CONSTITUTION
Name
The association shall be known as “ Transition Pershore” or “TP”.
Vision
Harnessing the power of our communities to power the future.
Aims
Our core purpose is to help develop and support community action in order to respond effectively and positively to peak oil and climate change.
1 Area
Pershore is defined as Pershore and the villages which regard Pershore as their natural focus.
2 Activities
2.1 Raising awareness of the issues and opportunities of climate change and peak oil in Pershore.
2.2 Connecting with people, groups and organisations already engaged with these issues
2.3 Inspiring, motivating and empowering people in Pershore to respond positively to peak oil and climate change.
2.4 Supporting interest groups who work to achieve the above aims in such areas as: food, waste, transport, energy, education, economics, water, local government.
2.5 Raising funds to fulfil these aims
2.6 Developing and deploying a framework for effective response to peak oil and climate change, including the creation of an Energy Descent Action Plan (EDAP)
3 Ethos & Operating Principles
3.1 TP is applying to be an officially recognised transition initiative of the global Transition Network.
3.2 We work together because we know that together we are greater than the sum of our parts
3.3 There is a structure (see below), but no formal hierarchy and individuals in TP take responsibility for their own actions and results in accordance with our Vision and Aims
3.4 We trust that those who step forward have good intentions and will make good decisions. We give autonomy and support to those who wish to be part of TP
3.5 We are accountable to ourselves and to each other in keeping with the TP purpose and are transparent in everything we do.
3.6 We don't have a blueprint. We believe in multiple paths, ideas and possibilities. We think questions are as important as answers. It's fine to make mistakes and learn from them.
3.7 We are open to working with everyone. We welcome diversity and see it as strength not a problem. We avoid categories of "them and us". TP upholds the values expressed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
3.8 We recognize that we are all teachers and learners. We value both the professional and the practical.
3.9 We endeavour to set an example by what we ourselves say and do
3.10 We acknowledge other initiatives and seek to find ways to collaborate and further the aims of TP
3.11 We give what we can and ask for what we need.
3.12 Individually and as a group we work on the things we enjoy so that we do them well
3.13 We work with a natural momentum, driven by our passion and positive approach
4 Structure
4.1 TP has a Core Group which co-ordinates necessary administration, and holds an overview of the range of activities of interest groups.
4.2 The Core Group will include at least one member of each interest or working group.
4.3 The Core Group shall agree the appointment of a chair/facilitator, secretary, treasurer and a co-ordinator.
4.4 Roles and responsibilities of officers will be developed, and the chair and secretary roles may be rotated among the members.
4.5 The Core Group will co-ordinate with the interest groups in the production of an Energy Descent Action Plan.
4.6 TP is an unincorporated not for profit association.
5 Membership
5.1 In principle all residents in Pershore are welcome to be part of TP. Therefore this paragraph refers to the membership of the Core Group and active participants in interest groups.
5.2 The members shall be subscribers to this constitution. They shall be individuals admitted without reference to wealth, politics, religion, gender, disability, age or sexual preference, who live, work or operate in the area and who are in agreement with the stated aims and objectives.
5.3 A member shall cease to be a member if she/he
· resigns; or
· leaves the area; or
· is requested to resign by three-quarters of members voting to this effect; or
· dies.
5.4 New members will be expected to follow the principles contained within our constitution and policies which will be available on our web site. Copies can be printed if web access is not possible.
5.5 Any members expelled shall have the opportunity to defend themselves at an Extraordinary General Meeting where they shall have the fullest opportunity to answer any allegations made against them.
6 Meetings
6.1 Core Group meetings shall be held at least quarterly.
6.2 Every year an AGM will be held, with 14 days notice given to all members and associates.
6.3 The AGM must consider accounts and balance sheets prepared by the Treasurer.
6.4 Interest groups will meet as required.
7 Decision Making and management of funds
7.1 Decisions at Core Group meetings shall be made by consensus following the fullest discussion, in which all shall be entitled and allowed to speak freely while recognising the chair of the meeting. Consensus is reached when all those present are able to accept a decision even though they may not necessarily agree with it. If no consensus is reached the matter shall be referred to a second meeting, to be held not more than 31 days after the date of the first meeting. If consensus is still not possible, the matter shall be decided by a majority of votes.
7.2 At the AGM every member has one vote. Quorum is an attendance of at least 30% of members of the core group.
7.3 The Core Group and interest groups may each raise funds, but applications shall be agreed by the Core Group and expenditure monitored by the Treasurer on behalf of the Core Group, all expenditure being reported to the AGM.
7.4 Reasonable expenses incurred in pursuit of the aims of TP may be reimbursed to members subject to agreement by the Core Group.
All claims for expenditure and expenses under 7.3 and 7.4 to be accompanied by receipts.
7.5 Members may be paid for work to further the aims of TP, if unanimously agreed by the Core Group without the involvement of any Core Group member whose payment is under discussion.
7.6 All funds whether raised by the Core group or individual interest groups will be held in one or more bank accounts operated by nominated members in the name of Transition Pershore group, and administered by the Treasurer. All cheques must be signed by two out of four unrelated nominated members. Funds shall only be used to support the aims of TP.
8 Amendments to Constitution
8.1 Changes may be made to this constitution where necessary by consensus at the AGM or at an Extraordinary General Meeting convened by the Core Group for that purpose with 14 days notice given to all members.
9 Dissolution
9.1 Dissolution shall require a unanimous decision by the Core Group. In the event of dissolution and after any debts and liabilities have been settled, any funds in TP’s account shall be divided equally between active projects and interest groups associated with TP. If there are none, they shall be donated to the nearest Transition Town initiative to Pershore, or failing this, to a local charity or group who are working towards similar aims to those of TP.