Constitution of the Utah Youth Advisory Association (UYAA)

This document sets the framework for UYAA’s name, purpose, authority, membership, branches, Congress, executive offices, elections, conduct, amendments, and representation. Detailed procedures may be defined in UYAA rules.

UYAA operates as a structured youth leadership and advisory system, combining democratic practice with real-world action.

Article I — Name

The name of this organization shall be the Utah Youth Advisory Association (UYAA).

Article II — Purpose

UYAA exists to:

  • Represent youth perspectives across Utah
  • Promote civic education and leadership development
  • Develop and present advisory opinions and policy ideas to communities and leaders
  • Provide members with meaningful, real-world leadership experience through democratic practice

Article III — Authority

UYAA is a youth-led civic association.

It:

  • May adopt internal rules, procedures, and official positions
  • May organize projects, initiatives, and advisory efforts

It does not:

  • Exercise legal governmental authority
  • Represent itself as an official government body

Article IV — Membership

Membership shall be open to eligible youth who:

  • Agree to the UYAA Code of Conduct
  • Meet any requirements established by organizational rules

Members shall have the ability to:

  • Vote in elections, if eligible
  • Run for office
  • Submit proposals
  • Participate in programs and initiatives

Membership levels, requirements, and privileges may be further defined in UYAA rules.

Article V — Structure

UYAA shall operate through three branches to ensure balance and accountability:

  • Legislative Branch — Represents members, develops proposals, and directs organizational priorities
  • Executive Branch — Implements programs, executes approved initiatives, and manages operations
  • Judicial Branch — Interprets rules and resolves disputes, and may review internal decisions for consistency with this Constitution and UYAA rules

The powers and responsibilities of each branch shall be defined in organizational rules.

Article VI — Congress

The Legislative Branch shall consist of a Congress, composed of:

  • The House of Youth Representatives
  • The Youth Senate

Section 1 — Legislative Authority

Congress shall:

  • Review, develop, and vote on proposals
  • Represent member perspectives
  • Direct organizational priorities and initiatives

Section 2 — Proposal Types

Congress may consider the following types of proposals:

  • Project Proposals — to initiate and direct projects or initiatives
  • Advisory Proposals — to develop official positions, reports, or recommendations
  • Internal Proposals — to modify rules, structure, or operations

Specific formats and procedures shall be defined in UYAA rules.

Section 3 — Legislative Process

  • Proposals may originate in either chamber
  • A proposal must pass both chambers
  • The proposal shall be presented to the President

The President may:

  • Sign the proposal into effect
  • Veto the proposal

Congress may override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, as defined by UYAA rules.

Section 4 — Appointments and Confirmations

The President may appoint members to leadership or administrative positions within UYAA, as defined by organizational rules.

Such appointments shall require the advice and consent of the Youth Senate.

  • The Youth Senate may confirm nominees by a majority vote
  • The Youth Senate may reject nominees

No appointment requiring confirmation shall take effect without Senate approval.

Congress may establish additional procedures for nominations and confirmations through UYAA rules.

Section 5 — House Leadership

The House of Youth Representatives shall be presided over by a Speaker of the House (who is elected by the House of Youth Representatives), who shall:

  • Preside over House proceedings
  • Maintain order and recognize members
  • Ensure proper legislative procedure

Congress Chambers may define quorum requirements for conducting official business through UYAA rules.

Article VII — Executive Branch

Section 1 — President

The President shall:

  • Serve as the chief executive officer of UYAA
  • Oversee operations and implementation of approved initiatives
  • Represent UYAA publicly
  • Propose initiatives and appointments

Section 2 — Vice President

The Vice President shall:

  • Serve as the President of the Youth Senate
  • Preside over meetings of the Youth Senate
  • Maintain order and ensure proper legislative procedure

The Vice President shall not vote in the Youth Senate except to break a tie vote.

Article VIII — Elections

UYAA leaders and representatives shall be selected through fair and transparent elections.

  • Early-stage implementation may use at-large elections
  • Election procedures, eligibility, terms, and voting methods shall be defined in UYAA rules

Article IX — Conduct

All members shall:

  • Act with respect, integrity, and responsibility
  • Represent others in good faith
  • Avoid harassment, discrimination, or abuse of authority

Violations may result in disciplinary action as defined in UYAA rules.

Article X — Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by:

  • A supermajority vote in Congress, and
  • Final approval by the Executive Branch

Amendment procedures may be further defined in UYAA rules.

Article XI — Unrepresented Areas

If a geographic area or group of youth lacks representation, coverage, or access to a UYAA agency or program, the President may propose a plan to address the gap.

Such plans may include:

  • Establishing a new UYAA agency or presence
  • Assigning temporary representation
  • Creating outreach or development initiatives

Any proposed action must be:

  • Submitted to Congress
  • Approved by a majority vote of the full Congress before implementation

Congress may establish additional guidelines for representation and expansion through UYAA rules.