green+spaces+-+local+parks+-+sample+Constitution+for+a+Friends+group

= = = = =**FRIENDS GROUPS - Sample Constitution**=


 * 1. Our Aims** To help create a well-maintained and safe public park which can enhance the quality of life for local people by improving their physical and mental health and act as a focus for bringing people together.

We will work to:

i) find out the views of local people and park users ii) involve park users and local people in planning, decision-making and aspects of management affecting the park, or specific facilities within the park iii) improve funding to maintain and increase the facilities in the park including working in partnership with other bodies iv) encourage more people, from all sections of the community, to use the park and to enjoy its full potential, and promote an atmosphere of mutual appreciation and respect v) encourage users, including ourselves, to organise public social activities in the Rec vi) link with others to help protect and improve Haringey’s green open spaces generally


 * 2. Membership** Membership will be open to anybody with an interest in using the park, regardless of class, race, culture, gender, age or sexual orientation, as long as:

i) they agree with the aims of the group ii) they have given their name and address to be put on to the membership list.

The group is opposed to all forms of discrimination including racism, sexism and homophobia, and expressions of such prejudice will not be allowed at meetings or other activities of the Association.


 * 3. Annual General Meeting** Every year there will be an Annual General Meeting. The meeting will select one of the members to chair the meeting. At this meeting the members will:

· Hear a report on the activities of the Friends for the previous year - and on the group’s finances, prepared by the Treasurer. · Decide whether there will be a membership subscription for the forthcoming year · Identify and discuss matters of particular importance for the forthcoming year. · Make rules on the way the Friends group will operate eg by amending the Constitution. · Discuss the details of any working groups · Elect two members to be Secretary and Treasurer, and elect up to 2 more bank signatories · Conduct any other relevant business the meeting so decides

Everybody on the membership list will receive at least two weeks notice of the Annual General Meeting by a mailing to the addresses on the membership list and by putting up notices in the park. Members will also receive information on how to become active in the Friends’ activities and join any working groups.


 * 4. Other General Meetings** At least two other General Meetings for members and other park users will be organised during the year. These meetings will be publicised in good time to members and users. At these meetings members of working groups will:

· Keep members up to date with plans and decisions affecting the park · Collect the views of members and other park users


 * 5. Procedure at All General Meetings** The General Meetings shall be the decision-making body of the group. The Chair of the meeting will be chosen by the members present.

All members will have a right to attend and to vote. Decisions shall be by consensus where possible, or by a simple majority vote where necessary except for amendments to the Constitution which require a two-thirds majority at the AGM. A quorum shall be 4 members except at the AGM where it will be 6. If there isn’t a quorum, any decisions made regarding policy must be ratified at the following meeting. General Meetings may decide to set up working groups, or to delegate any relevant tasks to individual members.


 * 6. The work of the Friends** Members will be encouraged to get actively involved in the work of the Friends group. Anyone acting on behalf of the Friends will be expected to act in an appropriate manner, and to follow the general policies agreed by the members at the General Meetings. Working groups and officers can meet in between the general meetings in order to manage the affairs of the Friends including:

· planning general meetings of the group and other activities in the park · working on funding bids · passing on the views of members to people responsible for the park such as employees of Haringey Council, regeneration boards, councillors, police · meeting with other community groups · managing the finances and publicity of the group


 * 7. Finances** A bank account will be set up in the name of the Friends//.// All money received in the form of donations, subscriptions or any other contributions will be put into the bank account and will be used to further the aims of the group. There will be 2-4 signatories, including the Treasurer and Secretary. Two signatures, one of whom's must be the Treasurer or Secretary, will be required on all cheques. The annual accounts shall be independently verified, and the books shall be made available for inspection on request at the AGM.


 * 8. Powers** The Association has the power to raise funds, to employ such staff as are necessary, and to enter into any transactions necessary to further its aims. It has the power to manage, licence, lease or buy property and to maintain and equip it for use. It has the power to appoint trustees, and to take out trustee liability insurance cover.


 * 9. Dissolution** If a General Meeting, or 10 members, wish at any time to dissolve the Association, they should give to all members at least 14 days notice of a Special General Meeting to discuss this. If such a decision is agreed at that meeting by a simple majority of those members present and voting, the assets will be disposed of to another voluntary organisation with compatible aims and principles, this group being agreed at the same meeting.