Empowering Young Voices: A Recap of CONA 2025 and Its Lasting Impact

Each summer, hundreds of driven young leaders across the country converge with a singular purpose of engaging deeply with the pressing issues facing our country. The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA), founded in 1968, stands as an impactful civic engagement program for teens in the United States. It’s designed as a national extension of the YMCA's Youth and Government programs, CONA allows students to take their passion for public policy, debate, and leadership to the national stage.

This year, CONA took place from June 29–July 7, 2025, at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, a change from its former host site in Black Mountain, NC. Despite the shift in setting, the spirit of CONA remained strong with over 600 delegates from 33 states coming together to present and debate policy proposals on real-world issues, striving to create meaningful change and build connections across state lines.

There were 13 students overall representing the Dallas Metro YMCA. Over the course of the week, delegates submitted and debated more than 600 proposals in committees and general sessions, tackling topics that ranged from healthcare access to climate resilience.

Big Ideas, Bigger Impact

Of the hundreds of proposals, only a select few make it through the intense committee, plenary, and general assembly processes. This year, 8 Texas proposals advanced to Committee 3, with 5 ultimately passing through the Plenary and General Assembly. Among the proposals that rose to the top were:

• First responder mental health
• Juvenile justice reform
• Immigration equity
• Veterans support
• Land use near military bases

These topics reflected not only the delegates’ depth of knowledge but also their courage in tackling complex and emotionally charged issues.

Texas delegates shined brightly at CONA 2025. Among the most notable recognitions:

• Anjana Boppana and Preston Lee (YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas) earned Outstanding Statesmen honors.
• Preston Lee was selected as CONA’s #1 Presiding Officer candidate for 2026, the program’s top individual honor

These awards speak to the outstanding collaboration, preparation, and talent across the entire Texas delegation.

Why CONA Matters

The YMCA Conference on National Affairs is about empowering youth to understand their role in our democracy. The conference’s goals remain as relevant today as they were at its founding:

• To promote a better understanding of national issues
• To strengthen youth engagement in federal policy discussions
• To cultivate leadership grounded in values, dialogue, and civic responsibility
• To provide youth with the tools to articulate and advocate for their beliefs
• And above all, to create a space where young people and adults can work together to shape a better, more informed future

As the Texas delegation returns home, their CONA 2025 experience leaves a lasting impact on both themselves and their communities. These young leaders return with fresh ideas and a clear sense of purpose, showing that when given the chance, youth rise to lead.

For more information about teen program, visit: www.ymcadallas.org/teens