What is Model United Nations?

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 at Model UN aren't spectators; they discuss and debate global issues, pass resolutions, form alliances, and draft legal opinions while practicing cooperation and diplomacy.

**This program also requires registering separately for both the YMCA delegate meetings and the state conference in April!

What is Youth In Government?

Since 1946, students across our region have participated in Youth in Government (YIG), an immersive four days that include focused discussions on current issues, a wide variety of social events, engaging evening activities, time for small-group reflection, and hands-on leadership development.

The program starts in late fall when students in grades 8-12 join or form a YIG delegation which will hold meetings for their group leading up to 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 a member of the Leadership Corps where they will get to experience all areas of the program to allow them a chance to choose how to continue their YIG journey in high school.

At the end of October, we host our in-person LAUNCH event to help prepare for the conference in early January. During the conference, delegations from all over the state of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin will come together to learn & engage!

**This program also requires registering separately for both the YMCA delegate meetings and the state conference in January.