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ForYouPage.Org Governance Charter

Preamble

We, the youth of ForYouPage.Org (FYP), in order to empower our generation to be fiercely ourselves and to change our world for the better, do hereby unite, ordain and establish this Governance Charter for ForYouPage.Org, for you.

We, all youth of FYP, want to prove to you that authenticity, compassion, and kindness always triumph.

Article I: Foundational Principles

Section 1. Core Values

The organization shall be guided by the principles of Authenticity, Agency, Compassion, Togetherness, Humor, and Freedom, as set forth in our founding manifesto.

Section 2. Commitment to Authenticity

FYP upholds two core commitments to authenticity: A. Financial Independence

  1. All operation team members and official FYP event organizers are uncompensated.
  2. FYP rejects the notion that money ensures accountability, believing it diminishes agency and intention.
  3. Funding priorities focus on scholarship awards for participating youth.
  4. Paid internships are available upon request, acknowledging financial constraints of youth.

B. Authentic Representation

  1. FYP aims to be a high-fidelity reflection of youth's current state and capabilities.
  2. The organization embraces and showcases the genuine reality of youth, including challenges and struggles.
  3. FYP does not optimize for growth, but for authentic representation of youth experiences and initiatives.

Section 3. Mission

FYP shall exist as a fully youth-led, close-knit community and resource infrastructure connecting youth leaders, nonprofits, and stakeholders with everyday youth aspiring to make a difference. Our mission is to:

a) Provide an information infrastructure through FYP Wiki for sharing and learning about youth-led social projects.

b) Create youth-led annual gatherings and invite stakeholders through FYP Events.

c) Foster a collective of passionate youth through FYP Communities dedicated to positive change, risk-taking, and mutual support.

d) Redefine "For You" in digital and physical spaces, emphasizing compassion, agency, and authentic humanity over capitalist structures.

Article II: Organizational Structure

Section 1. Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board

A. Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board

  1. Composition: Individuals under 25 years of age from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries.
  2. Selection: Open application process requiring at least five letters of reference attesting to integrity.
  3. Powers: Collective veto power over key decisions and approval authority over FYP general partnerships.
  4. Term: Staggered two-year terms, with half the board selected annually.
  5. Global Representation: No more than 40% of members from any single country.

B. Operation Team

  1. FYP Principle: Director & primary spokesperson of FYP.
  2. FYP Associates: Fully admitted direct builders of FYP with voting rights.
  3. FYP Assistants: Partially admitted direct builders of FYP without voting rights.

C. FYP Community through Operational Products

  1. FYP Wiki: Open collaborative knowledge-sharing platform.
  2. FYP Event: Coordinated advocacy and networking events.
  3. FYP Community: Engagement and support networks for youth advocates.

Section 2. Roles and Selection

A. FYP Principle

  1. Selection: Elected annually by majority vote of FYP Associates.
  2. Duties & Power: Primary spokesperson, coordinator of strategic initiatives, ensures adherence to mission and values.

B. FYP Associates

  1. Selection: Majority vote by associates for: a) Recognized youth leaders, or b) FYP Assistants who have completed 20 leader interviews, demonstrating understanding of agency, authenticity, compassion, youth needs, diversity, and equality, and who have written an essay demonstrating personal authenticity.
  2. Duties & Power: Voting rights on all major decisions and direct builders of FYP operational products; official affiliation

C. FYP Assistants

  1. Selection: Open application, interviews, and majority vote.
  2. Duties & Power: Same as FYP Associates but with no voting rights and contribution to FYP products require supervision of at least 1 FYP Assistant.

Section 3. General Managers

A. Appointment: Rotating 3-month leadership roles for specific projects, open to both Associates and Assistants. B. Selection: Appointed by consensus of the Operation 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. Initiation: Led by the FYP Principle.

B. Approval: Requires consensus voting among Associates.

C. Veto: Subject to veto by the Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board.

Section 2. Operational Decisions

A. Authority: Vested in the FYP Operation Manager.

B. Consultation: Requires input from relevant team members.

Section 3. Product-Specific Decisions

A. Leadership: Directed by the respective Product Lead.

B. Process: Consultation required with product team members.

Section 4. Proposal and Implementation

A. Right to Propose: Any member may propose changes through monthly public hearings.

B. Approval: Requires majority approval from Associates and absence of veto from the Independent Board.

Section 5. Technology Integration

A. Public Access: All voting records, meeting minutes, and organizational documents shall be made publicly accessible through the FYP Wiki, ensuring transparency and accountability.

B. Digital Governance: The organization shall utilize secure digital platforms for voting, collaboration, and record-keeping to facilitate global participation and efficient operations.

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. Such partnerships shall be approved if there is no majority objection from the Operation Team.

B. Non-Youth Groups: Partnerships with non-youth groups require formal recommendation by an FYP Operation Team Member, majority approval from the Operation Team, and majority approval from the Independent Decision Board.

C. Stakeholder Engagement: FYP shall actively engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to amplify youth voices and advocate for youth-centric policies and initiatives.

Article IV: Membership

Section 1. Eligibility

A. Age: Open to individuals between 13 and 30 years of age.

B. Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to FYP's mission and values.

Section 2. Rights and Responsibilities

A. Participation: All members have the right to participate in decision-making processes appropriate to their status.

B. Contribution: Members are obligated to actively contribute to FYP's mission and uphold its values.

Section 3. Admission and Departure

A. Assistant Admission: Open application process, reviewed quarterly by the Core Operation Team.

B. Associate Promotion: Based on a point system tracking contributions, skill development, and peer evaluations. Additional requirements include:

i. Conducting interviews with at least 20 youth leaders, of which a minimum of 5 must be international or reside outside the United States. ii. Receiving a recommendation from an existing Associate for consideration in the promotion vote.

Article V: Ethical Standards

Section 1. Code of Conduct

All members shall uphold FYP's core values, maintain integrity, respect diversity, and foster inclusivity in all interactions and initiatives.

Section 2. Conflict Resolution

A. Primary Resolution: Through open dialogue and mediation by the Operation Manager.

B. Escalation: Unresolved conflicts shall be referred to the Core Operation Team for evaluation.

C. Final Arbitration: The Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board shall have final say on intractable disputes.

Section 3. Accountability

A. Evaluations: Regular peer and self-evaluations conducted quarterly.

B. Transparency: Monthly public reports on activities, impact, and financial status.

Article VI: Financial Governance

Section 1. Funding and Allocation

A. Primary Model: Volunteer-driven with minimal financial transactions.

B. Allocation: Any funds received shall be transparently allocated for operational costs and stipends.

C. Compensation: No monetary compensation for core team members, with exceptions for specific intern roles.

Section 2. Financial Decision-Making

A. Major Decisions: Require consensus approval from Associates and review by the Independent Board.

B. Reporting: Quarterly financial reports shall be made available to all members and the public.

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1. Proposal

Any member may propose amendments through monthly public hearings.

Section 2. Ratification

A. Approval: Requires two-thirds majority approval from Associates.

B. Confirmation: Final approval from the Independent Anonymous Youth Decision Board.

Section 3. Regular Review

A. Annual Evaluation: The FYP Principle shall convene an annual review committee to assess the effectiveness of the organization's operational processes and governance structure.

B. Adaptation: Based on the annual review, recommendations for operational adjustments shall be presented to the Core Operation Team for implementation, ensuring FYP remains innovative and responsive to changing youth needs.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section 1. Conditions

Dissolution may be considered if FYP no longer effectively serves its mission, as determined by a unanimous vote of Associates and the Independent Board.

Section 2. Process

A. Decision: Requires unanimous decision from Associates and approval from the Independent Board. B. Asset Distribution: All assets shall be distributed to aligned youth advocacy organizations, as determined by the Independent Board.

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