Summer had ended, school has started, and it’s time to get ready for another year of Wisconsin Youth in Government and Aaron and I couldn’t be more excited. Hopefully everyone has had an enjoyable summer full of good experiences, and a pleasant first few months back in school. Almost all of the WYIG programs have had their first meetings and already this year is looking like it’s going to be just as exceptional as the previous.

A big change this year is that we lost our former state director, Molly, and I would like to say from all of us that she will greatly missed and that we are thankful for all of the positive things she brought to the program. Luckily, I’m sure she’ll be making appearances sporadically throughout the YIG year. I would also like to give a warm welcome back to Julie, who has taken over the state director roll for this year. It’s comforting to know the program is in good hands.

This coming year is a very important one. It is an opportunity for YIG delegates to show their dedication and commitment to the YIG program. The number of YIG participants is down, and we need delegates to work hard to recruit more kids into their program on a local level. The foremost goal of YIG is to pass the tradition of democracy down from generation to generation, and without delegates, we can’t achieve that central goal. Democracy is the foundation of our society, and guides the principals we use to rule our lives. It follows from this that our commitment to democracy is a reflection of how much we value our free republic, so please recognize the gift you have that can be given to others. The most beneficial thing you can do as a delegate to help the YIG program is to introduce other to it.

With that said, I urge everyone to take full advantage of this year. Every YIG session is a chance to expand your intellect, expand your circle of comfort, and make new friends. Missing out on these opportunities is missing out on some of the best things YIG has to offer. Be ambitious in debate and push yourself to do things you normally wouldn’t do. Take chances in meeting new people, you’ll be surprised at how many people you will meet that have the same interests and concerns as you. Aaron and I look forward to seeing all of you at pre-government, and of coarse feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or would just like to talk.

Max Balhorn
Wisconsin Youth Governor

governor@wyig.org