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Greetings Bertha, 

Thank you for sending over this question and your interest to start a youth organization. I applaud you for taking this initiative and your interest. There are different approaches to how to begin or start up the organization. I do want to acknowledge that I may be partially bias in how I share this information, because I am U.S. bound. However, let me give it a try. For one, you may want to learn more about what does the South African government require? Can you operate as a not for profit, private, or faith-based organization and what are the reporting standards for that? Then, I think it always important to begin with purpose, what do you aim to accomplish or want to achieve with this organization? For instance, you are starting a youth organization that increases young people's knowledge of the political process in South Africa and how to influence or find their voice in political decisions. I think it is always important to begin with purpose. 

Here are a few additional questions you should answer: 

1. Who will be my primary target group and why? 
2. Why is there a need for such an organization? What is missing from the community or what gaps will I be able to fill. 
3. What resources do I need to have in place for basic operations? E.g., people, building space, location, money
4. How do I bring youth and community in early on the development of the organization? I believe it is important to think about their perspective of their needs and what they would want this organization to focus on.

This is just the beginning and I am here to provide you with further guidance as you get through these questions. 

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