Why don't we have a Men's Association?

James Bowes · Black Bloc

The other thing to note is that the Women's Association had less than 0.1% of full members attend the AGM, thus the fact that some men don't feel the need for an Association is irrelevant. Most of the issues a Men's Association would tackle aren't really relevant to me, but I'd still support one in principle, if a good enough case was made.

theanonymousgeographer · Black Bloc

sallamino · Black Bloc

theanonymousgeographer · Black Bloc

James Bowes · Black Bloc

One thing that no-one's picked up on is that only one of the sabbaticals next year is a straight white male, so to say that other groups are in danger of not being represented in the Guild is a poor argument. Of course in society at large this is not the case, just something to be remembered

higuy · Black Bloc

i skimmed through the BUGS forum too and it seems if there is to be a men's association we must agree men need to be represented. No-one has been able to give a good reason why men should not have their association but lets look at what this association would do. The idea of a bme/womens/lgbt is to represent those various groups because otherwise they would be under-reprensented in the guild. The same argument can not be made for men.

However at the same time there are issues which are specific to men. On the BUGS forum issues such as unfair unfair family law etc were raised. The important point is would men be able to challenges these issues in Guild Council. If as men (like many of us are) we feel unfaily treated then we are able to challenge this, we dont need to an association to help us. The real question should be do we still need a womens association? Are women still underrepresented?

James Bowes · Black Bloc

theanonymousgeographer · Black Bloc

Sapphrine · Street Demonstrator

James Bowes · Black Bloc

I'll help write a motion, but someone else needs to write it as I have 2 or 3 motions and a potential election at next Guild Council. I'll do the constitution first I reckon.

James Bowes · Black Bloc

THE CONSTITUTION OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM GUILD OF STUDENTS
MEN'S ASSOCIATION

1 INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions

1.1.1 In this Constitution and in all Bye-Laws and Rules made hereunder, the expressions defined in the Guild Constitution shall have the same meaning herein unless otherwise stated in this Constitution.

1.1.2 In this Constitution and in all Bye-Laws and Rules made hereunder, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions shall have the meaning hereby assigned to them:

1.1.2.1 Association means The University of Birmingham Guild of Students Men's Association.

1.1.2.2 Bye-Laws means Bye-Laws of the Association.

1.1.2.3 Committee means Men's Committee, which is an Association Committee of Guild Council.

1.1.2.4 Constitution means this Constitution of the Association.

1.1.2.5 Convenor means Men's Convenor.

1.1.2.6 General Meeting means a General Meeting of the Association.

1.1.2.7 Guild Constitution means Constitution and Bye-Laws of the Guild.

1.1.2.8 Guild Member means any Member of the Guild, whether Full, Associate, External, Life or Honorary Life.

1.1.2.9 Member means member of the Association and Membership should be construed accordingly.

1.1.2.10 Group means the Men’s Group, the operational committee of the Men’s Association.

1.2 Interpretation

In this Constitution unless the context otherwise requires:

1.2.1 The singular includes the plural.
1.2.2 Reference to this Constitution extends to all Bye-Laws and Rules.

2 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION

2.1 Establishment

Pursuant to the provisions of the Guild Constitution there shall be a men students' Association which shall be named "The University of Birmingham Guild of Students Men's Association".

2.2 Laws

2.2.1 The Association under the provisions of the Guild Constitution may in its Constitution make laws for:

2.2.1.1 Its internal management and administration.
2.2.1.2 The election of its officers.
2.2.1.3 The alteration of its laws.
2.2.1.4 All other matters requiring legislation.

2.2.2 No law shall be effective until approved by Guild Council.

2.3 Bye-Laws

Bye-Laws shall be confined to technical or routine matters that neither dilute nor detract from the principal provisions of the Constitution. The Bye-Laws may be added to, removed, or amended in whole or in part by a General Meeting.

3 OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION

3.1 The objects of the Association shall be:

3.1.1 The representation and furtherance of the interests of men students and the promotion of their actions within the Guild and University.
3.1.2 Provision for the representation, welfare and social needs of Members not otherwise provided by the Guild.
3.1.3 The promotion of intercourse between men students and other students of the University.

3.2 Achievement of Objects

3.2.1 The objects of the Association shall be achieved by means of:

3.2.1.1 The undertaking of campaigns.
3.2.1.2 Such other activities as shall be necessary for the fullest and most beneficial exercise of the foregoing objects.

3.2.2 These objects and activities shall be pursued without regard to race, religion or creed, sexual orientation, or disability and independently of any political party or religious body, but positive discrimination in favour of any disadvantaged section of society shall be permissible.

3.3 Communication with the Guild

The Association shall be the recognised means of communication between men students on the one hand, and Guild Council and other authorities in the Guild on the other hand.

4 MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Categories

Membership shall be divided into the following categories:

4.1.1 Full Members.
4.1.2 Associate Members.

4.2 Full Members

4.2.1 Eligibility

Only the following shall be eligible for Full Membership:

4.2.1.1 All Guild Full Members who self define as men.

4.2.2 Entitlement

Subject to this Constitution and subject to the Guild's Disciplinary Procedure, Full Members shall be entitled only to:

4.2.2.1 Vote in Association elections as provided in the Constitution.
4.2.2.2 Attend, speak and vote at General Meetings.
4.2.2.3 Attend and speak at meetings of the Committee and any of its sub-committees as established.
4.2.2.4 Submit motions to General Meetings.
4.2.2.5 Be elected to any office in the Association.
4.2.2.6 Be elected or appointed as a Representative of the Association on Guild Council.
4.2.2.7 Use of any facilities provided by the Association.
4.2.2.8 Relinquish their Membership.

4.3 Associate Members

4.3.1 Eligibility

At the discretion of the Committee only the following shall be eligible for Associate Membership:

4.3.1.1 Any Guild Member.

4.3.2 Entitlement

Subject to this Constitution and to the Guild's Disciplinary Procedure, Associate Members shall be entitled only to:

4.3.2.1 Use of any facilities provided by the Association.

4.4 Fees

No fee shall be payable for Members.

5 GOVERNMENT

Subject to the Guild Constitution, the government of the Association and authority there within shall be vested in an Annual General Meeting, General Meetings and the Committee.

5.1 Chairpersons

5.1.1 The Chairperson of the Annual General Meetings and the General Meetings shall be the Convenor.
5.1.2 The Chairperson of the Committee shall be one of the Executive Officers as outlined in the membership of the Committee.

5.2 Annual General Meetings

There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Association as laid down in this Constitution.

5.2.1 Quorum

Quorum for an Annual General Meeting shall be twenty Full Members.

5.2.2 Holding of Annual General Meetings

An Annual General Meeting shall be called by the Convenor in the Autumn Term.

5.2.3 Powers of Annual General Meetings

5.2.3.1 Subject to this Constitution, the decisions of the Annual General Meeting shall not be reviewed by General Meetings or the Committee but may only be overturned by Guild Council or subsequent Annual General Meetings.

5.2.3.2 An Annual General Meeting shall have power to transact only the following business:

5.2.3.2.1 Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.
5.2.3.2.2 Report of the outgoing Convenor.
5.2.3.2.3 Report of the outgoing Secretary.
5.2.3.2.4 Report of the outgoing Treasurer.
5.2.3.2.5 Election of the Committee and Men’s Group.
5.2.3.2.6 Motions forwarded by Full Members.

5.3 General Meetings

There shall be General Meetings of the Association as laid down in this Constitution.

5.3.1 Quorum

Quorum for a General Meeting shall be twenty Full Members.

5.3.2 Holding of General Meetings

A General Meeting shall be held upon:

5.3.2.1 The decision of the Convenor or Committee; or,
5.3.2.2 The request of Guild Council or the President; or,
5.3.2.3 The request of forty Full Members. In such a case the Full Members shall sign a memorandum to the Convenor, stating the business that requires attention.

5.3.3. Powers of a General Meeting

5.3.3.1 Subject to this Constitution, a General Meeting shall:

5.3.3.1.1 Have all the decision-making authority of the Committee.
5.3.3.1.2 Have power to make Bye-laws as hereinafter provided.
5.3.3.2 Subject to this Constitution, the decision of a General Meeting
shall not be reviewed by Guild Council, but may only be overturned by Guild Council or subsequent General Meetings.

5.4 Committee

Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the government, control and administration of the Association shall be vested in a Committee which shall be known as “Men’s Committee” and which shall be an Association Committee of Guild Council.

5.4.1 Membership

5.4.1.1 Men's Committee shall consist of:

5.4.1.1.1 President, ex officio if a Member only, or her nominee from the Association, appointed by the Committee subject to approval by the President.
5.4.1.1.2 Vice President (Welfare), ex officio if a Member only, or her nominee from the Association, appointed by the Committee subject to approval by the Vice President.
5.4.1.1.3 A Non-Sabbatical Executive Officer who shall be a Full Member, and who shall be appointed by Executive Committee.
5.4.1.1.4 One of the above shall be appointed Chairperson by the Committee.

5.4.1.1.5 The following members who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting, who shall be Full Members:

5.4.1.1.5.1 The Convenor
5.4.1.1.5.2 Two members who shall be Guild Councillors
5.4.1.1.5.3 One member who shall be a member of the Athletic Union General Committee.
5.4.1.1.5.4 One member who shall be a member of the executive committee of a Residences Association.
5.4.1.1.5.5 Two shall be Student Academic Representatives, of whom preferably one shall be from a School of an Arts or Social Science based discipline and one shall be from a School of an Engineering or Sciences based discipline.

5.4.1.1.6 A representative of Student Advice, who shall be a Full Member

5.4.1.2 Co-opted Members

The following shall be co-opted members:

5.4.1.2.1 Guild Councillors for the Men's Association Constituency.

5.4.2 Secretary

The Secretary of the Men’s Group shall act as Secretary of the Committee.

5.4.3 Treasurer

The Treasurer of the Men’s Group shall act as Treasurer of the Committee.

5.4.4 Powers of the Committee

5.4.4.1 Subject to this Constitution, the decisions of the Committee may only be overturned by Guild Council as specified in the Guild Constitution or subsequent General Meetings or meetings of the Committee.

5.4.4.2 Men's Committee shall:

5.4.4.2.1 Meet at least once termly, at the beginning of each term.

5.4.4.2.2 Have power to set up sub-committees and advisory committees, which shall have responsibility for such Association business as is vested in them by the Constitution and Bye-Laws. Such committees shall be under the control of and report to the Committee.
5.4.4.2.3 Review and guide the work of the Men’s Group.
5.4.4.2.4 Represent women from various areas of University life as reflected in the backgrounds of the Members of the Committee.
5.4.4.2.5 Be responsible for the preparation of Guild Policy to be considered by Guild Council on women’s issues in the Guild and University, and on a broader scale as appropriate.
5.4.4.2.6 Make rules regulating the conduct of Members and the use of Association facilities.
5.4.4.2.7 Exercise all other powers and responsibilities which are conferred on it by this Constitution, or by any of the Bye-Laws or rules made hereunder.
5.4.4.2.8 Exercise all other powers which are necessary for the fullest and most beneficial exercise of the foregoing objects not conferred on any other body by the Guild Constitution.
5.4.4.2.9 Undertake such other business as Guild Council or the Association through a General Meeting shall commit to it.
5.4.4.2.10 Liaise with internal and external bodies on relevant matters.

5.5 Men’s Group

Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the administration and the day-to-day running of the Association shall be vested in a group, which shall be known as Men’s Group, and which shall be a sub-committee of the Men’s Committee.

5.5.1 Membership

5.5.1.1 Men’s Group shall consist of:

5.5.1.1.1 Convenor
5.5.1.1.2 Secretary
5.5.1.1.3 Treasurer
5.5.1.1.4 Welfare Officer
5.5.1.1.5 Campaigns Officer
5.5.1.1.6 Publicity Officer
5.5.1.1.7 Social Secretary

5.5.2 Powers of the Group

5.5.2.1 Subject to this Constitution the decision of the Group may only be overturned by the Committee, Guild Council as specified in the Guild Constitution, or subsequent General Meetings or meetings of the Group.

5.5.2.2 Men’s Group shall:

5.5.2.2.1 Be responsible for the general administration of the Association
5.5.2.2.2 Inform Members of issues relevant to them by using existing Guild Communications and other Media, as provided.
5.5.2.2.3 Establish and maintain contact with other men's organisations in the Guild, University, locally, nationally and internationally.
5.5.2.2.4 Undertake research into problems of men’s issues for consideration by the Vice President (Internal Affairs), the Vice President (Welfare), Guild Council, the University and N.U.S. Delegates
5.5.2.2.5 Organise social events for the membership of the Association.
5.5.2.2.6 Promote open discussion on issues relevant to men.
5.5.2.2.7 Be responsible for organising and co-ordinating campaigns to raise awareness and/or promote action on issues that affect men.

5.5.3 Reports

5.5.3.1 The Men’s Group shall submit a termly report to the Men’s Committee.

5.5.3.1.1 Reports to Men’s Committee shall include:

5.5.3.1.1.1 A detailed outline of current activities and projects.
5.5.3.1.1.2 Proposals for future campaigns, to include a budget application, to be approved by the Committee.

5.5.3.2 The Men’s Group shall submit two reports to Guild Council in accordance with the Bye-Laws laid down in Title H.

5.5.4 Procedure for the Election of Committee Members and Members of the Men’s Group requiring to be elected at the Annual General Meeting

5.5.4.1 The procedures shall apply to members of the Committee who shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting as specified in BL.IApp3/5.3.1.1 only.

5.5.4.2 Each candidate shall be proposed and seconded from the floor.

5.5.4.3 Candidates or their proposers shall have two minutes to deliver a proposing speech.

5.5.5 Questions

5.5.5.1 Questions may only be put to all candidates, and only if all candidates are present.

5.5.5.2 Responses shall not exceed more than one minute of duration per question.

5.5.6 Voting

5.5.6.1 In contested elections voting shall be by show of hands and such hands may or may not be counted at the discretion of the person chairing the Meeting.

5.5.6.2 Under no circumstances shall candidates remain in the room whilst voting.

5.5.7 Election

A candidate shall require a simple majority to be elected.

5.5.8 Term of Office

The term of office of the Committee shall not be in excess of one year.

5.5.9 Vacancies

If a vacancy shall occur, a General Meeting shall elect another Full Member to fill the vacancy as soon as conveniently may be.

5.5.10 Removal

With the exception of members ex-officio, any member of the Committee may be removed by good cause by a General Meeting, by an absolute majority or, in the absence of a General Meeting, by Guild Council by an absolute majority.

5.6 Representation within the Guild

5.6.1 Guild Council

5.6.1.1 In the Summer Term, the Association shall elect two Full Members to serve as Guild Councillors for the Men's Association Constituency.

5.6.1.2 The Convenor and the Secretary shall be Co-opted Members of Guild Council.

5.6.1.3 Nothing in this section of the Constitution shall prejudice the right of a Member to be elected as a Guild Councillor for another Constituency or to sit on any other Guild Committee where permitted to do so under the Guild Constitution.

6 OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

6.1 Officers

There shall be the following Officers of the Association:

6.1.1 Convenor.
6.1.2 Secretary.
6.1.3 Treasurer.
6.1.4 Welfare Officer
6.1.5 Campaigns Officer
6.1.6 Publicity Officer
6.1.7 Social Secretary

6.2 Election of Officers

6.2.1 Convenor

The Convenor shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and ratified by Guild Council at its next Ordinary Meeting.

6.2.2 Other Officers

The Officers of the Association shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

6.2.3 Procedure

6.2.3.1 Each candidate shall be proposed and seconded from the floor.

6.2.3.2 Candidates or their proposers shall have two minutes to deliver a proposing speech.

6.2.4 Questions

6.2.4.1 Questions may be put only to all candidates, and only if all candidates are present.

6.2.4.2 Responses shall not exceed one minute of duration per question.

6.2.5 Voting

6.2.5.1 In contested elections, voting shall be by show of hands and such hands may or may not be counted at the discretion of the person chairing the Meeting.

6.2.5.2 Under no circumstances shall candidates remain in the room during voting.

6.2.6 Election

A candidate shall require a simple majority to be elected.

6.3 Term of Office

All Officers shall hold office for a period not in excess of one year.

6.4 Eligibility for Office

6.4.1 Only a Full Member may be nominated for election as an Officer of the Association.

6.5 Vacancies

6.5.1 Convenor

If a vacancy shall occur, a General Meeting shall elect another Officer to fill the vacancy as soon as conveniently may be, and this shall be ratified by Guild Council at its next Ordinary Meeting.

6.5.2 Other Officers

If a vacancy shall occur, a General Meeting shall elect another Officer to fill the vacancy as soon as conveniently may be.

6.6 Removal

6.6.1 Convenor

The Convenor may be removed from office for good cause by Guild Council by an absolute majority.

6.6.2 Other Officers

6.6.2.1 All Officers, with the exception of the Convenor, may be removed from office for good cause by the Committee or a General Meeting by an absolute majority.

6.7 Resignation

6.7.1 Convenor

The Convenor may resign from office on giving to the President (or her nominee) notice in writing.

6.7.2 Other Officers

Any Officer, with the exception of the Convenor, may resign from office on giving to the Convenor notice in writing.

7 CONSTITUTION

7.1 Repeal

This Constitution shall supersede and replace all other previous Constitutions, Laws and Bye-laws of the Association.

7.2 Amendment of the Constitution

7.2.1 Procedure

The whole, or any part, of this Constitution may at any time be amended by a resolution passed by an absolute majority of a General Meeting.

7.2.2 Notice

Notice of any proposed resolution to amend this Constitution shall be published at least six days before the date fixed for such a resolution to be passed.

7.2.3 Effect

7.2.3.1 Such amendments shall take effect from the date specified in the resolution.

7.2.3.2 No amendment shall be effective until passed by Guild Council.

7.3 Amendment of the Bye-Laws

7.3.1 Procedure

The whole, or any part, of the Bye-Laws for this time being in force may at any time be amended by a resolution passed by an absolute majority of a General Meeting.

7.3.2 Notice

Notice of any proposed resolution to amend the Bye-Laws shall be published at least six days before the date fixed for such a resolution to be passed.

7.3.3 Effect

Such amendments shall take effect from the date specified in the resolution.

James Bowes · Black Bloc

No prizes for guessing how I did that, the only thing I wasn't sure about was whether to put the VPFS as an ex-oficio member now that there's no VPIA.

Still undecided on this, but edging towards supporting one, but I just want a controversial Guild Council so that it's actually quorate.

richm · Street Demonstrator

May I suggest that we need to add a gay officer to the list of people on the committee? Surly the 10% of men that are gay will want to be represented by us as well as the LGBT.
_________________
Just have 1 pint

Former Guild Exec who upset most people for talking sense and going against the norm

richm · Street Demonstrator

We now have until 27th April me thinks to write the motion for it
_________________
Just have 1 pint

Former Guild Exec who upset most people for talking sense and going against the norm

James Bowes · Black Bloc