1. Guide to Establishing AYICC National Chapters
RATIONALE
The African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) is a continental youth organization which comprises of membership consisting of, but not limited to, Youth organizations working in climate change and environmental sustainability issues in several African countries. AYICC is mandated to ensure active youth participation at all institutional levels as well as influence the adoption of climate friendly behavioural changes at the community and national level by developing skills and building knowledge.
In pursuit of a strong and vibrant youth climate movement in Africa, that enables youths to understand the urgency in reverting a catastrophic climate change and building a link between African youths working on climate change, adaptation and development issues at the grassroots, national and continental level, AYICC has underscored the importance of building an all inclusive and participatory youth climate movement in Africa that ensures local ownership at country level.
How To Start An AYICC National Chapter Or Branch
AYICC National Chapters represent AYICC in that particular country and are mandated to run their projects and activities in accordance with AYICC’s aims and objectives. Membership to AYICC National Chapters shall be open to all youth led organizations and individuals working on environment and climate change issues. Any organization can spearhead the entire formation process with the full participation of other organizations, individuals and groups.
Chapters shall be independent but will be overseen and monitored by AYICC Regional Coordinators who reports to the AYICC Continental Coordination Team.
Steps to Establishing AYICC National Chapters:
 Discuss the idea of establishing AYICC with at least (5) or more organizations in your country and if possible inform the ministry responsible for youths in your country, National Youth Council or umbrella body of youth organizations in your country.
 Organize a meeting or mini congress and invite interested organizations and individuals to attend and nominate an executive board to govern the affairs of AYICC in that country. AYICC National Chapters can adopt its own governance structure but an AYICC National Chapter is required to have a National Coordinator. Gender balance is core to AYICC’s values and national chapters are encouraged to adhere to this value.
 Write a formal letter on your organizations letter head and send via email addressed to AYICC’s Continental Coordinator expressing interest to establish an AYICC National Chapter in your country with minutes or report of meeting or mini congress held.
 A confirmation email will be sent to you and an application form attached required to be filled out by your executive.
 Fill and return back a complete form to AYICC Continental Coordinator. Please note that incomplete forms will not be taken into consideration. AYICC’s coordination team will review your application and send you within 10 working days a letter confirming or rejecting your application for membership. In the case your application is successful, you will be required to register AYICC with relevant authorities in your country and send your chapter’s plan of activities for that particular year to AYICC’s Secretariat.

2.  National Chapters are encouraged to officially launch AYICC in their respective countries for purposes of visibility and partnerships
 Required to be connected to all other national chapters via a mailing list
 Given full unrestricted access to the AYICC online database
 Given the opportunity to submit any articles to AYICC’s newsletters and other publications
 Required to participate in all AYICC’s activities and projects
 Eligible to apply and send representative (s) to attend AYICC international conferences and meetings
 Eligible to apply and nominate members to serve in AYICC’s Coordination Team.