SACRAMENTO (February 17, 2012) - Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) had the pleasure to address hundreds of young people at a YMCA event held at the Sheraton Hotel downtown this afternoon. The YMCA Model Legislature and Model Court provide thousands of high school youth with a meaningful experience by giving them 'hands on' learning about the inner-workings of our state. 

"I encourage you to be the architects of your destiny through leadership and through helping your fellow citizens and community," said Nielsen during his address. "Make sure you exercise your constitutional rights and always vote, and continue your involvement by even running for the elective office someday."

Nielsen talked to the group about leadership and commitment in the community and when serving in a government capacity. He expressed that their learning of the judicial and legislative process right now will affect their lives from hereon.

Serving as master of ceremonies for the luncheon was the 35th Governor of California, George Deukmejian, founder of the Deukmejian Endowment Fund which contributes to covering the costs of the YMCA program for those delegates who need financial assistance, keeping the program affordable for all students.

For 63 years, California YMCA Youth and Government has provided learning experience for more than 68,000 high school youth. In 2008 high school Freshmen were included in the Model Legislature/Court for the first time. In its 64th year, California YMCA Youth and Government continues to provide these specialized programs for over 3,000 high school and middle school youth from 85 YMCAs throughout the state.