Conference On National Affairs
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The YMCA Conference On National Affairs (or CONA) is a youth leadership forum that has convened every July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Conference Center, in Black Mountain, NC. The conference is attended by YMCA Youth and Government (or Youth in Government) delegates, along with delegates from the Model United Nations in the Middle Atlantic States. 35 states participated during the 2006 conference.
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[edit] History
In 1967, a group of young people, having enjoyed their experience in their State Youth and Government programs determined that their experience could be broadened to a more meaningful level by participation in a conference dealing with matters of national and international concern. The first conference convened in Stone Mountain, GA, in 1968. Eight states attended, and owing to financial support from the Sears Foundation, was a huge success. The determination of those involved allowed the program to be strengthened and expanded, and the program is now approaching its 40th year.
In 1988 a French Delegation attended, and a Soviet delegation attended in 1989.
IT IS LIKE ONLY THE FUNNEST THING EVAAARR!!
[edit] Purpose
The purpose of the Conference On National Affairs is to create a forum in which young adults may present ideas (in the form of proposals) pertaining to national and international affairs, ranging from the mainstream (Affirmative Action) to the mostly unheard of (international piracy) to the bizzare (privatizing the postal service.) Through debate and comittees, young adults learn leadership skills and build relationships with other delegates from across the nation. Delegates also achieve a better understanding of the democratic principles of the United States.
It is however imperative to remember that CONA is a conference, and not a legislative session. Delegates only debate the merits of certain proposals and ideas, not issues such as appropriations.
[edit] The Structure of the Conference
CONA lasts for six days, consisting of proposal sharing groups, committees, and the general and plenary sessions. Welcome and closing ceremonies exist, with an award ceremony and bonfire during the closing ceremony.
[edit] Committies, General Assemblies, and Plenary Sessions
During the first three days, the first, second, and third committies meet. Each of the committies debate and rank proposals. Those with the highest ranks continue on to the General Assemblies or the Plenary Session
The six highest-ranked proposals automatically advance to the Plenary Seesion. The other proposals that survive third committee advance to the Heaton and Washburn General Assemblies. There they are presented, debated, and are given an up or down vote.
[edit] Presiding Officers
There are six Presiding Officers (PO's) who run the conference. During the week, votes occur wherein delegates write their top nominees for future Presiding Officers. The nominees are then observed and narrowed down until 12 are determined. Six Presiding Officers and six runners up are selected. All Presiding Officers are former delgates who have completed their first year of college.
[edit] Blue Ridge Spirit
The "Blue Ridge Spirit" is a term which refers to the spirit which imbues itself within the delegates that attend CONA. Some people consider it a life changing experience, while others consider it only a myth. Regardless, it has persisted as a theme at CONA and will most likely exist for as long as the program.
