Youth Council & By-Laws
Section I. Membership
a. Representation: The Youth Council shall seek in its member ship a diverse representation reflecting the community. A total of no more than 50 members will serve on the council. Members will be selected with sensitivity toward gender, race, and school geographical area.
b. Qualification :12-18 years old and/or 6th-12th grade
c. Term Limits: Terms will be limited to no less than one year. Members may serve up to six terms provided they remain within the age limits of the membership qualifications.
d. Attendance: Attendance at regular Youth Council meetings is expected from all members. Anyone unable to attend a meeting must contact an officer or committee member in order for his/her absence to be deemed excused. Three unexcused absences by a council member will result in a contact from an officer to notify dismissal from the Youth Council.
Section II. Application Process
Members of the Youth Council shall be chosen through an
application process. Interested parties shall complete a simple application form. A designated interview committee, who will follow membership guidelines, shall select members.
Section III. Officers
The officers of the Youth Council shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Board of Directors Representative, and Public Relation Representative.
Section IV. Officer Duties
The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
1. President
a. The President shall be charged with the administration of the affairs of the Youth Council with assistance from the Youth Council Liai son or member of SOS staff.
b. The President shall preside over all meetings of the Youth Council.
c. The President shall appoint committees when necessary to research issues. D. Acts a spokes person at local meetings.
2. Vice President
a. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President during the President's absence.
b. The Vice President shall assist the President to perform duties when needed.
c. The Vice President shall prepare a biennial report with assistance from the Youth Council Liaison summarizing the activities and goals of the Council.
3. Secretary
a. The Secretary shall record and maintain the minutes of all Youth Council meetings and file them with the Youth Council Liaison copies of all minutes.
b. The Secretary shall prepare and receive correspondence for the Youth Council and maintain proper files including the SOS notebook.
c. The Secretary shall perform other duties as ordinarily pertain to the office.
4. Board of Directors Representative
a. The BDR shall act as liaison to the SOS Board Members.
b. The BDR shall maintain information regarding to membership.
c. The BDR shall keep record of attendance at all meetings.
5. Public Relations Representative
a. The PRR shall serve as chair of the PR committee.
b. The PRR shall initiate development of PR materials and be a liaison between the youth and the community.
c. The PRR shall submit all web updates to Office manager.
Section V. Elections of Officers:
The officers of the Youth Council shall be elected annually.
The officers of the Youth Council shall be elected by a majority vote of the voting members present.
Section VI. Meetings:
The meetings of the Youth Council shall be held monthly. The order of the meeting shall include reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, officer's reports, and event updates. Meetings will be held at least once a month. Youth Council meetings should precede Youth Volunteer meetings unless special meetings are called.
The Youth Council Liaison or the President may call special meetings of the Youth Council with at least 48 hours notice. The call shall state the subject matter to be considered at the meeting and considerations shall be limited.
Section VII. General Rules:
All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.
The presence of a majority of the voting members shall constitute a
quorum. A quorum is necessary to transact official business at any meeting.
All recommendations to the Parents Council, SOS Board must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present at any properly called meeting.
All voting on matters for transmittal to the Parents Council and SOS Board shall be by roll call vote.
From time to time, the Youth Council may initiate or carry out activities addressing community concerns they deem relevant and important.
Additions to the agenda may be made by a majority vote of the Youth Council at any meeting or staff members.
Section VII. By-laws and Amendments:
These by-laws may be amended at a regular stated meeting provided two-thirds of the members of the Youth Council approve the amendment in a roll call vote, providing further that the amendment is part of the agenda for the meeting and the membership has been notified in writing.
By-laws and amendments must be approved by the Youth Council in order to take effect.
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