Agreed by A4D London

Aim

The aim of the organisation is to develop a form of constitution that conforms to the democratic principle of power resting with the people.

Objectives

1. i) campaign for a Citizens Convention on the Constitution
2. ii) work with other campaigns, organisations & individuals on practical steps that lead to the holding of a Convention, including the other sister Assemblies for Democracy

iii) launch a citizen/people-led constitutional democratic process

1. iv) support the creation of Assemblies for Democracy in other parts of the UK
2. v) promote democratic initiatives.

Powers

The organisation has the power to do anything that is calculated to further its aim and objects or is helpful to doing so. In particular, the organisation had the power to:

– raise funds

– form partnerships with like-minded groups or individuals

Supporters

Assemblies for Democracy encourages people to become registered supporters of the organisation. Registration is open to anyone who supports the aim of the organisation.

Convention Planning Group

In between Annual General Meetings, the work of Assemblies for Democracy (London) will be carried out by a convention planning group (CPG).

Membership is open to anybody who agrees to further the aim and objects of the organisation and to abide by Assemblies for Democracy (London) safer spaces policy.

CPG members will include at least a convenor, secretary, treasurer and an equalities and diversity champion, and the coordinator (or substitute) of each working group.

Posts maybe terminated at a CPG meeting as long as a motion is circulated five days in advance. Officer roles will automatically expire if no meeting has been attended in the previous 6 months, without good reason, unless explicit permission has been given by a  properly convened meeting.

The convener will coordinate meeting and devise agendas, in consultation with other members of the CPG.

The secretary will keep a record of all meetings and decisions.

The treasurer will keep up-to-date financial records, prepare an annual report, and ensure the annual accounts are audited by an independent person or organisation.

Convention Planning Group meetings

These will be held as and when needed. The convener or five members may call a meeting. A facilitator will be chosen at the start of the meeting.

Minutes will be produced within 10 days and sent to the CPG members.

The CPG may form sub-groups and/or working groups from time to time, to undertake relevant tasks in furtherance of the organisation’s aims and objectives.  These groups will be accountable to the full CPG.

These groups or sub-groups will produce a summary of decisions taken, and records will be made accessible to all CPG members.

The convenor or any two CPG members may call a meeting to carry out coordination work for the organisation. Meetings may be face to face or online, using a platform like Skype.

The secretary will keep a record of minutes, including a summary of decisions made, and these will be openly published. Notice will be five working days with an agenda circulated in advance.

The CPG will be accountable to the Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting

This will be held at least every 12 months. All registered supporters will be invited to attend. Notice of the AGM will be issued one month in advance. An agenda and all reports will be circulated in advance.

A facilitator will be chosen by those in attendance at the start of the AGM.

The AGM will invite those in attendance to join the CPG.

Annual General Meetings will receive and agree an annual report from the secretary and a financial report from the treasurer.

Minutes will be produced within 10 days and sent to supporters.

Amendments to Articles of Association

Amendments to the Articles of Association must be agreed by the Annual General Meeting. Changes must be either agreed via consensus, and if that is not present by 2/3rds of the members present. [see section on decision making] Proposed amendments must be circulated 5 working days in advance of the meeting.

Accounts

The funds of the group, including all donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into an HSBC account operated by Assemblies for Democracy (London).  All cheques drawn on the account must be signed by two bank signatories.