneys also have the opportunity to work with local lawyers who have argued before state, national, and international courts. Students can discuss what a legal profession looks like, receive feedback on argument outlines, or talk about how to become involved in the field of law.

Cabinet and Lobbyists

The Cabinet and Lobbyist Program allows experienced delegates to serve as Lobbyists who support and oppose Commonwealth Bills at KYA, or as Cabinet Secretaries who evaluate legislation impacting their respective Cabinets and meet with Lobbyists on bills that pass the Commonwealth House and Senate.

Each lobbyist supports one of the Commonwealth Bills from their delegation on behalf of a client of their choice, and later is assigned one Commonwealth Bill to oppose independently (no client) after registration is processed for their KYA.

If you are at all interested in this program, please talk to Mrs. McPherson and visit this page immediately. Application deadlines begin in October.

Committee Chairs

Committee chairs facillitate bill debate throughout the conference. They recognize delegates, manage time for debate, and lead large chambers of delegates.

If you are interested in applying, please contact Mrs. McPherson. You must attend one Chair training in October and be in 12th Grade to apply. Visit the KYYMCA website here for more information.

Presiding and Supporting Officers

Lafayette's KYA 2020 Presiding Officers

Ashley Armstrong: President of the Bluegrass Senate

Bobby Lowther: Chief Justice of the KYA Supreme Court

What is a Presiding or Supporting Officer?

Each KYA is led by a team of Presiding Officers, who are Student Y Members elected by the Assembly or chosen by their program area to serve for a full year leading up to their Assembly. Presiding Officers “preside” over and lead a specific program area at KYA. Besides their leadership at KYA, Presiding Officers work throughout the year on a variety of tasks and projects.

Each program area also has Supporting Officers, who have a specific leadership role within their area, and begin serving once selected in the fall prior to their Assembly.

What are the Presiding Officer positions?

Elected:

Governor (CW)

Lt. Governor (BG)

Speaker of the House (CW and BG)

President of the Senate (CW and BG)

Secretary of State (CW)

Appointed:

Sec. of the Exec. Cabinet

Chief Justice

Attorney General

Editor-in-Chief

What are the Supporting Officer positions?

By appointment:

House and Senate Clerk (CW and BG)

Gov. Chief of Staff

Lt. Gov. Chief of Staff

Clerk of the Supreme Court

By application:

Cabinet Secretary (CW)

Associate Justices (Exp. Delegates)

Assistant Editor (Exp. Delegates)

How do I become a Presiding Officer?

POs are elected or appointed because of their demonstrated commitment to servant leadership and the Y, particularly in their respective program area.

There are certain eligibility requirements for each PO position. See the requirements for each PO here. Please read the entire page, as all of the information is important.

If you are interested in running for a PO position, please check your eligibility and reach out to Mrs. McPherson.

How do I become a Supporting Officer?

SOs are selected because of their high performance in their program area. SOs have a high capactity for leadership and organization.

There are certain eligibility requirements for each SO position. See the requirements for each SO here. Please read the entire page, as all of the information is important.

If you are interested in applying for a SO position, please check your eligibility, reach out to Mrs. McPherson, and apply here by September 15.

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