[Tango Synergy Members] constitution - response from albert and tim

[Rachel Bond]

Thanks for your contributions Albert & Tim! Some good points.


> as far as the constitution is concerned i feel that 2 points need to be
> included
> 
> 1. a mention that Tango synergy aims to bring together people from all
> 'walks of life/lifestyles' to enjoy tango as a group. I am not being
> padantic or singular but given the incidents that occured last year I feel
> that it is important to stress this as one of the unique and outstanding
> features of Tango Synergy. ie if you dont like it dont come!!!!!!
> 
> and bye the way thank you to everyone for including everyone - it really is
> important

One suggestion, could do this in the preamble, what do you think of 
this? (newly inserted text is IN CAPITALS below):

Tango Synergy Incorporated is a not-for-profit, Sydney-based 
incorporated association created by and for Argentine Tango dancers.

Tango Synergy was founded by a group of motivated dancers who wanted to 
provide free or very low priced milonga venues in Sydney and offer a 
broad mix of music and styles. The association’s aim is to BRING 
TOGETHER DANCERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND all schools in a friendly, 
inviting environment; and to grow, expand and promote Argentine Tango.

> 
> 2. As it stands the constitution mentions
> 
> Funds received from any source are to be:
> 
> v	Directed back into running the association and to help with its objects.
> v	Given to charities chosen by the Committee.
> 
> 
> perhaps we need to include here
> 
> 1.  what sources of income
> 2. what categories of running costs
> 3. what planning for lossess
> 4. and why donating to charities falls within the aims and objectives of the
> organisation - because as it stands it does not
> 
> as i remember last year the issue of lossess arose and people were owed
> money
> 

1 & 2. From my understanding, the constitution doesn't need to state 
sources of income or expense; in fact this limits us. If we've stated 
(for instance) "income from memberships and event entry", then if 
someone comes along and wants to donate to the group or pay us for a 
lesson or performance, we can't take it without holding a general 
meeting to approve it. Similarly with running costs. The consitution is 
the document that defines the rules of the association and should not 
change (or only minimally) over the life of the association so I feel 
we're better off leaving these things open.

4. Distribution to selected charity doesn't have to be in there. It's 
just a safeguard for if we somehow run into more money than we can use 
(yeah, right!!) or for what to do with remaining funds when/if the 
association becomes unincorporated. We can get rid of it if people prefer.

3. As for losses... I don't know!The only other association I'm in 
doesn't have any written rules, we just make sure not to exceed our budget!
Anyone have suggestions? Would this need to be in the constitution?

PLEASE tell us what you think!
If you don't have a copy of the proposed constitution, and want one, let 
me know. I'll try to work in the changes that people suggest and put the 
proposed document on the website so people can look at it before the AGM.

Rach


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Dr Rachel Bond
School of Psychology
University of Sydney
www.psych.usyd.edu.au/staff/rachelb
rachelb at psych.usyd.edu.au
Tel: (02) 9036 9325
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