Your path starts here.
Already a delegate, thinking about joining, or your school has no program yet? Pick the path that fits you.
Start here
Which one sounds like you?
Path 1: current delegates
Make the most of this year
- Go to your state page for dates, deadlines and your Youth Governor's welcome letter.
- Statewide roles like Cabinet, Judicial, Press and the Middle School Resource Team all need your advisor's permission, so talk to them before you apply.
- At conference you serve in one branch, Legislative or Judicial, not both.
- Thinking about running for office? Only returning delegates can run, with advisor approval.
- AI is a tool for research. It can't write your bill or speech, and you must understand and defend your positions.
Write a bill that gets debated
The guide, the template, a sample bill book and the workshop slides.
Beyond your state
CONA, the National Judicial Competition, the Youth Advocate Program and more.
Path 2: thinking about joining
What a year looks like
Most delegations run as a club at their school or YMCA. Each group sets its own meeting schedule.
- Talk to the advisor. Ask your teacher or Y staff who runs the group when it meets and how to sign up.
- Interest meeting. Learn how it works and pick a role: legislator, justice or attorney, cabinet official or reporter.
- Bill writing workshop. Choose an issue you care about and turn it into a real bill.
- Debate training. Learn parliamentary procedure so you are ready for the chamber floor.
- Conference. Debate your bill in the State Capitol with students from across the state.
Good to know
Common questions
Do I need to know about politics or law?
No. Many students join because they are curious about law or government, and plenty just like to argue a point. You learn everything at the meetings.
What does it cost?
Fees cover the hotel, meals and all conference costs. Financial aid is available by application, and no student is ever turned away for financial reasons. Aid and payment
Is it too late to join this year?
Maybe not. Groups usually finalize their delegates by the end of February. Ask your advisor, or connect with us before assuming it is too late.
I'm in a Youth and Government program in another state and moving here.
Welcome! Connect with us and we'll help you find a delegation.
Can I bring my parents into the loop?
Yes. Send them to the aid and payment page or your state's Parent or family tab for safety rules, chaperones and what is included.
Path 3: no program at your school
Your school doesn't have it yet. That can change.
Most delegations start because one student asked. A delegation can be as small as a few students, and the Y provides the curriculum, materials and training at your school or by video.
- Find an adult advisor. A teacher you like, a club advisor, a coach or a counselor. Student council or debate team advisors are often a great fit.
- Share the idea. Send them this page, or use the button below to email a teacher a short note you can edit.
- Get school approval. Your advisor starts it as a club. Every school has its own process, and that is fine.
- Tell us you're interested. Fill out the interest form so we can follow up with you and your advisor.
- Book an interest meeting. Bring your teacher or a parent. We will build a plan that fits your school.
Your local Y can help
YMCAs sponsor delegations too. Look up your nearest Y and ask for the youth development or teen director.
Not a school club?
Youth bureaus, YMCAs and community organizations have run delegations. Homeschool families and community groups can connect with us to talk through options.
From Massachusetts? Contact Jo-Ann Berry, jberry@ymcaofcm.org. Somewhere else? Most states have a YMCA Youth and Government program. Ask your local Y.
See it for yourself