Governance: Unofficial youth council

This is a “whoever shows up” system. Starts with a general call for people to stay after the regular activity. It usually doesn't work to have the meeting before the activity or at a special time.

• Pros:
  • The people that are there want to be there and usually have something specific they want to contribute
  • Typically efficient because there is no pretense of formality (minutes, resolutions, etc). Be sure someone is taking notes, however.
  • Easy for an adult leader to guide
  • If the meeting is after another activity, it is probably late and no one wants the meeting to go on forever
• Cons:
  • Tends to focus on immediate concerns and not touch bigger picture issues
  • No continuity from one meeting to the next
  • Easy for and adult leader to control