Why would I want to go to National Affairs?
Because it is a life-changing experience. You will get to debate the nation’s most pressing issues with the best Youth in Government delegates from around the country. You will also get to interact with some of the best and brightest Colorado Youth in Government delegates. See the Description of the CONA program for more information.
$995 is a lot of money and I can’t afford to go.
We will have 1 full scholarship for a student with demonstrated financial need who would otherwise be unable to attend because of their family or financial circumstances. You can use this Sample Fundraising Letter to send to local community organizations to request financial assistance in return for making a presentation to the organization after the conference about their experience. This type of fundraising can help defray all or part of the fee, depending on the student’s individual effort.
What are the travel arrangements?
We will be leaving early in the morning on Saturday June 28th from DIA and flying out to North Carolina. All delegates will be traveling as a group. We will rent a vehicle and travel to the conference site (the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain North Carolina). The conference begins Saturday evening on the 28th. The conference concludes on the evening of Thursday July 3rd. We will depart from Asheville on the morning of Friday the 4th and return to DIA in the late afternoon on the 4th. You are expected to provide your own travel arrangements to and from DIA. Students will not be allowed to travel individually to the conference without express permission from the State Office.
Why can’t I fly or drive out separately?
We can get a better discount on airfare if we travel as a group. Also, we want to maintain delegation unity.
Are you renting a car?
We will probably fly into Charlotte North Carolina, rent one or two SUVs, and drive from there. We will be able to help you pick something up for you if you have an emergency need. Otherwise, you generally should plan on not being able to leave the conference center to buy anything.
The conference isn’t until June. Why do we have to apply by March 7?
We have a lot of work to do. We have to arrange travel, begin negotiating for airfare, reserve places in the conference, hold two training sessions, and author and submit our proposals. Other programs also have early registration requirements for the same reasons.
Are you serious about sending us home at our parent or guardian’s expense if we break the rules?
Yes. You will be flown home at your parent or guardian’s expense. You will be provided an on-flight escort only if your parents elect to pay for that option.
How can I find out more about National Affairs?
Look at the conference official website: http://www.ymcacona.org/
I still have questions – who should I contact?
Contact Kimberly Armitage, the YMCA Colorado Youth in Government Director: karmitage@denverymca.org
www.coloradoyig.org
