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 Youth in Government Season!

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

The program starts in the fall when students in grades 8-12 join the Northfield Youth in Government (YIG) Delegation. As a delegation, students will meet regularly at a local level to learn about state government, practice their speaking and debate 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 participate as members of the Leadership Corps where they experience and explore all of the YIG program areas.

On October 31st, delegates from all over the state attend an in-person pre-conference training called LAUNCH. This day is designed to serve as a "crash course" for what to expect at the Conference, with walk-throughs, small breakout trainings, and the chance to meet with their program area.

The YIG season continues with more delegation meetings that will continue to aid in conference prep. Then in early January, the Northfield delegation will head to the Hilton Hotel and the Minnesota State Capitol to convene the annual Minnesota Youth in Government session! This four-day conference will give students the hands-on experience and opportunity to run their own state model government.

Interested in the YIG Experience? Explore and Register Here!

2027 Conference: Important Dates to Know

Wednesday, September 2nd: Registration Opens! Check out the link above for access to the registration details and more.
- Early Registration Window: Wednesday, September 2nd through Friday, October 2nd
  - If you are a returning delegate, it is highly recommended that you register early to give yourself the best chance at getting your top program area and get a discount on the registration fee.
- Regular Registration Window: Saturday, October 3rd through Friday, October 30th
Saturday, October 31st: LAUNCH Training: an in-person, pre-conference training event for all YIG students. Designed as a crash course for new delegates and a way to connect and network for returning students!
- Students must be registered in order to attend LAUNCH!
Friday, November 13th: Materials Submission Deadline
Thursday, January 7th - Sunday, January 10th: 2027 Youth in Government Conference (Hosted at the Hilton in Downtown Minneapolis, the State Capitol, and adjoining government facilities in St. Paul)

Program Season Overview and Timeline:

Recruitment and Registration: September - October 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: October 2026 - December 2026
- Program Area Assignments and registrations are finalized, and students attend the Pre-Conference LAUNCH Training.
- During delegation meetings, students will focus on proper debate etiquette and language, researching issues, bills, and court cases, 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:

Monday, September 28th: Delegation Meeting
- Northfield High School Lower Cafeteria ~ 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday, October 12th: Delegation Meeting
- LOCATION CHANGED TO NORTHFIELD Y COMMUNITY ROOM ~ 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday, October 20th: 8th Grade Informational Meeting
- Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room ~ 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday, October 26th: Delegation Meeting
- Northfield High School Lower Cafeteria ~ 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, October 28th: Delegation Director Office Hours
- Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room ~ 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, November 4th: Materials Work Session
- Northfield High School Lower Cafeteria ~ 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Monday, November 9th: Delegation Meeting
- Northfield High School Lower Cafeteria ~ 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, November 11th: Delegation Director Office Hours
- Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room ~ 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday, November 23rd: Delegation Meeting
- Northfield High School Lower Cafeteria ~ 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday, December 7th: Delegation Meeting
- Northfield High School Lower Cafeteria ~ 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, January 6th: Delegation Director Office Hours
- Northfield Area Family YMCA Community Room ~ 6:00pm - 8:00pm