Operation of CEPIA

CEPIA is composed of 34 advisers: people aged between 8 and 17 years at the time of their appointment. The children and adolescent members of CEPIA will act as representatives of the participatory structure, entity, organization, or group that proposed their candidacy. 

The term lasts two years, with the possibility of reapplying for one more term, as long as the required conditions are met. If a CEPIA member leaves before completing their term or turns of age, they will be immediately replaced for the remaining time by the alternate designated in their candidacy.

Organization

CEPIA is composed of the following bodies, which will try to respect the principle of gender parity between girls and boys in their composition:

• The Assembly: consisting of all 34 children and adolescent members of CEPIA. During the school year, a monthly online meeting is held, and once a year, they meet in person at the CEPIA On-Site Meeting.
• The Executive Group: this is the executive body of the Assembly. It develops, together with the Secretariat and the dynamic team, the work plan approved by the Assembly. It meets monthly during the school year and includes at least 20% of the Assembly members selected from among themselves.
• The Working Commissions: formed to develop specific actions assigned by the Assembly or the Executive Group. They can be temporary or permanent and must report to the Assembly while also sharing their conclusions. They will be responsible for making recommendations or proposals and promoting best practices within their specific field of work. Advisers voluntarily join these working groups and choose a responsible person for each Commission. The themes chosen for forming working groups relate to education, the environment, health, diversity and equality, protection, communication, among others.

Additionally, there is the Secretariat, which is responsible for providing technical support, assisting, advising, and facilitating the tasks of CEPIA, as well as ensuring its proper functioning. It will study and channel collaboration or participation proposals received by CEPIA and propose to it those considered appropriate. 

The secretariat will be assumed by a civil servant designated by the General Directorate with competencies in promoting children's and adolescents' participation in Spain and supporting CEPIA, who will also appoint an equally civil servant alternate. The secretariat and, if applicable, the dynamic team will respect CEPIA's autonomy without interfering in their decisions and agreements, treating all participating children and adolescents with respect and ensuring an environment of care and trust, always promoting active listening, equality, and free expression. It will also promote a safe and supportive environment, as well as the use of inclusive language. 

For its functions, CEPIA will have its operational rules outlined in its internal regulations approved by the Assembly. The current internal regulation of CEPIA was approved in the Assembly on November 25, 2024.

Automatically translated with OpenAI from Spanish