G U I D E H A N D B O O K

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The Trinidad and Tobago Youth Government is a

platform for youths between the ages of 18-35 years old to use their elected voice to foster change

through action-oriented representation and campaigning.

The YGTT will create a model of youth empowerment, through direct participation in local projects and

debates. The overall goal is Our mission is simple, to produce a model youth government of transparency, accountability and people-oriented.

We believe it is our duty to contribute to our country's future, maintaining the integrity of Trinidad and Tobago in promoting transparency and good governance

among our leaders.

Very simply put, we are the leaders of today and it is our duty to ensure that our future is bright and that we take a stance and build a better Trinidad and Tobago. Youths need a voice that involves real action and real policy involvement and the Youth Government of Trinidad and Tobago will be that change.

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Respect

Diversity

Innovative

Dependability

Everything we do serves a greater good and reason. Being dependable is one of the most important values as it keeps us grounded and in touch with our primary objective: to call upon a member when needed. If there’s no dependability, there’s no progress as a team.

The Youth Government does not belong to one person but rather to all youth of Trinidad and Tobago and discrimination holds no ground at YGTT. Every race, gender, religion has a place, our diversity will be maintained.

Having respect among our peers and office holders are of utmost importance. We put forward our views in the form of debates and discussions keeping in mind that opinions matter and conduct yourself in a prestigious manner, while holding ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

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BECOMING A YOUTH

GOVERNMENT MEMBER

AFTER A YOUTH

GOVERNMENT MEMBER IS

ELECTED

To become a YG member you have to be elected by the executive council of the Youth Government and advisers to the Youth Government.

Any young person who is a resident of Trinidad and Tobago, and aged

between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) has the right to apply to be appointed a Youth Governor.

What happens if I get elected?

– Once you are elected you will be expected to find out the concerns and needs of other young people in your various fields, and represent these views to decision makers on a local, regional and national level.

– During your term of office you will have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of events projects and campaigns.

– In addition to working locally and regionally, the T&T Youth Government also undertakes to facilitate meetings between YG, Government Ministers and Government Departments on the issues that are raised in

the T&T Youth Government Manifesto.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED

TO COMMIT?

A YG term of office lasts for three years. On average you will need to commit between one and five hours per week on YG activities.

The Youth Government Trinidad and Tobago’s mission is to assist young people in overcoming barriers to political participation, focusing on developing their advocacy skills to attain a

meaningful political influence and to enable young people to address their political voice, while providing community youth political programs in Trinidad and Tobago.

MISSION

YOUTH GOVERNMENT

TRAINING SCHOOL

The training school will be called the

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SELECTED

- A formal letter is sent via email - An application form

- YGTT Policy and Code of Conduct - Must be between the ages of 18-35 years old

- Display leadership qualities evident by past experiences.

- Have good communication skills and basic level of debating skills

- Be a team player

Possess the required education and qualifications for the governor field of choice

- Submit a word count of no less than 500 words explaining why you are fit for the position and how you wish to contribute to the field

-Must be well-informed and have

good knowledge of our country's social, economic and political problems.

GOVERNORS, DEPUTY

GOVERNORS, YOUTH

GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVES AND

OPPOSITION BENCH

THE ROLE OF YOUTH

GOVERNORS

During their term of office, Youth Governors work with decision makers, councillors and local youth groups on the issues of greatest concern.

Nationally, the views of young people are

represented in the YG manifesto, which contains statements on the issues Governors think are most important.

Youth Governors work to give young people a voice – listening to youths, organising events, making films, meeting MPs, lobbying for change, organising campaigns and appearing in the media, all to amplify the views of their peers.

YOUTH GOVERNMENT OF

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

GOVERNOR POST

Governor of the House

Deputy Governor of the House Member of Youth Government Governor of Culture and Tourism Governor of Education

Governor of Finance

Governor of International Relation and Trade Governor of Community Development

Governor of Entrepreneurship and Labour Governor of Local Government

Governor of Agriculture Governor of Health Governor of Housing Governor of Legal Affairs Governor of the Environment Governor of National Security Governor of Energy

Governor of Public Administration and Communication

Governor of Economic Development Governor of Tobago Development Governor of Transport

Governor of Sport

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BYLAWS

YOUTH GOVERNMENT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE

The Youth Government Trinidad and Tobago (YGTT) is a platform for youth between the ages of 18-35 years old to use their elected voice to foster change through action oriented representation and campaigning.

The YGTT will create a model of youth empowerment, through direct participation in local projects and debates. Its overall objective seeks to bring the youth voice to National and community issues of concern while fostering the development of confident, independent, and motivated youth leaders.

ARTICLE II – OFFICES Section 1.

The YGTT shall be presided over by the Chief Governor of the YGTT. Below this shall exist at equal ranks the offices of the Vice Governor, Vice Governor of Youth Government Affairs; the Youth Governors; Governor of the House.

Subsidiary offices shall exist below each in vertical descent as follows:

* – Advisor to the Youth Government on Legal Matters; Advisor to the Youth Government on Public Sector matters and management.

* - Advisor to the Youth Government on Legislative Policy Making and Parliamentary procedures.

* Youth Governors – Youth Government members and Deputy Youth Governors; with Secretary of the Youth Government and Accountant to the Youth Government following in that subordinate order.

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Section 2. Vacancies.

A vacancy in the Executive Council will be deemed to exist: if a council member, resigns, or is removed by the council for good reason; a court of appropriate jurisdiction enters a felony

conviction against the council member or declares the council member of unsound mind; or if the authorized number of council members is increased. The availability of such vacancies will be advertised through YGTT media channels and upon receipt, applications of interest will be filtered by the executive council and the most suitable candidate selected by the Chief Governor and or his/her council.

Section 3. Powers.

The Chief Governor, Vice Governor of Youth Government Affairs and Executive Secretary shall be the posts designated with the authority to issue cheques of the YGTT and conduct business and transactions on any lawful terms which require a signatory on behalf of the YGTT.

Subject to the provisions of the Trinidad and Tobago Law] (the “Code”) and any limitations in the articles of incorporation and these bylaws, the business and affairs of the council will be managed and all corporate powers will be exercised by or under the direction of the Chief Governor along with the advice of the executive council.

Such general powers shall include (but not be limited to):

(a) Select and remove all governors, deputy governors and advisors, of the council; assign and remove duties from them; and require from them security for faithful service.

(b) Change the principal executive office or the principal business office in Trinidad and Tobago from one location to another; and cause the council to be qualified to do business in any other geographical location.

(c) Select the bank or banking institution authorized to bank the funds and conduct transactions for the YGTT.

(d) Borrow money on behalf of the council.

Outside of the above stated Powers, any action taken by an Executive Member concerning the YGTT shall usually be in collaboration with the Council, unless as a matter of urgency,

subsequent to which a report of said event and action taken shall be submitted to the Council for review.

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ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS OF GOVERNORS Section 1. Place and Conduct of Meetings.

Meetings of executive council and governors will be held at any place within Trinidad and Tobago designated by the executive council. Members not physically present in person at a meeting may participate in a meeting by means of electronic transmission or similar means of communication. Section 2. Annual Meeting.

The annual meeting of Youth Government Members will be held each year on a date and at a time designated by the Executive Council. Such annual meeting must be held within six (6) months after the end of the Youth Government fiscal year every year. At each annual meeting, council

executives will be elected and any other proper business within the power of the executive council may be transacted.

Section 3. Special Meeting.

A special meeting of the executive council may be called at any time by the Chief Governor, or by three or more council members.

If a special meeting is called by anyone other than the executive council, the person calling the meeting will make a request in writing to the council specifying the time and date of the meeting (which shall be within 30 to 60 days of the request) and the general nature of the business proposed to be transacted.

Section 4. Notice of Governors, Executive Council Meetings.

All notices of meetings of governors will be sent or otherwise given at least 10 days before the date of the meeting. The notice will specify the place, date, and hour of the meeting, and (i) in the case of a special meeting, the general nature of the business to be transacted, or (ii) in the case of the annual meeting, those matters that the executive council, at the time of giving the notice, intends to present for action by the council. If council members or governors are to be elected, the notice will include the names of all nominees whom the council intends, at the time of the notice, to present for election.

Section 5. Manner of Giving Notice; Affidavit of Notice.

Notice of any executive council meeting will be given either by mail or email, addressed to the executive members at the physical or electronic address appearing on the council’s books. Section 6. Quorum.

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Section 7. Voting.

The executive council members vote may be by voice vote or by secret ballot. Section 8. Waiver of Notice or Consent by absent council members.

The transactions of any meeting of council members will be as valid as though they were at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present, and if each person entitled to vote who was not present, either before or after the meeting, signs a written waiver of notice or a consent to holding the meeting or an approval of the minutes of the meeting. Section 9. Proxies.

Every person entitled to vote for any council member or on any other matter will have the right to do so either in person or by one or more agents authorized by a written proxy signed by the person and filed with the secretary of the Youth Government Trinidad and Tobago. ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers.

The officers of the Youth Government Trinidad and Tobago will be a Chief Governor, two Vice Governors, an executive secretary and a treasurer. The council may also have, at the discretion of the executive council, such other officers as may be appointed in

accordance this Article. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. Section 2. Appointment of Officers.

The officers of the council will be appointed every three years by the executive council, and will serve at the pleasure of the executive council.

Section 3. Removal and Resignation of Officers.

Any officer chosen by the executive council may be removed at any time, with or without cause or notice, by the executive council. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the council, one month in advance.

Section 4. Vacancies in Offices.

A vacancy in any office resulting from an officer’s death, resignation, removal, or

disqualification, or from any other cause, will be filled in the manner prescribed in these bylaws for regular election or appointment to that office.

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Section 5. Chief Governor.

The Chief Governor will be the council’s general manager and chief executive officer and, subject to the control of the executive council, will have general supervision, direction, and control over the council’s business and its officers. The managerial powers and duties of the Chief Governor will include but are not limited to, all the general powers and duties of management of the council and the Youth Government Body.

Section 6. Vice Governor.

If desired, one or more vice Governors may be chosen by the executive council and shall serve at the direction of the Chief Governor. In the absence or disability of the Chief Governor, the Chief Governor’s duties and responsibilities will be carried out by the longest tenured available vice Governor.

Section 7. Executive Secretary – Minutes

The Secretary shall keep minutes of all of the meetings and of all other Council meetings. (a) Notice of Meetings. The secretary will give notice of all members’ meetings and council meetings for which notice is required by statute or by the bylaws. If the secretary or other person authorized by the secretary to give notice fails to act, notice of any meeting may be given by any other officer of the council.

Section 8. Treasurer.

The treasurer will keep adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of the council, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts,

disbursements, gains, losses, capital, retained earnings. The books of account will at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any council member.

ARTICLE VI - GENERAL MATTERS Section 1. External Auditors.

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ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS Section 1. Coming into force.

These bylaws shall come into effect on November 1st 2018. Section 2. Amendment by the Executive Council.

Unless prohibited by the Code or the Articles of Incorporation, these bylaws may be amended or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted by the Executive Council members entitled to vote. Fifty (50) percent plus one of the voting members of the Council present and in good standing shall be required for the adoption of a proposed amendment. Upon adoption, an amendment becomes part of the bylaws and is effective immediately.

Section 3. Proposals for Amendment.

An amendment to the bylaws may be proposed by any member in good standing. A proposal shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Council for consideration for adoption, which shall be circulated to Council members immediately. At least thirty (30) days subsequent to this, an adoption meeting will be called, during or prior to which Council members may make recommendations for modifications or insertions in the proposal.

ARTICLE VIII –BANKRUPTCY AND DISSOLUTION Section 1. Bankruptcy.

In order to avoid debt, the YGTT shall not budget beyond or above its pool of resources.

Additionally, the NGO shall not procure loans or obtain goods or services on credit so as to avoid a situation of bankruptcy.

Section 2. Dissolution.

In the event of the dissolution of the YGTT, payment to all liabilities shall be confirmed and the remaining assets shall be donated to an NGO of choice of the Council.

CERTIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE BYLAWS

The undersigned, Executive Secretary of [Youth Government Trinidad and Tobago], hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Bylaws of the Council adopted as of […………..] by the Executive Council.

YOUTH GOVERNMENT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, Executive Secretary

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Governing Principles

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. The Youth Government does not represent any views and opinions of any political party and is in no way affiliated with any political party. The Youth Government is an

independent body representing the views and opinions of youths and advocating for youths at a local, regional and international forum.

2. Any young person between the ages of 18-35 years old has the right to apply as a member, governor or deputy governor.

3. All members of the Youth Government must at all times comply with the code of conduct and policies that govern the YGTT and it's operations.

4. If you are a member of a political party, it is advise that you avoid making political

statements that may reference the Youth Government Trinidad and Tobago and tarnish its name.

5. You should not be a representative of a political party holding positions such as, President or vice president of its youth council, be an executive, local government Councillor, member of Parliament, government or opposition senator or a government minister while being an active member of the Youth Government.

6. You should act in a way that does not bring the Youth Government into disrepute, whether posting on social media, TV programs, meetings, email, phone and letters.

7. Electronic devices such as laptop, tablets, cell phones etc. may be used at Youth

Government activities with the exception of YGTT debates and meetings where devices must be on silent or turned off. If there is an argent need to contact you during YGTT debates you will be given an official number where persons can leave you a message and you will be sure to get it.

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8. The Youth Government is a drug and alcohol free environment. We have a zero tolerance policy and if any YGTT Member is found with alcohol or illegal substances, they will be

subject to removal pending an investigation and may be removed from the Youth Government.

9. SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION

Sexual harassment and discrimination Based on race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical impairment whilst being a member of YGTT is strictly prohibited and will be enforced. Any member who feels they have been subjected to such behavior has a legal right to speak out and all complaints should be directed to the Executive Council of the Youth Government. The following list are forms of harassment or discrimination, that will not be tolerated and the list is not exhausted:

• Unwelcome flirtations;

• Unnecessary touching of any individual; • Offensive or demeaning comments; • Jokes and innuendo;

• Unwanted sexual proposition or advances; • Offensive gestures;

• Staring;

• Unwelcome or uncalled for remarks or insinuations about a person’s sexuality or private life • Taking photos or videos of a person without their permission.

All complaints must be reported to the Executive Council of the Youth Government Trinidad and Tobago whether they occur during YGTT activities or not.

10. PAYMENT OF MEMBERSHIP FEES

Each member is required to pay a membership fee of $330 per person. The membership fee covers program costs such as attending the Academy of Diplomacy training course, recreational programs, copy of Youth Government Policies and I.D badge. The following fees can be payed in full or installments.

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11. DRESS CODE

All members of the Youth Government are to dress in an appropriate manner at all times. Male and Female: When attending conferences and Parliament debates are required at all times to wear a suite and when attending meetings slippers, short pants and vest are strictly prohibited.

Leaders of Today, www.youthgovtt.org

12. LAPEL PIN ETIQUETTE

Youth Government TT lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart, both men and women. However, for men who are wearing ties but not blazers, the pin is not to be placed in the center of the tie. Individuals who are not wearing a jacket should place the pin on the left side of their shirt and just above their hearts.

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YOUTH GOVERNORS DUTY DESCRIPTION

The Governor of energy is responsible for debating on different energy related bills in the youth parliament, developing and delivering a plan of action that can assist in the energy sector to thrive and go green, ensuring that projects and campaigns are executed.

Responsibilities include:

- Attending energy and energy related conferences

- Planning projects and campaigns on energy related matters. - Innovation in energy.

- Hosting forums and seminars on climate change, oil and gas, energy efficiency and heat, automotive, waste disposal etc.

- Meet with public and private sector on energy strategies that can assist the economy and its environment. - Meet with relevant government Ministers.

- Seek funding for energy related projects

-Advising on legal matters for Youth Government members and the Youth Public

-Carrying out forums and seminars on law matters of interest to youths and their rights etc. -Attending legal forums

-Acting as leaders within the legal professional world.

YOUTH GOVERNOR OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

The Governor of legal affairs is charged with advising the Youth Government on legal matters

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YOUTH GOVERNOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Governor of community development is charged with providing strategies for change that can build and sustain better community living and related issues in Trinidad and Tobago.

- Promoting Community cohesion and collaboration

- Providing outreach programs that are necessary to the youths of the various communities throughout the republic

- Developing forums and seminars relevant to community - Finding and accessing funding for community projects

- Debating on bills such as gender equality, homeless and poverty etc.

- Meeting and engaging stakeholders in the public and private sector on matters of community development - Attending the relevant conferences

• Industrial strategy

• Attending seminars on Small business and meeting with the entrepreneurial agencies in Trinidad and Tobago to identify opportunities for persons wishing to start or develop business.

• Understand Labour Laws and Labour markets (including Trade Unions) • Meeting and engaging stakeholders in the public and private sector

YOUTH GOVERNOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LABOUR

The Governor of Entrepreneurship and Labour is charged with developing strategies on labour and business, debating.

Deputy governors will assist governors in their duties and if so share the responsibilities.

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YOUTH GOVERNOR OF HOUSING

The Youth Governor of Housing debates and creates policy on housing that can better assist Trinidad and Tobago.

• Attend seminars and Conferences pertaining to your portfolio • Home ownership policy

• Debate on housing & Planning policy

• Understand State Lands and Public Sector Land • Meet with various stackholders for your portfolio

• Develop Local Government Policy, including Local Government Reform documents that can assist the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

• Engaging in debates, seminars and conferences • Troubled Families

• Homelessness

• Parks & Green Spaces

YOUTH GOVERNOR OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Governor of Local Government is charged with engaging in ways to better build and sustain communities.

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YOUTH GOVERNOR OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

The Youth Governor of Culture and Tourism creates ideas and implements projects that support the culture and tourism industry for growth.

Responsibilities include: : • Performance Spaces • Culture • Heritage • Public libraries • Museums & Tourism • Artists

• Modern classroom • the school curriculum • school improvement

• academies and free schools • Skills Training

• reducing the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training

YOUTH GOVERNOR OF EDUCATION

The Youth Governor of Education is responsible for assisting in the development of the educational system of Trinidad and Tobago providing policies, forums, and conferences that support a more

engaging educational system which includes, Preschool, secondary, university,trade and skills training.

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YOUTH GOVERNOR OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

The Youth Governor of Agriculture implements projects that support the agricultural sector.

:

• Food and farming, apprenticeships, exports, and agricultural land use

• Fisheries

• Better regulation

• Science and innovation in agriculture • Engaging in debates

• Attending related forums and seminars

Hospital care quality and patient experience • Patient safety

• Hospital productivity • Professional regulation

• Debate on different health issues and provide solutions to the problems

YOUTH GOVERNOR OF HEALTH

The Youth Governor of Health assist to improve the health system and well-being of people in Trinidad and Tobago.

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