Conferences - Advisor Development Conference:

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Advisor fun at ADC Session.

Each year at the end of the summer, Youth and Government Advisors from around the state gather in Central California's Bakersfield for the annual Advisor Development Conference (ADC). The ADC is designed to inform, update and instruct advisors on how to effectively lead delegations through the YMCA Youth and Government program.

The Youth and Government Governing Board has made this a mandatory conference for every participating delegation. To ensure its success, the Governing Board has devoted time, financial aid, and expertise toward the goal of providing as much support as possible for the program's outstanding advisors.

The conference traditionally opens on Friday night with a group-builder. At this session, advisors participate in a series of icebreakers and games designed both to excite them about the conference and to provide them with ideas for similar activities to use with their local delegations. Here, the advisors have the opportunity to learn from some of the best. "Seasoned" or veteran advisors, volunteer staff and program staff, along with special guest speakers, lead a series of sessions designed to increase an advisor's knowledge of the intricacies of the program, and guide brainstorming sessions designed to better the year ahead. Some of these sessions include program orientation, bill development, public speaking workshops, values and decision-making, program area overview and policy changes.

Although it is mostly business, advisors get an opportunity socialize during scheduled free time sessions. This past year included an outrageous Talent Show and Karaoke session. Many advisors and staff found themselves unwillingly participating as guests were occasionally chosen to perform randomly selected songs.

Advisors depart Bakersfield with new friends, and a sense of motivation and commitment to service that will benefit their respective local delegations.

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