Half a century ago, 55 Alaskans sat down to examine the issues facing Alaska, and determine how a future state could best serve those needs. The result: the constitution for the state of Alaska.
Today, 55 young people have gathered in Fairbanks to re-examine those same issues and apply them to the state they know today. The result: The Conference of Young Alaskans; three days of brainstorming, deliberation and focusing on the future.
In order to maximize efficiency and participation, the delegates rotate through five groups, each targeting a different aspect of Alaska life. Conference Coordinator Joseph Hardenbrook, says the delegates decide exactly how these issues should be approached, form the goals to what action should take place.
"The first process, of course, is developing the vision statements. And the vision statements are broad and sort of amorphous statements of what the delegates think we should be working towards. For example, natural resources: Alaska will manage natural resources for the maximum benefit of the people - a broad statement just laying out direction. And then underneath those vision statements they'll start laying out goals. Goals, you know, concrete achievable objectives underneath those vision statements. Under those goals will follow the action items. And those action items are exactly what they'd like to accomplish in order to achieve those goals to implement the vision."
Like the real legislature, the ideas are put together by small groups, and then voted on by the entire delegation. The small groups then come up with a plan to put those ideas into action, which is also voted on by all members of the Conference.
Once the conference is over, the information and findings of the delegates will then be made available to the governor, state and local politicians, as well as non-profit organizations and other outside agencies. However, what actually comes out of this conference is completely up to the delegates.
According to Hardenbrook, the delegates are excited about being Alaskans and truly want to help the state.
"The type of delegate we were looking for, for this conference, were young people who are excited about being Alaskans, young people who want to make this state their home, young people who are committed to making Alaska a great place to live and work and raise a family."
What is COYA?
