FYP Governance Documents
- The ForYouPage.Org Manifesto [2023 Original]
- FYP Code of Conduct
- FYP Governance Charter
- The ForYouPage.Org Manifesto
- Amendment I: Duty of FYP Associates, Assistants, Members & Operational Guidelines
- Amendment II: Standard Committee & Accountability
- Ethics and Standards Review
- Operation Manager Duties
- Start Here: Welcome to ForYouPage.Org's Governance Documents 🌟
The ForYouPage.Org Manifesto [2023 Original]
ForYouPage.org is a youth-led NGO and a global coalition of youth advocates 🏾on a mission to unite young leaders 🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼👫👫 and mobilize our peers in grassroots advocacy for our individual flourishing and our collective social justice.
By joining forces, we aim to amplify our voices and empower individual advocacy by providing each of us with resources, opportunities, and support of a community.
By joining forces, we aim to inspire more of our peers to advocate locally and globally, to not only build a more equitable and sustainable world by our own hands, but to make friends, take risks, and to nurture our own growth within.
At ForYouPage.Org, we are committed to the following principles:
Principle 1. 🍀Youth Advocacy for Youth Flourishing
We firmly believe the key to youth flourishing is to empower the youth to take risks and exercise agency through advocacy.
We believe the cause of youth mental health crises is the feeling of powerlessness - to not feel in charge of our lives and to feel hopeless on many urgent issues of our time. and we believe the solution is advocacy. Advocacy provides a platform for us to step out of our comfort zones and channel our passions into meaningful action, exercising our own power to contribute to the causes we care about.
[Our Approach 1] We lower the barrier for advocacy by connecting youth with a network of youth led social ventures and local volunteers and help with causes of their choice.
Principle 2. 🧑🤝🧑Youth Advocacy is for Everyone
We firmly believe youth advocacy encompasses any grassroots action that involves giving back to and exercising kindness in our communities.
We believe that youth advocacy does not need to consist of grand actions only by the ‘cool’ and the ‘accomplished.’ Whether it's organizing a neighborhood cleanup, volunteering at a local shelter, or raising awareness about important social issues, we believe every act of leadership or kindness is youth advocacy. Transcending notions of popularity or achievement, together we aim to create a culture where every grassroots community action is recognized, celebrated, and valued as a vital part of youth advocacy.
[Our Approach 2] We are fully open to all youth to participate in community advocacy at any level of commitment. We invite all grassroots youth to join us and we aim to serve all youth by providing the requisite knowledge and connections.
Principle 3: 🩵Projects as Friendship Building & Connection Driven approaches
We firmly believe connection driven collaboration through advocacy is not only a fundamental pathway to cultivating meaningful friendships but also the most effective way to get projects done.
When young individuals come together with a shared purpose, we form connections that go beyond mere acquaintanceship. By enhancing the collaborative nature of advocacy projects, we foster genuine bonds between participants grounded in mutual understanding, trust, and support. These meaningful friendships serve as a powerful catalyst, fueling motivation, resilience, and a collective drive to see projects through to completion.
[Our Approach 3] We employ people centered approaches. No interest forms. No deadlines. Our volunteers will connect with you directly. We help the youth find like minded people for advocacy projects that they can work on together.
Principle 4: 👻Fully Youth Led Collective
We firmly believe youth advocacy cannot be a solitary battle. We strive to be a collective, fully youth led.
When young people join forces, our voices resonate louder, our impact extends further, and our ability to enact meaningful change is greatly enhanced. We also believe it is essential to ensure this collective is fully youth-led, a space where we feel safe to express our opinions freely and to explore our purpose fearlessly. The strength of youth advocacy lies in the convergence of diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, all united under a common cause.
[Our Approach 4] On issues shared across regions such as climate change, we help facilitate cross-region advocacy actions and we form working groups to talk to stakeholders and policymakers together.
Principle 5: 📖Open Knowledge Sharing
We firmly believe open knowledge sharing is the key in facilitating multilateral cooperation, individual advocacy and decentralized community self-organization.
When knowledge is freely shared and accessible, it becomes a powerful tool for connecting individuals, communities, and organizations. It enables communities to tap into collective intelligence, share local wisdom, and adapt strategies to suit their specific needs and contexts.
[Our Approach 5] We maintain the Wiki.ForYouPage.Org, a shared advocacy and community resources database where everyone can contribute. We encourage everyone to contribute by bringing your knowledge and we encourage everyone to utilize this platform and its curated resources to advocate.
Principle 6: 🌉Coalition as the Bridge
We firmly believe that stakeholders have a genuine desire to support youth, while young people are driven to create changes but need support and guidance, and we need to bridge the gap between these two sides.
While stakeholders possess resources, expertise, and connections, young people often require support, guidance, and opportunities to fully realize their potential as change-makers. We aim to bridge the gap and to create a powerful synergy where stakeholders can provide the necessary support, mentorship, and resources more efficiently and effectively to empower young people to effectively drive change.
[Our Approach 6] We coach our youth volunteers in communication and perspective taking skills and we organize youth led community meetings where stakeholders and youth can come together to have dialogue.
Principle 7: 🌊Self Organization as Empowerment
We believe that self-organization is a vital ingredient in empowering the youth and fostering community-level engagement.
Fostering community-level engagement, self-organization builds stronger social connections, nurtures a sense of belonging, and empowers young people to be catalysts for change within their own communities. By providing the necessary tools, support, and guidance, we aim to facilitate the process of self-organization on all levels.
[Our Approach 7] We facilitate self-organizing advocacy by curating knowledge, providing resources and assisting individuals to take the lead, identify their passions, and drive their own initiatives. We facilitate community self-organization by providing community group chats and organizing community meetings.
Principle 8: 🤹Youth Advocacy as Fun
We believe that youth advocacy can transcend the boundaries of seriousness and embrace an element of joy and fun.
By infusing our efforts with positivity, creativity, and a sense of playfulness, we attract a broader audience, inspire greater participation, and foster a vibrant and inclusive advocacy community. Embracing a fun-filled approach enables us to break down barriers, ignite passion, and generate a lasting impact in a way that resonates with young people worldwide.
[Our Approach 8] We strive to actively infuse fun and humor in all our external messages. And we encourage everyone to infuse humor when contributing knowledge to our database of resources.
Principle 9: 💸No Monetary Incentive Involved
We believe that maintaining a platform free of monetary incentives is of utmost importance.
Our commitment to this principle ensures that all operations within our platform are driven solely by the genuine desire to create a positive change. By eliminating financial motivations, we create an environment where individuals engage and contribute without any form of obligations. All members strive to promote authenticity, transparency, and integrity in all our endeavors, focusing on the collective goal of advocating for a better world rather than a world full of personal gain.
[Our Approach 9] The donations received will only go towards server costs, event hosting costs, and towards the stipend for our core operations team. All working groups, organizational initiatives, and wiki databases are maintained by volunteers. We make most of our work public through wiki and keep it open for anyone to freely contribute. There are no strings attached to anyone who wishes to directly contribute to our platform.
Principle 10: 👁A Coalition for You
We firmly believe it is critical that this coalition doesn’t serve us, but serves you and your advocacy.
We strongly believe that by fighting for the justice you believe in, by exploring your life, and finding your purpose, you empower the rest of us. Every member of this coalition strives to listen to you, support you, and serve your advocacy. By acting on your dream to advocate for change, you directly help this coalition be more impactful by creating real change, connecting communities, and uncovering knowledge and opportunities.
[Our Approach 10] With ForYouPage.org, the best way to help us is to help yourself. What community project and mental health initiatives do you want to do? How can we, our volunteers and our community best help you to achieve your advocacy dream?
By empowering each of us to become advocates, ForYouPage.Org aims to cultivate a generation of socially conscious leaders and equip ourselves with the skills, resilience, and determination to shape a better future by our own hands.
Be together to change together.
FYP Code of Conduct
Declaration of Theory of Change
We, the youth of ForYouPage.Org, united in our vision for collective liberation and transformation, recognize that personal flourishing drives systemic change. Standing in solidarity with youth advocates past and present, we hereby commit ourselves to the following principles and practices, understanding that our individual growth and collective power are inseparable in the struggle for youth mental health and well-being.
[NEW] We acknowledge that this current stage of framework emerges from and primarily reflects Western, particularly American, individualistic cultural values and organizational structures. This document represents our starting point, with the understanding that significant cultural adaptation and assessment will be needed to make it truly inclusive and effective across different cultural contexts.
Agency
Our power begins with self-love
I. We commit to radical self-love and self-actualization.
We fiercely prioritize our mental health and well-being, making self-love and self-actualization our highest priority while supporting others in doing the same, because we know systemic change begins with personal flourishing.
In Practice:
- Leadership will initiate supportive intervention if member's wellbeing appears compromised
- Recognized right to decline tasks that conflict with personal boundaries or wellbeing
Research shows that individuals with higher levels of self-acceptance and self-actualization demonstrate greater resilience, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and increased capacity for social impact (Ryff & Singer, 2008; Maslow, 1971).
Read More: - "The Body Is Not an Apology" by Sonya Renee Taylor - "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" research
II. We commit to mindful presence.
We stay radically present in our work and relationships, engage our full selves to every moment while remaining aware of our energy levels and conscious about our bodies.
In Practice:
- Required to notify the team of energy/attention limitations that may impact dependencies
- All active Associates must engage in:
- OM rotation
- Voting and deliberation processes
- At least one meeting or office hour per month
- Required to declare inactive status or proactive communication if these committees cannot be met
- Mandatory participation in organizational structure:
- OM rotates every 4 weeks among active Associates
- Current OM will track the SMART to-do list and dependencies
- OM assigns tasks to team members during meetings
- Members are required to update OM about task status before deadlines
- Mandatory Operation Manager rotation schedule:
- Nov 1 - Dec 2: Connor
- Dec 2 - Jan 3: Sahith
- Jan 3 - Jan 31: Cameron
Studies demonstrate that mindful presence significantly improves mental well-being, reduces stress, and enhances both personal and collective decision-making capacity (Kabat-Zinn, 2013; Brown & Ryan, 2003).
Read More:
- "The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook" by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer
- "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh
III. We commit to growth resilience.
We embrace challenges fiercely as opportunities for growth, viewing setbacks not as failures but as essential steps in our journey while building sustainable support systems that help us bounce back stronger.
In Practice:
- Fail to complete an accepted task with dependencies results in 1 strike
- Required participation in intervention process after 3 strikes
- Disciplinary hearing if two more strikes happen after intervention
Developing resilience and a growth mindset significantly improves mental health outcomes and increases likelihood of achieving both personal and social change goals (Dweck, 2006; Duckworth, 2016).
Read More:
- "Growth Mindset" by Carol Dweck
- "Grit" by Angela Duckworth
Authenticity
Because being real is revolutionary
IV. We commit to enriching work and meaningful engagement.
We choose to devote our time and energy to work that genuinely enriches our lives and our communities, fearlessly saying no to what drains us to protect our capacity for meaningful impact.
In Practice:
- Only take on tasks that align with genuine interests and capacity, rather than accepting them due to external pressures or a sense of obligation
- Taking on misaligned work and failing to finish that impacts dependencies results in 1 strike
Engaging in purposeful work significantly increases life satisfaction and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety (Steger et al., 2012; Frankl, 1959).
Read More:
- "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris
- "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
V. We commit to authentic self-exploration and expression.
We strive fiercely to explore, discover, and express our genuine selves, creating spaces where youth can freely find themselves and be themselves.
In Practice:
- Required to practice genuine self-expression in all FYP activities
- Must use personal interests and passions to guide FYP involvement
Authentic self-expression and identity exploration during youth significantly improve mental health outcomes and foster psychological well-being (Ryan & Deci, 2000).
Read More:
- "True to Ourselves" by Cameron Anderson
- "Authenticity" by Stephen Joseph
VI. We commit to boundary protection and self-advocacy.
We maintain fierce boundaries that protect our energy and space, actively advocating for our needs and empowering others to do the same.
In Practice:
- Required to develop and maintain clear personal boundaries in all FYP interactions
- Must communicate boundaries proactively and decline misaligned commitments
- Enforcement: Protected right to say "no" without penalty to tasks that cross personal boundaries
Strong personal boundaries and effective self-advocacy skills are fundamental to preventing burnout in youth advocates and maintaining long-term mental health (Cloud & Townsend, 2017).
Read More:
- "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Compassion
Because kindness transforms everything
VII. We commit to radical self-compassion.
We practice fierce kindness toward ourselves, embracing our full self including our struggles, imperfections, and the messy reality of being young changemakers in today's world.
In Practice:
- Required to approach personal limitations with understanding rather than criticism
Self-compassion is strongly correlated with reduced anxiety and depression while increasing resilience and capacity for social connection (Neff & Germer, 2017; MacBeth & Gumley, 2012).
Read More:
- "Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" by Kristin Neff
- "The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion" by Christopher Germer
VIII. We commit to radical compassion for others.
We extend deep understanding and care to all people, especially those who hold different views or stand in opposition, recognizing our shared humanity and using compassion to bridge conflicts into connections.
In Practice:
- Mandatory use of non-violent and non-emotionally abusive communication
- Required practice of empathy during conflicts
- Communication requirements:
- Non-violent communication required
- Non-emotionally abusive interaction required
- Participation in:
- Intervention meetings when required
- Disciplinary hearings when required
- Standard committee review process when applicable
Practicing compassion for others enhances both personal well-being and community resilience while reducing burnout (Rosenberg, 2015; Klimecki et al., 2014).
Read More: - "Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg
- "The Art of Communicating" by Thich Nhat Hanh
Openness
Because growth requires curiosity
IX. We commit to critical thinking.
We pledge to examine everything we do as a community with rigorous honesty and careful consideration, recognizing that our actions today shape the future of youth advocacy.
In Practice:
- Required to participate in FYP's culture of open knowledge sharing and transparency
- Knowledge sharing obligations:
- Participating in deliberation processes
- Engaging in organizational voting
Developing critical thinking skills significantly improves youth mental health outcomes by enhancing decision-making capacity and reducing cognitive distortions associated with anxiety and depression (Paul & Elder, 2020).
Read More:
- "Critical Theory and Social Justice" by Iris Marion Young
- "Teaching Critical Thinking" by bell hooks
X. We commit to cultural humility and epistemological advocacy.
We actively embrace diverse cultural perspectives on well-being and mental health, striving to build systems that honor and uplift different ways of knowing and healing.
In Practice:
- Members must actively showcase understanding across differences within the FYP community
- Required to practice empathy and nonviolent communication during intercultural exchanges
Required non-violent and non-emotionally abusive communication
Culturally responsive approaches to mental health and well-being lead to significantly better outcomes across different communities, with research showing up to 40% higher engagement and effectiveness when interventions honor cultural perspectives (Sue & Sue, 2016).
Read More:
- "Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain" by Zaretta Hammond
- "How To Be An Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi
Joy
Joy is a form of resistance
XI. We commit to revolutionary joy, play, and purpose.
We make fierce space for celebration and play in our work, recognizing that joy itself is a form of resistance against systems that would rather see us burnt out and disconnected.
In Practice:
- Have fun
Integrating play and joy into purpose-driven work significantly reduces burnout while increasing both personal well-being and movement sustainability (brown, 2019; Brown, S., 2009).
Read More:
- "Pleasure Activism" by adrienne maree brown
- "Play" by Stuart Brown
Enforcement & Accountability
Types of Enforcement
[Strike System]
A structured, progressive system for addressing repeated violations.
Process:
- inital three strike: Documented warning & Intervention at third strike
- fourth and fifth strike: Disciplinary hearing
Reset: Strikes reset annually
[OM Supervision]
Direct oversight parenting by Current Operation Manager with escalation to Principal for serious concerns.
Process:
- OM provides regular check-ins and support
- OM documents concerns and growth areas
- OM can initiate intervention when needed
- Principal involvement for serious or unresolved issues
[FYP Family Peer Support]
Any Associate or Assistant can call for peer support intervention.
Process:
- Member raises concern to involved parties
- Facilitated conversation with neutral peer mediator
- Collaborative development of resolution plan
- Community support in implementing solutions
[Standard Committee]
For serious violations requiring formal review.
Process:
- Committee formed of 3 Associates and 1 Advisor
- Formal investigation and hearing process
- Binding decisions on serious matters
- Appeals possible through Principal
Enforcement Tags
-
[Strike]
- Subject to strike system -
[OM]
- Under Operation Manager supervision -
[Peer]
- Peer intervention appropriate -
[Standard]
- May require Standard Committee review
Serious Violations
Certain actions may require immediate Standard Committee review:
- Harassment or discrimination
- Intentional harm to community
- Breach of core values
- Violation of trust
These cases bypass standard progressive enforcement and move directly to Ethics Committee review.
These commitments serve not as mere guidelines but as our collective pledge to each other and to the movement we are building. Together, we demonstrate that authenticity, agency, and compassion are not just ideals but practical tools for transformation.
In solidarity and with fierce hope for our collective liberation,
The Youth of ForYouPage.Org
FYP Governance Charter
Ratification Date: 05/15/2024 Last Update:12/19/2024 Version: 2.0
Preamble
We, the youth of ForYouPage.Org (FYP), unite under the vision declared in our Manifesto: to create a world where every youth discovers their power to flourish and help others flourish.
This Governance Charter establishes the framework through which we transform that vision into reality.
Article I: Foundational Principles
ForYouPage.Org operates in accordance with the values, vision, and theory of change established in our Manifesto (2023). The Manifesto serves as our foundational document and should be read in conjunction with this Charter.
Section 1. Core Values
Our operations and decisions are guided by our five core values as detailed in the Manifesto:
- Agency
- Authenticity
- Compassion
- Openness
- Joy
Section 2. Organizational Commitments
FYP upholds two core commitments to authenticity:
A. Financial Independence
- All core team members are uncompensated volunteers.
- We reject monetary incentives as a primary motivator.
- Any funds raised prioritize youth scholarships and essential operational costs.
- Paid internships are available upon request. We acknowledge how broke youth are.
B. Authentic Representation
- We aim for FYP to genuinely reflect youth's current state and capabilities.
- We embrace and showcase youth realities without filters.
- We prioritize authentic impact over organizational growth.
Article II: Organizational Structure
Section 1.Core Team Structure
A. Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board (formation in progress)
B. Operation Team
- FYP Principle: Director & primary spokesperson of FYP.
- FYP Associates: Fully admitted direct builders of FYP with voting rights.
- FYP Assistants: Partially admitted direct builders of FYP without voting rights.
C. FYP Community through Operational Products
- FYP Wiki: Open collaborative knowledge-sharing platform.
- FYP Event: Coordinated advocacy and networking events.
- FYP Community: Engagement and support networks for youth advocates.
- FYP Intern: Paid internship program that allow youth to work in areas of their passion, strictly limited to maintain FYP's core commitment to no monetary incentives. Currently Experimental.
- FYP Research: Youth-driven participatory action research for mental health leadership and priorities for 2030
- FYP Voice: Provide a youth-led safe space for youth voices on mental health & well-being advocacy
Section 2. Roles and Selection
A. FYP Principle
- Selection: Elected periodically by a majority vote of FYP Associates.
- Duties & Power: Primary spokesperson, coordinator of strategic initiatives, ensures adherence to mission and values.
B. FYP Associates
- Selection: Majority vote by associates for: Youth leaders (grasstops and grassroots) formally recommended by current FYP Associates
- Duties & Power: Voting rights on all major decisions and direct builders of FYP operational products; official affiliation
C. FYP Assistants
- Selection: Open application, interviews, and majority vote.
- Duties & Power: Same as FYP Associates but with no voting rights and contribution to FYP products require supervision of at least 1 FYP Associate.
Section 3. Operation Managers
A. Appointment: Two appointed positions:
- A rotating leadership role open to both Associates and Assistants. Selection: Rotate among active Associates by default. Assistants may participate after submitting a request and receiving approval from both the current rotating OM and the fixed OM.
- A fixed OM. Selection: Appointed by consensus of the Team.
Section 4. Age Requirement
All team members must be under 26 years of age at the time of admission with exception allowed by majority vote of associates.
Article III: Decision-Making Processes
Section 1. Strategic Decisions
A. Led by the FYP Principle.
B. Requires consensus among FYP Associates.
C. Subject to voting by the Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board.
Section 2. Operational Decisions
A. Managed by the FYP Operation Team.
B. Requires consultation with relevant team members.
Section 3. Product-Specific Decisions
A. Directed by respective Product Leads.
B. Involves consultation with product team members if deemed necessary.
Section 4. Proposal and Implementation
A. Any FYP member may propose changes through weekly standup meetings, Associates maillist, or office hours.
B. Requires majority approval from Associates and absence of vote from the Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board.
Section 5. Transparency
A. All voting records, meeting minutes, and organizational documents are to be publicly accessible with sensitive personal information removed.
B. Regular (at least yearly) public reports on activities, impact, and financial status.
Section 6. External Engagement and Partnerships
A. Youth Groups: Formal recommendations for partnerships with youth groups may be submitted by any FYP Community Member to the Operation Team. Approved if no majority objection from the Operation Team.
B. Non-Youth Groups: Partnerships with non-youth groups require formal recommendation by an FYP Operation Team, majority approval from the Operation Team, and majority approval from the Independent Decision Board.
C. Active engagement with policymakers and industry leaders to amplify youth voices.
Article V: Ethical Standards and Financial Governance
Section 1. Code of Conduct
A. All members shall uphold FYP's core values, maintain integrity, respect diversity, and foster inclusivity.
B. Conflicts shall be resolved through open dialogue, with escalation to the Operation Team and Independent Board if necessary.
Section 2. Accountability
A. Regular peer and self-evaluations are conducted quarterly.
B. At least yearly public reports on activities, impact, and financial status.
Section 3. Financial Principles
A. Volunteer-driven model with minimal financial transactions.
B. No monetary compensation for core team members, with limited exceptions for specific intern roles.
C. Any funds received shall be transparently allocated for operational costs and youth stipends.
D. Major financial decisions require consensus approval from Associates and review by the Independent Board.
E. At least yearly (more frequently when needed) financial reports shall be made public.
Article VI: Amendments and Dissolution
Section 1. Amendments
A. Proposal:
- Any FYP Associate or Assistant may propose amendments through weekly standup meetings, Associates maillist, or office hours.
B. Ratification:
- Requires two-thirds majority approval from FYP Associates.
- Final approval from the Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board.
C. Regular Review:
- Annual evaluation of operational processes and governance structure.
- Recommendations for adjustments presented to the Operation Team for implementation.
Section 2. Dissolution
A. Conditions:
- May be considered if FYP no longer effectively serves its mission.
B. Process:
- Requires unanimous decision from Associates and approval from the Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board.
- All assets to be distributed to aligned youth advocacy organizations, as determined by the Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board.
The ForYouPage.Org Manifesto
A Movement of Youth Agency and Collective Flourishing
Preamble
This is year 2023, and we are the youth trying to get through another day. We are the ones couch-potatoing at 3 AM, ADHD-ing through endless feeds, feeling disconnected in an hyper-connected world, disempowered in hyper-powered world. We are the generation watching ice sheets melt, democracy fade, and mental health crises surge while being told that our anxiety and depression are just "part of growing up," that "this is how the world always is."
But we know we hold a deeper truth: that our struggles aren't weakness, but a signal that this world needs to change. And we are the ones with the power to change it.
We, the youth of ForYouPage.Org (FYP), declare our power to reshape our world.
Our Vision
We create a world where every youth discovers their power to flourish and help others flourish. Where every youth has the collective resources, resilience, and power to be a changemaker in their own community. Where authenticity triumphs over conformity, agency triumphs over powerlessness, and compassion triumphs over artificial divisions.
We envision a world remade by youth from every corner of earth working together, a world where one day, every scroll through #FYP shows not just entertainment, but youth in action - help an animal shelter, planting community gardens, organizing protest groups, speaking truth to power, where social media becomes a canvas of a better world, and of our generation being kind, fierce, and simply real.
Our Core Values
Agency: We refuse to let our worth be measured in metrics and productivity, in GPAs and KPIs, in stock prices or profit margins. Our power comes not from capital or credentials, but from our radical commitment to each other's flourishing. We run on passion, not profit.
Authenticity: Funny how being human became revolutionary. But here we are - no performance reviews, no polished personas, no pretending we've got it all figured out. Whether we're challenging UN leaders or just trying to get through the day, we embrace our messy, beautiful reality. First step to changing the world: Admitting where we're really at.
Compassion: In a world built on extraction and division, choosing to be kind is radical. We bridge divides not just between individuals but between whole ways of seeing and being. We believe everyone's fundamentally good - yes, even those maintaining the systems we're fighting to change. Non-violent communication isn't just a buzzword for us; it's how we build something new.
Openness: No more gatekeeping power. No more hoarding resources. No more artificial scarcity of knowledge or opportunity. What we learn, we share. What we build belongs to all of us.. Our difference aren't inefficiencies to be optimized away - they're the foundation of a more human world.
Joy: They expect us to be constantly producing, constantly competing, constantly consuming. Instead, we choose joy. We throw parties across time zones. We share memes across languages. We find humor in the struggle.
How We Work
We're youth from five continents who build global movements from thrift store couches and bedroom desks. Who run international summits between therapy sessions and finals.
Our power comes from:
- Turning DMs into direct action
- Growing local solutions from community wisdom
- Building collective power through authentic connection
- Finding joy in the revolution
Our Theory of Change
Personal flourishing drives collective transformation
Our journey isn't a straight line. It starts with the radical act of taking care of ourselves - of saying "my well-being matters" in a world that treats us as metrics. But that's just the beginning.
Every time one of us finds our voice, we help others find theirs. Every community garden we plant, every protest we organize, every mental health support group we run proves that youth agency can transform our world.
Individual → Community → Movement
This is how we move: From individual healing to collective power From Instagram activism to real-world change From isolated struggles to united movement From surviving to flourishing, together
Call to Action
To every youth feeling powerless in the face of crisis, to every advocate working in isolation, to every changemaker seeking community: You belong here.
Together, we are building more than an organization. We are creating a new way of being – where personal flourishing drives collective change, where local wisdom shapes global movements, where youth lead the transformation of our world.
Join us in proving that authenticity, agency, and compassion always triumph. The future isn't something that happens to us. It's something we create, together, starting with ourselves and our communities.
Be fierce. Be you. Be the change.
Our Pledge
We pledge to remain true to these principles, to prioritize people over systems, to value authenticity over conformity, and to build power through compassion and connection. We are ForYouPage.Org, and this is our commitment to each other and to the world we are creating.
This manifesto is a living document, shaped by the collective wisdom of our community and the evolving needs of our movement.
Amendment I: Duty of FYP Associates, Assistants, Members & Operational Guidelines
Proposed Date: 09/30/2024 Ratification Date: 10/07/2024 Version: 1.0 Author: Joanna Fang
Revision Date: 12/19/2024 Version: 1.1 Author: Joanna Fang
- FYP Governance Charter, Article III: Organizational Structure
- Code of Conduct, Section IV: Member Responsibilities
Background & Purpose: This amendment establishes clear operational guidelines for FYP Associates and introduces the rotating Operation Manager role to ensure sustainable leadership and accountability within the organization.
Summary of Changes:
- Establishes 4-week rotation for Operation Manager position
- Defines task management and accountability system
- Introduces strike system for dependency management
- Clarifies operational participation requirements
Implementation Timeline:
- Immediate Effect: OM rotation system
- Full Implementation By: 11/01/2024
Article I: Operation Manager Role
- Rotation: The Operation Manager (OM) position shall rotate every four (4) weeks among active FYP Associates to share leadership responsibilities. There exists one fixed OM that does not rotate to ensure smooth operation.
- Duties of the Operation Manager: The OM shall be responsible for:
- Run operations with the fixed OM (current: Joanna Fang)
- Lead weekly standups
- Host office hours (when needed)
- Handle operations-related communications
- Tracking and updating SMART goals and tasks as discussed in meetings.
- Monitoring and managing task dependencies to support collaborative efforts.
- Assigning tasks based on current capacity and availability.
- Task Status Updates: Each Associate shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the status of their assigned tasks. Task status should be communicated to the OM as complete, incomplete, or revised before the due date. Unreported tasks by the due date will be marked incomplete.
Article II: Meeting Task Management
- Responsibilities of the Operation Manager in Meetings:
- Keep meeting records
- Maintain a record of all action items using a SMART to-do list approach.
- Assign tasks to individual Associates based on availability and capacity.
- Track task dependencies and address any potential blockers.
- Responsibilities of FYP Associates:
- Each Associate is required to actively manage and update the status of their tasks.
- Failure to communicate task status to the OM before the due date will result in the task being recorded as incomplete.
- An extensions needs for task completion should be notified to the OM at least 24 hours prior to the deadline.
- In case or extenuating circumstances, extensions will be given at the discretion of the OM and extension is required for a task that is due in less than 24 hours.
Article III: Dependency Management and Strike Policy
- Accountability for Dependencies:
- Associates are responsible for tasks and any dependencies assigned to them. If an Associate’s incomplete task affects other members' progress, both the task owner and affected member(s) will each receive one (1) strike.
- Strike Accumulation and Consequences:
- Strikes are cumulative over the calendar year.
- Any Associate accruing three (3) strikes shall be subject to an intervention process to address the challenges and support the Associate in fulfilling their responsibilities.
- After intervention, any Associate receiving two (2) additional strikes shall be required to participate in a disciplinary hearing.
- Disciplinary Hearing Outcomes:
- Depending on the severity of the offence, the outcomes of the disciplinary hearing may include:
- Downgrade in role status (e.g., from Associate to Assistant).
- Assignment of a probationary period with specific performance goals.
- Suspension from certain organizational activities.
- Possible removal from the organization.
Article VI: Operational Participation Requirements
- Meeting Attendance:
- All active Associates are expected to attend at least one (1) standup meeting each month.
- Voting and Deliberation:
- Associates shall participate in organizational voting processes and deliberations, contributing to group decision-making when active.
- Rotation in OM Role:
- Each Associate shall serve as the OM according to the set rotation schedule, contributing to a fair distribution of leadership responsibilities.
Article V: Growth, Accountability, and Conflict Resolution
- Personal Development and Reflection:
- Associates shall commit to ongoing personal development and reflection to foster continuous improvement in their roles.
- Conflict Management:
- Associates are expected to resolve conflicts using respectful, nonviolent communication, prioritizing constructive feedback and maintaining an emotionally safe environment.
- Peer Support and Mentorship:
- Associates shall support each other’s development and provide mentorship to new members, fostering a collaborative organizational culture.
- Supportive Intervention:
- Associates shall be open to interventions if there is concern regarding personal well-being, as organizational support is designed to maintain wellness and productivity.
- Transparency and Open Culture:
- All Associates are expected to contribute to FYP’s culture of transparency, encouraging open dialogue and shared understanding across the organization.
Article VI: Personal Well-Being and Boundary Setting
- Personal Thriving:
- All Associates are encouraged to prioritize their well-being, recognizing that personal health takes precedence over organizational responsibilities. o Associates shall maintain clear boundaries to foster a sustainable balance between personal life and FYP work.
- Cultural Values:
- Associates shall commit to authenticity, compassion, and honesty in all organizational interactions.
- Emotional and mental wellness shall be prioritized through a supportive environment that respects each member's capacity and boundaries.
Article VII: Active Contribution and Knowledge Sharing
- Contribution Aligned with Capacity:
- Associates are encouraged to take on tasks aligned with their current interests, skills, and capacity.
- All Associates shall engage in knowledge-sharing practices, contributing to the FYP Wiki and other organizational knowledge resources as appropriate.
- Commitment to Organizational Culture:
- Associates are expected to contribute positively to FYP’s culture of open knowledge sharing, transparency, and mutual support.
Quarterly Responsibilities: Run peer and self-reviews (January, April, July, October)
Current rotation schedule: Oct 25 - Nov 1 2024: Joanna Nov 1 - Dec 1 2024: Connor Dec 1 - Jan 1 2024: Sahith Jan 1 - Feb 1 2025: Cameron
Amendment II: Standard Committee & Accountability
Internal Investigation Framework
Standard Committee
Purpose
This framework establishes a standardized approach for conducting internal investigations to ensure a fair, consistent, and thorough process. It safeguards the integrity of organizational procedures, accountability, and confidentiality.
0. Confidentiality
Confidentiality Guidelines:
Confidentiality is critical for protecting all involved parties and ensuring the investigation’s integrity. Information regarding the investigation should only be accessible to the designated review team.
No information may be shared outside the review team unless expressly authorized.
If confidentiality is compromised, the audit team may remove the affected member's testimony or declare the review invalid.
Data Handling Protocols:
All documentation and records should be securely stored with restricted access to authorized personnel only.
1. Initiation of Investigation
Trigger for Investigation:
Investigations may be initiated in response to:
Reported incidents (e.g., policy violations, misconduct, safety concerns).
Identified risks or potential process failures.
Management observations or flagged audit results.
If all board members are implicated, a vote may appoint an internal audit lead or approve a third-party audit for impartiality.
2. Scope and Objectives
Define Scope:
Clearly define the scope of the investigation, including specific allegations, individuals, processes, or policy areas to be addressed. Ensure alignment with organizational policies and standards.
Set Objectives:
Identify what the investigation aims to achieve, such as:
Uncovering relevant facts and establishing timelines.
Determining the root cause of the incident or behavior.
Identifying gaps in policies or procedures.
Timeline:
Set a realistic timeline for completing the investigation and communicate this to relevant stakeholders.
Scope Document:
Develop a formal scope document detailing the objectives and limits of the investigation.
This document, prepared by the investigation team, must be finalized before the investigation begins.
If the investigation scope changes, an amendment to the document should be submitted.
The scope document should contain only essential information and be prepared for press-level scrutiny, without confidential data.
3. Investigative Team Selection
Team Composition:
Choose team members based on relevant expertise, impartiality, and authority. Representatives from essential departments may be included.
Conflict of Interest Check:
All team members must declare any conflicts of interest to ensure objectivity.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Assign specific roles, such as lead investigator, interviewer, and evidence manager, to maintain clarity and avoid duplication.
Team members may assume multiple roles, depending on team size and investigation complexity.
4. Planning the Investigation
Background Research:
Gather initial information relevant to the incident, such as prior incidents, records, or applicable policies.
Investigation Plan:
Develop a detailed plan that includes:
Key activities like document reviews and interviews.
Sources of information and data to be examined.
Legal and Compliance Considerations:
Ensure all steps comply with local laws, labor regulations, and internal policies. Organizational policies do not supersede local legal requirements.
5. Evidence Collection
Document and Data Review:
Collect all pertinent records, including emails, reports, logs, and any process documentation.
Interviews and Statements:
Interview involved individuals and relevant witnesses.
Use open-ended, unbiased questions and document all responses.
Preservation of Evidence:
Securely back up physical and digital evidence to prevent tampering or data loss.
Cloud backups should be maintained securely.
Any loss of information may lead to a formal warning or removal from the review team, depending on the severity.
6. Analysis and Evaluation
Review and Analyze Evidence:
Carefully evaluate all evidence to confirm facts, timelines, and compliance with relevant policies.
Identify Gaps and Causes:
Pinpoint procedural or operational gaps that may have contributed to the issue.
Accountability and Impact Assessment:
Based on findings, assess the accountability of individuals and the organizational impact of the incident.
7. Documentation and Reporting
Prepare a Detailed Report:
Summarize findings, analyses, and recommendations, including:
Investigation overview.
Key evidence and factual conclusions.
Accountability determinations, if applicable.
Recommendations:
Provide actionable recommendations, which may include:
Disciplinary actions.
Policy or procedural improvements.
Staff training or awareness initiatives.
Review and Approval:
Submit the report to the board for review, approval, and further action.
8. Communication of Findings
Internal Communication:
Share findings with relevant parties while respecting confidentiality.
Major findings should be communicated via email with all team members cc’d.
Communication between team members should occur within a designated group chat involving the majority of the team.
Feedback Loop:
Provide each individual interviewed with a transcript of their statements.
Individuals have 24 hours to request amendments or redact sensitive information before the document is finalized.
9. Post-Investigation Actions and Follow-Up
Implement Recommendations:
Collaborate with relevant departments to implement any recommended actions and monitor completion.
Track Progress and Effectiveness:
Regularly review the effectiveness of implemented changes to address any new issues promptly.
Policy Review:
Update investigation policies and procedures as necessary to reflect insights gained and best practices.
10. Documentation and Record-Keeping
Record Retention:
Securely retain all investigation documentation per organizational policy and relevant legal requirements.
Confidentiality and Access Control:
Restrict access to investigation records to authorized personnel only, ensuring compliance with confidentiality protocols.
Ethics and Standards Review
Internal Investigation Framework
Standard Committee
Purpose
This framework establishes a standardized approach for conducting internal investigations to ensure a fair, consistent, and thorough process. It safeguards the integrity of organizational procedures, accountability, and confidentiality.
0. Confidentiality
-
Confidentiality Guidelines:
Confidentiality is critical for protecting all involved parties and ensuring the investigation’s integrity. Information regarding the investigation should only be accessible to the designated review team. No information may be shared outside the review team unless expressly authorized. If confidentiality is compromised, the audit team may remove the affected member's testimony or declare the review invalid. -
Data Handling Protocols:
All documentation and records should be securely stored with restricted access to authorized personnel only.
1. Initiation of Investigation
-
Trigger for Investigation:
Investigations may be initiated in response to:- Reported incidents (e.g., policy violations, misconduct, safety concerns).
- Identified risks or potential process failures.
- Management observations or flagged audit results.
-
Authorization Requirements:
Investigations require authorization from two or more board members who are not implicated in the incident to maintain objectivity. - If all board members are implicated, a vote may appoint an internal audit lead or approve a third-party audit for impartiality.
2. Scope and Objectives
-
Define Scope:
Clearly define the scope of the investigation, including specific allegations, individuals, processes, or policy areas to be addressed. Ensure alignment with organizational policies and standards. -
Set Objectives:
Identify what the investigation aims to achieve, such as:- Uncovering relevant facts and establishing timelines.
- Determining the root cause of the incident or behavior.
- Identifying gaps in policies or procedures.
-
Timeline:
Set a realistic timeline for completing the investigation and communicate this to relevant stakeholders. -
Scope Document:
Develop a formal scope document detailing the objectives and limits of the investigation. -
- This document, prepared by the investigation team, must be finalized before the investigation begins.
- If the investigation scope changes, an amendment to the document should be submitted.
- The scope document should contain only essential information and be prepared for press-level scrutiny, without confidential data.
- This document, prepared by the investigation team, must be finalized before the investigation begins.
3. Investigative Team Selection
-
Team Composition:
Choose team members based on relevant expertise, impartiality, and authority. Representatives from essential departments may be included. -
Conflict of Interest Check:
All team members must declare any conflicts of interest to ensure objectivity. -
Roles and Responsibilities:
Assign specific roles, such as lead investigator, interviewer, and evidence manager, to maintain clarity and avoid duplication. -
- Team members may assume multiple roles, depending on team size and investigation complexity.
4. Planning the Investigation
-
Background Research:
Gather initial information relevant to the incident, such as prior incidents, records, or applicable policies. -
Investigation Plan:
Develop a detailed plan that includes: -
-
Key activities like document reviews and interviews.
- Sources of information and data to be examined.
-
Key activities like document reviews and interviews.
-
Legal and Compliance Considerations:
Ensure all steps comply with local laws, labor regulations, and internal policies. Organizational policies do not supersede anylocal legal requirements.
5. Evidence Collection
-
Document and Data Review:
Collect all pertinent records, including emails, reports, logs, and any process documentation. -
Interviews and Statements:
Interview involved individuals and relevant witnesses. -
- Use open-ended, unbiased questions and document all responses.
-
Preservation of Evidence:
Securely back up physical and digital evidence to prevent tampering or data loss. -
-
Cloud backups should be maintained securely.
- Any loss of information may lead to a formal warning or removal from the review team, depending on the severity.
-
Cloud backups should be maintained securely.
6. Analysis and Evaluation
-
Review and Analyze Evidence:
Carefully evaluate all evidence to confirm facts, timelines, and compliance with relevant policies. -
Identify Gaps and Causes:
Pinpoint procedural or operational gaps that may have contributed to the issue. -
Accountability and Impact Assessment:
Based on findings, assess the accountability of individuals and the organizational impact of the incident.
7. Documentation and Reporting
-
Prepare a Detailed Report:
Summarize findings, analyses, and recommendations, including: -
-
Investigation overview.
- Key evidence and factual conclusions.
- Accountability determinations, if applicable.
-
Investigation overview.
-
Recommendations:
Provide actionable recommendations, which may include: -
-
Disciplinary actions.
- Policy or procedural improvements.
- Staff training or awareness initiatives.
-
Disciplinary actions.
-
Review and Approval:
Submit the report to the board for review, approval, and further action.
8. Communication of Findings
-
Internal Communication:
Share findings with relevant parties while respecting confidentiality. -
-
Major findings should be communicated via email with all team members cc’d.
- Communication between team members should occur within a designated group chat involving the majority of the team.
- Unauthorized communication outside the group chat is subject to disciplinary action.
-
Major findings should be communicated via email with all team members cc’d.
-
Feedback Loop:
Provide each individual interviewed with a transcript of their statements. -
- Individuals have 24 hours to request amendments or redact sensitive information before the document is finalized.
9. Post-Investigation Actions and Follow-Up
-
Implement Recommendations:
Collaborate with relevant departments to implement any recommended actions and monitor completion. -
Track Progress and Effectiveness:
Regularly review the effectiveness of implemented changes to address any new issues promptly. -
Policy Review:
Update investigation policies and procedures as necessary to reflect insights gained and best practices.
10. Documentation and Record-Keeping
-
Record Retention:
Securely retain all investigation documentation per organizational policy and relevant legal requirements. -
Confidentiality and Access Control:
Restrict access to investigation records to authorized personnel only, ensuring compliance with confidentiality protocols.
Operation Manager Duties
Operational Leadership:
- Run operations with the fixed OM (current: Joanna Fang)
- Lead weekly standups
- Host office hours (when needed)
- Handle operations-related communications
Task & Accountability Management:
- Maintain and update SMART to-do lists and dependencies
- Gather tasks from team members
- Track task completion status
- Monitor dependencies and issues strikes when necessary
- Initiate interventions when required (after 3 strikes)
- Send weekly meeting summaries/updates after each standup meeting
Documentation:
- Keep meeting records
- Document task assignments and their status
- Track any incomplete tasks or missed deadlines
Quarterly Responsibilities:
- Run peer and self-reviews (January, April, July, October)
Current rotation schedule:
- Oct 25 - Nov 1: Joanna
- Nov 1 - Dec 1: Connor
- Dec 1 - Jan 1: Sahith
- Jan 1 - Feb 1: Cameron
Start Here: Welcome to ForYouPage.Org's Governance Documents 🌟
Welcome to ForYouPage.Org! 🎉 We're excited you're here. This guide will help you navigate our governance documents and understand how we organize ourselves to create change!
How to Read Our Documents
1. Essential Reading (In Order)
-
- Our vision and theory of change
- Core values and principles
- Why we exist and what we believe
-
- How we put our principles into practice
- Community standards and expectations
- Guidelines for engagement
-
- How we organize ourselves
- Decision-making processes
- Operational structures
2. Amendments and Updates
- Found at the end of each core document
- Chronological additions to our governance
- Each amendment expands or clarifies existing rules
3. Operational Documents
- Detailed procedures for specific roles
- Day-to-day operational guidelines
- Reference as needed based on your role
Document Quick Reference
- Looking for values? → Manifesto, Section I
- Need behavior guidelines? → Code of Conduct
- Want to understand decision-making? → Governance Charter
- Specific role responsibilities? → Check relevant amendments
Living Documents
Our documents evolve as we grow. All changes happen through transparent amendments, preserving our history while allowing us to adapt and improve.