Youth Editorial Advisory Panel
Participation Guidelines
Welcome! This document outlines your role, responsibilities, and expectations as a member of the Youth Editorial Advisory Panel for NorthWord – The Next Generation Edition. The Northern Canada Collective Society for Writers is dedicated to providing you with a safe, meaningful mentorship. These guidelines clearly define how you will help shape our editorial selection process and make your mark on this edition.
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Purpose of the Youth Editorial Advisory Panel
The Youth Editorial Advisory Panel exists to:
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Ensure youth voices shape each edition of NorthWord – The Next Generation Edition
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Provide leadership and mentorship opportunities for young writers and artists
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Support fair, thoughtful selection of creative work by peers
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Build understanding of how a professional literary arts publication is created
Panel members act as advisors and selectors, supported by adult mentors and project volunteers.
Who Can Participate
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Youth approximately ages 14–18 (recommended)
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Youth with an interest in writing, visual art, reading, or publishing
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Prior publishing experience is not required
Role of Youth Panel Members
Core Responsibilities
Youth Editorial Advisory Panel members will:
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Participate in selecting the annual theme for the edition
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Review submitted creative work using a provided evaluation rubric
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Discuss submissions respectfully with fellow panel members
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Recommend pieces for publication
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Provide feedback on how submissions interpret the theme
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Attend scheduled meetings (virtual or in-person)
Youth panel members work collaboratively, not competitively.
Mentorship Model
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Youth panel members are mentees
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Adult mentors (local writers or artists) support the review process
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Mentors help explain editorial criteria and decision-making
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Mentors do not override youth decisions or select work independently
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Learning and discussion are prioritized over speed or volume
This structure ensures youth gain skills and confidence without being overburdened.
Time Commitment
Approximate annual commitment:
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Theme selection meetings (September–October 2026)
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Theme announcement launch for late October
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Submission call from October to December
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Submission review period (January-February 2027)
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In-person mentorship opportunities with local artists (February-April 2027)
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Optional reflection or feedback session after publication
Estimated total time: 10–20 hours annually, scheduled with school/work commitments in mind.
What Youth Panel Members Do Not Do
Youth panel members:
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Do not manage submissions or communicate with contributors directly
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Do not handle permissions, contracts, or legal documents
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Do not make final operational decisions
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Do not receive or manage personal information beyond what is required for participation
All administrative tasks are handled by the Adult Managing Team.
Code of Conduct
Panel members are expected to:
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Treat all submitted work with respect and confidentiality
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Participate in discussions thoughtfully and inclusively
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Respect differing opinions and creative styles
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Maintain confidentiality of submissions and decisions
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Follow guidance from mentors and project staff
Harassment, discrimination, or misuse of materials will not be tolerated.
Support & Safeguarding
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Youth participation occurs in a structured, supervised environment
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All adult mentors and volunteers complete safeguarding requirements
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Clear communication channels are used for all meetings
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Youth may step back from participation at any time
Concerns can be raised confidentially with the Project Manager.
Recognition
Youth Editorial Advisory Panel members will:
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Be acknowledged in the published edition
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Receive a certificate recognizing their participation
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Gain experience relevant to writing, arts, publishing, or leadership pathways
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For questions or inquiries, please email Dawn Booth at northwordmagazine@gmail.com