Youth at Council

There are two ways for youth to participate in General Council—you can be elected by your Conference to serve as a Commissioner at General Council, or chosen by your presbytery to participate in Youth Forum.

You cannot serve in both roles. Please review the following information to help you select the type involvement that is best for you.

General Council Commissioners

Conferences are being encouraged to consider electing young adults and youth (aged 15–30) to serve as commissioners at General Council, with the full privileges and responsibilities of being a commissioner: contemplating the issues put before the General Council; discerning, with the whole body of General Council, how the United Church can respond faithfully; and contributing to decision-making by voting on the matters at hand. Youth who serve as commissioners at General Council participate fully in the agenda of General Council—they are not part of the Youth Forum community.

The role of commissioner at General Council will appeal to youth who are passionate about the decision-making processes and polity of the church.

Youth Forum Delegates

Logo: Youth Forum / Forum Jeunesse Each presbytery/district is invited to name one delegate, aged 15–20, to Youth Forum. Youth Forum delegates have the opportunity to share their gifts and insights with the General Council, while growing in their own community.

Youth Forum delegates are not voting members of the General Council, and participate in the Youth Forum agenda, which will include some time spent within the General Council meeting and time spent as a Youth Forum community.

The role of Youth Forum delegate will appeal to youth who want to connect with a national group of youth, and to explore the identity and connectivity of the United Church through creativity and meaningful interactions with the Ottawa community.

Application and Selection Process for Youth Forum

Each presbytery/district is invited to name one delegate, aged 15–20, to Youth Forum.

February 1, 2012: youth applications due to presbytery
May 1, 2012: prebytery selections due

Forms for Youth Applicants

Youth Forum Application Form [PDF: 1 p/36 KB]
Youth Forum Behavioural Covenant [PDF: 1 p/28 KB]
Medical Information Form [PDF: 1 p/17 KB]

Presbytery/District Process

Youth Forum Selection Process and Checklist [PDF: 3 pp/33 KB]

How to Register

If you've already been selected as a Youth Forum delegate or leader, you will recieve a personalized e-mail invitation to complete an online registration in the coming days. Watch your inbox!