Youth & Government / Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA)

Take Your Voice to
Higher Ground

At our Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA), high schoolers from across the country come together to grow as leaders, practice their public speaking, and advocate for change as they tackle national and global issues—writing original proposals, exchanging ideas, and connecting with peers from all walks of life.

What to Expect

Up to 25 current YMCA Model Legislature & Court (MLC) delegates and 4 alternates are selected to represent California at CONA. Delegates prepare for the conference with a 1-day training, four virtual meetings, and a fun pre-trip. For the program event, they usually travel to YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina to join students from across the country for a week of passionate debate, discussion, and unforgettable connection. Due to the hurricane damage, CONA will be held at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, Summer, 2025.

Applications for CONA 2026 will open this Fall. Applicants must participate in the same year’s MLC program. Sign up for MLC through your local Y! To learn more about the program, email us at CONA@ymcaLA.org.

Dates & Times

Conference dates for CONA 2026 are forthcoming. Program milestones—including the pre-trip, virtual meetings, and training—will be announced alongside the official calendar.

Ready to Join?

Who Can Join

Only current YMCA MLC delegates are eligible to apply.

Interested in going to CONA? Start by joining your local Model Legislature & Court delegation.

Pricing

We’ll share details about pricing and need-based scholarships for CONA 2026 soon.

Where You’ll Be

CONA is normally held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. California delegates also attend a 1-day training and pre-trip experience before heading to the Mountain.