ABOUT

The Young Elected Legislative Leaders program – or YELL! – was founded in 2013 and is a mock legislative event for middle and high school students from all across South Dakota. The goal is to bring students together to educate them on the legislative process and provide them with an opportunity to write and debate policy in the state capitol.

The YELL! 2021 Planning Committee is putting the health and safety of our participants and volunteers first and taking extra precautions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These precautions will include limiting the number of individuals in spaces, required face coverings, and reducing the amount of time participants are together. We will be utilizing a hybrid-format this year, where participants will complete bill writing before traveling to Pierre. 

This year, we will not be providing transportation or lodging for participants. We will still provide lunch and snacks for the in-person portion so please indicate any dietary restrictions with your application. This year’s hybrid format will allow participants to travel in, day of, for the in-person portion. Travel scholarships may be available for those that indicate interest. Additional information on this will be made available after registration is complete. 

Would you like to participate in YELL! 2021?

Apply Here

Sunday March 28, 2021 (3:00-6:30 PM CT) on Zoom

  • 3:00-3:30 – Welcome
  • 3:30-4:00 – Legislative Procedure 
  • 4:00-4:10 – Break
  • 4:10-6:30 – Caucus
  • Final Bill drafts due 8am Monday March 29th

Saturday April 10, 2021 (10:00 AM-4:00 PM CT) @ Capitol

  • 9:30-10:00 Registration
  • 10:00-10:30 Welcome 
  • 10:30-12:30 Committee Hearings 
  • 12:30-1:15 Lunch/Caucus Meeting
  • 1:15-1:30 Regroup 
  • 1:30-3:20 Floor Session
  • 3:30 Ice cream social/Awards ceremony

Email youngelectedleaders@gmail.com for more information on the program, or call (605) 299-5107.

Interested in volunteering? Shoot us an email at youngelectedleaders@gmail.com. Or donate via ActBlue today!

YELL! 2019