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• Directions to the Pre-Legislative Session at The New Jersey Statehouse

CODE OF CONDUCT

Essential to the YMCA New Jersey Youth and Government Program is the concern for the rights of every individual. Being responsible for one’s own behavior at all times is a critical element of self-government. Necessary to this concept of responsible conduct is that each participant ensure that his/her behavior and attitude and beneficial to self, fellow participants, and the Program in general.

Behavior

1. All laws – local, state, and federal – must be observed at all times;
   
2. Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages or non-prescribed drugs is
   prohibited;
   
3. Attendance is mandatory at all conference activities;
   
4. Delegates are not permitted to use their personal cars during the Program;
   
5. Delegates may not leave conference facilities except in an emergency and with the
   permission of his/her advisor and notification of Program Staff; and
   
6. The use or possession of tobacco, in any form, is prohibited at all times.

Dress

1. Appropriate dress is expected at all activities

a. Young women – business dresses OR suits (pant or skirt with a jacket); skirts are slightly above the knee; NO sheer blouses; NO denim (except during free time);and NO midriff tops.

b. Young men – suits with shirt and tie OR sport jacket with slacks, shirt and tie; shirts need to be tucked in at all times; and NO denim (except during free time).

c. ONLY Pages may wear sneakers during sessions

Badges

Name badges are considered official Program credentials, and as such will allow access to all Youth and Government activities. They must be worn at all times.

Hotel

1. Conduct at the hotel shall reflect the principles of self-control as outlined above;
   
2. Curfew and quiet hours shall be observed. Each delegate is to be in his/her own room when indicated by the Program schedule and is to remain there until 6:30am;
3. Telephones and pay-TV will be shut off in all delegates’ rooms. Calls must be made from pay phones or cell phones during non-session hours. Parents may contact Advisor or Program Staff in emergencies;
   
4. No Visitors are permitted;
   
5. All hotel staff, guests, and facilities are to be treated with care and respect;
   
6. Large radios, CD players, “Boom Boxes” are not permitted. Walkmen are permitted but not during scheduled activities or sessions; and
   
7. Smoking or the use of tobacco is not permitted on hotel grounds.

State Facilities

1. All facilities and personnel are to be treated with care and respect;
   
2. Delegates are not to open desks or cabinets, use microphones, etc.;
   
3. Prompt attendance at all sessions is expected; and
   
4. There is to be no smoking, eating or drinking in any government building.

Disciplinary Actions

This Code of Conduct is considered binding on all New Jersey YMCA Youth and Government
Program participants – students and adults. Advisors will be held accountable for the conduct of their delegates. If rules are violated, disciplinary actions will be administered by the Program Staff and may include:

1. Removal from Office and/or consideration for awards;
   
2. Restitution for damages (if any);
   
3. Immediate expulsion from the Program at the delegate’s expense;
   
4. Notification of parents; and
   
5. Notification of school and YMCA.