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HOW TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORGANIZATION
A plan developed worldwide
by children so they can
partner with the United Nations
Written by the participants of the
1997 World Summit of Children
INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT
July 23-August 1, 1997
Republic of China on Taiwan
This booklet was written by 1997 World Summit of Children International Summit participants representing all five United Nations regions who gathered in Taipei, Republic of China on Taiwan July 23-August 1 to further the movement involving over 60,000 children worldwide to partner with the United Nations and their national and local decision-makers.
FOREWORD
This booklet was written by the participants of the 1997 World Summit of Children. One of the Summit’s purposes was to further consolidate the proposal to have a National Council of children established in every nation of the world. Therefore this booklet outlines the likely course of action required to create a National Council and aims to provide guidance to the children of the world regarding the establishment of nationwide children’s organizations. For convenience, throughout this booklet, the nationwide children’s organization is referred to as a National Council. However, we acknowledge that this term may not be adopted in every country to characterize the nationwide organization.
The participants of the Summit also compiled this booklet to implore adults to support the creation of a forum for the world’s children to express their views on issues concerning their lives. The National Council concept had its genesis in the invitation of partnership made by nations to the children upon signing the 1990 World Summit for Children Declaration.
Franklin Roosevelt said;
“You can’t always build the future for the children,
but you can build your children for the future.”
The National Council proposal aims to build children for a future in which they will be responsible, participating adult citizens, equipping them now with the knowledge, skills and an avenue through which they can become active citizens. However, it also aims to build the future for children, enabling them to work in partnership with decision makers. In a world where fear for the future is a common feeling experienced by most children, it is imperative that children be encouraged to participate in shaping a world they will ultimately inherit. The National Council proposal is a message to decision makers worldwide that children want to be involved in the decision making process, that they have valuable contributions to make and that they wish to be provided with a formal means by which they can do so.
Subsequently, the participants of the 1997 World Summit of Children International Summit hope that this booklet will be read with an open mind, acknowledging the possibilities and potential of children. As the unofficial representatives of the world’s children, the participants of the Summit hope that decision makers will realize the importance of harnessing the creative insights and unique solutions offered by children and will recognize the benefit of National Councils in achieving this goal.
INTRODUCTION
We have prepared this booklet to assist you in the process of establishing a nationwide children’s organization. This booklet refers to the organization as a National Council. However, it is important to recognize that not every country will adopt the name and structure as suggested. We encourage you to use these suggestions and adapt them to suit the needs of your country’s children. For example, your country may already have children’s and youth organizations fulfilling the purposes and goals of a National Council. All that may be required is networking these groups and a formal link established between them and the government.
A key to establishing a National Council of children is to remember:
If my world is to be changed, my nation must be.
If my nation is to be changed, my state/region must also be.
If my region is to be altered, then my home-town must be made over.
To change the world, change must occur on all levels and in all sectors of society. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t change the world overnight. Change is a slow and long process. But, by the same token, keep in mind that a small group of active citizens can make a difference to the world and often action on a local level has an enormous and far reaching impact. Never underestimate your ability to make a difference, either as an individual or as a member of a team !
Whether you start the process of establishing a National Council from a local level and build up, or start from a national level and work down will vary from country to country, depending on the support and resources to which you have access. If you initially encounter difficulty accessing children to comprise the national component of the Council, start locally. Get a group of children in your hometown together and begin the partnership with decision makers on the local level first. For most countries, there will be local, state/regional and national levels of the National Council. The suggestions in this booklet can also be useful in the formation of a local council of children despite being focused ultimately on the establishment of a National Council.
If, on the other hand, you can establish a core group of children nationally to begin the process of creating a Council, they can work together to form state/regional and local councils. Developing a National Council is an enormous task, but it is a possible one. Collaboration leads to unification and there is strength in numbers. The more children involved, the more likely there is to be real change.
PURPOSE AND GOALS
The children at the 1997 World Summit of Children International Summit decided upon certain goals for National Councils. These goals are standards by which to measure the success of the establishment of the Councils. The goals are also simple wishes to guide the heart of the project.
The main goals of the National Council are:
- To achieve a partnership between children and decision makers.
To provide a forum in which innovative, practical and economical solutions to national issues regarding the welfare and development of children may be created.
To give children, those up to the age of 18, the knowledge and skills to be more active citizens.
To provide a voice for all children on a national level.
To inform and educate children about their rights and responsibilities and to promote the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
It is important to remember that the ways and means of achieving these goals will vary from nation to nation. Creating a list of all the goals appropriate to the organizer’s country is necessary. There must be an emphasis on action for an effective beginning. It is helpful to break down goals into achievable steps which can be acted upon immediately, and which will contribute to the eventual establishment of a National Council
ESTABLISHING A CORE GROUP
It is essential that a core group of children be formed to initiate the establishment of a National Council. It is hoped that the children who form this group are aware of the objectives of the National Council and are dedicated, passionate and hold a vision for the empowerment of all children.
The core group needs to fulfill a number of roles, including:
- Adapting the proposed structure to suit the country.
Formulating a set of guidelines and goals for the National Council, identifying when action needs to be achieved, who will take what action and what is needed to achieve the goal.
Promoting the idea of a National Council to the community by informing through the media, speaking at schools, to community groups and organizations and facilitating workshops and information sessions.
Forming partnerships with decision makers.
Writing letters and making contact with non-governmental organizations and governmental departments which are likely to be interested and supportive of the National Council.
Obtaining mailing lists of children from already existing groups and organizations.
Recording progress and compiling a directory of individuals and groups.
Maintaining international communication with other National Councils.
PEER SUPPORT
Just as a quilt can not exist without patches, the National Council cannot exist without children. It is imperative that there is a strong group of interested children to support, solicit, and participate. These children, however, need to be contacted and found.
One of the first steps is to create a directory of organizations that either already have contact with potentially interested children, or are able to access them. If a government or area already has such a directory, it would be recommended to make use of it. Examples of such organizations would be: existing student-governing bodies, mock-legislature groups, human-rights and diversity groups, youth action groups, sporting groups and other clubs. Also, remember about the wonderful resource schools can be. A letter to a principal, the school paper, or any relevant school group will help get the word out, and hopefully attract interested children.
Once there is a group of children interested, it would be wise to bring them together in some form of preparatory meeting (on-line, teleconference, or face to face meeting) to further educate and gain definite support. This way, both the newly interested children and the core group will be aware of the progress of the project. Once there is children’s interest, the National Council has taken its first big step.
MEDIA COVERAGE
The media is an essential link between any organization and the community. As such, to gain community support for the National Council, the media must be utilized effectively. Unfortunately, children are often portrayed negatively in the media. It is rare that a positive story about children will gain media interest, especially when a negative youth story is available. Also, quite often the media misconstrues concepts and misquotes people. Consequently, the promotion of the National Council through the media must aim to embody the vision of the National Council with clarity and strength.
It is preferable that those involved in dealing with the media are well versed in the processes of the media and have a solid understanding of the purpose, goals and structure of the National Council. To access the media in your nation, it is advisable that you obtain a detailed list of media outlets.
A press release must be written to capture media attention. This would be a short overview of the activity, event or idea; selling the story. The following is a basic format of a typical press release. Of course you will need to adapt it to suit your purpose, but ensure that it is short, dynamic and captivating:
Suggested Press Release Format
DAY, DATE, TIME
Title of Press Release ( A catchy title)
CITY, State, Date (on which the news will occur)
In the main text there are four parts:
1) the lead paragraph
2) supporting information
3) acknowledging information
4) a description of the organization/s involved
1) The lead paragraph should give only the critical information needed to know what the news is about. Only include necessary general information about who, what, why.
2) The supporting information paragraph should contain more details that support the information given in the lead. Give more details on who is involved, what they are involved in, why they are involved, and more details on where the news is taking place.
3) Acknowledging paragraphs give more details about the people, event or history in the supporting paragraphs.
If extensive quotes were used from someone, here is where you may add further biographical information about them. If it is an event that is being covered, historical information about the organization will be contained here.
4) The final paragraph contains information about the organization or event and is only a few sentences.
It is important to complete the press release with ### or -------- to indicate to the recipient that they have received a complete press release.
Follow with:
For further information contact:
Name of contact person
Title of organization
Phone number, e-mail address or other way to get additional information if needed
Here is an example of a press release on the National Council:
Monday, August 17th, 1997 9:45am EST
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S COUNCIL SWEEPS THE COUNTRY
NEW YORK, New York, August 17 - Children from around the nation are organizing a National Council that will give children the avenue through which to voice their views, problems and solutions, and present them to government officials. The first biannual meeting will be held near Washington, D.C. on December 2-7, 1997. The number of children expected to attend is around 120.
The meeting of the National Council has been organized by 13 children. In this first meeting, issues such as drugs and violence will be addressed. After the intensive five day meeting, state representatives will return to their states and create projects to help solve these problems.
This Council is the result of eight years of work through the non-governmental organization, Peaceways. The ultimate goal of the National Council is to collaborate with similar groups in other countries to form a Young General Assembly.
Peaceways is a non-profit organization based in San Mateo, California. Peaceways coordinates projects like the annual World Summit of Children.
###
For further information contact:
Ellen Brogren
Peaceways
(123)555-9276
Peaceways@org.com
Aim to target media outlets which have audiences whose support you will benefit from most (i.e., stations which are specifically focused on young people). Also keep in mind that the best media coverage is not always the most popular TV channel, newspaper or radio station. Also, try to get coverage for the National Council in community newspapers and radio stations, local magazines and school newsletters. Often a press release will not be the most appropriate way of capturing the attention of these media sources, but a brief letter may be equally as effective in these circumstances.
If part of the National Council idea is to gain general community support, a partnership must be established with the media. The media is a very important tool in the establishment of a National Council. The negative portrayal of young people in and by the media must be redressed to facilitate a shift in community attitudes towards children.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL AND GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT
A critical step in the process of starting a National Council is locating a means of financial support through either non-governmental or governmental organizations. However, self sufficiency for the Council is ultimately desirable.
We highly recommend non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as a primary source of support. Being supported by such organizations is necessary in relation not only to monetary resources, but also logistical support. To become an officially registered organization, a children’s Council could become a project of another already existing organization. Also, support must be shaped in the form of a link between the government and the Council. A federal minister in charge of youth or related issues should become an integral aspect of the functioning of the Council. Regular reports or submissions to government representatives must be made so that children’s views may be taken into account in the decision making concerning issues relating to them.
The first step to take in acquiring the support of an NGO is to locate a list of NGOs in the organizer’s nation. Such lists can be located through any known NGO. It is helpful to avoid those with hidden agendas that do not support the concept of a National Council. They must realize that the children are seeking an equal partnership with adults in decision making processes. We are searching for mentors, not directors. One must exercise caution as well as wisdom when approaching non-governmental and governmental organizations. The simple reason for this is that it could prove fatal to the National Council on a long-term basis if it becomes affiliated with a specific political party.
It is possible to gain the support of the government from an apolitical standpoint. That is, to seek the support of all political parties. If one does not have a choice, however, and is only offered support from one party, make sure that all main political parties are aware of the concept of a National Council.
When one approaches either a non-governmental or governmental organization at this stage of the creation of a National Council, it is advisable that a visible structure has already been established. Then, the National Council concept will be viewed with greater credibility and esteem
COMMUNITY SERVICE
The National Council could also become active in giving back to the community. Not only will community service ensure that children are vital to their communities, but it will also bring recognition for the Council’s purpose. A Council of children can assess and advise community and national leaders of children’s priority needs so spending can be focused efficiently. Also a children’s Council can help create solutions to children’s needs and recruit their peers so solutions can be implemented more economically.
Organizing local events, such as a Food for All Campaign project, cleaning the city park or removing graffiti on public buildings (better still, finding appropriate means for children to express themselves artistically !), are easy and mutually beneficial.
HOLDING A MEETING
A schedule should be drawn up, decided and agreed upon by all members before any meetings take place, following the opening one. This will facilitate up-to-date reports being made by individual members, to allow members to gather to share thoughts and formulate solutions for the issues being dealt with at the time. It is recommended that all resolutions be supported unanimously, so as not to allow anyone to feel that their opinion, beliefs, views are not being heard and respected.
At the first meeting, several things must be decided upon, among these the following:
1. POSITIONS
a) Facilitators: vital players in arranging meeting space, informing members of the meeting, ensuring attendance by members, keeping the meeting on track
b) Secretary: to record the events of the meeting
c) Time-keeper: to ensure that the meeting is kept on time
d) Other Council positions: These positions are not required, but are rather suggested as a means to having successful and organized meetings. Any positions decided upon need not be permanent. The decision to appoint people to such positions should be at the discretion of the Council.
2. SCHEDULE
a) Frequency of meetings
b) Attendance - how and when the members can attend
3. SPACE
a) Regular meeting space - where, when, how?
b) Special meetings - these can be arranged by teleconferencing, video-conferencing (where available), or other technologies. When meetings need to take place, and very few people can attend, a meeting over the internet could be arranged.
AGENDA AND ADAPTING THE STRUCTURE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL
It is suggested that an agenda outlining the goals for any meeting is distributed several days before each National Council. This enables members to be prepared for what is going to be discussed. The core group should place items of the agenda in order of importance, so that the principal item can be discussed first.
The first agenda could be designed in the following way, but the agenda will vary depending on each country’s needs, so this is just a suggestion:
Agenda
1) Election of positions
2) Explanation of the proposed structure and discussion about its applicability to the country
3) Discussion of goals
4) Discussion of committees needed
5) Allocation of members to committees and break into committees; establish committee course of action
6) Report back to general meeting
7) Further discussion and projections for future action
HUMAN VALUES ARE NEEDED TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORGANIZATION
AVAILABILITY
ENERGY
POSITIVITY
COOPERATION
SINCERITY
SENSIBILITY
CREATIVITY
There are seven values that are needed to create a national children’s organization. Each one of these values contains many others and it is up to the individual to succeed in drawing out the significance of each value. They are the basis of productive teamwork and are necessary for finding unity in group work. This chapter will give an overview of the significance of these values, but it will not go into detail as each individual has his or her own way of putting values into action.
How can one work in a group without being available ? Availability is an attitude- the way one faces work, relates to friends or deals with change. It is the capacity to listen, to be ready to enter into the game with others to work for a common goal.
With a pinch of energy things get done more easily, with less heaviness ! But with what kind of energy ? Energy can be good or bad. It depends upon how it is used. If the energy is used to command others and for personal gratification, it is not used constructively. Energy can be felt as joy which fuels action, as a continuous focus on a goal to be reached or as a special intention to direct action. Energy needs to be channeled, to be focalized on a goal and not be dissipated into a thousand points of distraction. In a certain sense, it is the concentration of all one’s being - mind, heart and body- on what is being done.
Energy is closely linked to positivity, which is keeping a vision in mind and trusting that it will be attained successfully.
By concentrating on a vision, on a goal, cooperation will emerge in a natural way. National children’s councils can best be created through cooperation. This is the aim of young people around the world.
It is only possible to create cooperative group work if, first of all, sincerity is practiced towards oneself and towards others. Being sincere means being trustful of others and being the kind of person others can trust.
Where does sensibility come in ? It might be considered one of the most important values. Having sensibility means to have a positive attitude towards others and remaining serene and peaceful.
At this point creativity must be considered. It is the human value that enables individuals to reach their goals, to express their thoughts and to offer their best.
Dear readers, up to now the significance of these values has been discussed, but why talk about values in a booklet How to Establish a National Children’s Organization ? This is because values are the foundation of everything people create. Values are like the drops of water that form the sea. They are like the supporting framework of every building. What is the ocean without its infinite number of water drops ? Only a bottom.
And the buildings ? What happens to them if there is no framework ? They collapse.
In the end, whatever the topic is, the same conclusion is clearly evident: Everything about relationships begins with the self; in the family and neighborhood, extending to those in the city and community, the geographical area and outwards to the nation, the continent and even with the WORLD. The establishment of national children’s councils around the globe is like a game with hundreds of teams passing the ball from Asia to Africa, from America to Australia, to Europe, all united in one game. If we children really want to create a network of contacts between children and adults all over the world, WE have to take the first step. When this first step is taken using the seven values, it will create unity in every group based on trust, cooperation, and the good use of energy. Then, feeling strong and safe within one’s team, young people can open up to face the world!
LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH AND LET IT
BEGIN WITH ME !
February 8th, 1998
Mattia, Cris and Viola with Cristina
In their efforts to establish a national children’s council in Italy, members of the International Children’s Peace Council-Italy translated “Establishing a Children’s National Organization” into Italian. They also wrote this chapter to enrich the booklet written by the 1997 World Summit of Children International Summit delegates in Taipei.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The possibilities and potential of National Councils are enormous. Such a Council promises to contribute to building a global community in which children play a vital and active role. The National Council is an essential element of the plan to create the proposed United Nations Young General Assembly. This assembly will consist of National Councils worldwide, and will fully exemplify the vision of the empowerment of young people. National Councils can provide important forums for any nation’s children and will be of benefit to national governments, giving them direct access to the world’s finest resource: its children.
Another main goal is to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and therefore improve the status of children both nationally and worldwide. The achievement of this goal will fulfill a vision that has been held in children’s hearts from the signing of the Convention. Both a National Council and a Young General Assembly will generate more positive circumstances for all children, as they will be given the opportunity to contribute to decision making about issues which directly affect their lives.
The participants of the 1997 World Summit of Children believe that if the world values the contributions children can make to the decision making process, the children will in turn learn to value themselves.
CONCLUSION
Much can be said about the role children play in the decision making of the world, but one of the most accurate statements is this:
Children are ready to take on
the responsibility of a full partnership
with the leaders of the world.
And, as proved by the participants of the 1997 World Summit of Children, the children are determined to shape the world into a more beneficial and harmonious environment for the children of today, easing the transition into the world of tomorrow.
With the empowerment of every nation’s children through National Councils,
we envisage a world where children believe in their own self worth,
have hope for the future
and trust that when adults make promises,
they will honor them.
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