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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 framework emerges from and primarily reflects Western, particularly American, individualistic cultural values and organizational structures. We recognize that different cultures have varying approaches to leadership, accountability, communication, and the balance between individual and collective needs. 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. We are committed to undertaking this cultural adaptation work in partnership with diverse communities.

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:

  • Active/Inactive status declaration required
  • During active status:
    • Minimum one standup meeting attendance monthly
    • Operation Manager rotation participation
    • Meeting all assigned task(that has dependencies) deadlines
  • Failure to complete a task with dependencies lead to one strikes
  • After 3 strikes, mandatory intervention occurs
  • 2 more strikes after intervention leads to a disciplinary hearing with potential outcomes: demotion, probation, suspension, or removal

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:

  • 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 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
  • Missing updates or deadlines results in automatic incomplete status
  • All active Associates must engage in:
    • Voting and deliberation processes

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:

  • Strike system enforcement
  • Personal growth tied directly to organizational standing

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 it due to external pressures or a sense of obligation
  • Current FYP Products:
    • FYP Research
    • FYP Event
    • FYP Intern
    • FYP Community
    • FYP Voice
    • FYP Wiki
    • FYP Interview/Expand/Revision
    • FYP Agenda

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:

  • Active status requirements:
    • Monthly standup meeting attendance
    • Voting participation
    • Operation Manager rotation duty
  • Task completion as assigned by self & tracked by Operation Manager

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:

  • Active/Inactive status requirements:
    • Must declare status formally
    • Active status requires full participation
    • Cannot decline assigned tasks during active status
  • Strike system enforcement:
    • Applies to missed deadlines
    • Affects dependent team members
    • Accumulates throughout calendar year
  • Non-negotiable duties during active status:
    • Operation Manager rotation
    • Standup attendance
    • Task completion

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:

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:

  • Strike accumulation system:
    • No exemptions for personal circumstances
    • Three strikes trigger intervention
  • Intervention process:
    • Mandatory participation
    • Two additional strikes lead to hearing
    • No exceptions for personal situations

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:

  • 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:

  • Task management requirements:
    • Must update OM about task status before deadlines
    • Communicate any incomplete or revised work proactively
  • 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:

  • Active/Inactive status management
  • Adherence to organizational structure:
    • Operation Manager rotation
    • Task management system
    • Strike system

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:

  1. inital three strike: Documented warning & Intervention at third strike
  2. 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:

  1. OM provides regular check-ins and support
  2. OM documents concerns and growth areas
  3. OM can initiate intervention when needed
  4. Principal involvement for serious or unresolved issues

[FYP Family Peer Support]

Any Associate or Assistant can call for peer support intervention.

Process:

  1. Member raises concern to involved parties
  2. Facilitated conversation with neutral peer mediator
  3. Collaborative development of resolution plan
  4. Community support in implementing solutions

[Standard Committee]

For serious violations requiring formal review.

Process:

  1. Committee formed of 3 Associates and 1 Advisor
  2. Formal investigation and hearing process
  3. Binding decisions on serious matters
  4. 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

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