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Constitution

October 2019

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Name
 
The name of the group shall be Leeds LGBT+ Book Club (the Group). 
 
Aims
 
The main aim of the Group shall be to provide LGBT+ people and allies a safe space to meet to discuss LGBT+ themed books, encouraging and enabling social contacts, to reduce social isolation, and an increased understanding of the diversity of gender and sexual/romantic orientation. 
 
Objects
 
The Group’s objectives are: 
 

  • Monthly meetings in an alcohol-free space for the Group to meet, open to anyone who identifies as LGBT+ or an ally over the age of 18 years. 

 

  • Fund raising and raising awareness including working with other groups and organisations. 

 

  • Organising one off or regular events related to the work of LGBT+ authors or literature for example, but not limited to, book signings, talks, workshops and literature festivals. In particular, events under the heading Leeds LGBT+ Literature Festival or similar. 

 

  • Carry out outreach/promotional opportunities for the Group or its events. 

 
Powers
 
To further these aims the Committee shall have power to: 
 

  • Obtain, collect and receive money or funds by way of contributions, donations, grants and any other lawful method towards the aims of the Group. 

 

  • Associate local authorities, voluntary organisations and the residents of Leeds in a common effort to carry out the aims of the Group. 

 

  • Do all such lawful things as will further the aims of the Group. 

 
Membership
 

  • Voting membership shall be open to people aged 18 years and over who have attended a minimum of two meet ups run by Leeds LGBT+ Book Club a year. 

 

  • The Committee shall have the power to approve or reject applications for membership or to terminate the membership of any member provided that the member shall have the right to be heard by the Committee before a final decision is made. 

 

  • All members will be subject to the regulations of the constitution by joining the club. All members are deemed to accept all regulations and codes of conduct that the club has adopted. 

 
Management
 

  • A Committee elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall manage the Group. 

 

  • The Committee shall consist of up to five voting members, of which three are defined as: chair, secretary and treasurer. 

 

  • The Committee may co-opt up to a further 4 voting members who shall resign at the next Annual General Meeting. 

 

  • The Committee shall meet at least twice each year. 

 

  • At least two Committee members must be present at a Committee meeting to be able to make decisions. e to Setting up Voluntary and Community Groups 6. A proper record of all transactions and meetings shall be kept. 

 
General Meetings
 

  • An Annual General Meeting shall be held within 12 months of the date of the adoption of this constitution and each year thereafter. 

 

  • Notices of the AGM shall be published three weeks beforehand and a report on the Group’s financial position for the previous year will be made available at the same time. 

 

  • A Special General Meeting may be called at any time at the request of the Committee, or not less than one quarter of the membership. A notice explaining the place, date, time and reason shall be sent to all members three weeks beforehand. 

 

  • One third of membership or two Committee members being present, shall enable a General Meeting to take place. 

 

  • Proposals to change the constitution must be given in writing to the secretary at least 28 days before a general meeting and approved by a two thirds majority of those present and voting. 

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Accounts

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  • The funds of the group including all donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into a single account held in the name of the club, operated by the management committee.

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  • All cheques or moneys drawn on the account must be signed by at least two members of the Management Committee.

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  • The funds belonging to the group shall be applied only to further the aims of the group. 

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  • A current record of all income, funding and expenditure will be kept.

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Dissolution

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  • The Group may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a simple two-thirds majority of those present and voting at a Special General Meeting.

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  • If confirmed, the committee shall distribute any assets remaining after the payment of all bills to other charitable group(s) or organisation(s) having aims similar to the Group or some other charitable purpose(s) as the Group may decide.

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