Northfield YMCA Youth in Government (Grades 8-12)

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 YIG Season!

The YIG program kicks off in the fall when students in grades 8-12 join the Northfield YIG Delegation, which is run through the Northfield Y. Delegations meet regularly to learn about state government, practice skills, select a program area, and prepare for the conference. High school students will choose to serve as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, media representatives, or cabinet members. Eighth-grade students start by participating as members of the Leadership Corps, where they will experience all areas of the program to allow them to choose how to continue their YIG journey in high school.

At the end of October, delegates from all over the state come together for our in-person LAUNCH event to help prepare for the four-day conference in early January. On January 4th, delegations from all over Minnesota and Western Wisconsin will gather at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis and the Minnesota State Capitol to engage in the 70th Minnesota Youth in Government session!

Interested in the YIG experience? Explore and Register Here!

2024-2025 Conference: Important Dates to Know

Thursday, August 29th: YIG Registration opens on the CYV Website! Check out the link above for access to the registration details and more.
Friday, September 20th: Last day to register with the "Partner Loyalty" discount if you are a returning delegate.
Friday, October 11th: Priority registration deadline for the "Early Registration" discount. This deadline applies to all YIG Delegates, returning or new.
Saturday, October 26th: Youth in Government LAUNCH: More Details to Come!
Friday, November 1st: Last day to register for Youth in Government for this program season!
Thursday, January 9th - Sunday, January 12th: 2025 Youth in Government Conference (Hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis)

Delegation Meeting Schedule:

Monday, September 16th (7:00 - 8:30pm): YIG Informational Meeting -- Northfield High School, Room H100
Tuesday, September 17th (7:00 - 8:30pm): YIG Informational Meeting -- Northfield High School, Room H100
Monday, September 30th (7:00 - 8:00pm): Kickoff Delegation Meeting -- Upper Cafeteria, Northfield High School
Tuesday, October 22nd (7:00 - 8:00pm): Delegation Meeting -- Upper Cafeteria, Northfield High School
Monday, October 28th (7:00 - 8:00pm): Delegation Meeting -- Upper Cafeteria, Northfield High School
Tuesday, November 5th (6:30 - 8:30pm): Materials Prep Night -- Upper Cafeteria, Northfield High School
- Students can meet up and work on their materials in person with help from Adult Advisors and the Steering Committee!
Tuesday, November 26th (7:00 - 8:00pm): Delegation Meeting -- Upper Cafeteria, Northfield High School
Monday, December 2nd (7:00 - 8:00pm): Delegation Meeting -- Upper Cafeteria, Northfield High School
Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th: Mandatory Parent/Guardian Meetings -- Northfield High School Auditorium
- Parents/Guardians must be present one of these nights!
Monday, January 6th: Optional Office Hours/Pre-Conference Check-In -- Community Room, Northfield Y