Youth & Government

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUBMIT ON OR BEFORE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

REFERENCE FORM: SUBMIT ONLINE AT http://goo.gl/ZM8972

NOTES ABOUT THIS NEW FORM:

This application has changed from the previous application.  If you've already prepared your previous application, you can still submit that format. Just paste your previous statements into one of the other fields on this form.  We are okay with either format for this year.  The same is true for the video prompt.

What is CONA?

The YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a ten-day, nationwide conference. Youth & Government programs from around the country send their best and brightest to debate proposals of national and international importance.  The conference is a multi-round debate competition, formatted very similarly to our NIC program.

For more information on the program, visit http://www.calymca.org

When is CONA?

CONA will be from Tuesday, June 24th - Friday, July 4th.  The first five days of the trip are spent traveling around The South.  The days are filled with site-seeing, educational and cultural experiences, and lots of studying and debate preparation.  The final days are spent attending the conference itself at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

In addition to the conference, delegates will be required to attend a training meeting in early May.  Training is mandatory.  Training dates are TBD.

Who can apply?

Any delegate participating in this year's Model Legislature and Court may apply for CONA.  Delegates with strong debate or speaking skills and a propensity for leadership are encouraged to apply.  

How much does it cost?

Trip fees include flights, hotel lodging, conference fees, and most activities and meals.  The total cost of the conference is $2,025 plus approximately $150 in spending money.  Scholarship funds are available, and we will help you with the process.  Do not let the price stop you from applying!  We encourage all interested delegates to apply.  Please contact the Y&G office for more information on scholarships.

What is the application process?

The application process involves:

- Written application, including brief written statements
- Video submission, showcasing public speaking ability
- Two recommendations, one must be from your delegation's lead advisor

A committee will review each application and select 25 students and 6 alternates (3 female and 3 male).  Up to 10 of the 25 selected students may be "returners" (delegates that have previously attended CONA), so new applicants are encouraged to apply. 

When are the selections announced?

Selected delegates will be announced and recognized at the Closing Joint Session on the final night of the Model Legislature and Court in Sacramento.

Other questions? Contact cona@calymca.org