C.O.N.A

YMCA YOUTH
CONFERENCE ON NATIONAL AFFAIRS

A YMCA Youth in Government Program

BLACK MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA

Cona Picture

PURPOSE

     The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs was started in 1968 as a follow-up to the outstanding state programs in Youth and Government conducted by the YMCA throughout the USA. The success of the conference is directly attributed to the leadership of many YMCA Professionals and Laymen but primarily to the dedication of the Youth involved. Last year, young people from thirty-three states and the District of Colombia participated in the Conference.

     The objectives of the program are:

  1. To gain an awareness of National concerns and issues.
  2. To increase understanding of Federal Government and its relation to State, National and International matters.
  3. To have and use a means for communicating concerns about National Affairs to appropriate persons and groups at Federal Government levels.
  4. To develop increased understanding of needs, responsibilities and opportunities.
  5. To work creatively together with young adults and adults.
  6. To help youth and adults to better understand and strengthen their values for living through the Christian objectives of the YMCA.

OPPORTUNITY

     This program offers unusual opportunities for a young person to do research in the area of National and International concern; to organize this information into a documented proposal; to engage in intensive discussion and to debate these proposals with understanding young people from other states. Young people who have participated in the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs are unanimous in their belief that this experience makes a vital contribution in helping young citizens to learn more about the democratic form of Government.

QUALIFICATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS

     The qualifications for a youth delegate are:

  1. Youth deserving to participate in the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs must have participated in their own YMCA State Youth in Government or YMCA Model U. N. Program and must prepare a proposal on a matter of National or International concern. Those states without a Y in G Program may send representation if it is expected that this will lead to a local Youth in Government Program.
  2. Proposals must not exceed two pages (front only, single spaced and typed with numbered lines) and must be submitted to the Montgomery Conference Office no later than May 25th. The proposal must express the views of the author and the objectives and content of the proposal are far more important than form.

PROGRAM EMPHASIS

     The Conference program is divided into three major phases.

  1. Committees will determine a priority calendar for debate and action by the General Assemblies.
  2. General Assembly sessions where action is taken on proposals.
  3. Fellowship and devotionals are an important part of the total program. Blue Ridge Assembly is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and its facilities are excellent for this type of Conference. Most important is the intangible known as the "Blue Ridge Spirit" that adds the little extra that makes the Conference more meaningful to all. You have to be a part to really appreciate it.

© 2008 Michigan Youth in Government