GOVERNANCE & CODE OF CONDUCT
- 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
- 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
Purpose
This code is our promise to each other: as we grow individually, we grow stronger collectively. It outlines how we support each other's flourishing while building powerful youth advocacy.
The closer you are to FYP's core work, the more we expect you to embody these principles - not as a burden, but as a commitment to both your own growth and our collective impact. What starts as guidelines for followers becomes clear standards for associates, because your influence shapes our community's future.
Scope
This code guides everyone in the FYP family, with increasing levels of responsibility:
- FYP Associates & Operation Team: Highest standards for self-love and authentic leadership
- FYP Assistants & Event Organizers: Strong commitment to values and community support
- Community Members & Partners: Basic standards for respectful participation
- General Followers: Guidelines for engaging with our spaces
By joining FYP in any capacity, you're committing to nurture both individual and collective flourishing, with the understanding that your responsibilities grow as your involvement deepens.
Agency
Our power begins with self-love
I. We commit to radical self-love and self-actualization.
In Practice at FYP:
- We prioritize our happiness over any work, because we can't help others to be happy if we can't make ourselves happy
- Step back from fyp projects that drain rather than energize you
- Leadership initiates supportive intervention if member's wellbeing appears compromised
Enforcement Level:
- Associates: Weekly wellbeing check-ins with OM; must decline work that compromises wellbeing
- Assistants: Monthly wellness reviews
- Community: Self-care resources provided
- Followers: Introduction to self-care principles
- Action on Violation: Immediate intervention by OM if overwork observed
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
Authenticity
Because being real is revolutionary
II. We commit to enriching work and meaningful engagement.
In Practice at FYP:
- Build projects that excite you (e.g., mental health art initiatives, climate anxiety workshops)
- Contribute to Wiki sections you're passionate about
Enforcement Level:
- Associates & Team: Must maintain clear alignment between work and values
- Assistants: Regular alignment check-ins
- Community: Encouraged to engage authentically
- Followers: Free to choose engagement level
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
III. We commit to authentic self-exploration and expression.
In Practice at FYP:
- We use FYP projects to discover what moves us - this space is for finding yourself
- We bring our whole selves - interests, dreams, fears and all
- We honor diverse ways of being and knowing
Enforcement Level:
- Associates & Team: Must model authentic self-expression and respect for diversity
- Assistants: Regular reflection on personal growth
- Community: Encouraged to share authentically
- Followers:Welcomed to be themselves
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
IV. We commit to boundary-conscious collaboration and self-advocacy.
In Practice at FYP:
- We set clear limits and honor others' boundaries. Always
- We say "no" without guilt when work doesn't align
- Protected right to decline what doesn't serve us or our community
- One strike for failing to deliver on dependencies
Enforcement Level:
- Associates & Team: Must model healthy boundary-setting
- Assistants: Required to communicate boundaries clearly
- Community: Encouraged to respect and set boundaries
- Followers: Introduction to boundary principles
- Action on Violation: One strike for boundary crossing or missed dependencies
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
V. We commit to radical compassion.
In Practice at FYP:
- We meet our struggles with kindness. No harsh self-judgment here
- We use non-violent communication. Always
- When we disagree, we listen first. Hard conversations need soft hearts
- Use "I notice/I feel/I need" format in difficult conversations
- Offer support when team members miss deadlines
- Listen fully to opposing views in policy discussions
- Practice trauma-informed communication in mental health advocacy
Enforcement Level:
- Associates & Team: Immediate review for communication violations
- Assistants: Required communication training
- Community: Basic non-violent communication expected
- Followers: Guidelines for respectful interaction
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 - "Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg
- "The Art of Communicating" by Thich Nhat Hanh
Openness
Because growth requires curiosity
VI. We commit to critical engagement.
In Practice at FYP:
- Question everything - our work shapes youth futures
- Provide honest feedback on FYP rules & projects effectiveness
- Challenge assumptions in advocacy strategies
- Evaluate impact metrics critically
Critical thinking reduces anxiety by increasing agency (Paul & Elder, 2020)
Read More:
- "Critical Theory and Social Justice" by Iris Marion Young
- "Teaching Critical Thinking" by bell hooks
VII. We commit to open knowledge sharing
In Practice at FYP:
- Document event planning processes on Wiki
- Share advocacy strategies that worked/failed
- Create resources for future organizers
- Write up community building lessons learned
Enforcement Level:
- Associates & Team: Required documentation and reflection
- Assistants: Regular contribution to knowledge base
- Community: Encouraged to share learnings
- Followers: Access to open resources
Open knowledge sharing multiplies community impact (hooks, 1994).
VIII. We commit to cultural humility and epistemological advocacy
In Practice at FYP:
- Actively include diverse mental health perspectives in FYP projects
- Adapt FYP Slay Index for different communities
- Question Western-centric mental health frameworks
- Center marginalized voices in policy discussions
Enforcement Level:
- Associates & Team: Must model inclusive practices
- Assistants: Required cultural competency training
- Community: Basic inclusion standards
- Followers: Introduction to diversity principles
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
IX. We commit to collective accountability
In Practice at FYP:
- When we see a fellow team member struggles, we speak up
- We report serious violations. Safety requires courage
- We hold standards higher as involvement deepens Required participation in peer review processes
Enforcement Level:
- Associates & Team: Regular peer review participation
- Assistants: Basic accountability measures
- Community: Group feedback participation
- Followers: Basic community guidelines
Joy
Joy is a form of resistance
X. We commit to revolutionary joy, play, and purpose
In Practice at FYP:
- 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
Accountability Framework
- Strike System
Three strikes within a calendar year trigger an intervention. Two additional strikes lead to a disciplinary hearing. Possible outcomes include:
- Role reassignment
- Temporary suspension
- Removal from position
- Peer Support System Any Associate can initiate a peer support intervention when they notice:
- Consistent boundary violations
- Communication issues
- Wellbeing concerns
- Serious Violations Some actions bypass the strike system and require immediate review:
- Harassment or discrimination
- Intentional harm to community
- Major breaches of core values
Enforcement by Role
FYP Associates & Operation Team
Must actively model all values
- Regular wellbeing check-ins required
- Highest standards for communication
- Documentation requirements
- Peer review participation
FYP Assistants
- Basic accountability measures
- Communication training required
- Regular alignment check-ins
Community Members
- Basic non-violent communication expected
- Respect for boundaries required
- Encouraged to participate in feedback
General Participants
- Introduction to core values
- Basic community guidelines
- Access to resources and support
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
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 and enforced by specifics in Code of Conduct.
- 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
We are the youth of 2023, scrolling through feeds at 3 AM, feeling disconnected in a hyper-connected world, watching ice sheets melt and mental health crises surge while being told our anxiety is just "part of growing up." But we know a deeper truth: 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.
Our Vision
We create a world where every youth has the collective resources, resilience, and power to be a changemaker in their own community. Where authenticity triumphs over conformity, agency over powerlessness, and compassion over divisions. We envision a world where scrolling through #FYP shows youth in action - helping at shelters, growing community gardens, organizing protests, speaking truth to power - where social media becomes a canvas of our generation being kind, fierce, and simply real.
Our Core Values
Agency: Our power comes not from capital or credentials, but from our radical commitment to ourselves and each other's flourishing
Authenticity: No filters, no pretending we've got it all figured out, no changing ourselves to fit with others. First step to changing the world: Be who we are.
Compassion: In a world built on division, choosing to be kind is radical. Non-violent communication isn't just a buzzword - it's how we build something new
Openness: No gatekeeping power or hoarding resources. What we learn, we share. What we build belongs to all
Joy: They expect us to be constantly producing, competing, consuming. Instead, we choose party
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 alone to flourishing, together
Call to Action
To every youth feeling powerless, every advocate working in isolation, every changemaker seeking community: You belong here. Together, we're building more than an organization - we're creating a new way of being where personal flourishing drives collective change and youth lead the transformation of our world.
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.
This document is revised on Dec 2024. Founding Original Manifesto is available here.
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
- Feb 1 - March 1 2025: Shufan
- ...
- July: Ronit
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.
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.