YMCA Center for Youth Voice helps more than 500 K-12 schools across Minnesota hold mock presidential election

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:48:41 +0000

YMCA Center for Youth Voice helps more than 500 K-12 schools across Minnesota hold mock presidential election jeffrey.needham Thu, 10/31/2024 - 11:48

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will support more than 500 schools across the state in hosting mock elections for 300,000 students on or around Election Day.

Every two years, the YMCA Center for Youth Voice partners with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office to run Students Voting, the statewide mock election for K-12 schools. The program is designed to help K-12 students learn about the importance of elections and the power of their voice – and their vote – in democracy. Nearly twice as many students are participating this year compared to 2022.

Every school that registers for the free program receives:

Realistic local ballots
Ballot boxes
Privacy screens to set up desktop/tabletop voting booths
“I’ve Voted” stickers

Participating schools are strongly encouraged to set up “polling places” in their buildings where every student can participate in the mock election. An online Voter’s Guide helps students learn about the roles of different elected officials and each candidate’s position on issues. Student results will be updated live throughout Election Day on a dynamic online dashboard.

“There is strong research that confirms that mock elections actually help to build habits of democracy and voting,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “By giving youth opportunities to understand and practice civic engagement, we can support them as they learn to make their voices heard and strengthen the communities in which they live and work.”

WHAT: Students Voting mock election program

WHERE: More than 500 schools across Minnesota

WHEN: Schools are encouraged to hold their mock elections on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024 *The YMCA can provide access to Students Voting sites at numerous schools statewide. Please reach out with a preferred day, time and location and we will work with the school to arrange access.

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 168 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA of the North to host ninth annual Resilinator adventure race Oct. 26

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:21:36 +0000

YMCA of the North to host ninth annual Resilinator adventure race Oct. 26 jeffrey.needham Wed, 10/16/2024 - 14:21

Bloomington, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host 1,000 racers for the Resilinator adventure race at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington on Oct. 26 from 1-4 p.m.

The Resilinator is a 2.5-mile adventure race on nature trails around beautiful Hyland Lake. It is a buddy race, where buddy pairs are tethered together by a rope and invited to take on obstacles designed to test their toughness and teamwork. Never scary, course obstacles include balance and strength tests, things to climb over and under, games, riddles and more.

Buddy pairs can be either two kids ages 7-17, or a pair can include one registered adult (parent, grandparent, friend or mentor) racing with a kid from the age of 5 to 17. Costumes are optional and always welcome!

The Resilinator – and most other Y adventure races – are hosted in Three Rivers Park District spaces. The Y and the Three Rivers Park District share a mission to bring new populations into nature-based experiences.

“The YMCA is proud to work with community partners to provide unique wellness opportunities for kids and families,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”

Learn more and register on the YMCA of the North website.

WHAT: Resilinator adventure race

WHERE: Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 10145 E. Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington, MN 55438

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1-4 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA News Archive

YMCA Center for Youth Voice helps more than 500 K-12 schools across Minnesota hold mock presidential election

YMCA of the North to host ninth annual Resilinator adventure race Oct. 26