Armed with enthusiasm, energy and the staple “Spirit Cow” mascot, the Wisconsin delegation arrived to the Conference on National Affairs on Saturday with an optimistic attitude about the week to come. After a long but lively bus ride to Black Mountain, North Carolina, the 28 delegates were noticeably excited about the experiences and memories that undoubtedly occur within the week span of the conference.
The YMCA Youth in Government program has been in Wisconsin since 1952, growing a reputation as a quality leadership development program for teens. When asked about the strengths of the program, State Director Julie Cotter cited the “commitment from the program participants, volunteers and YMCA staff” as a strong point. Although an overall decrease in membership has been a concern, those involved in the program are hopeful about recruitment, making it one of the main focuses for next year.
The 2009 Model Government session was held at the Wisconsin State Capitol, where an overwhelming number of bills passed through the Assembly and the Senate. The Supreme Court was involved in an impeachment trial of Youth Governor Troy Tauber, as well as reviewing several important cases. The Press Corps was productive in publishing newspapers twice a day and creating nightly newscasts. 2010 Youth Governor and CONA delegate Maria Peeples said of the Wisconsin program, “Every delegate involved carries so much compassion and commitment for the program and that is what makes it so exemplary.”
This year’s Wisconsin delegation for CONA is the largest group to have made the trip to the Mountain thus far, and it is our hope that this is a sign of greater commitment and retention for the future.