Got questions about International Convention (IC)? Well, we’ve got answers! If you need more information or have questions that aren’t covered here, please contact us at [email protected] so we can help.
IC is USY’s unparalleled annual flagship event—a unique opportunity to do something new, innovative, and different with your winter break. Each year, hundreds of Jewish 9-12 graders from across North America come together to engage in Jewish learning, develop meaningful bonds to peers and mentors, actively participate in community service, and develop leadership skills that extend beyond the bounds of convention. While the specific themes, programs, and speakers shift from year to year (learn more below!), IC’s mission has remained consistent for 70 years of USYers. We are proud to provide a brave space for Conservative Jewish teens to be surrounded by the warm embrace of community as they engage in a week of social connection, identity development, learning, and chesed.
IC is a chance to leave behind the social and academic pressures of school for a community of diverse identities where your ideas, differences, and talents will be accepted. IC is a forum to establish bonds across North America that might help guide you to your college campus after graduation or help you land your first job interview in a new city. Your IC family helps establish your international Jewish community, providing lasting friendship no matter where your travels, education, career, and life may take you. IC is an opportunity to build your resume while having fun with friends, both old and new. IC is a chance to hear from inspiring thought leaders. IC is the best of USY.
Sunday, December 26-Thursday, December 30
Back in person in Washington, DC!
All Jewish teens in grades 9-12 are invited to attend IC, regardless of previous USY participation or experience.
Registration for IC 2021 opens on August 1. Register by October 1 to take advantage of the early-bird discount!
Click here to register!
Register between August 1-October 1: $1,345
Register between October 2-November 15: $1,450
Register between November 16-December 1: $1,499
The cancelation refund policy is as follows (though we hope no one will need it!):
August 1-October 15: full refund
October 16-November 30: $700 refund
After November 30: no refund
Final payment – unless you are on a payment and have made previous arrangements – is due on November 30. If IC is canceled, all registered participants will receive a full refund.
COVID- 19 Refund Policy:
A. Cancellation by USCJ/USY. In the event the COVID-19 pandemic or any other circumstances beyond the control of USCJ/USY require us (in USCJ/USY’s sole and absolute discretion) to cancel the USY International Convention program between the date of registration and the scheduled Start Date, you will receive a full refund of monies paid to USCJ/USY.
B. Withdrawal by You. In the event, after registering but prior to the scheduled Start Date, that you notify USCJ/USY that you are withdrawing from the program due to USY International Convention’s COVID-19 requirements, refunds of monies paid to USCJ/USY will be made as follows:
If the withdrawal is for good cause, you will receive a full refund. If the withdrawal is without good cause, there shall be a partial fund.
The decision as to whether there is good cause for a participant’s withdrawal, or not, shall be made by the USCJ/USY IC program director and shall be final, conclusive and binding, and not subject to review by any court or arbitrator.
As above, the USCJ finance department will communicate to you within 30 days of the End Date the amount and calculation of any refund to which you are entitled. The calculation (other than arithmetic errors) shall be final, conclusive and binding, and not subject to review by any court or arbitrator. You shall have the option to convert any refund, in whole or in part, into a charitable donation to USCJ. Any refund (or portion thereof) not converted into a charitable donation shall be paid within 14 days thereafter. Note: In no event shall any refund exceed the actual amount paid to USCJ/USY by you, exclusive of any scholarships, grants, or other third-party payments on your behalf.
USY recognizes that the cost of programming can present financial barriers for some of our families. Our pledge is to work with you to lower the bar to entry to our programs and meet the needs of as many teens and families as possible. USY offers limited scholarships to those with a financial need. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
We also recommend the following steps in order to help combine the collective resources of USY and the wider Jewish community to help pay your way to IC:
IC is planned by teens for teens, with the guidance of USY’s dedicated staff across North America. This year, our co-chairs are Sarah Hasson and Cameron Fields. (Click here to learn more about them!)
Click here for the 2021 schedule in formation!
Whether you’re a returning participant (welcome back!), a first-timer (can’t wait to meet you!), or still debating whether IC is the right fit for you (we’re here to help!), here are some IC highlights:
The USY medical committee oversees and supports all programs and activities, and will continue to update guidance for IC in the coming months. Most recently, the medical committee has approved the launch of registration for IC 2021. Please read below for information about the COVID protocols that must be followed for USYers to safely join us at IC 2021.
All attendees must show proof of full vaccination. Vaccination cards must be uploaded as part of the registration process.
The USY medical committee oversees all programs and activities based on current public health recommendations and will continue to provide guidance for IC 2021. The safety of our participants continues to be our highest priority.
For specific IC COVID-19 protocols, click here.
Protocols will be updated based on CDC guidelines for gatherings and will be sent out to all registered participants prior to IC.
COVID- 19 Refund Policy:
A. Cancellation by USCJ/USY. In the event the COVID-19 pandemic or any other circumstances beyond the control of USCJ/USY require us (in USCJ/USY’s sole and absolute discretion) to cancel the USY International Convention program between the date of registration and the scheduled Start Date, you will receive a full refund of monies paid to USCJ/USY.
B. Withdrawal by You. In the event, after registering but prior to the scheduled Start Date, that you notify USCJ/USY that you are withdrawing from the program due to USY International Convention’s COVID-19 requirements, refunds of monies paid to USCJ/USY will be made as follows:
If the withdrawal is for good cause, you will receive a full refund. If the withdrawal is without good cause, there shall be a partial fund.
The decision as to whether there is good cause for a participant’s withdrawal, or not, shall be made by the USCJ/USY IC program director and shall be final, conclusive and binding, and not subject to review by any court or arbitrator.
As above, the USCJ finance department will communicate to you within 30 days of the End Date the amount and calculation of any refund to which you are entitled. The calculation (other than arithmetic errors) shall be final, conclusive and binding, and not subject to review by any court or arbitrator. You shall have the option to convert any refund, in whole or in part, into a charitable donation to USCJ. Any refund (or portion thereof) not converted into a charitable donation shall be paid within 14 days thereafter. Note: In no event shall any refund exceed the actual amount paid to USCJ/USY by you, exclusive of any scholarships, grants, or other third-party payments on your behalf.
All participants are in rooms with two double beds. There are four participants assigned to each room.
Participants can request up to three friends in their USY branch, however, we cannot guarantee that all requests are fulfilled. We will do our best to fulfill mutual requests.
Travel is not included in the cost of IC.
If you would like to coordinate your flights with a USY staff member, please reach out to your branch staff. (If you’re not sure which branch you belong to, click here to find out!)
If you have paid your airline for your child to travel as an unaccompanied minor, please email [email protected], so we can let you know in advance which staff member will be at the airport to meet your child (the airline will need this information to release your child). An unaccompanied minor is defined as an individual, five to 14 years old, traveling without a companion 15 years of age or older on the same domestic flight and in the same compartment.
We will provide transportation to the hotel from Union Station and Dulles, Reagan, and BWI airports. For Union Station and Dulles and Reagan airports, all flights/trains must arrive by 1 p.m.on Sunday, December 26, 2021 and departing flights/trains must be no earlier than 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021. For BWI, all flights must arrive by noon on Sunday, December 26, 2021 and depart no earlier than 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021.
If you are driving, dropoff is from 12 p.m. on Sunday, December 26 and pick up is at noon on Thursday, December 30.