National Conferences

YMCA Youth and Government Conferences

Kentucky is proud to be part of a national movement of nearly 50,000 students participating in 39 YMCA Youth and Government programs around the country.

Each year, we send delegations of high school students from our Commonwealth to the following national YMCA Youth and Government conferences. Learn more about how you can represent Kentucky on the national stage.

June 29-July 5, 2024 Black Mountain, NCwww.ymcacona.org 

Each summer, Kentucky sends a delegation of 25 delegates to serve as representatives of our program at the YMCA Conference on National Affairs, or CONA. The weeklong conference is held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina that 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 program to debate proposals on issues facing our nation and world.

How to Attend
Applications by invitation only. Invitations are distributed to Award Winners as well as incoming and outgoing Presiding Officers during Closing Ceremonies at KYA and KUNA.

July 29-August 1, 2024 St. Paul, MN | www.ymcayag.org/njc 

Kentucky also sends a delegation of students from our Judicial program to compete in the YMCA National Judicial Competition, or NJC. The multi-day conference is held in Chicago, Illinois and brings together YMCA Youth and Government participants from around the country to participate in Mock Trial and Appellate Court competitions.

How to Attend
Applications by invitation only. Invitations are distributed to Supreme Court and ICJ Award Winners and all Supreme Court and ICJ Presiding and Supporting Officers during Closing Ceremonies at KYA and KUNA. All advisors are invited to nominate deserving students in their delegations by sending an email to jim@kyymca.org or by completing the interest form (coming soon!).

YMCA National Advocacy Days

February 22 - 14, 2024 Washington, D. C. | https://www.ymcayag.org/yap/

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 students 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.

How to Attend
Students apply each fall.

YMCA Youth Governors Conference

Summer 2024 Washington, D. C. | https://www.ymcayag.org/ygc/

Each summer, our High School KYA Youth Governors and KUNA Secretaries General can take part in the annual YMCA Youth Governors Conference, which is held in Washington, DC. While in DC, the Youth Governors meet with their fellow leaders from other state programs, and learn how to best serve their state during the coming year.

How to Attend
Kentucky is represented at the Youth Governors Conference by our newly-elected High School KYA Governors and KUNA Secretaries General.

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