This collection includes actual policy statements of organizational commitment to youth participation. These documents represent commitments from the local level to the United Nations.
Maryland aministrative code establishing a state youth advisory council
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/MD_youth_advisory_council.pdf
Maryland Code
Section of Maryland's administrative code establishing a statewide youth advisory council to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on youth issues.
Colorado State Board of Education resolution in support of student engagement in education policy
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/CO_State_BOE_student_engagement_resolution.pdf
Colorado State Board of Education
Resolution issued in 2004 recognizing the importance of student contributions to education decision-making, and encouraging local school boards, regional agencies, the Department of Education and statewide associations review their policies on student participation, and resolving to solicit student input to the State Board itself.
California education code allowing for student school board members
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/CA_Ed_Code_35010-35012.pdf
California Code
This section of California's administrative code allows for students to petition their local school board to include non-voting student members and to petition the board to allow preferential voting by student members. The rule also prescribes how student board members must be selected.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/UN_CRC.pdf
United Nations
This document, first published in 1989, is probably the most important policy support internationally for children's and young people's human rights. Every country in the world has ratified the UNCRC with the exception of the United States and Somalia. Article 12 specifically addresses the right of children and young people to participate in decisions that affect them.
Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Revised_European_Charter.pdf
Council of Europe
Council resolution on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018)
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/EU_Council_resolution_cooperation_in_youth_field_2010-2018.pdf
Council of the European Union
The Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment, 2007-2015
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Commonwealth_Action_Plan_Youth_Empowerment.pdf
The Commonwealth
Charter of Participation for Children and Young People in Wirral
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Wirral_Participation_Charter.pdf
Borough of Wirral, United Kingdom
African Youth Charter
http://www.leadingnow.org/sites/default/files/pdf/African_Union_Youth_Charter.pdf
The African Union