by Andrew Ferguson MCYA - January 11, 2019
The Continental Youth Assembly of the United States has convened for its third session, to last from January 2019 until December 2021.
The first meeting of the session, held on January 9, 2019 and called to order at 9:30 PM EST, included a confirmation of the 2018 election results and the swearing-in of CYA President Jeremy Hill, of Georgia. The President delivered a short statement, and then began working down the agenda.
The first item for discussion was a report from Member of the Committee on Public Relations Andrew Ferguson on the development of the new CYA website, and recognition of his work on the project. Ferguson, of Texas, encouraged his colleagues to review the site and provide any feedback or suggestions they may have.
The second item discussed was the proposal by President Hill and CYA Administrator Nicholas Sunderbruch to form two new committees: one on outreach and gaining new members, and one on mental health. Sunderbruch, of Florida, expressed their concern at the state of mental health among America's youth, and outlined plans for a crisis hotline that members of the CYA could train to volunteer for. The proposal was held for a vote, which passed unanimously.
Floor Leader Elijah Manley presented the third item for discussion: apportionment of seats in the planned House of Youth Representatives. Manley, of Florida, outlined his formula for apportionment based on population of people under the age of 29 in each state, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. He then explained how the current figures set 250 seats total, but that the 2020 Census may change the result. The apportionment formula and tentative seat count was approved unanimously.
The final item for discussion was a proposal by Andrew Ferguson to establish a Committee or Subcommittee on Telecommunications. Mr. Ferguson cited the 2018 decision of the Federal Communications Commission to roll back Obama-era protections of Net Neutrality as an example of the possible decisions being made about communications in America that could affect young people. He stated his belief that the CYA should have a group ready to speak on such issues. The matter was placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
After further discussion and congratulations to President Hill on being sworn in, the first meeting of the third session of the Continental Youth Assembly was adjourned, and the conference call ended at 10:48 PM EST.
The Continental Youth Assembly is an organization comprised of young people from across the United States. The CYA represents the interests of America's youth to governments at the local, state, and federal levels and speaks out on issues both foreign and domestic, assessing their impacts on young people in the US and suggesting courses of action. Additionally, the CYA endeavors to get more young people interested in government, and to open more governance and civic participation opportunities to young people, including those under 18. The organization was founded in 2015 by Elijah Manley, youth rights activist and current Member from Florida.
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