YMCA

Youth Conference on National Affairs

Posts Tagged wisconsin

State Submission: Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland

Jul 5

Posted by sj in State Submissions

Where does dairy come from? Cows.

However they are not only a big part of our agriculture; one of our prides as the Wisconsin delegation is the Spirit Cow. The inflatable, much-envied cow has not always made this trip to North Carolina.  Tradition began in Madison, Wisconsin, where our delegations all join together for a weekend in which we take over the Capitol. Filling the Senate, Assembly, and Supreme Court chambers, we learn the ins and outs of politics, while forging friendships and lasting memories.

To most, the spirit cow is an honor. Awarded to only one delegation each year, the spirit cow can only be earned. Delegates must uphold our YMCA’s four core values – caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility – and, of course, participate in all matters with enthusiasm and spirit. Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of creativity; in addition to helping others, keeping clean, and being role models to our communities, delegates have dressed up in the infamous “cow suit,” rang cow bells, and come up with cheers of support.  This is, of course, one of the best aspects of Youth in Government – working together, and knowing that those around you really care for and are involved in the program.

As we come to CONA 2010, I hope that the Spirit Cow may be a reminder to us of those that we represent.  May it also be a symbol, not just to Wisconsin, but to each of us, that we were all chosen to be here for a special reason and should participate to our fullest capacity, enjoying each moment! It is only with our unity that we can work to build a brighter future.

May the force be with you all.

~ Catherine Knier

Tags: ,

1 Comment

Mix Master Max

Jul 6

Posted by admin in Today in Session

The spoken word and the art of rhyme have always been crucial tools in communicating and reaching generations. William Shakespeare used these resources to speak to people in the 16th century. The Beatles incorporated song to reach the youth of the 60’s. And modern artists, such as Kanye West, are using their love for technology and their urge to speak their thoughts in order to become the voice of a generation. Now it is Max Shafer-Landau’s turn.

Max is a delegate from Wisconsin who spoke in rhyme during the early committees. He made the decision to craft his opening remarks speech into a creative, catchy spoken rap. This unique course of action was chosen in an attempt to stand out from the crowd and be different. According to Shafer-Landau, after hearing countless proposals with redundant introductions, “you’re going to want some change.” When asked if he feels if his method was effective, he claimed that his decision may possibly have been too effective. After committee adjourned for the evening, Max came to the conclusion that his fellow delegates may have paid more attention to his rap than his actual proposal.

 The committee members who actually listened to the lyrics of his rhythmic ballad came to realize how truly innovative and unique Max’s proposal was. The main idea of his proposal was to split the United States of America into two separate sovereign entities. This proposal appears to seem outrageous and quite ridiculous to a vast majority of delegates at CONA; however, it is an extremely original and debatable notion. When questioned on his proposal topic, Max explained that he wanted to shock his fellow delegates during his time at the Conference on National Affairs.

At the 2009 Wisconsin Youth in Government function, the bills were simple and all revolved around the same central topics. Therefore, Max desired to create a radical proposal that no one else would think of. Shafer-Landau’s quest to find originality has caused him to become the topic of discussion among many delegations. This instant fame has caused a multitude of delegates to request follow up rap performances at later committees. Regardless of how well-liked his introduction speech may have been, Max’s college advisor recommended that he should retire from rhyming and stick to traditional speaking. This recommendation was made to help Shafer-Landau’s proposal to be taken seriously in later committees.

If you were not fortunate enough to witness the rapping delegate, there were multiple teens that caught the footage on camera. It is only a matter of time before Max Shafer-Landau transitions from CONA legend to YouTube celebrity.

Tags: , , ,

No Comments

Mascot Madness By: Sara

Jul 2

Posted by admin in Off the Rocker

It is a well known fact that Texas has the Dallas Cowboys, Illinois has the Chicago Bulls, and Georgia has the Atlanta Braves. Here at CONA, there are numerous states that have their own mascots. States look up to their mascots and take extreme pride in them. Texas has their flag, and delegates from other states have been stealing the flag for years. It is fitting that since Wisconsin is the “Dairy State”, their mascot is a cow. Last year, delegates from Pennsylvania stole the cow, tied it to a pole, and decided to “roast” it.
Florida’s mascot is a tradition that goes back farther than any current delegate can remember. Their mascot is a stuffed aardvark that is dressed in cowboy attire. Florida developed the idea for the aardvark from a song called “Aardvarks Are My Friends”, which is sung to the tune of “Yankee Doodle”. The aardvark has already been stolen, with different pieces of clothing being left behind in various places. If you happen to see the aardvark, please contact a Florida delegate as they are in great distress.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

No Comments

A Spirited Wisconsin Delegation By: Debbie

Jun 30

Posted by bd in State Submissions

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.

Tags: , ,

No Comments