Whenever the General Council meets in person, it has an accompanying event bringing high-school aged youth together across the country. Each regional council, along with the National Indigenous Organization, selects a number of youth to participate (customarily five or so). Youth Forum participants are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the General Council. They are granted corresponding member status allowing them to be part of the proceedings and contribute to the discussion. Some of them have been elected as Commissioners, meaning they will also vote on matters.
Youth Forum attendees participate in the sessions of the General Council. They also have their own events.
Being part of Youth Forum has been an important step in the formation of many of our current leaders. For some, it was their first experience of the breadth and work of the United Church, and it inspired a lifetime of service in them.