I. Mission Statement
         The Tamil Sangam of Carolina Youth Council (TYC) is dedicated to empowering Tamil youth through meaningful community service, cultural leadership, innovation and comprehensive college/career readiness. By bridging traditional heritage with modern professional development, TYC cultivates a generation of leaders rooted in Tamil identity and equipped for post-secondary success.

II. Membership & Scope

• Eligibility: Open to children of TSC members from Grade 6 through Graduate School.
• Mentorship Model: Parents and university-level TSC members serve as mentors to middle and high school students, fostering a pipeline of inspiration and guidance.
• Structure: The council operates year-round, aligning with the academic calendar.

III. Strategic Pillars & Programming

• Community Service & Civic Engagement: Environmental Stewardship via participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program (Ages 12+). Monthly cleanups include safety briefings, PPE compliance, and impact tracking (bags collected/miles maintained). Operational support for Sangam programs builds logistical accountability. Outreach includes seasonal drives for school supplies, food banks, and cross-cultural exchanges with local partners.
• Cultural and Social Leadership: Rotating heritage modules in Tamil oratory, music, digital media, and visual arts. Professional skills training in project management, conflict resolution, and public speaking. An annual capstone presentation at TSC festivals showcases outcomes.
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Pilot Year): “Youth Pitch” featuring a guided curriculum on problem solving, budgeting, and pitch coaching culminating in a “Shark Tank” style pitch. STEM engagement includes coding, robotics, maker activities, and science demos.
• College & Career Readiness: SME Sessions providing a five-part series (one introductory session for parents/students, four student-only deep dives into applications and resumes). Mentorship networks featuring NC college alumni and panels. Experiential job-shadowing opportunities and site visits.

IV. Governance & Safety

    Leadership Hierarchy and Function

• Youth Council Director: Typically appointed by the TSC Board to run the council for the term of the current board.
• Adult Advisory Board: Consists of all strategic pillar leads who conduct quarterly reviews to ensure mission alignment.
• Youth Executive Board: Consists of a Student Chair, Vice-Chair, and Leads for Service, Careers, Cultural Arts, and Communications. Positions are rotational to ensure diverse leadership experience.
• Parental Circle: Two board-appointed TSC community members providing logistical and feedback support.

    Safeguarding & Compliance

• Supervision: Strict adherence to the “Two-Adult Rule” for all youth activities.
• Vetting: Comprehensive background checks for all adult advisors and frequent volunteers.
• Administration: Mandatory parental consent, medical emergency forms, and a signed Youth Code of Conduct.

V. Performance & Accountability
      To be defined six months into the launch of the TYC.

VI. Reporting & Communication
      Team leads will publish monthly/quarterly performance reports via the TSC Portal. Coordination currently occurs via the TSC WhatsApp community groups while long-term infrastructure is finalized.

VII. TYC Coordinators