Membership Principles of VYS Devon
VYS aims to be a fully inclusive organisation that truly represents the voluntary youth sector in Devon. It will endeavour to involve all organisations who are currently under-represented in its network, in particular BME youth organisations, organisations working with disabled young people, organisations that pioneer new approaches to youth work and organisations working with marginalised young people as well as ensuring full geographical coverage.
VYS supports the principle of equal opportunities in its employment practice, service delivery and through its role as advocate for the wider voluntary youth sector. We are committed to providing services for everyone, regardless of age, colour, race, disability, religious belief, HIV status, marital status or sexual orientation. We expect that all members will be actively committed to the improvement of equal opportunities.
VYS actively welcomes new members and is keen to work with as wide a range of organisations/groups/individuals who subscribe to its aims and objectives as possible.
The benefits of membership include:
- for full members, the right to nominate two representatives who obtain full voting rights so long as one of them is under 26 years (individual members do not have voting rights), and the right to stand for election to the VYS Executive Committee
- the right to attend the AGM each year
- the right to nominate individuals to participate in VYS sub-groups or represent VYS on a range of outside bodies/groups (note: nomination does not guarantee appointment)
- the opportunity to network with other voluntary youth organisations and agencies involved with young people
- invitations to participate in training and development events, conferences etc (with discounts for VYS organised events)
- access to advice and information from the VYS staff (including funding advice)
- access to a contact brokering service (putting members in touch with each other and other relevant organisations)
- the monthly newsletter Youth News
- an e-bulletin with information between issues of Youth News (members only receive this)
- an entry onto the VYS website with a page for your own organisation
- opportunities to influence and participate in VYS's dialogue with policy and decision makers and to ensure that the voice of the voluntary youth sector is heard
- for some organisations, access to grant funding
The responsibilities of VYS membership include:
- active participation in VYS events
- participating in sub-groups as and when appropriate
- raising issues and helping to set the agenda
- responding to consultations and requests for information
- providing VYS with regular information on your work
- sharing good practice with others members
- being prepared to represent VYS on or act as a link to outside bodies