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The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs was started in 1968 as a follow-up to the outstanding state Youth in Government programs conducted by the YMCA throughout the USA. Minnesota was honored to send its first delegation to the conference in 1982.

The Youth Conference on National Affairs is host to some of the brightest young minds in the nation. Nearly 500 Youth in Government Participants from around the country are selected by their home states to attend the conference where they debate issues of international and national importance. The five-day conference takes place in early July and is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

At the conclusion of the conference, the Minnesota delegation traditionally takes an exciting sight-seeing trip to various eastern cities, including Washington DC, New York City, Boston, Williamsburg and others.

The application process begins in mid-winter. Any student who has participated in either the Model Assembly or the Model United Nations is strongly encouraged to apply. Twenty delegates are selected by a selection committee, comprised of five impartial individuals. Advisors play an important role in this process by encouraging Model Assembly and Model United Nations participants to apply.

While it is a great honor to be selected, it is also a tremendous commitment. In addition to researching and writing a proposal, Minnesota delegates are expected to attend delegation meetings, a weekend retreat and a service project. Many students describe National Affairs as the highlight of their entire Youth in Government experience.

Please call the State Office for more information and to learn how to take part in this extraordinary leadership opportunity!