Pre-Conference Recap: Everything you need to know from the night before KYA

By Lily Wobbe

Because of KYA’s online format this year, many important aspects of the conference were completed the night prior to the start of the conference, before the KYA was officially gaveled into session. With virtual KYA being slightly shorter than in-person conferences, pre-conference time was valuable and delegates were encouraged to participate in the evening’s meetings.

Prior to the conference, each delegate received an email from the Y with important information, including a video from some of KYA 1’s Presiding Officers. The video included instructions on debate rules and flow, along with proper online conference etiquette. Then, specialized program areas including the Supreme Court, cabinet and lobbyists, and bill authors had their first meeting of the conference. Finally, the candidates held a short networking session to introduce themselves and get to know some of the delegates.

Here’s a recap of what you might’ve missed.

To start off the video, Governor Parker Stewart discussed bills at the conference. All commonwealth and bluegrass bills can be found in the virtual bill books that were sent to delegates via email prior to the conference, or online here. This bill book also includes important links to every meeting at the conference. “This bill book will be your lifeline during this conference,” Stewart said, stressing the importance of having access to the bill book.

Next, several POs went over debate flow in the online format of the conference. Technical questions, questions that have one definite yes or no answer, and pro-con speeches, speeches for and against a bill, will be given as usual. Additionally, like usual, bills will be ranked during the first chamber meeting and the highest ranked bills will be debated at the second. Links to the ranking form will be provided in committee rooms.

One difference in debate this year is that yielding time will not be permitted. Instead, more rounds of pro-con speeches will be heard for each bill.

Then, Bluegrass Senate President Emerson Harned explained the importance of the Y’s four core values — caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. “It’s important that our participants and guests feel welcomed and safe in our programs. This code of conduct embodies the spirit of the Y and is intended to help everyone feel comfortable and thrive,” she said.

Because of KYA’s online format this year, Commonwealth Senate President Landin Stadnyk noted the importance of video call etiquette, such as keeping your environment clean and distraction-free, and listing your name, position, and school when signing into meetings. Being on time to meetings is also imperative. Lastly, business casual attire is still required for the duration of the virtual conference (from the waist up, that is).

And finally, in true KYA fashion, Governor Stewart explained Kentucky’s origin story. Kentucky has many interpretations from several different Native American groups. However, it’s the Wyandot word for Kentucky, meaning land of tomorrow, that seems to resonate most at KYA. “Though this year might look different than those before, 2020 marks the 75th year that teens like you have gathered to make a better tomorrow for our commonwealth,” he said. “Regardless of your history or background, you are a Kentuckian. We are Kentucky.”

Any additional resources for KYA 1 can be found here.