Applications are Being Accepted
Applications for the 2021-2022 term are currently being accepted. To apply to be a member of Iowa Youth Congress, please submit your application by June 4th: https://forms.
gle/TAt7hh7wVbqyN52y8 .
What is IYC? | |
Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) seeks up to 100 Iowa high school-aged youth to participate in a year-long program which provides students the knowledge, abilities, and direction to advocate and enact change in their communities and at the state level for issues affecting youth. IYC will hold regional meetings throughout the year and will engage students in a one-day Mock Congress event. Through the IYC experience, students attain a variety of skills including public speaking, problem solving, and political debate in multicultural leadership settings. The students also report that IYC participation improves their interest in the legislative process and helps to provide a more hands-on learning experience in the proposal, debate, and passing of bills.
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Legislative Initiatives: | IYC Members |
In October, IYC members voted on the 2020-2021 Legislative Agenda at the annual event: Mock Congress. | |
IYC and Service | Event Photos |
Pictured Above: IYC members accepting Governor's Volunteer Award on behalf of IYC. IYC goes beyond youth advocating for various issues they find important, IYC members also serve their community. An important element of the IYC program is that members must complete 30 hours of community service, along with completing a self-designed service project. Examples of past service projects include delivering homemade blankets to children in the hospital, sports equipment drives, girls in STEM initiatives, and more.
| Legislative Prep Day 2020
Members of IYC enjoyed a virtual Legislative Prep Day, speaking to decision makers about the issues they are advocating for. They also got to see a live stream of the House and Senate, attended committee and subcommittee meetings, and listen to various speakers such as DHR Leadership and Representative Smith. Click here to see more photos from this event
Click here to see past year photos. |
IYC Members at Mock Congress, hosted in the fall of 2020, had the chance to debate and vote on their legislative agenda for the year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mock Congress in was held virtually but was still a huge success.
"This was by far my favorite Mock Congress I've attended." - Third year IYC member "This was such an amazing experience and I learned so much." - First year IYC member
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QuestionsFor questions regarding applying or IYC in general, please contact the IYC Coordinator at iyc@iowa.gov |