A NEW ENVIRONMENT FOR NEW DELEGATES TO EXPLORE
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Feb. 27, 2025 — The official first day of the State Youth and Government District Conference begins, with delegates from all over Texas arriving at the Kalahari Resort. For many delegates, it is the return of a long-awaited event they have spent months preparing for. Countless hours of practice have finally paid off, and they can express their ideas on how they believe Texas can be influenced and changed. But for many other delegates, this day can be filled with nerves as it marks their first year at the State conference. This is the case for delegates Doan Le and Nathan Grado as they prepare their proposals in the State Affairs section.
It is both their first year in Youth and Government and their first year at the State conference. However, they are finding excitement in this new experience, using it as a way to learn more about policymaking and political engagement while also enjoying the on-site entertainment at Kalahari. According to delegate Grado, he is most excited for his committees and advancing into second committees. According to the YMCA North YAG cheat sheet, in second committees “only proposals that move on are debated.” Essentially, delegate Grado is hoping to advance with his proposal, specifically hoping to win the “Distinguished Delegate” award by the end of the conference. Of course, there is also the added excitement of the on-site attractions at Kalahari.
By Lauren Henriquez