What is LCOY?

• The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) USA is a youth-led, youth-organized, weekend long conference which brings together over 100 youth delegates from across the country— carefully selected for their leadership in the climate movement— to learn, network, collaborate, and write the National Youth Statement on climate.

• LCOY’s are national climate conferences organized by young people in over 70 countries around the world to engage youth in climate action and include their voices in the United Nation’s climate negotiation process. 

When is LCOY USA 2024?

• This year LCOY USA will be held from Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15, 2024. LCOY will begin with a welcome event in the evening on Friday and will conclude on Sunday afternoon. Please expect to be at the conference throughout the day (9 am to 6 pm ET) on Saturday and Sunday.

What is the exact location?

• Arizona State University, Walton Center for Planetary Health, 777 East University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281

Where to apply?

• LCOY USA 2024 delegate applications are now live. Apply at: lcoyusa.com/apply

Who is eligible to apply?

• Youths 35 years or younger can apply. You must have a lived experience in the USA and have an interest and/or experience in Climate Advocacy.

What is the Program for the Weekend?

• The program will become available on the website in August.

Can youth under 18 attend LCOY USA?

• Yes!

• If you are under 18 years of age, you must have an adult parent or guardian present with you at the conference. They will also be required to sign a release form.

Can my friends/family attend too?

• LCOY USA is an event for youth under 35 years of age who have registered and were accepted into the conference. If your friends are interested in attending with you, we encourage them to apply by August 1st, 2024. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have an adult guardian or chaperone present with you at the conference. This can be a family member. Adult guardians and chaperones should not participate in the conference discussions or activities unless they are also registered for the conference.

Is there a cost to attend LCOY USA?

• No! If accepted, the weekend-long conference is free to attend. However, delegates are responsible for their own travel and accommodations (meals will be provided); but reimbursements for these expenses may become available. 

What are the accommodation arrangements?

• Attendees are responsible for booking and paying for their rooms at nearby hotels or AirBnBs until further notice. 

Is there room to check my bags?

• Please check your bags at your hotel or AirBnB accommodation before coming to any of the LCOY USA events.
  

What are the parking arrangements and directions? Are there any organized shuttles?

• If you plan to drive to the conference and need parking, please contact secretariat@lcoyusa.com for more information.  

  
  

What is the dress code?

• You can dress in business casual attire if you have it, but it is not mandatory. The most important thing is that you are comfortable! We do not want the dress code to be a barrier for anyone to participate.

What is the expected weather?

• Mid-September in Arizona is often hot and dry. We expect temperatures in the 78 °F to 100 °F range. Daytime highs are likely to be warm, potentially reaching into the mid to upper 90s (°F), while nighttime temperatures could drop to the low 70s. Please pack accordingly. 

What do I need to bring?

• Please bring your ID and badge confirmation email to be admitted to the conference. You may want to bring a notebook, pen, and laptop or tablet to take notes and help draft the National Youth Statement.

Packing List:

• Form of ID (note this does not need to be a government-issued ID)

• Phone and charger

• Laptop or Tablet and charger (if desired)

• Notebook and pen

• At least three outfits of layered clothing

• Rain jacket and water-resistant shoes

• Toiletries, eyewear, personal medications

• Motivation and enthusiasm for climate action!

What food will be served at the event?

• LCOY USA will provide a welcome dinner on Friday, and breakfast, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. The only meal not covered is the dinner on Saturday. So, delegates are requested to arrange their Saturday dinner. There are affordable restaurants nearby such as The Chuck Box and Chop Shop. The meals will include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and options for those with food allergies.

How much should I expect to spend on meals in Arizona?

• The U.S. General Services Administration allocates $69 a day for meals as the per diem rate for employees traveling in Arizona. The breakdown is $16 for breakfast, $17 for lunch, $31 for dinner, and $5 for incidental expenses. You can find meals cheaper than this, but these are safe estimated monetary numbers to ensure you have enough money for food. More information on Arizona per diem rates. 

How do I let you know about my special dietary requirements or accommodations?

• Please list any special dietary requirements, physical accommodations, or other needs on your application form. If you have already submitted your application without listing these needs, please reach out to a member of the LCOY USA planning committee. Note that all of your information will be kept confidential.

If I have questions, who can I contact?

• If you have questions, please contact the team at secretariat@lcoyusa.com.