The YEO Network's 2026 National Convening, themed "Power in Practice: Governing for a Just Democracy", brought close to 100 diverse electeds from around the country to Los Angeles, California to share ideas, build community, and share in the work that is needed to move our country forward alongside faith leaders, policy experts, organizers, innovators, activists, and partners for a 3 day intensive program filled with networking opportunities, policy workshops, and skill building activities.

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Since our last National Convening, the foundations of our democracy have been at their breaking point: communities are facing threats of authoritarian leadership seeking to censor education and create division through mis and disinformation, our economic status quo continues to hurt those who are most vulnerable and reward those who are most successful, and decades of progress advancing equality and civil rights are being rolled back by extremist courts and electeds. In the wake of these challenges, fresh ideas and faces are needed more now than ever.

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At this year's convening, we heard from some of the most prominent voices against government policy shifts, urging our members to continue their work and to know their worth, and that their work has never been more necessary and important. Our 2026 National Convening was designed to provide young elected leaders with the knowledge, skills, and courage to lead us forward.