Civics education in public schools has significantly declined in recent years, as teachers have become wary of engaging in the topic, citing its divisiveness and polarization. While democracy and civic duty have been incorporated into classes such as AP Government, there is no specific course or program dedicated solely to teaching civics education. Instead of remaining on the sidelines, sophomores Jaya Ramineni and Kai Krugly stepped up and established the Youth in Government Club last year. 

The inspiration behind it came from a shared interest in domestic politics, public speaking, and debate, which they’ve been competing in since the seventh grade. These events are often concentrated on various political, social, and economic affairs. “Youth in Government was an extension of that lesson and an opportunity to share it with others,” says Krugly. 

Their newfound club strives to maintain a “strict non-partisan environment where respectful discussion and debate are encouraged,” which has been widely called for in the wake of recent political events. President Jaya Ramineni applies her club to promote political awareness and offer members a “deeper understanding of local, national, and global political systems, current events, and policy issues” within this impartial setting. Her mission reflects principles of critical thinking, civic responsibility, and receptiveness when discussing such matters.  

What distinguishes the Youth in Government Club from other politically based clubs is their focus on understanding how the U.S. government operates and how students can engage within this system. For example, the club’s leadership hosted an election simulation, in which members ran their own campaigns and debated what dessert to serve at their club meetings. During this mock election, members became more confident and assertive with their public speaking, as they presented their own ideas and voiced such arguments to their peers. Looking forward, Ramineni and Krugly have scheduled guest speakers, ranging from policy analysts to constitutional law scholars, and political awareness engagements, such as petition drives, to make learning about the government more accessible and bilateral. Their commitment to such proposals stems from members being able to open their eyes to contrasting interpretations of policies and causes, for which they are so honored and gratified to enable. 

The club has further explored political corruption through playing a mafia-style game, demonstrating how corruption impacts governments and public trust. By referencing such fundamental flaws to how laws are made, this activity induced members to seek how government decisions sway their own everyday lives. “These activities make government concepts engaging, interactive, and offer members insight into real-world issues,” Ramineni says. 

The Youth in Government Club will also play a meaningful role in commemorating Black History Month. An inevitable outcome of educating students about civic engagement, policy, and government is a heightened commitment to racial justice and equity. The club not only understands but plans to underline the government’s historical involvement in creating barriers for African-Americans, and later, in driving progress for their pursuit of civil rights and systematic equality. For example, on the agenda are extensive lessons and discussions on prominent African-American abolitionists, civil rights icons, and modern figures who have impacted politics, culture, and education through their work. The club also aspires to feature Black contributions and host debates on civil rights. From addressing these events, Vice President Kai Krugly hopes to “empower students to better understand the seamless relationship between government action and social change.” 

Social change certainly has become a focal point of the Youth in Government Club, as members assess legislation, public policy, and civic action at each level of the government. Through professional discussion on voting access, government accountability, and democratic processes, club members learn how sweeping reform often emerges from informed participation and collective action. Connecting past movements to present-day issues has reinforced Krugly’s idea that social progress is neither accidental nor immediate, but rather “the result of sustained civic engagement.” In highlighting this relationship, the Youth in Government Club encourages students to view themselves not merely as observers of social change, but as active contributors to it. 

As the club begins to find its footing, its leaders hope to grow their membership and increase student engagement beyond school and into the Greater Houston community. The Youth in Government Club intends to bridge the gap left by the decline of formal civics education, accomplished by their highly sophisticated club activities. Ultimately, the Youth in Government Club stands as a testament to education, dialogue, and community, embodying the necessity of civic literacy in shaping informed and responsible students, and eventually, citizens.