YDN Annual D.C. Conference: Leadership, Advocacy, and Organizational Development

Where Movements Begin and Leaders Are Made

Next Conference

July 1–4, 2026

Location

Washington, D.C.

Status

Applications Now Open

The YDN Annual D.C. Conference is the cornerstone program of the Young Adults Development Network (YDN), a powerful, multi-day experience designed to train emerging leaders, build organizational identity, and connect youth directly with the halls of power in the nation's capital.

Launched in 2025, this annual conference serves as a strategic platform where leadership, advocacy, and vision-building converge. It is not just a trip; it is the heartbeat of YDN's mission and the foundation of a movement built to last.

Each year, young leaders gather in Washington, D.C. to receive professional-level training, lobby lawmakers on issues that impact their communities, and actively shape the future of the organization itself.

Leadership & Advocacy Training

Participants are equipped through immersive workshops in:

Public narrative and strategic storytelling

Civic education and grassroots organizing

Congressional lobbying and policy influence

Faith and justice leadership frameworks

National movement-building strategies

They meet with members of Congress, explore historic institutions, and walk away with practical skills to lead advocacy efforts in their communities.

Organizational Development & Movement Planning

This is more than personal growth; it's about building YDN itself. During the conference, participants will:

Explore the mission, vision, and values of YDN

Help shape our short- and long-term goals

Contribute to the creation of YDN's team structures, programs, and national strategy

Participate in dialogue about the organization's identity, impact areas, and future direction

Every participant becomes a co-architect of the organization. We don't just train leaders, we invite them to help lead the movement.

2026 Program Schedule

01.

July 1st - Arrival & Orientation

Participant arrivals in Washington, D.C.

Evening orientation: program objectives, expectations, team introductions

Group reflection on leadership journeys and shared purpose

02.

July 2nd - Leadership Development & Vision Alignment

Morning sessions: storytelling for advocacy, grassroots organizing, civic fluency

Afternoon session: YDN's organizational identity, mission, values, structure

Evening group discussion: setting the tone for a youth-led movement

03.

July 3rd – Advocacy in Action

Policy briefings and preparation

Congressional lobbying visits (in small teams)

Visits to national civic institutions (Capitol, museums, historical landmarks)

Evening debrief and reflection.

04

July 4th - Final Engagements & Commissioning

Final meetings or congressional drop-ins (if applicable)

Closing circle: commissioning participants as founding contributors

Departure begins mid-afternoon

Register

Leaders of Today, Builders of Tomorrow

Why We Organize

We believe young people are not just the future, they are the leaders of today. Every voice matters, every story counts, and every action taken has the power to spark change. When youth come together with vision and discipline, they can shift communities, challenge injustice, and create opportunities that last. Our work is about more than programs; it’s about building a movement where young leaders discover their strength, stand with courage, and lead with purpose. This is where leadership begins, and where transformation takes root.