The organization shall be known as the Nevada Youth Policy Council. Its purpose is to provide a student-led platform where young people can engage in civic participation, advocate for public policy improvements, and collaborate with community partners to create meaningful change in the Nevada Policy System. 

“The Nevada Youth Policy Council unites motivated students and adults to address Nevada’s growing disparities in education access while also engaging in broader youth-centered policy areas such as public health, economic mobility, community safety, and civic participation, ensuring that authentic youth experiences guide local leaders, shape practical multi-issue solutions, and strengthen the overall well-being of young people across Nevada.”

Membership is open to all students who submit a short written statement (minimum 150 words) explaining their interest in joining the Youth Council. There are no limits to membership size. All members are encouraged to participate in committees, discussions, and council initiatives.

Members may:

• Join flexible committees based on interest and need
• Participate in discussions and decision-making processes
• Contribute to events, outreach, media, and policy efforts

Committees are flexible and created based on current projects, priorities, and member interest. They are not permanent and may evolve throughout the year. Examples include (but are not limited to): policy development, events planning, outreach, media, and fundraising.

The Youth Council will be guided by a flexible Executive Leadership Team. The number of members may vary depending on the number of leadership roles created or needed over time. Executive leaders hold specific titles and are responsible for coordinating council operations, supporting committees, and ensuring effective communication and progress.

Executive leaders are selected through an application process and serve in designated roles based on their strengths and council needs.

• Vice President: Supports the Executive Team and President-equivalent leadership, manages weekly newsletters, and assists with community outreach and speaker recruitment.
• Treasurer: Manages fundraising efforts, tracks donations, and oversees financial planning.
• Secretary/Event Planner: Records meeting minutes, manages scheduling, and maintains documentation and also plans and organizes major and special events throughout the year.
• Recruitment/Outreach Coordinator: Leads member recruitment and promotes Youth Council participation.
• Media/Content Director: Manages social media, records events and meetings, tracks engagement, and organizes media content.
• Policy Director: Researches issues, drafts policy proposals, facilitates policy discussions, and ensures focus and structure in decision-making.

If an applicant is not selected for their desired leadership role, they may request consideration for an alternative leadership position. This request must be approved by the President to become an official leadership assignment.

The Executive Leadership Team shares responsibility for guiding the council and coordinating its activities. Leadership decisions are made collaboratively, with each member overseeing specific areas while maintaining shared accountability.

Adult advisors actively participate in the Youth Council and hold advisory and decision-making authority. While the council remains student-led in initiative and direction, advisors provide oversight, guidance, and final input when necessary to ensure alignment with public policyl implementation. Advisors collaborate closely with student leaders to support long-term stability and success.

The Youth Council will hold weekly meetings on Saturdays at a time determined by member vote. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed for urgent projects, events, or initiatives.

The Youth Council will focus on student-driven policy initiatives, with priority areas including, but not limited to:

• Mental Health Policy
• Education Policy
• Health Policy 
• Environmental Policy 
• Housing Policy  

Policy priorities may also expand based on member concerns and leadership direction.

The Youth Council will engage in:

• Outreach
• Surveys 
• Policy research and proposal development
• Drafting bills and resolutions 
• Library and community meetings
• Blog, podcast, and media production
• Collaboration with Nevada legislators and nonprofit organizations
• Website development and online engagement
• Fundraising activities led by the Treasurer

The Youth Council will maintain public communication through a website, blog, podcast, and social media platforms managed by the Media/Content Director. These platforms will document progress, share resources, and increase community engagement.

All fundraising efforts will be organized and managed by the Adult Treasurer, in coordination with leadership and members. Funds will support events, resources, outreach efforts, and operational needs of the Youth Council.

This Charter is designed to be adaptable. The Youth Council may modify structures, committees, and initiatives as needed to reflect the evolving needs of its members and community impact goals.

The Youth Council expects all members to act with respect, responsibility, and professionalism in meetings, communications, events, and online platforms. Members should contribute constructively, listen to differing perspectives, and maintain a safe and inclusive environment.

General expectations include:

• Respectful communication at all times
• Constructive participation in discussions and debates
• Professional behavior during meetings, events, and public representation
• Responsible use of social media and council platforms
• Commitment to collaboration and problem-solving

While these expectations guide behavior, the council recognizes that situations may vary. Behavioral concerns may be addressed on a case-by-case basis by leadership and/or adult advisors to ensure fair and appropriate resolution.

The Nevada Youth Policy Council is an independent student organization and is not formally governed by any school or district. Its purpose is to represent student perspectives and influence educational systems, policies, and practices through advocacy, collaboration, and civic engagement.

While independent, the Youth Council may establish partnerships with schools, nonprofits, community organizations, and government representatives over time to support its initiatives and expand its impact. These partnerships are intended to strengthen the council’s ability to advocate for change while maintaining its autonomy and student-driven mission.