| PA 251 |
Youth government
an analysis of its relationship with local governmental units
| NCPAG Laura Hann |
youth government
An analysis of its relationship with local governmental units
Preface
Youth government was built into the Philippine local government code of 1991. Almost 20 years later the dissolution of the youth involvement is being seriously considered. In most of the world, children and youth are viewed as groups to provided services to, opposed to groups to be included in service development. This article aims to discuss youth involved in local government in the Philippines, UK, South Australia and the United States. The discussion will be based on the established charters and codes of each country as well as those put forth by the United Nations.
The original concept for this report was to engage in a comparative study of the youth in youth government. The format was to be derived from interviews with an array of individuals who were or are actively participating in youth government. Due to time constraints as well as difficulty accessing the desired population the framework had to transform. The transformation did not occur until after several interviews had been completed. The information gathered from these interviews has been incorporated into this paper.
I would like to thank Professor Ilago for his guidance in my comprehension of the role and design of the local governments in the Philippines. The United Nations deserves unending gratitude for their continuing role of leading the world in formatting peace and corporation, as well as their open and accessible document library. I would also like to thank those who gave some of their time to answer my survey questions. I hope someday to have the opportunity to continue the original project, using this report as a foundation for greater understanding.
Main research topic
This paper will discuss youth involvement in local government in the Philippines, UK, South Australia and the United States, based on the established charters and codes of each country as well as those put forth by the United Nations.
Literatire review
There is an emerging movement worldwide to incorporate youth into the shaping of policies and programs. As part of this movement there is a growing amount of academic working being conducted on the topic. Within this emerging movement and growing amount of research relatively small amounts have been published, causing wide gaps in the field of youth government. In formatting my discussion I have used two main documents.
The Impact of Youth Participation in the Local Government Process; The Sangguniang Kabataan Expereice
In 2007 this focused research report was published. The objective was to examine the Filipino Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in light of the discussion of abolition. The basis of this examination was interview style with numerous local government units as well as outside actors who have a history interacting with the SK. The SK operates at the local government level, but the report lacks substantive insight into the ‘impact’ of the SK on the local government. They study results highlight examples of best practices as well as data reflecting the controversial side of the SK, including corruption and low performance.
| “the first country in the modern world to have a grassroots-based, government-funded political structure for young people that is recognized nationwide” |
Much of the report focused on, a problem solution model, arguing for the continued existence of the SK within a revised framework. This report begins the examination of the SK as the first country in the modern world to have a grassroots-based, government-funded political structure for young people that is recognized nationwide. The report provides the first stage in understating
The united Nations COnvention on the Rights of a Child
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) was signed in 1989. The nations in comparison here with the exception of the United States are all ratified signatories of it, with the United States signed but not ratified. The UNCRC outlines the governments’ obligation to serving and protecting children. This includes ensuring that the voices of the children are heard. The widespread acceptance of the UNCRC provides a basis and framework for discussions of youth rights and participation. It is well known that in practice it lacks real strength, due to the absence of enforcement mechanisms. In this comparison it has great utility in regards to application.
methodology
In researching this paper I engaged in three main dada collection activities.
1. I began with an examination of Philippine newspaper articles, specifically those on the discussion of the SK. The newspapers that I utilized included the Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times, The Enquirer and the Philippine Star. These newspapers established the basis for my understanding of the debate on the SK
2. I than sought out interviewees. For youth governments in the United States I contacted the Tampa Youth Corps and the Ann Arbor youth senate. For South Australia I contacted the Local Government of South Australia office of the youth as well as the Adelaide City Council. In the Philippines I contacted various persons who were former youth council members, including current senators, students and professors. In the Philippines I also approached a Quezon City barangay to set up an interview with their SK. The majority of these contacts did not result in interviews. Those that did, the interviews were conducted in two ways. First was through e-mailing the questionnaire and second was an in person interview when possible. Complete anonymousness was guaranteed for all those who participated in the interviews
3. Finally I examined and reviewed existing frameworks for each country as well as those put forth by the United Nations. These frameworks became the ultimate focus of my research.
Limitations
The greatest limitation in this paper was no response due to time constraints, resulting in a different aspect of investigation. Within the framework of this revised investigation it must be seen as an overview. Evaluation of more local government frameworks as well as collection of empirical evidence would create a stronger analysis.
Main Discussion
Introduction
In this discussion I will cover 4 main areas. First is to profile each of the youth governments I have selected, second will be to introduce the framework behind the youth in local government. Third I will introduce the concepts pertaining to youth in local government as presented by the United Nations and finally I will draw observation based on my research.
Profile
Tampa Youth Corps: Tampa is the fourth largest city in the US state of Florida. The city is a mid level government in the United States, comprised of a population ranging from 9,000,000 to 6, clearly varying how representative the government can be.
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK): An SK should be found in every Filipino barangay. The barangay is the lowest level of government in the Philippines, representing a population often under 1,000 families
British Youth Council: England is without a government initiated developed framework for youth involvement in local government. On the national level a youth council is operated by a nongovernmental organization exists. Through this national youth council networking is done on the local level. These local youth organizations serve around 620 communities.
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC): YAC serves in an ‘as desired’ capacity in the Australian state of South Australia at the local government level. Local governments in South Australia can have jurisdiction over populations upward of 1,000,000 people.
Framwork Behind youth in local government
In each of these case studies there are unique frameworks in the creating and funding of youth involvement at the local level. Their existence varies as much in scope as a single person innovation to a complex legal existence.
Tampa’s Youth Corps was created through individual actions of Tampa Mayor Iorio in 2003. Mayor Ilrio thought up and designed the current youth corps, technically known as the Mayors Youth Corps. Initially the Corps received its funding through JP. Morgan Chase, a corporate funder. Since its inception Tampa City council, an elected board of 7 members has allocated funding to the youth corps on an annual basis. Today the Tampa Mayors Youth Corps receives $10,000 annually from the city. In addition corporate sponsor JP Morgan Chase provides $5,000 to $10,000 annually. The Corps takes advantage of grant opportunities to provide additional resources.
The Philippines SK is a legally mandated council. The SK came into existence under the Marcos dictatorship in from 1965- 1986, and has continued to exist till today. The current legislation on the local level in the Philippines is known as the Local Government Code of 1991. The code provides an extensive explanation and inclusion of the SK, with an entire chapter dedicated to the SK as well as inclusion of the SK in several other established bodies. Below are excerpts of the framework pertaining to the SK from the Local Government Code of 1991, it reads;
SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN
SEC. 423. Creation and Election. - (a) There shall be in every barangay a sangguniang kabataan to be composed of a chairman, seven (7) members, a secretary, and a treasurer.
SEC. 425. Meetings of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The katipunan ng kabataan shall meet … to decide on important issues affecting the youth of the barangay .
SEC. 426. Powers and Functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan. - The sangguniang kabataan shall:
(a) Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth in the barangay in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Code;
(b) Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the members;
(c) Hold fund-raising activities, the proceeds of which shall be tax-exempt and shall accrue to the general fund of the sangguniang kabataan: Provided, however, That in the appropriation thereof, the specific purpose for which such activity has been held shall be first satisfied;
(d) Create such bodies or committees as it may deem necessary to effectively carry out its programs and activities;
(e) Submit annual and end-of-term reports to the sangguniang barangay on their projects and activities for the survival and development of the youth in the barangay;
(f) Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the barangay for policy formulation and program implementation;
(g) Coordinate with the appropriate national agency for the implementation of youth development projects and programs at the national level;
(h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as the sangguniang barangay may determine or delegate; and
(i) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 427. Meetings of the Sangguniang kabataan. - The sangguniang kabataan shall meet regularly once a month .
SEC. 437. Constitution and By-Laws. - The term of office, manner of election, removal and suspension of the officers of the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan at all levels shall be governed by the constitution and by-laws of the pederasyon in conformity with the provisions of this Code and national policies on youth.
Section 1. Sec. 43 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 43. Term of office. "(b) No local elective official shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms in the same position. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which the elective official concerned was elected.
In addition to clear legal backing of the SK, they receive 10% of annual barangay funding as well as any amount that they are able to raise from various fundraising activities they engage in. This 10% varies greatly in real terms due to the wide discrepancy of income from one area to the next.
In England the prominent form of youth participation in local government is through the organization of the British Youth Council (BYC). The BYC began in the 1940’s as an effort to unite young people against communism. Over the years it has developed forming local youth councils. The mandate of these local youth councils is to;
“exist(s) to represent the views of young people at a local level giving young people the opportunity to have a voice, to discuss relevant issues, engage with decision-makers and contribute to improving the lives of young people within their community”
Funding for the BYC is mixed source, coming from, private donors, grants, fees, sponsors, grants and fundraising. Government agencies have provided project based funding to the BYC. BYC, local youth councils in many cities have merged with other youth empowerment organizations, each local youth council taking on its own sources of funding.
South Australia’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is given framework in the local government youth policy. It describes the YAC as
a group of young people (12-25 years of age) who consult with other local young people, discuss local youth issues, and provide information and advice to their local Council, service delivery agencies and youth networks. Through this engagement, their views can be taken into account in decision-making processes.
Within this framework each local government unit creates their own framework and guidelines of youth participation. Adelaide City Council (whom was contacted for interviews) has a policy designed to support the large youth population in their jurisdiction. There policy states that the Adelaide City Council will;
· develop innovative approaches which will encourage and support young people to live in the City;
· facilitate the development of work and career opportunities for young people;
· work to provide learning opportunities for young people to develop skills, knowledge and work experience; and
· continue to improve access for all young people including visitors by providing support services, recreation, cultural and entertainment options.
The YAC is primarily funded through each local government it works within. The government of South Australia operates an office for the youth who provides grant funding to support local government councils in creation and strengthening of YAC’s.
UNited Nations framework
The United Nations (UN) as the leading global body has issued substantial information in regards to youth participation in local government. The principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. These principals are reflected in the most well known documents. These are the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These documents form an international framework government responsibility.
Universal declaration of human rights was adopted in 1948. It addresses participation in government in article 21. Article 21 states:
· (1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
· (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
· (3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
The UN convention on the rights of the child has been ratified by every UN nation with the exception of the United States and Somalia. The convention sets the framework for youth involvement in local government by stating:
Article 12
1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.
2. For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.
Article 13
1. The child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child's choice.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was entered into force in 1976. It provides for individuals rights in regards to thoughts and information. To quote:
Article 19
1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.
2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
United Nations funding is not all that different from youth government funding. They receive annual membership donations from participating nations. In order to prevent overdependence no member nation is allowed to donate more than 22% of the UN budget.
Observations & Interview intergration
During the month of September 2010, I conducted 5 interviews with people connected to youth government either in the Philippines or the United States. The full responses of the interviews are in appendix A.
Within in the five frameworks presented there are several things to take note of. These are the range in scale, the funding, time in operation and opportunity for shared learning. These areas have been enhanced by interview responses that I collected.
First is the range in scale of these frameworks. On the one end there are the established and mandated frameworks of the UN and the Philippine SK, in the middle are those of England and South Australia, and on the other end that of Tampa USA. Both the UN and the SK have extensive documentation outlining their roles, rights and responsibilities. England and South Australia have frameworks creating the possibility for greater detail and development as desired by each local government. Tampa USA was created without such frameworks, however has developed policies and guidelines for the youth corps on an as needed basis. These differences in scale reflect the diversity, power, freedom, and potential impact of youth governments.
The second observation that I would like to make is in regards to funding. Tampa Youth Corps and the Philippine SK both have annual pre determined budgets that they supplement through outside sources. I was able to conduct interviews with a total of 5 people between these two groups. I asked them five budget related questions. 1. Did your council have any type of budget? This was to reveal their awareness of a budgets existence. 2. What type? This was to discover how much they knew. 3. How much was your annual budget? This revealed the level of transparency in youth budgets. 4. How did you spend it? This was asked to assertion the level of youth control over the budget. 5. How were those spending choices made? This question was asked to reveal any trends or abnormalities in budget use.
Among all 5 respondents limited knowledge of the budget existed. All had awareness that there youth government had a budget; however they could not say how much. For the SK and the Tampa Youth Corps the government allocated budgets are public knowledge, finable with an internet search, however the youth who these budgets are allocated for lack information about them. In Tampa the youth I interviewed could not identify what type of budget their corps had. All interviewed mentioned financial control being exercised by an adult whom was connected with the youth government. This adult made the choice of how the spending was done. One former SK member stated that his SK budget was taken by a senior barangay official. One Tampa corps member said that they believed they money was used for trainings and transportation for the youth corps.
| The Philippines is way ahead of this movement |
Third is the length of time the frameworks have been in existence. The Philippine SK, the British Youth Council and the UN frameworks have all been in existence for over 20 years. The South Australia youth council and the Tampa Youth Corps are both newer in existence. UNICEF did a study in 2007 and found that youth in government is globally on the rise. This can be reflected by the comparatively recent development of the Australia and Tampa groups. The UNICEF researches believe that “The Philippines is way ahead of this movement”. The British Youth Council is significantly different from the other three councils since its framework originated and remains separate from that of the government.
Finally, the frameworks support the UNICEF findings of the newness of the youth government movement. The Australian and American councils are part of the global movement to treat youth as people, people who have the human right to access and influence their government. For most of the world that is endeavoring into the concept and implementation of youth involvement in local government they are making the most educated choices possible in policy development and implementation. Considering the newness of this movement it is rare to find a system that is developed flawlessly upon the first try. It is common practice to revise and modify systems as they develop. The Philippines SK is the oldest and most comprehensive youth involvement in local government system in the world. Revisions, pertaining to the SK, have been made on the 1991 Local Government code. The Philippines is in the position to provide guidance and leadership to the local governments of the world in regards to developing best practice systems. The abolition of the SK would deprive the Philippines as well as the world of this learning opportunity. The framework for the SK is detailed and comprehensive, it is in need of revision, in practice the framework has encountered several difficulties that can be used as learning opportunities. One interviewee expressed support for limitations on the number of SK members. Several respondents expressed their view that youth government as part of local governments are more effective if the goal is to impact the policies and actions of elected officials. One respondent felt that it was better to have youth government separate from local government to limit the opportunity for adult officials to corrupt the youth.
These observations highlight the diversity among youth involvement in local government. As youth participation in local government continues to rise these early frameworks can provided a basis for new forms to emerge.
Summeay
The United Nations declaration of human rights establishes a standard of involvement in government. Local government is the most effective mechanism for meeting that participation standard. The Philippines, Tampa USA and South Australia have all created internal government frameworks that allow youth to exercise their human right of the freedom to be involved in government. The British government continues to be without a governmental framework; civil society identified this gap and has been working with British youth to give them a political voice while separate from the government.
UNICEF has found that youth government is a growing movement; these four examples presented here represent the established and the newly developed. Budgetary complexities exist in all four cases examined here. Each youth group had some format of funding. The Philippine and Tampa youth groups had government allocated budgets. In these two places the youth interviewed expressed no control of involvement in their budget use. The frameworks differ from one to another in content and scale, highlighting the diversity and impact of youth government.
The interviews conducted suggest similar views and experiences between youth government bodies in the US and the Philippines. These similarities support the concept that guidance as well as program improvement can be universal.
Questions Raised
As mentioned in the introduction a comparison of youth in local government is needed in the discourse of the global rise of youth governmental bodies. Looking at the questions, in what ways are the youth the same and in what ways are they different, and do these similarities and differences translate into the results being seen among the performance and acceptance of youth involvement in local government? Gaining comprehensive understanding of these two questions will allow greater incidences of best practice youth government integration into local government.
This paper was prompted by the debate around the potential abolishment of the SK. During my research I was surprised to discover how little academic work has been conducted about the SK’s role in local government. There appears to be a huge gap in research on this level, raising the question of how can an effective conversation surrounding the future of the SK occur when comprehensive information and analysis is absent? The reoccurring arguments for the dissolution include: The youth are being exposed to the bad side of politics too early. It is difficult for young people to balance their many obligations. The SK members are usually from a political family. The SK budget is used corruptly. I would like to suggest that these arguments are relatively weak given the current lack of data. I would also suggest that as seen in this analysis the SK model is not the only youth government model and revision over dissolution would allow the Philippines to stay “ahead of the trend”.
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