Winter Congress
What: Mid-Atlantic State/Texas Winter Congress 2015
Where: Doubletree Crystal City- Arlington, VA (right outside Washington, D.C.) When: February 18-21, 2016 Cost: $500 Forms: http://tinyurl.com/grmkmsu |
Submitting A Bill (DUE JAN. 20)
- Assemble your group of 2 to 5 Winter Congress attendees.
- Agree on a topic and research it accordingly.
- Write the bill in the format found at the bottom of this page.
- Save the document in the form .doc and save it as the title of your bill, e.g. "A Bill To..."
- Send an email to [email protected] with the .doc file attached.
F.A.Q.s (Frequently Asked Questions)
How is winter congress different from any other JSA convention of the year?
Congress 2015 is a student run simulation where students take on the role of members of Congress in order to better understand the legislative process by participating in it. This incredible experience will be entirely student-run. The JSA leaders in the Mid-Atlantic work together in assembling a team that is led by a Convention Coordinator and Bill Director. Students get the chance to serve as House and Senate leader, committee chairs, clerks, and party whips/leaders.
How can I prepare for the convention?
An entire guide to Winter Congress is available below. Read through it in order to learn procedure, view examples of bills, and all information a delegate will need for the convention.
Do I have to write a bill?
Bill writing is required in order to attend Winter Congress. You may write bills with a group or just one other person; your bill must be sponsored by 2 to 5 attendees. The bill team will review your bill and may choose to use it as a legislation to discuss. Writing a bill will only enrich your winter congress experience and it is an honor to have your bill be chosen.
What are the roles of the conference?
Students attend as members of the house, or senators. If you wish to chair or clerk for winter congress (moderate) you may apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rKV-U4EqXdp0KYeLwtgDnQmhcJHYxD1IFgXFnQxik5I/viewform?c=0&w=1 by January 20, 2015. Students who are applying to chair (moderate) should have previous experience moderating at state conventions and will be chosen based on such. Clerks do not need prior experience, and students should apply if they are interested in getting more involved in JSA leadership. Students who chair/clerk may still submit Bills. Students can also sign up to be a party whip/leader, you may apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lAs9L7KM_87dGGTRDBRychGCZGFXNYDruwpSQtCwrDg/viewform?c=0&w=1 by January 20, 2015. The party whips will speak in almost every debate. The Whip is responsible for explaining his/her party’s views in his/her house or senate. They must be well informed on the party they are representing point of view and inform the audience on that instead of their own stance on the bill.
I want to attend but I'm worried about finances. Is there financial aid available?
Financial Aid is available to all JSA members. Please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1g1NXYANpI0jRU5ZYPjobTi0pHlxBP_zqr7w9zfoFHZY/viewform. Our chapter is also actively fundraising in order to lower costs for all students.
Will I miss school?
You will miss one day of school, Friday, February 20th.
Who can I contact with additional questions about Winter Congress?
Congress 2015 is a student run simulation where students take on the role of members of Congress in order to better understand the legislative process by participating in it. This incredible experience will be entirely student-run. The JSA leaders in the Mid-Atlantic work together in assembling a team that is led by a Convention Coordinator and Bill Director. Students get the chance to serve as House and Senate leader, committee chairs, clerks, and party whips/leaders.
How can I prepare for the convention?
An entire guide to Winter Congress is available below. Read through it in order to learn procedure, view examples of bills, and all information a delegate will need for the convention.
Do I have to write a bill?
Bill writing is required in order to attend Winter Congress. You may write bills with a group or just one other person; your bill must be sponsored by 2 to 5 attendees. The bill team will review your bill and may choose to use it as a legislation to discuss. Writing a bill will only enrich your winter congress experience and it is an honor to have your bill be chosen.
What are the roles of the conference?
Students attend as members of the house, or senators. If you wish to chair or clerk for winter congress (moderate) you may apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rKV-U4EqXdp0KYeLwtgDnQmhcJHYxD1IFgXFnQxik5I/viewform?c=0&w=1 by January 20, 2015. Students who are applying to chair (moderate) should have previous experience moderating at state conventions and will be chosen based on such. Clerks do not need prior experience, and students should apply if they are interested in getting more involved in JSA leadership. Students who chair/clerk may still submit Bills. Students can also sign up to be a party whip/leader, you may apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lAs9L7KM_87dGGTRDBRychGCZGFXNYDruwpSQtCwrDg/viewform?c=0&w=1 by January 20, 2015. The party whips will speak in almost every debate. The Whip is responsible for explaining his/her party’s views in his/her house or senate. They must be well informed on the party they are representing point of view and inform the audience on that instead of their own stance on the bill.
I want to attend but I'm worried about finances. Is there financial aid available?
Financial Aid is available to all JSA members. Please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1g1NXYANpI0jRU5ZYPjobTi0pHlxBP_zqr7w9zfoFHZY/viewform. Our chapter is also actively fundraising in order to lower costs for all students.
Will I miss school?
You will miss one day of school, Friday, February 20th.
Who can I contact with additional questions about Winter Congress?
- South Brunswick Chapter: [email protected]
- SB Chapter President, Ahan Sikri: [email protected]
Preparing for Winter Congress: Your Official Guide to the Convention
Preparing for Winter Congress.pdf | |
File Size: | 651 kb |
File Type: |
Bill Format
Winter Congress Bill Format.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |