A Constitution for Academia for Palestine
NAME
The name of the group is Academia for Palestine. called ‘the group’ in these rules.
B AIMS OF THE GROUP
The group adheres to the guidelines of Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and seeks to
- Promote and campaign for support in Irish educational establishments for the academic boycott of Israel
- support Irish academics and higher education workers who are targeted in their workplace because of their advocacy for Palestinian human rights
- act as an umbrella group for campus local Palestinian solidarity organisations.
- raise awareness in Ireland of the situation facing higher education in Palestine
- build links between Irish and Palestinian academia
C CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES
In order to carry out the purposes, the group has the power to:
(1) raise funds, receive grants and donations
(2) co-operate with and support other groups with similar purposes
(3) do anything else within the law which is necessary to achieve the purposes
D MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to:
all those, including PhD and doctoral researchers, working or who have worked in institutions of higher education on the island of Ireland
upon signing our pledge and completion of a membership form
All members should pay annual dues at a rate set by the Steering Committee
E STEERING COMMITTEE
The Group shall have a Steering Committee (SC). This will ideally be made up of members at large from each institute of higher education in Ireland in which the group has members and will seek to have good geographical representation and gender balance. The SC will have officers including; chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary and treasurer, appointed at the AGM.
The SC will meet monthly during the teaching academic year and more if needed.
The SC will carry out the purposes of the group and act on any resolutions passed at the AGM.
Decisions of the SC to be taken by consensus where possible. If there is no consensus, decisions to be taken by majority vote. The SC can determine procedures to take decisions between meetings and communicate these to the committee members.
The officers of the steering committee will be elected at the AGM. The steering committee will have the power to coopt new members throughout the year.
At least five steering committee members must be attend a committee meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.
the Treasurer must report periodically to the SC on the financial status of the group and prepare a financial summary for the AGM.
F ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – AGM
The AGM will be held every year, with 1 month’s notice given to all members notifying them what is on the agenda.
The agenda will be circulated 7 days in advance of the AGM.
Each member has one vote. Voting method to be agreed by the AGM
Each member can propose motions for the AGM to consider to be emailed to the secretary at least 7 days prior to the AGM
The constitution can be amended at the AGM by a two-third majority vote
The SC shall present the annual report and a financial summary
Members shall elect the SC. They will retire at the next AGM and may stand for re-election.
G MONEY
(1) Funds must be held in the group’s bank account. All cheques or online payments must be signed or ratified by 2 Committee officers and the treasurer..
(2) Funds and property must only be used for the purposes of the group.
H SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Special General Meetings may be called by the Steering committee or 25 members for the following reasons. All members must be given 14 days’ notice and told what change is proposed.
(1) Changing the Constitution – The constitution may be changed by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting.
(2) Emergency General Meetings – to allow the members to decide on important issues including officer positions
(3) Winding up – the group may be wound up by a two-third majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting. Any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a group with similar purposes.
Agreed by those in attendance:
Cathal Seoige (UoG), Mark Walshe (MU), James Beirne (MU), Sinead Kennedy (MU), Rory Rowan (TCD), Harun Siljak (TCD), Share Deckard (UCD), Pat Brodie (UCD), Maria Parsons (IADT), Jim Roche (TU Dublin), David Landy (TCD), Camille Fitzsimons (MU), John Reynolds (MU), Laurence Davis (UCC), Tom O’Dea (NCAD), Douglas Carson (UCD)
academiaforpalestine.org 