A Unique Concept

Since WCYC 2008 will focus on issues and decisions that affect youth ministry, the need for official delegates will be more important than in recent history. Delegates, chosen by their churches, will be involved with pertinent youth-related issues, crucial discussions and critical decisions. Therefore, it is important that delegates be chosen among those youth who show an appropriate level of spiritual maturity, demonstrate potential leadership, and are willing to express viewpoints and perspectives.

There are four (4) types of delegates:

• Regular Delegates: Youth representatives from each church or recognized group/company within NPUC and PUC. They are selected by their local church through confirmation by the church board and have the power to take official votes and speak to issues in delegate sessions. They may also participate in all congress activities and functions. Each church, company or group may send up to one per cent (1%) of its official church membership at the end of the first quarter of 2007 rounded to the nearest tenth. (For example: At the end of the first quarter of 2007, Breath of Life SDA Church reports an official membership of 600. 600 X 1%= 6 regular delegates; or Elmhurst records a membership of 450. 450 X 1% = 4.5 or 5 regular delegates). Alternates may also be selected to fill role if a voted delegate is no longer available.

• Super-Delegates: Youth/associate pastors, senior pastors, and educators from each conference of NPUC and PUC. One youth/associate pastor, one senior pastor, and one educator (i.e. principal or teacher) may be selected from each conference. These delegates will be chosen and confirmed by the coordinators of each region and will have the power to take official votes, speak to issues in delegate sessions, and participate in all congress activities and functions. (For example: Central California Conference and Washington Conference will be able to select and send three super-delegates each—one youth/associate pastor, one senior pastor, and one educator).

• Special Delegates: All SDA credentialed conference employees including pastors, teachers, departmental leaders and associates. Special delegates may speak to issues in delegate sessions, participate in all congress activities and functions but may not take official votes. **Special: Conferences with youth federations may include as special delegates official presidents of each functioning federation.

• Delegates-At-Large: Youth or young adults not officially selected by their churches as regular delegates but who want to participate in other congress activities and functions (i.e. workshops, general sessions, community service projects, concerts, etc.). May also include adults. However, there will be a fee to participate. *Group leaders and/or chaperones that are not regular delegates, super-delegates, or special delegates would be included in this category. Delegates-at-large may not take official votes or speak to issues in delegate sessions.

*Group Leaders and Chaperones: Most delegates will be attending the youth congress as representatives from churches as groups. Group leaders are those persons (adults) who are responsible for their church group delegation, and take the lead in making sure each delegate is registered properly. These leaders are also the key contact persons for their group. Chaperones are responsible for the supervision of delegates under 18 years of age. We are requiring that all chaperones be at least 25 years of age or above, and that one chaperone be provided for every five minors (Ratio 1:5).

Special Features

Delegate Sessions. These sessions will involve the presentation, discussion, and voting on various youth-related topics and issues that loom prominently in the African American churches. Sample topics may include a Christian’s response to the AIDS crisis within the Black community, gang violence, teen pregnancy, youth missions, Christian education, and youth involvement in church leadership, etc. Though all may attend the delegate sessions only delegates with voting privileges may fully participate.

General Sessions. Time will be allotted for worship during the general sessions. These may be attended by all delegates and the general public. The services will feature inspirational music, spiritual messages, drama, and other various worship features--all done in a youth-friendly environment!

Workshops/Seminars. Seminars will be presented throughout the congress on various youth-related issues and may be attended by all delegates.

Community Projects. Opportunities will be given during the congress for all delegates and others to participate in community service projects throughout the San Diego community.

Late-night Congress. Various artists, features, and social activities will be presented nightly for the enjoyment of all delegates and congress participants.

Guidelines for Selecting Regular Delegates

• Discuss names of potential delegates with youth leaders and pastor

• Consider delegates who will speak to youth issues and will best represent your church

• Consider delegates who display an appropriate level of spiritual maturity and leadership

• Select delegates and present to the church board for final approval

• Register delegates and include pastor’s authorization and other pertinent forms