A Forum Presiding Officer is responsible for opening and closing debate sessions, enforcing parliamentary procedures, and leading discussions. They keep things running smoothly while making sure everyone has a voice.
Olive Acker, from the Westchester Family YMCA, is the Forum Presiding Officer in Youth and Government. She has been in Model UN (MUN) for three years and loved the program. To her, Youth and Government isn’t just about debating—it’s about building a community and connecting with people from delegations.
Growing as a Leader
Being a leader has helped Olive gain confidence in public speaking and learn how to take charge. Even when it’s tough to tell people what to do, she knows there’s always someone supporting her.
What’s Next?
Olive hopes to run for Youth Governor one day. While she won’t be able to attend BOB next year, she’ll be at Sacramento (SAC), ready to debate and be part of the action.
Giving Back
Youth and Government helped Olive find her voice. “I used to be quiet, but here, I found my people,” she says. Now, she wants to make sure others feel the same sense of community.
Favorite Part of Forum
For Olive, the best thing about Forum is that everyone is learning. “If you mess up, no one judges you,” she says, which makes it a great place to grow.
Final Thoughts
“I love Youth and Government, and I can’t wait to see you all again!”
The Daily Delegate 
Leave a comment