EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. - TelAve -- The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance hosted its 88th annual Youth and Government (YAG) Conference April 24–26 at the Hilton East Brunswick, bringing together approximately 450 students representing 20 delegations from across New Jersey and the region, along with 40 alumni volunteers.

The conference immersed students in a hands-on civic experience, where they assumed the roles of legislators, jurists, lobbyists, and members of the press corps. Participants debated and passed mock legislation they developed themselves, gaining a deeper understanding of the political process and the responsibilities of public service.

The event featured opening remarks from New Jersey Lt. Governor Dale G. Caldwell, along with reflections from former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, now an attorney with Milbank LLP, and Assemblyman Balvir Singh. Students also heard a recorded message from U.S. Senator Cory Booker.

Grewal shared personal experiences of being singled out for looking different as the son of immigrant Punjabi Sikh parents. He spoke about being told to "go back home" because he wears a turban, and how, in the aftermath of 9/11, moments of unity in the country were accompanied by instances of intolerance.

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"Those moments didn't make me love my country any less," he said, noting they ultimately led him toward a career in public service, including his role as director of the Division of Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission and as the first Sikh-American attorney general in the United States.

"The work of democracy is never finished. And now it's your turn. We need you more now than ever before. Judging by what I see in this room, we are in good hands," Grewal said.

Beyond civic education, the conference provided a platform for personal growth and connection. Students built confidence, strengthened leadership skills, and engaged in meaningful discussions about a variety of issues, such as identity, inclusion, and the importance of standing up to indifference and racism.

Offering advice to new YAG participants, outgoing Youth Governor Jayson Pai shared: "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable." Pai is graduating from Hunterdon Central High School this spring and will be attending Northeastern University in the fall.

The conference also highlighted the importance of expanding access to the program. Fifteen-year-old Thomas Murphy, a sophomore at Monroe High School, believes that every teenager deserves the opportunity to participate in YAG, but the $550 program cost can be a barrier for some families.

This year, support from the state of New Jersey, totaling $250,000 helped expand access, enabling more students to participate and cover essential costs, including appropriate attire for the conference.

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"Supporting Youth and Government is an investment in our youths' futures," Murphy said.

Chief Executive Officer and President of the YMCA Alliance Julie Galanty said the 88-year tradition of YAG "continues to serve as a strong pathway for civic engagement, empowering young people to become informed, active participants in their communities, and equipping them with the confidence and perspective to lead in an increasingly complex world."

For more information on getting involved with YAG as a participant or donor, visit the YMCA Alliance website or reach out to the Alliance's Youth Engagement Director Laura Rodriguez at lrodriguez@njyalliance.org.

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.