The Daily Delegate

By Chloe Jo Victor

Conventions Desk Journalist

Constitutional Convention, or ConCon, is one of the most sought after program areas in Youth and Government. But what makes it so intriguing? 

ConCon brings together all of the core elements that are practiced in Youth and Government meetings; pro sides, con sides, debates, and discussions. 

They first begin their session with being instructed to propose a bill. These bills give the members freedom to bring light to any issue they wish  to tackle. 

“The bills we make shouldn’t be seen as remedies but as a safety blanket to help resolve or protect injustices in California.”

Marco Fistikogiu

This logic is how Member Fistikogiu formed his bill. He proposes that every Californian resident has the right to be treated with equality, and their dignity shall not be infringed upon. Claiming that if there isn’t a bill that declares these rights then we are open to injustices. 

Delegates were instructed after they made their bills to acquire 20 signatures minimum from their other delegates. During this session everyone’s personalities were bubbling, connecting from person to person about each bill they were proposing. Ranging from goofy to serious; these proposals gave delegates power of creativity and their ideas were limitless. 

Once the debates started, ideas that seemed like obvious solutions were challenged and it brought even  more depth to each topic. The duality of opinions on the death penalty or what to do with people sentenced to life was a recurring theme. Some proposals prompted the idea of a Squid Game death penalty with the winner being free. Although at first it seemed entertaining, the bill was not passed after con speakers brought up the morality issue on the matter. There were others, for example, Dylan Thomas, who  argued that those sentenced to life in prison have an option to have a gladiator battle and the winner gets released. 

Everyone in the room looks forward to each new topic. Brighton Coombs-Perez comments that the overall energy in the room is that they are excited to debate and that although in a formal setting, the environment holds a more positive and open discussion. This brings the crucial support and structure that this successful program area has to be so inviting for delegates. 

As ConCon unfolds and ideas become challenged, delegates’ minds grow into new territory and knowledge. Skills are strengthened and connections are formed making ConCon bring out the heart of what Youth and Government is all about.