What is ME at GA?
The Multicultural Experience at General Assembly (ME at GA) is a preconference leadership development opportunity held on September 17, 2026. It's modeled after Y-USA’s Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE) and designed to connect staff from all levels of the organization and prepare them for a meaningful and successful General Assembly.
In addition to the preconference experience, ME components, including breakout session opportunities, will be offered throughout the entire conference for all GA attendees to experience.
ME was the most valuable part of my first GA. I showed up without knowing anyone and left with contacts I didn't even know I needed. The quality of speakers and breakout room facilitators was top notch and provided invaluable, practical advice I have already put to use."
Who should attend?
Although anyone attending General Assembly can register for ME at GA, this opportunity is especially beneficial for those who are:
- new to their role,
- attending General Assembly for the first time, or
- participating or interested in the Multicultural Leadership Development (MLD) strategy
Being new to the Y Movement, I have always heard what a great experience GA would be, but I have found the Multicultural Experience so powerful and the information learned is something I can take back to my association in the form of actionable items for myself based off of self-reflection on the experience."
What to Expect
Mentoring Lounge
Schedule a session to speak with a seasoned Y leader who can share guidance and advice about planning and pursuing the next steps in your Y career.
Resume Cafe
Review and strengthen your resume with a Y HR professional who can provide valuable feedback.
Career Development Sessions
Attend inspiring and informative breakout sessions that will deepen your connection, commitment, and understanding of the Y Movement.
For me, the Multicultural Experience was the best professional development opportunity I’ve had in my career at the Y. It helped me gain a better understanding of how the Y movement can be a force for good in the communities we serve and helped me recognize my own power and capacity to be a force for good within the Y movement."
Multicultural Experience FAQs
No, participants must register for the General Assembly to be eligible to attend ME at GA.
Attendees can register for ME at GA as part of their General Assembly registration. Registration for General Assembly opens on December 8, 2025. Those planning to attend ME at GA should register as soon as possible; attendance is limited to 350 participants.
In previous years, ME at GA was a day-and-a-half event. In response to participant feedback, ME components—including breakout sessions—will be offered throughout the full conference in 2026 to provide a more integrated experience for all attendees.
ME at GA is included in the cost of General Assembly. Early Bird registration for General Assembly is $750. Find more information on how to plan for General Assembly, including pricing, here.