Conference on National Affairs (CONA)

Every summer, Youth and Government programs from across the country come together to participate at the Conference on National Affairs. This weeklong conference is held in July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina. Delegates come together to debate proposals of national importance.

All students who participate in the Youth Assembly conference are eligible to attend CONA. Students are chosen based on delegation involvement, performance at conference, leadership ability, and demonstrating the Y’s four core values. If you are interested in representing Connecticut, please apply for consideration. If you are an advisor and would like to recommended your student, please submit your student for consideration. Delegates will be chosen at the closing session at state conference.

National Judicial Competition (NJC)

The National Judicial Competition brings state delegations from around the nation to participate in Mock Trial and Appellate court competition. Below is information about NJC for 2024:

National Judicial Competition 2024
July 29th-August 1st, 2024
St. Paul Capitol Complex
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul Downtown
Hosted by YMCA of the North

All students who participate in the Youth Assembly conference are eligible to attend NJC. Students are chosen based on delegation involvement, performance at conference, leadership ability, and demonstrating the Y’s four core values. If you are interested in representing Connecticut, please apply for consideration.

YMCA USA Youth Advocate Program

Each year, the YMCA USA host the National Advocacy Days in Washington D.C. Members from across the country including CEOs, staff, and volunteers advocate for YMCAs legislative priorities by meeting with members of Congress. YAG teens who are interested in this program will be advocating on the Y’s policies of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Youth Advocate Program introduces students to federal policymaking, Y-USA advocacy efforts, program alumni, public policy careers, and much more.

Youth Advocate Program
February 11th-14th, 2024
Washington, D.C.
J.W. Marriott Hotel

Students interested in the Youth Advocate Program should submit an application by September 29th, 2023. 

Youth Governors Conference

The Youth Governors Conference brings Youth and Government students who serve as Youth Governor in their state together for Governor training. This conference is held in June in Washington D.C. The elected Governor from Connecticut for the next school year will be the one who participates.

Changemakers

More information about Changemakers coming soon!