2026 YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA): A Texas Youth Delegate's Experience

From June 27-July 2, 2026, 650 high school students from across the country participated at the Conference on National Affairs (CONA) at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina.

Texas Youth's Experience

Yohann, a  National Delegate for Youth & Government, got the opportunity to attend this conference for the first time. He shared about his experience during the six day conference: 

"One year ago today, I had never even heard of Youth and Government. Today, it has completely changed the way I view and approach the challenges facing our society.

This past week, I had the incredible privilege of attending the 59th annual YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA) through YMCA Texas Youth and Government. As one of just 25 delegates selected to represent Texas, I spent six days alongside some of the most driven and passionate high school students from across the country. Together, we debated ideas and discussed the issues facing our nation. Yet what I'll remember most are the people I met from every corner of the country, full of different perspectives and backgrounds.

When I try to describe my week at CONA, words fall short.

Ironically, as I write this, I can barely speak. Amidst all the speeches, debates, and nonstop conversations, I lost my voice. Yet this week reminded me that I never really lost it. Instead, I found it and left with a deeper understanding of the impact it can have when it is used with purpose.

I'm incredibly grateful to have advanced to Committee C alongside 119 other delegates from across the conference. More importantly, I'm grateful for the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the memories I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. 

There is power in place.
And truly, there is "No Place Like This Place"."

Yohann is a Frisco High School student and has been in Youth & Government for over a year. His passion and enthusiasm for the program and the conference show the positive impact programs like these have on our teens. 

About 2026 CONA

There were 26 students from Texas, including 11 from the Dallas area. During this conference, students discuss proposals they have written to address issues in society.  All students present their proposals in committee during the first two days with the goal of getting it passed so as to present during the last two days in either General Assembly or Plenary. Texas had six proposals go to Committee C on the third day. Of those six, one proposal made it to General Assembly and one proposal made it to Plenary. 

For six days, CONA provided a safe space 650 high school students from across the country where they engaged in real world experiences in a mock setting.