Youth Delegates to the Diocesan Convention
But the Lord said to me, Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’.” |
Calling Youth Delegates
to Diocesan Convention
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Qualifications
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Currently in high school (or age equivalent if home schooled)
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Be able to attend the entire Convention - April 20-21, 2012
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Baptized Christian & member in good standing at an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Western Michigan
From the Diocesan Canons: Title 1: Section 3.04
Youth Delegates at any Convention shall be selected as follows:
(a) One youth delegate and one alternate from each of the five Deaneries shall be selected by each Deanery, at its first meeting following the preceding Diocesan Convention. The Deanery shall have the authority to fill any vacancies that occur in these two positions.
(b) Five at-large Youth Delegates and five at-large alternates shall be appointed by the Bishop Diocesan with advice from relevant Diocesan committees. The Bishop Diocesan shall have the authority to fill any vacancies that may occur in these positions
Options Available
Deanery Delegate: Each deanery must choose one delegate and may choose one alternate
At large Delegate: There are five delegates and five alternates that represent the diocese as a whole. If you are interested, please send in a brief biography along with your grade in school and age at the time of Convention and name of parish to Gennie Callard.
Note: All names must be submitted to the Diocesan Office by April 1, 2012. Youth Delegate’s fees, food & lodging will be paid for by the diocesan youth ministry budget. Alternates must be paid for by the deaneries, parishes or individuals. Financial assistance through the Diocese is available upon request.
Duties
Diocesan Convention is the annual meeting of our Diocese. It is a legislative process using Robert’s Rules of Order. The “youth delegates” get seat, voice and vote. This opportunity is meant for young people who have an interest in government, legislation and the wider church community. This is not a youth event and is not intended for everyone. The youth delegates must be mature enough to sit and pay attention during the business meetings.
The youth delegates will sit at a table together. They discuss the things being discussed on the floor and things that will be voted on. They are asked to vote their conscience & as the Holy Spirit guide you (not as your parish, friends or deanery wants you to vote). They are invited to speak at the microphone to issues that you care about (if you so wish). We are all asked to come to Convention with our own thoughts, ideas, beliefs & backgrounds – and to look for ways to come together and live as a Diocesan community.
Lodging is at a local hotel and the cost is covered by the diocesan budget. Two youth delegates will be roomed together and on the same floor as the adult mentors. The youth delegates must be trustworthy enough stay in a hotel room with another young person with limited adult supervision.
For more information
Contact Gennie Callard, Assistant to the Bishop for Children, Youth and Young Adult Ministries (269) 381-2710 gcallard@edwm.org
