For more than 50 years, hundreds of young people from across the country have been convening on a mountainside in North Carolina to debate the merits of national and international issues.
The Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a five-day conference held during the summer that allows delegates who are committed to the Youth in Government program to experience a new level of debate, camaraderie, and a sense of family and statehood.
As many as 35 delegates are selected to represent Minnesota at this premiere leadership conference. If selected, students are expected to attend 2-3 delegation meetings and a weekend retreat leading up to the group’s departure.
Highlights
- Research an issue of interest to you, propose a solution and discuss and debate your proposal with 600 YIG participants from other states
- Gain new perspectives on important national and international issues
- Travel to North Carolina and other destinations
Conference Date
June 26 – July 6
Who
Students in Grades 9-12
Location
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly – Black Mountain, NC
Cost
$1,799 per student*, including:
- Transportation
- Conference fees
- Conference room and board
- Hotels
- Side trip tours
*Financial assistance available to those who qualify
Getting Started
If you are interested in applying to attend the Conference on National Affairs, please send an email to youthvoice@ymcanorth.org.
