TUXIS Parliament of Alberta

The TUXIS Parliament of Alberta (“TUXIS”) is one of a number of provincial model youth parliaments that has its origins in the "boys work" movement of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. TUXIS originally met under the name “Alberta Older Boy's Parliament”. The Alberta Older Boy's Parliament added “TUXIS” to its name in 1932. “TUXIS” stands for “you (‘U’) and ‘I’ training and service with Christ (represented with an ‘X’ for the Greek letter 'chi') in the centre.” An alternative interpretation is "Training Under Christ In Service." It is the last of these youth parliaments to retain its “TUXIS” appellation and maintain its Christian character; however, its membership is not restricted on the basis of religion.

Overview

The central focus of the organization is its parliamentary program. The main parliamentary session occurs during the last week of December, which determines the annual agenda of events. This includes five conferences, usually held in February, March, May, September and November and up to two "Front Bench Retreats". These conferences help plan the upcoming session and have other activities meeting the objectives of the organization.

The parliament's goals have evolved from the TUXIS "four-fold" program to develop the mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being of its members and all youth. The TPA is a non-denominational Christian youth Parliament which recently reaffirmed its non-exclusionary Christian foundation; an ongoing issue within the parliament is the place of religion. TUXIS believes that exposure to different points of view encourages tolerance of varying interpretations of Christianity, faith, and spirituality, as well as the views of non-Christians. Each session has a theme developed by the "Ministry of Devotions". Although theme discussions centre on issues of Christian living important to youth, being Christian is not a pre-requisite to attending a Session or conference of the Parliament; the Parliament is non-exclusionary and invites all Alberta youth to attend.

Activities

TUXIS holds an annual session from December 26 to 31 December. The focus of session is the parliamentary sittings where the members learn parliamentary procedure and debate legislation on topics of interest. In addition to the parliamentary and debating activities, members attending the annual session participate in various social and devotional events.

TUXIS also holds weekend conferences five times a year, usually in February, March, May , September, and November. At each of these conferences, Friday is spent meeting new members and participating in membership, social action, and devotion activities. These include "ice breakers" and fun "energizers". Social action and devotions are more serious events with group discussion. Saturday mornings include a Front Bench Meeting designed to update the members on the business of Parliament, make decisions about the direction of the organisation and plan for Session. The rest of the day is spent with the membership, social action and devotions activities, as well as recreational activities and free time. Sunday activities include church services and clean up.

TUXIS is a founding member of the Western Canada Youth Parliament. It was also a founding member and participant in the now-defunct Youth Parliament of Canada/Parlement jeunesse du Canada.

Organizational Structure

The Executive Committee consists of the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Premier, and the Alternate Leader of the Opposition. They are elected at Session by the members of the parliament and serve a one year term. The Executive Committee is colloquially referred to as "The Front Four" and they run the parliament by appointing the Front Bench: Ministers for the Cabinet and Deputies for the Shadow Cabinet. The current Executive Committee, elected at the 88th Session of the TUXIS parliament, is Katie Kelly (Premier), Kathleen Kerr (Leader of the Opposition), Hannah Mang-Wooley (Deputy Premier), and Nicole Larsen (Alternate Leader of the Opposition, Former Deputy Premier). This is the first time since the beginning of the organization that there has been an all female front four. The current ministers are:

*Minister of Publications- Alastair Starke.
*Deputy Minister of Publications- Graeme Kennedy
*Minister of Finance- Ian MacFarlane
*Deputy Minister of Finance- Victoria Kerr
*Minister of Membership- Jordann Nash
*Deputy Minister of Membership- Garrett Brick
*Minister of Interprovincial Affairs- Maureen Hasinoff
*Minister of Devotions- Katie Kelly
*Deputy Minister of Devotions- Adam Nordquist
*Minister of Social Action- Jennifer Kerr
*Deputy Minister of Social Action- Alix-Patrice Ogilvie
*Provincial Secretary- Roland Starke
*Deputy Provincial Secretary- Kelsey Earle

History

The first Session of the Older Boys' Parliament of Alberta was first held in the Legislative Chamber of the Provincial Government in Edmonton, from December 28 through the 30 December, 1920. The Mayor of Edmonton, D.M. Duggan, acted as Lieutenant Governor. Armour Ford was elected as the first Speaker. The first Premier was Edward Hunter Gowan. The Leader of the Opposition was James Robin Davidson.

Like many of the other Canadian Youth Parliaments, TUXIS was sponsored by the Boys’ Work Board of the provincial Religious Education Council (“REC”). The REC was a coalition of religious organizations, the most significant of which was the United Church). The REC of Alberta ceased to exist in 1962. As a result, the TUXIS and Older Boy's Parliament of Alberta Alumni Society was formed. The members of this Society now provide sponsorship, including financial backing and continuity, of TUXIS.

TUXIS celebrated its eighty fifth Session in December 2004. Unlike most other Canadian Youth Parliaments founded during the same time, TUXIS met continuously throughout the Great Depression and World War II. As a result, TUXIS has the longest uninterrupted history of annual sessions of any youth parliament in Canada.

ee also

*Western Canada Youth Parliament
*Youth Parliament of Canada/Parlement jeunesse du Canada
*History of Youth Work

External links

* [http://www.tuxis.ab.ca/ TUXIS Parliament of Alberta]