YMCA of the Triangle

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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
FOR HEALTHY LIVING
FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Youth & Government: Polished, Professional, Conference-Approved

By Meredith Lamb

One of the first questions asked about upcoming events is always, what should I wear? Clothing says a lot about a person. Youth and Government is an opportunity to experience government the way it works in real life, and one of the key principles in those processes is respect. Respect can be shown in many ways, including how you dress. Taking the time to wear something formal shows that a delegate cares enough to represent themselves and their delegation well – hence, the dress code.

The dress code is business formal. Participants are advised to bring something comfortable, since you'll wear it for most of the day. Weather apps predict temperatures in the mid-fifties for the weekend, though that may change closer to time. For ladies, proper attire includes suits, blouses with nice pants, skirts knee-length or longer, and closed-toed dress shoes. For men, proper attire includes suits, long-sleeved button-up shirts, a tie, a leather belt, and dress shoes. Neutral colors are the most formal, and clothing should be modest and well-tailored with minimal accessories.

The only opportunities to dress casually are on arrival and departure days while riding the bus. Business formal is required for all ceremonies and program sessions. Participants should prepare for four days of formal dress.

How a person dresses shows whether they respect the ceremonies and the work being done. Delegates have the privilege of participating in real government processes, and it is important to dress in a way that reflects that opportunity.