Charter Of Rules And Governance

CHARTER OF RULES AND GOVERNANCE OF THE GEORGETOWN-QUITMAN COUNTY JUNIOR COMMISSION

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The Five Pillars of Purpose… I.

To provide a voice in local government for the youth of Georgetown-Quitman County.

II.

To include the opinions of youth on community issues and place them in position to make a direct impact.

III. To provide the experience necessary for youth to become active members of the American society and developed citizens destined to promote the good of their communities. IV. V.

Enhance youth leadership skills and cooperation. Create and foster new aspects of youth involvement within this Unified Government of Georgetown-Quitman County.

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OUTLINE ARTICLE I

The Junior Commission Section 1 Junior Commission Structure Section 2 The Chairperson Section 3 The Vice-Chairperson Section 4 The Director of Activities Section 5 The Director of Public Relations Section 6 The Director of Finances Section 7 The Process of Election

ARTICLE II

Candidacy Eligibility for the Junior Commission

ARTICLE III Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

Auxiliary Posts The Secretary of Assembly The Project Manager The Adult Advisory Staff The Selection Committee

ARTICLE IV Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

The Youth Ambassadorship Requirements Selection Process Roles and Responsibilities

ARTICLE V Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

Advisory Committees Activities Advisory Committee Public Relations Advisory Committee Financial Advisory Committee

ARTICLE VI

Election Terms and Cycles

ARTICLE VII

Rules and Procedures of Assembly

ARTICLE VIII

Junior Commission Restrictions

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ARTICLE I Section 1 The Junior Commission of the Unified Government of Georgetown-Quitman County, Georgia shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three members to hold the directorship of the divisions of Activities, Public Relations, and Finances. Section 2 The Chairperson shall be elected by popular vote by the members of the Junior Commission. No person(s) eligible for the initial qualifications to be a member of this Junior Commission, mentioned in Article II of this Charter, can occupy this office. Those powers and responsibilities given to the Chairperson elected are as follows: to preside over regularly, or in favor of the circumstances of time, emergency, held assemblies of the Junior Commission; Temporarily accepting responsibilities of other Junior Commissioners elected; Execute the appointment of another Junior Commissioner to temporarily accept the responsibilities and workings in the absence of another Junior Commissioner; Providing written signature or official and recorded verbal consent approving all accepted or rejected bills passed by the Junior Commission; Approving all meeting minutes by signature only as recorded by the Secretary of Assembly and approved by three-fifths of the Junior Commission; Attending and using all powers necessary in ensuring the success of all Junior Commission-sponsored projects and events. In the event of removal from office, the Chairperson must be accused by the Project Manager and impeached by a three-fifths vote of the Junior Commission and verified of Removal. Section 3 The Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the second most popular vote by the members of this Junior Commission. No person(s) eligible for the initial

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qualifications to be a member of the Junior Commission, mentioned in Article II of this Charter, can occupy this office. The sole powers of the Vice-Chairperson lie within the absence of the Chairperson. All powers vested in the Chairperson by this Charter of Rules and Governance is given to the Vice-Chairperson only in the event of the Chairperson's absence, removal from office, resignation, or physical disability. In alternate title of ranking, the Vice-Chairperson shall also serve as primary possessor of the office of Junior Commission Speaker. It is in this position that the Vice-Chairperson serve as liaison between this Junior Commission and the Georgetown-Quitman County Commission and other clubs and organizations within the community. It is at the discretion of the Junior Commission to offer this responsibility to anyone else in the Junior Commission if the ViceChairperson denies the title. In the event of removal from office, the Vice-Chairperson must be accused by the Project Manager and impeached by a three-fifths vote of the Junior Commission and verified of Removal. Section 4 The Director of Activities shall either be elected by specific popular vote by the Junior Commission, or appointed out of the elected members of the Junior Commission, by the Chairperson with the intended member's consent. No person(s) eligible for the initial qualifications to be a member of the Junior Commission, mentioned in Article II of this Charter, can occupy this office. And the Director of Activities shall be vested with the responsibility of overseeing all activities planned and executed by the Junior Commission; Appointing, if necessary, Activity Advisory Committee members to manage or oversee minor projects; Ensuring a balance between the execution of Junior Commission-initiated projects, and the assistance in the promotion and execution of events and projects conducted by "ally organizations'; Serving as the presiding officer of the Activities Advisory Committee; No actions shall be made by the person holding this office unless the Junior Commission is fully informed and the Chairperson approves the bill thereof.

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In the event of removal from office, the Director of Activities must be accused by the Project Manager and impeached by a three-fifths vote of the Junior Commission. Section 5 The Director of Public Relations shall either be elected by specific popular vote by the Junior Commission, or appointed out of the elected members of the Junior Commission, by the Chairperson with the intended member's consent. No persons(s) eligible for the initial qualifications to be a member of the Junior Commission, mentioned in Article II of this Charter, can occupy this office. And the Director of Public Relations shall be responsible for all communication with local and state leaders, local media, "ally organizations,' other bodies equivalent to that of this Junior Commission, and the citizens of the public; Responsible for promoting all Junior Commission-sponsored events and activities executed; Set apart time to establish a foundation and connection with the media for the sake of exposure and positive publicity; Serving as the presiding officer of the Public Relations Advisory Committee; No actions shall be made by the person holding this office unless the Junior Commission is fully informed and the Chairperson approves the bill thereof. In the event of removal from office, the Director of Public Relations must be accused by the Project Manager and impeached by a three-fifths vote of the Junior Commission. Section 6 The Director of Finances shall either be elected by specific popular vote by the Junior Commission, or appointed out of the elected members of the Junior Commission, by the Chairperson with that member's consent. No person(s) eligible for the initial qualifications to be a member of this Junior Commission, mentioned in Article II of this Charter, can occupy this office. And the Director of Finances shall be vested with the sole responsibility to manage all Junior Commission fundraisers which will fund various projects, events, and promotional executions being conducted;

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Serve as head of the security of donations of supplies or funds from adult civic organizations; Work with the Director and/or Advisory Committee of Activities to sell items or services to earn money for a Junior Commission-sponsored event or activity; Responsible for maintaining and advising the Junior Commission of the annual budget; Serve as the presiding officer of the Financial Advisory Committee. No actions shall be made by the person holding this office unless the Junior Commission is fully informed and the Chairperson approves the bill thereof. In the event of removal from office, the Director of Finances must be accused by the Project Manager and impeached by a three-fifths vote of the Junior Commission. Section 7 A time of Candidacy Selection will precede the selection of the members of this Junior Commission. It is in the powers of the Project Manager and/or Adult Advisory Committee to distribute legitimate applications to youth who are interested in serving on this Junior Commission and meet the Eligibility Requirements given in Article II of this Charter of Rules and Governance. Distribution of said applications shall be first noted on the first Monday in the month of March until the first Friday in the month of April. After that time, at two-week period will be granted unto the Project Manager for the assembly of the Selection Committee. After the two weeks time, the Selection Committee shall assemble on any weekday available in the fourth week of the month of April. During this time, the Project Manager shall bring forth the applicants one by one, in secrecy, for a formal review by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will be granted one week to determine the Candidacy. It is ordered by this Charter that those members select in fairness and positive judgment. After the granted week has passed, the Project Manger shall recall all applicants and announce the decision of the Selection Committee in the second week of the month of May. When the Candidacy has been informed, they will be given permission by the Project Manager to begin their campaign for a seat on this Junior Commission.

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The members of this Junior Commission will be elected by popular vote by the youth of Georgetown-Quitman County. The time of elections will be determined by the Project Manager and the Adult Advisory Committee. Though, the Project Manager is bound by this Charter to hold all elections until the first week of the month of August. After elections are completed, and the members of the Junior Commission have been notified, the Junior Commissioners-elect will be sworn in by the Judge of the Probate Court on the first Thursday in the month of January. The Project Manager, with the assistance of the Adult Advisory Staff, will coordinate this event. ARTICLE II The Junior Commission of the Unified Government of Georgetown-Quitman County, Georgia shall be occupied by those who are at least 14 years of age; Must be in adequate or exceeding academic standing; Must have been and should still be a citizen of this Unified Government for at least one year and a half; Must possess exceptional leadership qualities; Must not have served a period of time in any correctional facility; and must have passed the Candidacy Selection Process ordered by this Charter of Rules and Governance. ARTICLE III Section 1 The Secretary of Assembly of this Junior Commission shall be appointed by the members of Body. The candidate must be recommended by a member of the Junior Commission, and approved by the remaining members. The possessor of this office will be given respect and prestige on a subordinate level than that of a Junior Commissioner. And the Secretary of Assembly shall be given the responsibility to: Keep accurate notes and records of all Junior Commission meetings and assemblies;

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Work with the Project Manager to set-up the agenda for meetings; And accompany the Speaker to Commission meetings on behalf of the Junior Commission to assist in the presentation of reports and updates. Candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 18 years, and must meet the same requirements as that of a Junior Commissioner with the exception of the passing of the Candidacy Selection Process administered by the Selection Committee. Section 2 The office of the Project Manager must be occupied before any Junior Commission action is taken. The occupier of this office shall agree to accept ownership of the Junior Commission and is solely responsible for all components necessary for its success; including the recruitment of reliable and dedicated volunteer advisors and a knowledgeable Selection Committee. One who is rooted within the community and has a sense of the community's needs and affairs shall be considered, by this Charter, as a prospective candidate for this office. Individuals, who hold a political office within this county, claims any affiliation with a community-sponsored club or organization, or educational administrators, shall too be considered possible candidates for this office. The candidate for Project Manager must be approved by at least three-fifths vote by the County Commission. Section 3 The Adult Advisory Staff shall be an aid to the Project Manager in organizing and guiding the Junior Commission. Members of this Staff shall be composed of adults who share an interest in youth, education, and civic involvement. The Project Manager must establish a quorum of how many advisors must attend every special event or regular or emergency meeting. This Staff shall also be the primary source of intelligence for the Junior Commission and the Project Manager. Note: The job of the members of the Adult Advisory Staff is advisory only. No decisions will be made by this Staff without the awareness and consent of the Junior Commission.

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Section 4 It is the sole responsibility of the Selection Committee to choose qualified applicants to become candidates for the Junior Commission. The members of this Committee must meet the same requirements as that of the Project Manager and the Adult Advisory Committee. It is so possible for former members of this Junior Commission to serve on this Committee. No more than five members can serve on this Committee. ARTICLE IV AMENDMENT IN PROGRESS ARTICLE V Section 1 The Activities Advisory Committee shall be responsible for conceiving ideas and creating programs to be implemented by the Junior Commission. It is in this Committee's sole interest to groom selected activities to the best interest of the community. The existence of this Committee and the eligibility & selection of its members are at the sole discretion of the Project Manager. Section 2 The Public Relations Advisory Committee shall be responsible for accumulating ideas and fashioning marketing procedures for events and activities that are Junior Commission-sponsored, even those conducted by other organizations in which the Junior Commission is affiliated. The sole purpose of this Committee is to promote a positive image of the Junior Commission to those inside and outside of this government's jurisdiction. The existence of this Committee and the eligibility & selection of its members are at the sole discretion of the Project Manager. Section 3 The Finance Advisory Committee shall oversee the allocated funds of the Junior Commission, and must possess an accurate account of all monetary properties thereof. It is this Committee's further responsibility to advise the Junior Commission of its annual budget and its connection with the affairs of the Activities and the Public Relations divisions. The existence of this Committee and the eligibility & selection of its members are at the sole discretion of the Project Manager.

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ARTICLE VI The Junior Commission will be divided into two term groups. After the first term of two years, two seats on the Junior Commission will be up for election. After the second term of two years, three seats will be up for election; so that every two years, either two or three members will be chosen. It is granted by this Charter that members may serve a maximum of two terms. ARTICLE VII Section 1 The Junior Commission of the Unified Government of Georgetown-Quitman County, Georgia is bounded in assembly by the rules and procedures mentioned in the Charter of Rules and Governance. This Body and its Charter are subject to the open meetings law of the State of Georgia. Primarily, the Junior Commission shall conduct assembly the 1st Thursday of every month. If, by circumstance, the date of assembly falls on a holiday, the meeting shall be moved to the next business day. It is ordered by this Charter that, when in assembly, the Junior Commission must have at least three members, the Project Manager, and at least one Adult Advisor present to meet the quorum required to conduct business and Junior Commission affairs. Prior to the initiation of assembly, a prayer, followed by the recitation of the pledge of allegiance of the United States of America must be observed. Once assembly has been initiated, the Project Manager shall issue his or her report to the Junior Commission regarding past or upcoming events and activities. Afterwards, the directors of each division shall issue their reports with the inclusion of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Note: In the event of the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall assume the assembly powers of the Chairperson. In the event of the absence of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, the Director of Finances shall intervene. Because the quorum will not be met in this circumstance, all business discussed will not be declared official and decisions will be non-binding. The order of assembly shall proceed as follows: I. II. III.

Call to Order by Chairperson Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Minutes

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IV. Old Business V. New Business/ Project Manager’s Report VI. Open Floor Discussion VII. Executive Session VIII. Reconvene from Executive Session X. Further Discussion XI. Adjourn In any circumstance, whether in or out of assembly, it is in the power of the Chairperson to entertain a motion on a proposed bill. Once entertained, an approving member may make the motion. If another member approves the bill, the motion may be seconded. The Chairperson must recognize that the motion has been seconded; therefore, it is ready to be judged. Three-fifths of the Junior Commission must approve the bill before it is passed on to the GeorgetownQuitman County Commission for final approval. For an alternative procedure of conducting assembly, it is decreed by this Charter of Rules and Governance that the Junior Commission abide by the given procedures outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order. ARTICLE VIII The following restrictions are placed on the Junior Commission as ordered by this Charter of Rules and Governance: ♦ The Junior Commission will not act on any bill passed by its members, but not passed by the Georgetown-Quitman County Board of Commissioners. ♦ Junior Commissioners will not be individually compensated for any events or activities operated in the full name of the Georgetown-Quitman County Junior Commission. These actions are voluntary only. It is fully acceptable, however, for the Junior Commission, as a whole, to accept monetary funds that will financially support the operations and workings of the Organization. ♦ The Junior Commission will not have the authority to discriminate against youth of any race, gender, disability, or social status who are interested in working for the good of the community. ♦ Junior Commissioners are restricted from exerting powers and influence given unto them by this Charter of Rules and Governance outside of the boundaries of the Unified Government. Members must respect all equivalent organizations' sovereignty within their respective domains.

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The contents above are subject to change during the occupation of these bylaws.

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