Be a Youth Delegate at TCC's Annual Convention

 

What is Convention?


Youth Delegates work on writing resolutions

The TCC Annual Convention is one of the most important events for the organization and for the people in our region. During the weeklong gathering of the TCC Board of Directors and other members of the region, issues affecting Alaska Native peoples are discussed. The purpose of the event is to hear reports of past activities and create resolutions that will direct the focus of TCC into the future. 

What will you do as a Youth Delegate?
  • You will travel to Fairbanks
  • You will live, work and play with up to 15 other youth.
  • You will participate in convention; attend subregional meetings, listen to speeches, addresses, etc. and write resolutions about youth issues
  • Receive political lessons
  • Represent your peers (as an ambassador)
  • Speak out and have a voice (a chance to voice your opinion) 
  • Meet with political leaders 
  • Participate in Native craft workshops
  • Learn how and why to write
  • Receive college credit

Getting to know each other. 

Why Should You apply?

2002 Youth Delegates

When you apply to attend convention, you are making a statement about yourself. You are elevating yourself as a representative for all youth throughout the region. Your actions and words speak for those who can’t come. This is serious business, but at the same time we make it fun! You will be challenged, but you will also be rewarded. Your knowledge and experience will increase greatly.

When was the last time you were offered the opportunity to speak about issues important to youth in front of 300 or more people?  

 

How to Apply?

To become a Youth Delegate at Convention you must write a 2-page essay on a topic designated by Youth Employment Services.  This is announced a couple of months before convention.

  • Applications are due in the YES Office in mid-February

  • Once selections are made we will contact you with more detailed information

Check back in January 2003 for a new application and essay topic.


Hear from Previous Youth Delegates

On leadership...

“ A strong leader is a person who thinks before doing something, leads their friends in the right and safe direction.” Tamera Captain, Ruby

“ A strong leader is someone who cares for the 'people', not just him/herself.” Jared Vanderpool, McGrath

“ A strong leader is a person who has the ability to do what he/she says they’re going to do, and has good responsibility.” Anonymous Youth
On the Youth Delegate experience...

“I learned a lot about how to be a good leader. I also learned a lot about how TCC operates.” Tera Titus

“ I gained leadership skills and made some lasting friendships.”- Anonymous Youth

“ I learned that there are a lot more Native issues than I originally thought,, I learned  a lot about how Native politics works and I learned how to listen when people talk. " Anonymous Youth  

“My favorite activity for the day was rock climbing” Clarence Frank, Venetie

“My favorite activity for the day was making a speech.” -Ivan Demientieff, Holy Cross 
(regarding his youth address to the Convention on subsistence).

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