1. Aim
The purpose of these principles is to regulate the procedures and principles of the establishment, work, duties, powers and activities of the mechanisms within the institutional structure of the Youth Organizations Forum.
2. Definitions
Included in these principles;
2.1. Youth Organizations Forum (GoFor): GoFor is a democratic, participatory, inclusive, transparent, rights-based, civil and independent structure that works for the rights of young people in Turkiye on the basis of universal values.
2.2. Members: Youth non-governmental organizations (CSOs) that have signed the Institutional Statement, declaring that they will act within the framework of the GoFor Principles and Values Text and these Working Procedures and Principles.
2.3. General Assembly: It is the committee consisting of all organizations that are members of GoFor. It meets once a year.
2.4. Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the Board): It is the Board of directors of the Association, consisting of representatives of CSOs who are elected as full members and legal members, in accordance with the election system set out in this text.
2.5. Working Groups: These are structures established to carry out work on a specific topic, based on the proposal of a member organization or the recommendation of the Secretariat. The working methods and duration of these groups are determined by the member organizations participating in the working group.
2.6. Advisory Board: The Advisory Board consists of individuals with expertise in the field of youth, including academics, representatives of civil society organizations, lawyers, analysts, and others who can provide insight, data, and analysis to support GoFor’s work.
2.7. Secretariat: The Secretariat is the human resource structure responsible for carrying out the work necessary for GoFor to achieve its objectives and for providing financial, logistical, and technical support. The Secretariat is accountable to the Board of Directors.
2.8. Membership Evaluation Committee: Referred to as “ÜDK” in Turkish, this committee works in coordination with the Board of Directors and the Secretariat in the evaluation of new membership applications and in matters related to changes in membership status.
2.9. Young: Refers to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35.
3. Field of Work
3.1. The fields of work are determined in the Charter.
4. Members
4.1. Membership Criteria
4.1.1. Civil society organizations that accept the GoFor Principles and Values Text and these Working Procedures and Principles, and that meet the criteria listed below, may apply for membership in GoFor.
4.1.1.1. Youth civil society organizations.
4.1.1.2. Non-profit organizations working for young people, including associations, foundations, federations, confederations, units, and similar structures.
4.1.1.3. Councils, networks, associations, foundations, initiatives, student societies, and communities established by young people or students, as well as non-profit social enterprises and cooperatives.
4.1.1.4. Youth Councils.
4.1.1.5. Youth units, branches, councils, or similar structures within civil society organizations working in different fields.
4.1.1.6. Organizations that are not youth organizations but carry out rights-based work in areas that concern young people may apply for Permanent Observer Membership. For organizations applying for this status, the conditions set out in Articles 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 shall not apply. Organizations applying for Permanent Observer status are still required to go through the candidate membership process.
4.1.2. In order for organizations with legal personality to apply for GoFor membership, their bylaws must explicitly state that they carry out youth work.
4.1.3. In order for organizations with legal personality to apply for GoFor membership, at least one third (1/3) of their board members must be under the age of 35.
4.1.4. It must be established, through a report prepared by the Membership Evaluation Committee, that the applying civil society organization carries out rights-based work.
4.1.4.1. New membership applications are submitted by the Secretariat to the Membership Evaluation Committee (ÜDK). Based on the application documents, the ÜDK conducts a formal review and prepares a preliminary report in line with the GoFor Principles and Values Text, the Working Procedures and Principles, and the GoFor Bylaws. This report is submitted to the Board of Directors. Based on this report, the Board of Directors votes on whether to grant the applicant Candidate Membership status and informs the ÜDK of its decision.
4.1.4.2. For applicants granted Candidate Membership status, one representative from the ÜDK and one from the Secretariat jointly carry out a field visit and prepare a report. This report is shared with the Board of Directors but not with the candidate member. At the first General Assembly following the field visit, the ÜDK presents its report to the General Assembly. During the membership presentations and voting process, all organizations whose membership status will be voted on are asked to leave the meeting room. When invited back, the Candidate Member delivers a brief presentation introducing its purpose, activities, and approach, and responds to questions from members. Prior to voting, the Candidate Member leaves the room again. The General Assembly decides on Observer Membership status through an open vote. Observer Membership becomes effective at the end of the General Assembly at which it is approved. This process also applies to candidate members applying for Permanent Observer status.
4.1.5. Candidate and Observer Members, including Permanent Observer Members, may attend the General Assembly and Members’ Meetings.
4.1.6. In cases where the Board of Directors does not approve an application for Observer Membership, it is required to present its justification to the General Assembly.
4.1.7. The duration of Observer Membership shall be at least one year.
4.1.7.1. Organizations that have completed at least one year of Observer Membership may apply for Full Membership by submitting an application to the Secretariat at least three months prior to the date of the Ordinary General Assembly. The Secretariat forwards the application to the Membership Evaluation Committee (ÜDK). One representative from the ÜDK and one from the Secretariat jointly carry out a field visit and prepare a report. This report is shared with the Board of Directors but not with the organization for which it is prepared. At the first General Assembly following the field visit, the ÜDK presents its report to the General Assembly. During the membership presentations and voting process, all organizations whose membership status is to be voted on are asked to leave the meeting room. When invited back, the Observer Member delivers a brief presentation introducing its purpose, activities, and approach, and responds to questions from members. Prior to voting, the Observer Member leaves the room again. The General Assembly decides on Full Membership status through an open vote. Full Membership becomes effective at the end of the General Assembly at which it is approved.
4.1.8. The Secretariat forwards membership applications to the ÜDK within thirty days. The ÜDK submits its preliminary formal review report to the Board of Directors within two weeks. The Board of Directors takes a decision on Candidate Membership at its next meeting. Following the Candidate Membership decision, one representative from the ÜDK and one from the Secretariat carry out a field visit within a maximum period of four months.
The Membership Evaluation Committee (ÜDK) completes its report within one month following the field visit and submits it to the Board of Directors. In applications for Full Membership, the Board of Directors decides whether the Observer Member will be put to a vote at the General Assembly following the ÜDK report. In cases where the decision is negative, the Board of Directors is required to present its justification to the General Assembly.
4.1.9. Members act in accordance with the Principles and Values Text and the Working Procedures and Principles they have signed.
4.2. Membership Process of Organizations within GoFor
4.2.1. Membership Evaluation Committee
4.2.1.1. The Membership Evaluation Committee consists of three full members and three substitute members elected from among the member organizations.
4.2.1.2. Members wishing to stand as candidates for the Membership Evaluation Committee must have held Full Membership status for at least one year.
4.2.1.3. The full members of the Membership Evaluation Committee must include at least one woman representative and at least one non-legal entity representative. A single representative may not fulfill more than one quota at the same time.
4.2.1.4. Each member organization runs as an independent candidate in the elections. No lists or group candidacies may be formed. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected as full members, and the following three candidates are elected as substitute members. The requirements of having at least one woman representative and one non-legal entity representative also apply to the three substitute members. In the event of a vacancy among the full members, the substitute member who meets the characteristics of the vacated position is appointed to the full membership.
4.2.1.5. Members of the Board of Directors, whether full or substitute, may not simultaneously serve as members of the Membership Evaluation Committee.
4.2.1.6. For reviews, field visits, or research to be carried out regarding the admission of new members, the admission of observer members, or changes in membership status, the Membership Evaluation Committee appoints one of its members to work together with one representative from the Secretariat.
4.2.1.7. Reports resulting from reviews, field visits, or research are prepared by the Membership Evaluation Committee and, once approved by a majority vote within the Committee, are submitted to the Board of Directors.
4.2.1.8. Reports resulting from reviews, field visits, or research may not be shared with third parties.
4.2.1.9. In cases where the person assigned to conduct a review, field visit, or research has a conflict of interest with the relevant organization, including a legal affiliation, previous working relationship, or personal connection, another member of the Membership Evaluation Committee shall be appointed in their place.
4.2.1.10. The annual budget to be used for reviews, field visits, and research is determined by the Board of Directors.
4.2.2. Membership applications are forwarded by the Secretariat to the Membership Evaluation Committee within one month. The Membership Evaluation Committee prepares a preliminary report on the new application within two weeks and submits its opinion to the Board of Directors.
4.2.3. The membership process begins with a decision of the Board of Directors following the preliminary report.
4.2.4. Within four months following the decision of the Board of Directors, one representative from the Secretariat and one representative from the Membership Evaluation Committee carry out a visit to the relevant organization.
4.2.5. The Membership Evaluation Committee is required to submit its application report to the Board of Directors within one month following the visit.
4.2.6. Civil society organizations that meet the membership criteria may submit their applications by completing the following steps:
- a) Completing the application form prepared in electronic format in full, with detailed and accurate information;
- b) Submitting to the GoFor office a wet-signed document stating that the organization has accepted the GoFor Principles and Values Text and the Working Procedures and Principles with the approval of its Board of Directors;
- c) Sending by email a document including information on the activities carried out over the past two years, such as implemented projects, activities, photographs, and related materials.
Organizations with legal personality are also required to complete the following step:
- a) Sending a copy of their approved bylaws by email.
Once all of the conditions listed above have been fulfilled, the application process is considered complete.
- a) Acceptance of the Full Membership application:
Applicants whose Full Membership application is approved by the General Assembly acquire Full Membership status upon the conclusion of that General Assembly. Full Membership rights may not be exercised until the General Assembly at which the approval is granted has formally concluded. - b) Rejection of the Full Membership application:
If the General Assembly rejects the application, the organization’s Observer Membership status continues.
4.3. Rights of Members
The rights of members vary depending on the type of membership and whether the member organization has legal personality.
4.3.1. Rights of Full Members
4.3.1.1. Rights of Full Members with Legal Personality:
Voting Rights: Each Full Member has one vote in all decisions taken at the General Assembly Meetings.
Right to Stand for Election: Full Members with legal personality may stand as candidates for the GoFor Board of Directors.
Right to Make Proposals and Speak: They have the right to submit proposals for General Assembly Meetings and to take the floor during General Assembly Meetings.
4.3.1.2. Rights of Full Members without Legal Personality
Voting Rights: Each Full Member has one vote in all decisions taken at the General Assembly Meetings.
Right to Make Proposals and Speak: They have the right to submit proposals for General Assembly Meetings and to take the floor during General Assembly Meetings.
Participation in Working Groups: They may take part in GoFor’s Working Groups in line with their interests and requests.
Access to GoFor Grants and Support Opportunities: They may participate in all trainings, meetings, capacity building activities, and similar initiatives organized by GoFor, and may benefit from grants and support opportunities offered to organizations.
4.3.2. Rights of Observer and Permanent Observer Members
All Observer Members, whether they have legal personality or not, have the following rights:
Right to Make Proposals and Speak: They have the right to submit proposals for General Assembly Meetings and to take the floor during General Assembly Meetings.
Participation in Working Groups: They may take part in GoFor’s Working Groups in line with their interests and requests.
4.3.3. Rights of Candidate Members
All Candidate Members, whether they have legal personality or not, have the following rights:
Right to Make Proposals and Speak: They have the right to submit proposals for General Assembly Meetings and to take the floor during General Assembly Meetings.
Participation in Working Groups: They may take part in GoFor’s Working Groups in line with their interests and requests.
4.3.4. Permanent Observer Members may not apply for Full Membership and may not exercise the rights granted to Full Members.
4.4. Responsibilities of Members
4.4.1. To inform their members and stakeholders about GoFor’s campaigns and encourage their engagement with GoFor.
4.4.2. To promote GoFor’s vision and mission among their members and stakeholders in line with youth rights.
4.4.3. To actively participate in GoFor’s decision-making processes and mechanisms.
4.4.4. To respond to calls and communications from the Secretariat and the Board of Directors in a timely manner.
4.4.5. To regularly attend GoFor Members’ Meetings, General Assembly Meetings, and other relevant meetings.
4.4.6. To actively take part in GoFor’s annual planning process.
4.4.7. To pay the annual membership fee before the end of the relevant year.
4.4.8. Where applicable, to indicate their GoFor membership on their website by using the GoFor logo.
4.4.9. Members submit their annual activity reports to the Secretariat at the General Assembly. Members who fail to submit their annual activity report are subject to evaluation by the Membership Evaluation Committee (ÜDK).
4.5.1. Termination of Membership
4.5.1.1. Members who do not act in accordance with the GoFor Principles and Values Text and the Working Procedures and Principles may be proposed for termination of membership. Such proposals may be submitted to the General Assembly either by at least one fifth (1/5) of the members or by the Membership Evaluation Committee (ÜDK), through the Board of Directors or directly by the ÜDK. The Board of Directors conducts all necessary reviews, receives defenses, and brings the matter to the General Assembly by the first General Assembly meeting. The decision on termination of membership is taken by an absolute majority vote of the General Assembly.
4.5.1.2. A Full Member who fails to attend the General Assembly without a valid excuse for two consecutive times is reverted to Observer Membership status by decision of the Board of Directors.
4.5.1.3. A Full Member who fails to attend the Members’ Meeting without a valid excuse for two consecutive times is reverted to Observer Membership status by decision of the Board of Directors.
4.5.2. For Observer Members
4.5.2.1. Observer Members who do not act in accordance with the GoFor Principles and Values Text and the Working Procedures and Principles may be proposed for termination of membership. Such proposals may be submitted to the General Assembly upon the recommendation of at least one fifth (1/5) of the members or by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors conducts all necessary reviews, receives defenses, and brings the matter to the General Assembly by the first General Assembly meeting. The decision on termination of membership is taken by an absolute majority vote of the General Assembly.
4.5.2.2. An Observer Member who fails to attend the General Assembly without a valid excuse for two consecutive times is removed from membership by decision of the Board of Directors.
4.5.2.3. An Observer Member who fails to attend the Members’ Meeting without a valid excuse for two consecutive times is removed from membership by decision of the Board of Directors.
4.5.3. General Rules
4.5.3.1. A member whose membership has been terminated may not reapply for membership for a period of two years.
4.5.3.2. In cases of termination of membership carried out under Articles 4.5.2.1 and 4.5.2.2, the provision set out in Article 4.5.3.1 shall apply. If the relevant member applies for membership again after this period, the Observer Membership period shall be applied as three years.
4.6. Transitional Provision – Transition to Permanent Observer Membership
Current Full Members or Observer Members may apply to transition to Permanent Observer Membership within one year from the date this regulation enters into force. Such applications are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Members who transition to Permanent Observer status may not apply for Full Membership and may not exercise the rights granted to Full Members.
5. Structure and Functioning
5.1. Establishment and Working Principles of the General Assembly
5.1.1. The GoFor General Assembly is composed of all members of GoFor.
5.1.2. Each member organization is represented at the General Assembly by one person between the ages of 18 and 35, calculated on a calendar-year basis. The representative’s date of birth is taken as the basis for the age limit, and the right of representation ends on the representative’s 36th birthday. If the representative stands as a candidate for the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board, or the Membership Evaluation Committee (ÜDK), the eligibility age is calculated by excluding the ordinary term of the relevant body from the 36th birthday. The GoFor General Assembly convenes with the participation of at least one third (1/3) of the members. The organization represented is required to appoint a new representative within one month following the representative reaching the age of 35.
5.1.3. A representative may represent only one organization at the same time.
5.1.4. The General Assembly meeting is convened by the Board of Directors with at least two weeks’ prior notice. The Chairing Committee is elected by open vote and consists of one Chair, at least one Vice Chair, and one Secretary.
5.1.5. Each organization holding Full Membership status has one vote.
5.1.6. Decisions are taken by an absolute majority vote.
5.1.7. A Members’ Meeting is held every six months. Issues such as termination of membership, membership fees, and similar matters are discussed at the Members’ Meeting. The Board of Directors determines the purpose and agenda of the meeting and informs all members accordingly.
5.1.8. A General Assembly Meeting is held every year in October.
5.1.9. When necessary, an Extraordinary General Assembly may be convened by a decision of the Board of Directors or upon the written request of at least one fifth (1/5) of the members.
5.1.10. The General Assembly meeting is convened by the Board of Directors.
5.2. Duties of the General Assembly
5.2.1. The General Assembly reviews and decides on the GoFor Annual Work Plan and budget prepared by the Board of Directors.
5.2.2. The General Assembly reviews and decides on the Annual Activity Report and Financial Report prepared by the Board of Directors.
5.2.3. The General Assembly reviews and decides on the annual campaign proposals submitted by the Board of Directors.
5.2.4. The Working Procedures and Principles may be amended only by the General Assembly. Amendments are adopted by an absolute majority of those present at the General Assembly meeting.
5.4. Working Groups
5.4.1. Establishment and Working Principles
5.4.1.1. Working Groups are open to the participation of all young people from member organizations who are interested in the relevant topic. Participants are not required to be official representatives.
5.4.1.2. Participants in Working Groups must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
5.4.1.3. A Working Group may consist of a minimum of two members. There is no upper limit to the number of members.
5.4.1.4. Working Groups meet in the format and at the times they determine themselves.
5.4.1.5. Working Groups may be established upon the call of at least one member or the Secretariat.
5.4.1.6. Working Groups that have completed their mission or are no longer able to continue their activities may decide to dissolve themselves either at their own meeting or at the first subsequent Members’ Meeting or General Assembly.
5.4.2. Duties of Working Groups
5.4.2.1. Working Groups are responsible for ensuring coordination within their respective fields of work. Depending on their focus areas, the duties of Working Groups include the following:
5.4.2.2. Working Groups carry out activities to achieve the objectives defined at the time of their establishment. They prepare briefing notes and reports, submit applications for access to information, and collect data from open sources.
5.4.2.3. Working Groups are responsible for keeping all members informed about the work they carry out. They are required to present their activities and outcomes at Members’ Meetings and General Assembly Meetings.
5.5. Board of Directors
5.5.1. Election of the Board of Directors
5.5.2. The Board of Directors consists of five full members and five substitute members and serves as GoFor’s representation, governance, and decision-making body.
5.5.3. The Board of Directors is composed of representatives of organizations with legal personality. These representatives must be between the ages of 18 and 35, and at least two of the full members must be women.
5.5.4. Representatives of Full Members with legal personality may stand as candidates for full membership of the Board of Directors through lists composed of five candidates. Each list must include at least two women candidates.
5.5.5. The Board of Directors elects two spokespersons from among its members, at least one of whom must be a woman.
5.5.6. The Board of Directors is elected for a term of two years.
5.5.7. A member of the Board of Directors who fails to attend three consecutive meetings without a valid excuse shall lose their membership. In such cases, a substitute member assumes the vacant position.
5.5.8. Each member has one vote. Decisions are taken by an absolute majority.
5.5.9. The Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis, either in person or online. Meeting minutes are published on the website no later than two weeks following the meeting.
5.5.10. The Board of Directors carries out its regular work through email and other communication tools, and shares meeting outcomes through GoFor’s communication channels.
5.5.11. A member or representative may serve on the Board of Directors for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
5.5.12. Members of the Board of Directors divide responsibilities on a regional basis and maintain regular communication with members.
5.5.13. The ranking of substitute members is determined according to the zipper system, with a woman representative placed in the first position.
5.6. Duties of the Board of Directors
5.6.1. Works to ensure that GoFor carries out its activities in a timely and effective manner and fulfills its mission.
5.6.2. Communicates GoFor’s messages to the public.
5.6.3. Upholds GoFor’s position grounded in democracy and human rights.
5.6.4. Ensures transparency in all activities and processes.
5.6.5. Represents GoFor and acts as its spokesperson.
5.6.6. Leads the annual planning processes.
5.6.7. Determines the content of annual campaign plans.
5.6.8. Sets the annual budget, monitors expenditures, and ensures the implementation of independent financial audits.
5.6.9. Reviews, evaluates, and makes decisions on proposals submitted by members and Working Groups.
5.6.10. Convenes the General Assembly and presents reports to the General Assembly on activity plans and the budget.
5.6.11. The Board of Directors may establish strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, both within and outside GoFor.
5.7. Working Principles of the Advisory Board
5.7.1. The Advisory Board is composed of individuals with expertise in their respective fields.
5.7.2. Members of the Advisory Board may participate in meetings upon the request of the Board of Directors or Working Groups. They may speak, make presentations, and share opinions; however, they do not have voting rights.
5.7.3. There is no limitation on the number or age of advisors serving on the Advisory Board.
5.7.4. The Working Groups and the Board of Directors may work with as many advisors as needed, in line with their technical and expertise-related needs.
5.7.5. In addition to advisors who support the Working Groups, the Board of Directors, and GoFor as a whole, thematic advisory groups may also be established based on areas of expertise. These thematic advisory groups may focus on specific fields such as women’s rights, children’s rights, environment, human rights, communication, and similar areas.
5.8. Duties of the Advisory Board
5.8.1. The Advisory Board provides technical, legal, and academic support to the Working Groups, the Secretariat, and the GoFor Board of Directors in line with their areas of expertise.
5.8.2. The Advisory Board contributes content support to GoFor’s reports and publications issued on both a regular and ad hoc basis.
5.8.3. The Advisory Board provides technical support in the preparation of GoFor’s strategic plans.
5.9. Working Principles of the Secretariat
5.9.1. The Secretariat is accountable to the Board of Directors.
5.9.2. The Secretariat provides support to each Working Group and to the Board of Directors, and participates in meetings.
5.9.3. Secretariat staff do not have voting rights.
5.10. Duties of the Secretariat
5.10.1. Provides logistical and technical support, as well as human resources, for GoFor’s activities.
5.10.2. Establishes the necessary infrastructure to ensure effective communication among GoFor members and to promote transparency in communication.
5.10.3. Provides logistical support for GoFor meetings.
5.10.4. Prepares evaluation reports for funding institutions.
5.10.5. Monitors the activity schedules outlined in project agreements signed with funding institutions and informs the Board of Directors and the Working Groups accordingly.
5.10.6. Provides logistical support for campaigns and other activities to be carried out.
5.10.7. Duties of the General Coordinator
5.10.7.1. The General Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination of GoFor’s activities and staff. They coordinate the preparation, implementation, and reporting of projects and activities.
5.10.7.2. The General Coordinator is responsible for budget monitoring, expenditures, and reporting related to projects and activities.
5.10.7.3. The General Coordinator is responsible for staff coordination. They are authorized to open and close positions, and to organize and oversee staff working hours, working arrangements, and responsibilities.
5.10.7.4. It is recommended that the General Coordinator be granted signing authority and banking authorization on behalf of GoFor.
5.10.7.5. The General Coordinator is accountable to the Board of Directors.