Milestones

December, 1948:

Selma YMCA calls a meeting from which the Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature is born.

1949:

First Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature meets at the State Capitol, in Montgomery. The first Session features only a unicameral body.

1957:

Julie Griffen, of Columbus, is elected Speaker of the House, thereby becoming the first elected female officer of Youth Legislature.

1967:

Alabama Youth Legislator Michal Hart Hillman proposes a National Youth Congress and what will become the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs is born.

1973:

Vice-President Spiro Agnew makes the keynote speech for the 25th Anniversary at Garrett Coliseum.

1976:

Marti Pearson, of Huntsville, receives the first Betty Carr Award for dedication to the program.

1979:

Youth Judicial Program begins.

1985:

First Youth Governor elected to serve for a full year, rather than just during the Session.

1986-1991:

“Y Witness News”, a television program run by Youth Legislature delegates, airs, beginning on Montgomery NBC affiliate WSFA-TV.

1987:

Separate program for first-year delegates begins.

1987:

Judith Fulcher, of Huntsville, receives the first Bill Barringer Scholarship.

1989:

Youth Judicial separates from the Youth Legislature program.

1991:

Nathan Ballard, of Auburn, becomes the first delegate elected Youth Legislature Governor on a write-in vote.

1992:

Lobbyist program begins.

1992:

Supreme Court returns to Youth Legislature. Justices begin ruling on constitutionality of legislation.

1993:

Nancy King Dennis receives the first Meritorious Service Award for adult service to Youth Legislature.

1994:

Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature holds nation’s first Special Session. The Special Session was called by Youth Legislature Governor Turner Inscoe, of Montgomery, to consider education reform legislation.

1995:

Youth Legislature Election Commission begins to oversee campaigns. A representative from every district under the leadership of the Youth Secretary of State, audits campaign expense reports and investigates complaints and inquiries about election procedures.

1996:

Conceived and created in 1995, the first Collegiate Legislature meets.

1996:

Youth Legislature Electoral College Delegates elect separate Supreme Court to serve during Youth Legislature.

1998:

Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

2008:

Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature celebrates its 60th Anniversary.