Conference of Young Alaskans
CoYA Description and background
In 2006, the first Conference of Young Alaskans (COYA) took place in Fairbanks to commemorate the 50th anniversary of statehood. The 55 young delegates at that conference came away feeling like they had been part of something special, that they had created something unique, and that they could make a difference in the future of their state. They insisted the experience be replicated and expanded. With that in mind, the second COYA was held in 2009 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Alaska’s Statehood, with 53 young Alaskans, ages 16-25, gathered in Girdwood to revive the spirit that brought life to our State’s Constitution and struggle for Statehood. Inspired by the voices of history, these young leaders took the lessons from their lives and turned them into visions, goals, and proposed actions for our state and its people. Representing 26 communities, the Conference of Young Alaskans delegates deliberated on five topic areas. The three days of dialogue resulted in a final document, which represents the consensus of the group. In addition to this report, the delegates developed respect for Alaska’s past and present leaders, discovered insights into the challenges facing the diverse regions of Alaska, and found inspiration for making a positive difference in our State’s future.
Mission Statement and principles of coordination
The mission of the Conference of Young Alaskans is to connect young Alaskans to a rich history, a vibrant present and a thriving future. The principles of coordination around this mission are:
- Fairness in representation
- Diversity of perspectives
- Commitment to one another and the state
- Value in sharing, dialogue and trust
- Nurturing relationships
Goals
The conference will draw delegates from across the state to consider the challenges facing Alaska and her people. Together, delegates will develop an overall vision statement, goals and proposed courses of action in five issue areas. COYA delegates represent the voice of Alaska’s next generation of leaders, demonstrating the potential and possibility of Alaskans putting aside their differences to work together for the common good. A major goal is to recreate the atmosphere of unity and cooperation that marked the struggle for statehood. At the same time, conveying to young Alaskans the many aspects of our history that together shape our future is a primary goal of COYA. Delegates also receive a primer on current issues and, together, articulate a path for Alaska’s future. This is a learning opportunity and provides young Alaskans the chance to demonstrate leadership, facilitation, negotiation and strategic planning skills.
Implementation
Past steering committees have produced a strategic plan for future events that describes a three year cycle. The first two events were held in commemoration of significant events in Alaska history but the importance of those events are relevant outside of anniversaries. Therefore, the intent is to host the next COYA in January of 2012. The Conference has taken place in Fairbanks and Anchorage, and could do so again or move to another location such as Juneau. With dates and location selected by the current steering committee, which meets every other month through the event, a call for applications will be sent to all communities in the state. Potential delegates will be asked to describe their vision for Alaska’s future and their role in it. These will be evaluated by the steering committee and 55 delegates, and ten alternatives, selected. Delegates will be chosen based on their application, their leadership capacity, their geographical and cultural perspectives, and the recognition by peers and established leaders of their commitment to Alaska.
2006 – Conference of Young Alaskans
The first Conference of Young Alaskans was held in Fairbanks, January 13-16, 2006 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Alaska’s Constitutional Convention. Fifty-five delegates were selected from over 400 self-nominating essays to represent the voice of Alaska’s future. The discussion was wide ranging and the process was illuminating.
- Final Report – Conference of Young Alaskans – 2006
- 55 Delegates – Conference of Young Alaskans – 2006
2009 – Conference of Young Alaskans
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Alaska Statehood and to foster awareness and appreciation of our state’s history among the emerging leaders of Alaska, the University of Alaska convened a second “Conference of Young Alaskans” in January 2009.
This conference again drew fifty-five delegates from across the state to consider the challenges facing Alaska and her people. Together, they developed policy statements and proposed courses of action. The selected delegates represented the voice of Alaska’s next generation of leaders and the gathering demonstrated the potential and possibility of Alaskans putting aside their differences to work together for the common good.
This event acted as a statewide vehicle to provide Alaskans with a better understanding of how the state came to be, and raised the level of public debate on many of the contentious issues Alaska faces today.
A major goal was to recreate the atmosphere of unity and cooperation that marked the struggle for statehood.
Final Report
The 2009 Conference of Young Alaskans is complete and the final report is available.
