Northfield YMCA 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 UN Season!

Model United Nations (Model UN) is a hands-on civic learning program where students in grades 7-12 take on the role of a diplomat from one of 193 countries and explore solutions to international challenges. Students in Model UN aren't spectators; they discuss and debate global issues, pass resolutions, form alliances, and draft legal opinions while practicing cooperation and diplomacy.

The MUN program kicks off in the winter when students in grades 7-12 join the Northfield YIG Delegation, which is run through the Northfield Y. Delegations meet regularly to learn about the United Nations and its Member States, research their chosen nation, practice skills, select a program area, and prepare for the conference. 

In early March, delegates from across the state attend a pre-conference training event called SUMMIT to help prepare for the three-day conference in early spring. Delegations work together to select their country choice and program areas. 

From Thursday, April 3rd through Saturday, April 5th, delegations across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin will come together at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Minneapolis to convene the annual Model United Nations conference!