Pre-conference events (Orientation, Training, and YAGreat Night) are casual unless otherwise stated in communications before the event.

The State Conference at the New Mexico Capitol is business professional. Appropriate business professional attire may include slacks or a skirt with a button-down shirt or blouse and a jacket. Ties are also appropriate for business professional attire. See the following article from Indeed on business attire: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/guide-to-business-attire

If you don't have business professional clothes to wear to State Conference, you can check out the YAG Closet at Training or YAGreat Night to pick out donated clothes for free!

New delegates are strongly encouraged to participate in the Task Force that occurs online between November - February. This is a way to learn more about the branches and the legislative process. After participating in Task Force, you can participate in another branch at State Conference.

For State Conference, there is not any one place that would be best for a new delegate. It really depends on what you are interested in! If you are interested in debating, understanding case law, and in the judicial processes, then participating in the Judicial branch may be the best fit for you. If you are interested in learning how our state legislature works, or you have an idea of something that should be law in New Mexico, then the Legislative branch may be a great fit for you. Do you like to write, take photos, or create videos? Then consider participating in Media!

Generally, no. The Legislative, Judicial, Executive, and Media branches all require full commitment and it is generally not possible for a delegate to participate in multiple branches. The exception to this is usually the Attorney General's Cabinet. Members of the AG Cabinet may also participate in the Legislative branch.

ORIENTATION

The first event of the conference year is Orientation, which happens in late January or early February, it is a half-day event. This event will go over the basic structure of the program, and will include any updates for participants who are returning about changes in the program. This is the first opportunity to get to know the Executive Officer team, as well as meet students from other programs. Delegates do not have to choose their branch before Orientation, Orientation is a great opportunity to learn more about all branches before making a decision. Orientation is required, but there is an online recording that students may watch if they are unable to attend the session live.

TRAINING

By Training, delegates must choose their branch. At Training, they will attend the session for their chosen branch. At Training, delegates will receive detailed instructions and advice on how to prepare for their branch. For Legislative delegates, this includes the bill writing process and an overview of Parliamentary Procedure. For Judicial delegates, this includes the brief writing process and an overview of Oral Arguments. Training is required, and there are two dates available - one day in person or one day online, the online sessions are also recorded. Delegations who are outside of the Albuquerque Metro Area can also request a regional Training date, but they must help with securing local space to hold the regional training session.

YAGreat NIGHT

YAGreat Night is a fun, relaxed opportunity to prepare for the presentation aspect of YAG. For the Legislative branch, this focuses on Parliamentary Procedure and the committee process. For the Judicial branch, this focuses on Oral Argument prep. For the Executive branch, this focuses on the process for making decisions on legislation. This event is optional, but recommended.

Yes, that is what they are there for! They would be more than happy to assist you with anything you need before our various events.

Have any questions that are not currently answered on this page? Feel free to email the state director or any of the officers to have your question answered!