2023 SC YMCA CONA Delegate Application

What is CONA? CONA is the national Youth in Government conference. All participants are members of their state YIG/YAG program, and have been selected to represent their state at CONA.

Is it just like YIG? Yes and no. This is not a model legislature. It’s a conference where high school students debate and discuss national and international issues, but the purpose is to discuss and debate, not to learn about the legislative process. The emphasis is on debating information and ideas.

Do I write a bill? Delegates write “proposals”, which are similar to bills, but also different in that the focus is on explaining the problem, the proposed solution, and the results to be expected. Proposals are debated and ranked in a series of committees, with the top-ranked proposals moving from first committee to second to third and the very best proposals being moved to General Assembly and Plenary Session.

What if I don’t like to debate? If you don't enjoy debate, then CONA may not for you. While CONA is not a formal “debate” conference, the primary activity of the conference is debate and discussion. If your favorite part of YIG is the debate, and if you're the person who always has their placard raised, and if you love the idea of meeting people from all over the country who have strong opinions about issues, then CONA could wind up being the best week of your life.

Do we do anything besides debate? CONA is a working conference, so most of the time is taken by committee hearings, General Assembly and Plenary. Delegates will spend approximately ten hours per day in CONA activities. There is one free afternoon, but the rest of the week delegates are in committee hearings and general assembly from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Where do we stay? The conference takes place at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly Conference Center, which is in Black Mountain, NC. It’s a historic conference center with inspirational views. Students stay in dormitory-styled rooms.

2023 CONA Conference Dates: TBD, but CONA is alway the week of the Fourth of July, so likely July 1-7, 2023

Approximate cost: $950. Includes all meals, lodging, transportation, conference t-shirt, materials, training, and a CONA pre-trip. Payment plans offered. There are no scholarships available for CONA.

Student Name*

First NameLast Name

Student Email

Confirmation Emailexample@example.com

School*

Current Grade*

Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name

Parent/Guardian Email (if known)

Confirmation Emailexample@example.com

Role at 2022 Model Legislature & Court Conference*

Bill Number if Applicable

Previous YIG Experience

If you are a returning CONA delegate, would you be interested in being considered for the CONA Delegation Leader Position? If yes, convince us of why you should be selected.

Why are you applying for CONA? Please explain why you would be an asset to the 2023 CONA delegation? How would you describe your debating style? What issues are you most passionate about?*

Students who thrive at CONA are those who derive energy from debating and engaging with the most passionate and verbal YIG students in the nation, and who are not intimidated by being in a highly competitive environment. Convince us that this is you.

YIG Advisor Name*

First NameLast Name

Tell us about a favorite YIG conference memory, or a delegate you met at a YIG conference who wasn't from your delegation.

All CONA applicants have the opportunity to submit a brief, 2-3 minute video on a topic of their choice. The video is optional, but will provide the selection committee with the opportunity to evaluate your speaking and persuasion abilities. You will receive an email with further instructions. Do you think you will submit a video?

2023 YMCA South Carolina Conference on National Affairs Delegation Application