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2. Objectives
1) To be a true public forum to which all can come and their
voice is of equal weight and thus to strive for real public decision
making.
2) To create, enhance and promote a network of local groups, communities,
individuals, agencies and local authorities to bring about greater
sustainability.
3) To create mutual understanding and improve communication between
these groups and organisations.
4) To gather, share and provide access to environmental information
wherever possible.
5) To facilitate the development of topic sub-groups on, for instance:
Transport, waste, energy and other subjects
To develop a vision and action plan towards greater sustainability
To work with the local authority in the development of their vision and action plan for greater sustainability in Penwith
6) To monitor progress towards a more sustainable Penwith and
develop local indicators.
7) To organise presentations, debates and other events which inform
others and raise awareness of sustainability issues.
8) To publicise Sustainable Penwith through press releases and
other means.
9) To facilitate practical projects and environmental initiatives
and encourage participation.
10) To promote changes in government policy, at all levels, to
facilitate the meeting of the objectives of this organisation.
11) To encourage the public to become more aware of sustainability
issues and become engaged in activities towards greater sustainability.
3. Membership
1) Registration of Membership of Sustainable Penwith is open
to individuals or organisations which support the aims of Sustainable
Penwith.
2) Registered Members will not be required to pay a subscription,
but donations will be appreciated.
3) Voting rights shall be held by all registered members who have
completed their application forms, each registered member having
one vote.
4) Members may only vote the month after their membership has
been approved.
5) Decisions will preferably be taken by consensus, or by voting
by a show of hands, secret ballot or a postal vote as is deemed
most appropriate and inclusive.
6) There will only be one vote per individual and one per organisation.
The organisation themselves are responsible for who has that vote.
A person can only have one vote at a meeting therefore if voting
on behalf of an organisation that person cannot have an individual
vote as well.
7) Voting to elect representatives on other bodies shall take
place at any meeting, with positions lasting until re-election
at each AGM.
8) Members who are deemed to have worked against the aims of Sustainable
Penwith or to have brought the name of the group into disrepute
may be censured, which may include suspension. Such action shall
require a two-thirds majority of votes cast at an Annual General
Meeting, or at any other General Meeting, after due notice has
been given, both of the meeting and the censure motion.
4. Annual General Meeting
1) Six weeks written notice shall be given to all members
of the intention to hold an AGM.
2) The business of the AGM shall be:-
a. to receive and adopt the annual report of the officers,
b. to receive and adopt the accounts,
c. to elect officers as deemed appropriate,
d. to discuss and vote on any other motions of which 2 weeks prior notice has been given in writing.
3) Ten per cent of the registered membership or 5 registered members, whichever is the greatest, shall constitute a quorum for the AGM or other General Meetings.
5. Officers
1) The officers will consist of a chairperson, treasurer and
secretary. These are jobs and not positions of authority.
2) Other officers will also be elected to share the roles of:
minutes secretary, membership secretary, chairing of meetings,
press officer, and other roles as appropriate.
3) All posts will be re-elected at the next AGM, or at an EGM,
where officers step down.
4) These posts will form an officer group to make decisions only
in extreme or time restricted circumstances.
6. Extraordinary General Meetings
1) Extraordinary general meetings can be called by 5 or more registered
members, on giving at least one calendar month's written notice
to all other registered members, specifying date, time, location,
agenda and motions for the meeting; each registered member signing
the notice with their names, which shall also be printed at the
bottom of the notice.
7. Meetings
1) Sustainable Penwith will strive to make all its activities
accessible to all.
2) Attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable
manner, with consideration to others present, at meetings.
3) Failure to do so may result in an offending person being asked
to leave if a majority of the members present request it.
8. Operational Boundaries
1) Sustainable Penwith will operate within Penwith, but will
develop and maintain links with neighbouring districts, county,
regional and national initiatives.
9. Financial Matters
1) All monies raised by Sustainable Penwith shall be applied
to further the objectives of Sustainable Penwith and for no other
purpose.
2) The treasurer shall keep proper account of the finances and
shall open and maintain a bank account in the name of Sustainable
Penwith.
3) Any withdrawals from the account will require the signature
of 2 out of 3 designated elected officers.
4) The accounts shall be inspected by a qualified person, appointed
at the AGM or an EGM, who is not an elected officer.
10. Constitution
1) This definitive constitution can only be changed by a motion
at the AGM or an EGM, which is supported by consensus or at least
the agreement of two thirds of the meeting.
11. Winding Up
1) Sustainable Penwith shall be wound up by a vote at the AGM
or an EGM.
2) Any monies held shall be paid to a charitable body chosen at
the same meeting.