Overview of National Programs

YMCA Youth and Government is a national movement of over 55,000 students participating in YMCA Youth and Government programs around the country.

Each year, representatives or delegations from each of our state programs have the opportunity to attend the following national programs and conferences.

All YMCA Staff and Youth and Government Alumni (ages 18-22) interested in serving on the staff teams for one of our National Programs can apply here for available roles.

YMCA Youth Governors Association

The YMCA Youth Governors Association (YGA), modeled on the National Governors Association (NGA) brings together high school students who serve as the Governor or head Presiding Officer for their respective YMCA Youth and Government state programs.

Each state program sends their elected Youth Governor(s) to represent the state as members of the YGA. In some states with Model UN programs, the elected Secretaries General attend the conference as well. For states without a Youth and Government program, high school juniors can apply to serve as the Youth Governor of their state’s Youth Cabinet during their senior year.

YMCA Youth Advocate Program

Each year, the YMCA of the USA hosts YMCA National Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. CEOs, staff, and volunteers from around the country gather to advocate for the YMCA’s Legislative Priorities by meeting with their members of Congress.

The Youth Advocate Program at YMCA National Advocacy Days is designed for high school YMCA teen program participants interested in advocating on behalf of the Y’s policy priorities in support of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Youth Advocates participate in Advocacy Days events as well as programming facilitated by Youth and Government staff. This programming introduces them to federal policymaking, Y-USA advocacy efforts, program alumni, public policy careers, and much more.

Students submit an application (opens each fall) to represent their state as part of the Youth Advocate Program at YMCA National Advocacy Days.

YMCA National Judicial Competition | NJC

Our National Judicial Conference brings together YMCA Youth and Government participants from around the country to participate in Mock Trial and Appellate Court competitions.

Each state program has a unique process for choosing their NJC teams. If you are interested in representing your state at NJC, contact your state program to learn about their selection process.

YMCA Conference on National Affairs | CONA

Each summer, our state programs send delegations to participate at the YMCA Conference on National Affairs, or CONA. The weeklong conference is held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina, and serves as the nationwide culmination for each of the YMCA Youth and Government programs around the country. The conference brings together the top students from each state to debate proposals on issues facing our nation and world.

Each state program has a unique process for choosing their CONA Delegations. If you are interested in representing your state at CONA, contact your state program to learn about their selection.