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 100 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 2026?

• This year LCOY USA will be held from Friday, October 23rd to Sunday, October 25th, 2026. 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 (8am to 6pm ET) on Saturday and Sunday.

What is the exact location?

• The conference will take place in Columbus, Ohio, on Ohio State University’s campus.

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 September.

Can youth under 18 attend LCOY USA?

• Yes!

• If you are under 18 years of age, you do need a parent or guardian present with you at the conference.

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 the deadline. 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.

What are the accommodation arrangements?

• Attendees are responsible for booking and paying for their rooms at nearby hotels or Airbnb.

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, parking information can be found at https://osu.campusparc.com/. Off-campus parking and use of local public transportation is encouraged.  

  
  

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 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.

If I have questions, who can I contact?

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