Youth in Government (Grades 8-12) and Model United Nations (Grades 7-12)

Since 1946, students from across the state have participated in Youth in Government (YIG), an immersive, experiential program that seeks to develop civically engaged students through a simulated government experience. In partnership with the YMCA of the North and the YMCA Center for Youth Voice, Northfield sends a delegation annually to two major Youth Government Conferences: Youth in Government and Model United Nations. These conferences encourage students to find their voice by spending their days drafting bills, arguing court cases, or debating passionately with their peers, and then spend evenings making new friends and connections with students all around the state. Having civically engaged students in our communities is so important, and why we believe fully in the Youth in Government motto:

"Democracy must be learned by each generation"

It's Officially Model United Nations Season!

Students in MUN aren't spectators; they elect their own leaders, debate their own ideas, and support international policies and laws that highlight their values.

The program starts in the spring when students in grades 7-12 join the Northfield Model United Nations Delegation. As a delegation, students will meet regularly at a local level to learn about different national governments, brainstorm solutions for global challenges, practice skills, select a program area, and prepare for the conference. At MUN, students represent a country of their choice in order to practice diplomacy and debate international issues.

These local delegation meetings and trainings lead to the Model United Nations Conference. On Thursday, April 9th, 2026, to Saturday, April 11th, 2026, delegations from across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin will come together at the Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis. There you will join more than 600 students from around the state to put your skills and knowledge to the test as you take on the role of an international diplomat!

Interested in the MUN Experience? Explore and Register Here!

2026 Conference: Important Dates to Know

Wednesday, February 25th: Registration Deadline! Check out the link above for access to the registration details and more.
Early March: SUMMIT Training: a virtual training event for all MUN students. Designed as a crash course for new delegates and a way to connect and network for returning students!
Thursday, April 9th - Sunday, April 11th: 2026 Model United Nations Conference (Hosted at the Marriott City Center in Downtown Minneapolis)

Program Season Overview and Timeline:

Recruitment and Registration: January - February 2026
- Students attend informational meetings, connect with and get to know local delegation leadership, and recruit friends and peers to the program. Once committed, students can register online through the link above!
Materials and Conference Prep: February 2026 - March 2026
- Program Area Assignments and Country Selections are finalized, and students attend the Pre-Conference SUMMIT Training.
- During delegation meetings, students will focus on proper diplomacy etiquette and language, researching countries, preparing conference materials, and submitting materials by assigned deadlines.
- Review packing lists, conference agendas and logistics, conference dress code, and the CYV Code of Conduct. This review of expectations and logistics will be done both during delegation meetings and at mandatory Parent/Guardian Meetings hosted prior to the Conference.

Delegation Meeting Schedule:

Friday, February 6th (6 PM) and Monday, February 9th (7 PM): YIG Informational Sessions ~ Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room
Monday, February 16th (7:30 PM): Northfield Delegation Meeting ~ Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room
Monday, March 2nd (7:30 PM): Northfield Delegation Meeting ~ Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room
Monday, March 16th (7:30 PM): Northfield Delegation Meeting ~ Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room
More Dates to come. Keep an eye on our website for updates!

To Learn More About the Northfield Delegation:

Contact Us! izzy@northfieldymca.org | 507-645-0088

Parents/Guardians: Want to see our Delegation in action as an Adult Advisor? Complete this interest form for more information!

YIG/MUN Conference Photo Gallery: Northfield Students in Action!