UCYPAA Bylaws

Revised January 15, 2026

1.0 Purpose

The Utah Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (UCYPAA) was formed for the purpose of carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) through its planning and hosting an annual Conference for young people in AA. The Conference provides an opportunity for AA members, regardless of age, to come together and share their experience, strength, and hope as members of AA. To bring young people into the mainstream of Alcoholics Anonymous through service to the conference committee. Our hope is that Conference attendees return to their home groups better prepared to welcome young people into their local AA community.

2.0 Committee Guidelines

1. Business Meetings – Should be held at least once a month. With additional meetings set by the Chairperson leading up to the conference.
   1. A group inventory should be held annually, recommended to be held at the mid-year. 
   2. Voting Privileges – Anyone in attendance at a regular UCYPAA committee business meeting has the right to vote. All in attendance also have the right to abstain from voting for any reason. 
2. Treasury – Bank account has three signers: Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary. Should be set up with:
   1. Separate Operating fund account with any funds in excess of prudent reserve.
      1. It is suggested to collect pre-registrations at the previous year’s ! to establish seed money for the following year’s operating fund.
   2. Prudent reserve account in amount of $1000.
   3. Monies collected over these amounts should be dispersed after the conference each year as follows:
      1. Area 69: 50%
      2. GSO: 50%
   4. All spending must be approved by group conscience. If unforeseen circumstances arise, the group can discuss reimbursement at the next business meeting.
   5. All group business, including financial decisions and fundraising, should be done in line with AA’s 12 Traditions.
3. Facility Selection – Historically UCYPAA has been held as a campout, but is not required to remain so. Some considerations: the venue should be priced fairly reasonably for young alcoholics to easily attend. The venue should have amenities to 3prepare and store food as well as separate rooms for activities, meetings, panels, and hospitality space. The venue should have main meeting space available for 100+ attendees with chairs and tables to accommodate all attendees for meetings, outreach tables for other YPAA conferences, meals, registration, merch, badge decorating, and craft stations. The venue should also have backups for all the above activities in the case of weather.
4. Executive Committee – UCYPAA has based its permanent committee positions (Executive Committee) on a rotation basis. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary. Qualifications for these members are outlined in section 3.0. The rotation basis is important because it helps to ensure that Executive Committee members have an introduction and some knowledge of the operations, procedures, and commitments it requires to plan and execute the Conference.
   1. Suggested Qualifications for Executive Committee Positions – It is strongly suggested that if possible, the new Executive Committee member have served on the Committee for the previous year’s Conference. This is to ensure that the new Executive Committee member has an introduction to the knowledge of the procedures, planning processes, and commitment it takes to put on the Conference. 
   2. In the event that an Executive Committee position vacancy occurs, rotation and/or election should be held to fill the position immediately. Example: if the Treasurer cannot rotate to the Chairperson position, the Secretary should rotate to Chairperson and an election should be held to fill the resulting Secretary and Treasurer vacancies.
      1. Rotation for the Executive Committee is outlined as such:

1. Secretary – Elected using Third Legacy procedures on the final day of the current UCYPAA Conference.
2. Treasurer – The previous year’s Secretary rotates into this position for the upcoming host year.
3. Chair – The previous year’s Treasurer rotates into this position for the upcoming host year.
   1. The previous year’s chair may stand for any non-executive position at a future business meeting.
4. Elections – Elections should follow the Third Legacy Procedure, found in the A.A. Service Manual. Candidates for positions will be chosen by way of standing and presenting a service resume. The Chairperson should then read the duties and responsibilities of the position. Each candidate should be asked if they understand the duties and responsibilities and if they are willing and able to fulfill these requirements. Any questions shall be answered at that time. All candidates who answered both questions in the affirmative shall then be put to a vote in the Third Legacy Procedure. The initial Executive Committee election shall take place during the Conference and remaining positions will be elected at future business meetings. Committee members should exercise extreme care when selecting a candidate for the Committee. Please refer to the spirit of Concept Nine which states “Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them, are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and safety.”
   1. Election Eligibility – An individual must attend two business meetings to be eligible for election. At their second meeting, an individual may stand for election.
   2. Requirements for all Committee Members – The UCYPAA Committee should consist of young people, for all positions, who are in Alcoholics Anonymous in Utah, and can carry the message and practice AA’s principles. Thus, we shall elect trusted servants who will be expected to:
      1. Maintain continuous sobriety.
      2. Have a sponsor and practice AA’s 12 Steps and 12 Traditions.
      3. Regularly attend business meetings and committee events.
      4. Participate in and remain up to date on UCYPAA’s chosen group communication platform.
      5. Fulfill their elected service position, to the best of their ability, as outlined in their position description (section 3.0).
   3. Attendance Policy for all Elected Positions
      1. Two consecutive absences from a business meeting without extenuating circumstances will be considered an automatic resignation by the member and the position will be refilled as soon as possible.
      2. It is the responsibility of the committee member to communicate extenuating circumstances to an Executive Committee member.
      3. The committee member should make every effort to send a report in the case of absence due to an extenuating circumstance.
   4. Resignation and Removal – Resignations must be brought to the Executive Committee. In the case of an individual being unable to fulfill their position’s term or responsibilities, careful selection by the Committee should be made for the candidate that best fills the suggested qualifications. Election for any vacant position is to be held immediately following removal or resignation. Cause for a member being removed from their position on UCYPAA includes the following and applies to all UCYPAA committee members:
      1. A break in continuous sobriety. 
      2. Two consecutive absences from a regular UCYPAA business meeting without notice to the Executive Committee as outlined above in E, iii.
      3. Failure to complete the responsibilities of their position as outlined above in section E, ii.

Additional causes for a member being removed from their position may be determined at the discretion of the Executive Committee on a case by case basis. Individual committee members can also bring concerns to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will bring a recommendation for removal to the committee at large. Following discussion, the committee at large can then motion for removal, which must pass by two thirds majority, for a committee member to be removed. No member may be removed from their position in any case without a documented motion passed at a regular business meeting. The Executive Committee is responsible for notifying the member removed of any action taken regarding their position.

6. Social Media Statement of Purpose: The purpose of any social media channel this Committee may employ shall be expressly for the purpose of outreaching the UCYPAA Conference as well as to promote unity within the AA community while maintaining the spirit of Tradition Five. In accordance with the Tenth Tradition, we ask users of any social media channel to maintain a respectful environment, and to limit posts or comments to AA-related topics.

3.0 UCYPAA Committee Positions

1. Chair
2. Co-Chair
3. Treasurer
4. Secretary
5. Outreach
6. Inreach
7. Inreach Co-Chair
8. Facilities
9. Programs
10. Programs Co-Chair
11. Volunteer Coordinator
12. Culinary Jedi
13. Culinary Padawan
14. Events
15. Events Co-Chair
16. Registration
17. Registration Co-Chair
18. Merchandise
19. Graphics
20. Tech Master
21. Unity
22. Tickets and Raffle
23. Third Legacy
24. Prayer

Chairperson – Executive Committee

Suggested length of sobriety is two years. Service to the Committee in the previous Conference year.

Suggested to reside in the state of Utah.

1. Arrange for and announce the agenda of all UCYPAA Committee meetings via UCYPAA’s chosen group communication platform at least one week prior to the next scheduled meeting.
2. Officiate all UCYPAA Committee meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order as guidelines.
3. Facilitate all business in accordance with the UCYPAA bylaws and maintain an in-depth understanding of the bylaws. 
4. Responsible for the contract with the facility being discussed and signed.
5. Ensure, in coordination with Third Legacy, that all committee position holders adhere to UCYPAA bylaws, the 12 Concepts of World Service, and the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.
6. Be a signatory on all bank accounts.
7. Chairperson is required to abstain from voting during regular business meetings, but is still encouraged to participate in discussion about group business. 

Co-Chair

Suggested length of sobriety is one year.

i. Assist the Chairperson with all the above duties as needed.

ii. The Co-Chair is not responsible for becoming a signatory on all bank accounts.

iii. Fill in vacant positions until it can be filled.

Treasurer – Executive Committee

Suggested length of sobriety is three years. Service to the Committee in the previous Conference year. Suggested to reside in the state of Utah.

Accurate and detailed records of all transactions, reimbursements, and expenses is vital for this position. Reimbursements to committee members or others can be made via cash, check, or Venmo. It is recommended that this position has access to and is experienced with using Venmo, and if needed alternatives are acceptable. 

1. Keep accurate financial records of all UCYPAA transactions.
2. Submit a financial report at each UCYPAA Committee meeting.
3. Have in their possession at each UCYPAA Committee meeting: all bank statements, deposits, and checkbooks in order to be prepared to make deposits and disbursements. 
4. Maintain all bank accounts, which are subject to inspection at any time.
5. Be a signatory on all bank accounts.
6. Must be employed, have a bank account, and have a permanent address.
7. Maintain a prudent reserve of $1000.
8. Make contributions to the appropriate service structure entities post-conference.
9. Works directly with the Registration Chairperson at the Conference, and throughout the year to determine who has paid and not paid yet.
10. Prepares statement at the end of the Conference year with expenses and income of the year-end.
11. Prepares projected budget for the next Conference to be submitted at the new Conference Committee’s business meeting following the election meeting.

Secretary – Executive Committee

Suggested length of sobriety is two years. Service to the Committee in the previous Conference year. Suggested to reside in the state of Utah.

1. Act as a custodian of all UCYPAA materials.
2. Keep minutes of all UCYPAA Committee meetings (e.g. chronological list of motions passed, etc.) and make them available to all members via UCYPAA’s chosen group communication platform and Google Drive.
3. Maintain the chosen UCYPAA group communication platform: ensure all Committee members have access, all events are in the group calendar, and any related tasks.
4. Furnish information from UCYPAA records to anyone who requests it. 
5. Maintain a phone list of committee members at business meetings/events.
6. Assists the Chairperson and Treasurer with registration at the conference. This is vital as the Secretary should become the next Treasurer and will be doing registration the next year.
7. Assists the Chairperson and Treasurer at any function or activity throughout the year between Conferences.

Outreach Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is one year.

Outreach is one of the single most important jobs of the Committee and is not only the responsibility of the Outreach Chairperson; it is the responsibility of the whole Committee. Outreach maintains a focus on connecting with communities and areas outside of Utah, particularly other YPAA/AA conferences/committees to spread the word about UCYPAA and co-host events or other opportunities. One of the ultimate goals of this position is to achieve participation at UCYPAA from other states and establish connections for future opportunities.

i. Establish and maintain communication about UCYPAA with communities outside the state of Utah including other AA/YPAA groups/conferences, and minority groups within AA via announcements, flyers, and more at their discretion.

ii. Define and coordinate liaison positions to serve as points of contact for individual communities as needed.

iii. The Outreach Chairperson should do their best to discover any upcoming AA events and ensure that someone from the UCYPAA Committee does outreach at these events.

iv. Collaborate with the Inreach Chairperson on all the above duties as needed. 

v. Suggested to have reliable transportation and a valid Driver’s License. 

Inreach Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is one year.

Inreach is one of the single most important jobs of the Committee and is not only the responsibility of the Inreach Chairperson; it is the responsibility of the whole Committee. Inreach’s responsibilities are very similar to Outreach, but maintains a focus on YPAA/AA groups, rural communities, minority demographics, and events within the state of Utah. Inreach also serves as UCYPAA’s liaison to the general service structure within the state of Utah (Area 69). One of the ultimate goals of Inreach is to achieve participation at UCYPAA from new communities and demographics within the state of Utah and maintain a strong connection between UCYPAA and Utah’s General Service structure and Central Offices.  

i. Establish and maintain communication about UCYPAA to AA/YPAA groups within the state of Utah via announcements, flyers, meeting takeovers, and more at their discretion.

ii. Establish and maintain communication about UCYPAA to environments such as schools, treatment centers, rural communities, and minority groups within AA via announcements, flyers, meeting takeovers, and more at their discretion. 

iii. Establish and maintain communication about UCYPAA to Area 69 and all districts and central offices within the state of Utah via flyers, announcements at Area and District gatherings and more at their discretion.

1. Proactively ensure the dates for UCYPAA do not conflict with any area or district events.

iv. Define and coordinate liaison positions to serve as points of contact for individual communities as needed.

v. Collaborate with the Outreach Chairperson on all the duties above as needed. 

Inreach Co-Chair

No sobriety requirement.

The Inreach Co-Chair assists with all inreach-related duties while maintaining frequent communication and collaboration with the Chairperson. Additional duties as determined by the Inreach Chairperson and the Host Committee.

Programs Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is one year.

The Programs Chairperson may call for a subcommittee at any time to receive assistance with their duties from other committee members. A subcommittee is recommended for selecting panel topics, activities, and speakers for the Conference itself. It’s recommended to carefully choose speakers/panelists who effectively carry the message of AA and have relevant experience with the topic as well as to choose speakers from a variety of backgrounds, genders, age, etc. Consider including participation from groups such as Alateen and Al-Anon within the Conference and events.

1. Organize meeting and activity structures at all UCYPAA events, including the Conference itself.
2. Find and arrange for main speakers and/or panelists for all UCYPAA events, including the Conference itself.
3. Ensure accessibility needs of Conference attendees are met to the best of the Committee’s ability. This may include audio/visual considerations based on the facility location selected.
4. Responsible for preparing a general layout of the conference program 60 days in advance of the Conference for the Committee to review and approve.
5. Responsible for creating and printing reading handouts and meeting formats for all UCYPAA panels and main meetings.
6. Collaborate with the Graphics Chairperson to publish the final UCYPAA Program at least two weeks prior to the Conference dates.
7. Collaborate with the Events Chairperson on all duties above as needed. 

Programs Co-Chair

No sobriety requirement.

The Programs Co-Chair assists with all program-related duties while maintaining frequent communication and collaboration with the Chairperson. Additional duties as determined by the Programs Chairperson and the Host Committee.

Volunteer Coordinator

Suggested length of sobriety is 3 months.

The Volunteer Coordinator’s responsibilities apply at the Conference itself as well as any UCYPAA events leading up to the Conference. It should be noted that all of the duties listed below are not the sole responsibility of the Volunteer Chairperson and should be delegated to any and all volunteers. 

1. Responsible for getting volunteers to assist with duties such as coffee, meeting set-up, etc.
2. Responsible for making sure coffee pots are obtained and hauled to the conference if needed and ensuring coffee is made all weekend.
3. Responsible for getting volunteers to help set up and clean up the meals in collaboration with the Culinary Jedi.
4. Responsible for getting volunteers to help set up and break down the speaker meetings.
5. Responsible for getting volunteers to help maintain the hospitality needs at the Conference. Coordinating with other YPAA committees to provide snacks/supplies is encouraged. 
6. Coordinate with Programs Chairperson to assess volunteer needs for the program like chairing panels, main meetings, sobriety countdowns, state roll calls, readings, and lead other special activities and events at the Conference. 
7. Collaborate with the Events, Programs, and Facilities Chairpersons on the above duties as needed.

Culinary Jedi

Suggested length of sobriety is 6 months.

Responsible for food plans, resulting budgets, shopping for, preparing, and cleaning up all food and food-related tasks for all UCYPAA events and all Conference meals. Encouraged to collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure adequate support throughout the weekend of the Conference and events.

1. Responsible for coming up with food/drink ideas and logistics for all UCYPAA events and the Conference itself.
   1. Food/snacks and drinks may be needed for events leading up to UCYPAA, this is determined in coordination with the Events Chairperson on a case-by-case basis. 
   2. If we run out of food at the conference, the Culinary Jedi is responsible for finding a solution. 
2. Responsible for setting a budget for approval by the full Committee, buying all necessary food items for events and the Conference itself. 
3. Responsible for collaborating with the Volunteer Coordinator and Events Chairperson to prepare food, drinks, and snacks for events and the Conference itself.
4. Responsible for considering dietary requirements of attendees as feasible.
5. Responsible for ensuring adequate supplies of all food related items including cutlery, plates, napkins, condiments, etc at all UCYPAA events and the Conference.

Culinary Padawan

No sobriety requirement.

The Culinary Padawan assists with all culinary-related duties while maintaining frequent communication and collaboration with the Jedi. Additional duties as determined by the Culinary Jedi and the Host Committee.

Events Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is one year. Service to the Committee in the previous Conference year. 

This is one of UCYPAA’s more time consuming positions, and is vital to the success of the Conference. The ultimate goal of this position is to plan and execute profitable and well-attended events to raise money for the Conference and create fellowship opportunities. It’s recommended to plan each event 2+ months in advance to ensure appropriate time to outreach and plan. This also helps prevent overlap with other 12 step events in Utah. It’s also recommended to utilize subcommittees as needed for planning event ideas in advance. 

1. Plan and present ideas for UCYPAA events leading up to the Conference. 
2. Responsible for finding out when other AA and recovery events are taking place in order to assure that UCYPAA events do not conflict with anyone else’s.
3. Responsible for sourcing and securing a place to hold events as far in advance as possible.
4. Coordinate with Volunteer Chairperson on tasks as needed.

Events Co-Chair

No sobriety requirement.

The Events Co-Chair assists with all events-related duties while maintaining frequent communication and collaboration with the chairperson. Additional duties as determined by the Events Chairperson and the Host Committee.

Registration Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is one year. Service to the Committee in the previous Conference year. 

It’s recommended to have the next year’s registration form prepared at the current year’s conference to gather pre-registrations as soon as possible. An accurate list of registrants should be accessible to the Committee at all times. 

1. Build registration form using Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, or other platform for review and approval by the full Committee. 
2. Maintain an accurate list of attendees who have pre-registered and designate a cabin room to them as requested. 
3. Responsible for collecting registration materials (name badges, ribbons, stickers, etc.) before the Conference at their discretion
4. Responsible for notifying the Committee of and accommodating any accessibility or dietary requests submitted on a registration form.
5. Has a meeting with the Treasurer and other committee members at least one week prior to the Conference to formulate a registration plan for the Conference.
6. Emails to attendees in advance of the Conference with need to know information.

Registration Co-Chair

No sobriety requirement.

The Registration Co-Chair assists with all registration-related duties while maintaining frequent communication and collaboration with the Chairperson. Additional duties as determined by the Registration Chairperson and the Host Committee.

Merchandise Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is one year. Service to the Committee in the previous Conference year. 

1. Create unique and exciting recovery-based items for sale at events or the website such as clothing, playing cards, bandanas, coffee mugs, etc.
2. Maintains inventory for all UCYPAA merchandise and reports regularly to the Committee.
3. Propose at least two options for approval for every item to be produced by UCYPAA.
4. Submits collected monies to the Treasurer as soon as possible following receipt.

Graphics Chairperson

No sobriety requirement.

1. Design and produce, digitally and in print, all event flyers and signage including the Conference Program in collaboration with the Programs Chairperson.
2. At the request of the Merchandise Chairperson, may also provide graphics for reproduction.
3. All creative works must be original or derived from the public domain.

Tech Master

No sobriety requirement. Recommended to be familiar with Instagram, Facebook, and social media generally.

1. Maintains the official UCYPAA website and social media accounts with news, information, event calendar, event fliers, registration, and contact information.
2. Provides event flyers and conference flyers to Area 69 and Central Offices for publication on their sites.
3. Utilizes social media for outreach purposes in collaboration with the Outreach and Inreach Chairpersons.

Unity Chairperson

No sobriety requirement.

i. Plan and organize group events for all UCYPAA members to promote unity within the committee.

ii. Welcome new UCYPAA committee member(s). Including but not limited to providing a warm, personalized welcome, sharing key info (bylaws, contacts, goals), outlining open roles & expectations, connecting them with resources/people for easy integration, and setting a supportive tone for their contribution to the group’s primary purpose. 

Tickets and Raffle Chairperson

No sobriety requirement.

i. Maintain an inventory, set prices, and sell raffle tickets for opportunity drawings at planned UCYPAA events. 

ii. Gather past merchandise or prizes to be raffled off. 

Third Legacy Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is two years. Possess a working knowledge of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts per the most current version of the AA Service Manual.

i. Give or delegate a monthly presentation on the Concept and Tradition corresponding to the number of the month and facilitate discussion on this topic.

Prayer Chairperson

No sobriety requirement.

i. Open and close all UCYPAA meetings with a prayer of choice (ie. Serenity Prayer, Responsibility Statement, etc.).

ii. Provide verbal reminders of the spiritual element of our service work during meetings as needed.

iii. In the event of conflict or tension, may stop meetings to pray or read spiritual material.

Facilities Chairperson

Suggested length of sobriety is one year.

This position is responsible for ensuring every attendee has a safe and comfortable experience at UCYPAA and that our Committee reflects the best possible example of alcoholics in recovery. Adherence to each rule by every attendee and committee member at UCYPAA’s chosen facility is extremely important. Some considerations include: proximity to outreach/inreach demographics, weather/temperature for the chosen date range (typically late May), parking availability, whether campers are allowed, pet/animal restrictions, weather backups for tent campers, and more. 

i. Responsible for sourcing at least 3 options for a facility to host the next year’s UCYPAA at least 9 months in advance of the committee’s chosen date range. 

ii. Present cost, location, restrictions, and dates available for review and approval by the full Committee.

iii. Collaborate with Tech Master to ensure a packing list and a facilities information/rules document is available on the website for attendees to access via ucypaa.org.

iv. Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to ensure committee members are prepared to assist in set-up and tear down of the Conference according to facility rules. 

4.0 Special Considerations for the Conference

1. Merchandise
   1. The Conference Committee may use its discretion when ordering memorabilia to be sold at the Conference. However, when setting prices, the Committee should remember that UCYPAA is not in the business of making substantial profit. UCYPAA does not allow any outside vendors at the Conference.
2. Speaker Selection
   1. It is suggested the speakers reflect the intent of hosting a young person’s conference. Speakers should, generally, reflect younger people in recovery. They should also reflect the diversity of a young person’s community.
3. Facility and Weather
   1. Given this is traditionally a campout, time of year and back-up facilities for inclement weather should be strongly considered by the Committee.
   2. There are many AA events within the YPAA and local AA community. Experience has shown it is prudent to consider Area Assemblies, ICYPAA, WACYPAA, and SWACYPAA Conference dates when selecting a date and facility location.

5.0 Amendment Procedures

1. Any UCYPAA committee member may propose an amendment to the bylaws.
2. Approval of bylaws amendments requires a two thirds majority of the members present.
3. Any proposed amendment to this structure and guidelines shall be submitted in writing to the current Chairperson and Secretary.
4. The Chairperson shall include the proposed amendment on the agenda of the next UCYPAA Host Committee business meeting.
5. If adopted, the Secretary will retype the page or pages in this structure and guidelines to reflect the adopted amendment, exactly as it was submitted and adopted.
6. Every five years, the Chairperson should appoint an ad hoc committee to review and update the guidelines and submit to the current year’s Committee for approval.