Consensus Constitution

1. The purpose of this constitution is not to codify the operation of [Society Name] but to relate the real-life operation of the society to the requirements of remaining an LUU society. It will clarify: 1.1. the societys aims 1.2. how it will achieve democratic decisions 1.3. the roles and responsibilities of the committee, including the key contact person 1.4. the attendance of assemblies 1.5. how crises of bullying or discrimination will be dealt with 1.6. who may be a member 1.7. and how the constitution could be amended

2. The aims of [Society Name] are: 2.1. To provide a support network for all members of Leeds University Union interested in [political topic/cause] 2.2. To mould a safe friendly space in LUU for discussion that questions what is around it and searches, in different ways, for an understanding of what kind of action and thought will tease out a positive support or change in society 2.3. To do this with the resources of LUU, making them available to the student [political topic/cause] community of the University of Leeds 3. The society will achieve democratic decisions through consensus, this will require: 3.1. For meetings to actively search to make voices heard which question dominant assumptions and for group decisions to be adjusted until unanimously agreed upon 3.2. For actions not agreed upon to only represent the will of those undertaking them, not the whole group 3.3. For members to be able to easily and independently organise a diversity of events and employ a diversity of tactics as none need be considered as entirely representative 3.4. An active, continuing and holistic effort to include minority voices and reach decisions among members which all present members are happy with, and absent members would be feel included by 3.5. One annual training (at least), for as many members as possible in the methods of consensus decision making 3.6. For all decisions to be seen as imperfect and subject to change among the group 3.7. An introduction and explanation of consensus at every meeting with new members 3.8. Honest communication of ideas and motivations in the trust of supportiveness and honesty among all members so that inclusive consensus can be reached

4. The committee will be members of the society and will not have individual titles, but as per the LUU byelaws they will need to be appointed 4.1. they will be self-nominated and democratically chosen with the consensus of the group at least once annually at an AGM advertised to all members 4.2. The only responsibility of committee members is to disperse the privilege accorded to them by the union and to enable the decisions of the group to be enacted, meaning: 4.2.1. To between them, attend cash, web and other LUU inductions 4.2.2. To alert the union of which inductions they will undertake, or have undertaken 4.2.3. To book rooms for events on behalf of members unable to do so 4.2.4. To access funds for agreed projects initiated by members 4.2.5. To actively ensure members are aware of these powers and remind members of how to contact them to get such things done and make new accommodations where necessary 4.2.6. To only answer questions to the press or other bodies in their own opinion or to report on the diversity or consensus of views in [Society Name]. 4.2.7. To decide with the rest of the society which member the committee will be the key contact person to the union 4.2.7.1. This person will be responsible for remaining contactable and up to date with the societys affairs and will thereby supply the union a quick way find out what [Society Name] is up to, when contacted. 5. The members of the society including the committee will decide democratically via consensus who will attend [Society Category] society assemblies. 6. Crises of bullying and discrimination will be seen as dis-inclusion and anti-consensus 6.1. [Society Name] will seek outside help if adjustments to activities cannot allow someone to be included who is not themselves actively working against the democratic and inclusive nature of [Society Name]. 6.2. [Society Name] must be prepared to ask members to leave the group if they continue to undermine the inclusivity and democracy of activities through discrimination, misinformation or exclusion. 7. Membership to the society will be open to all except those previously asked to leave 7.1. Only Leeds University students will be able to hold a position in the committee, as per LUU bye-laws. 8. If [Society Name] decides to begin complying to the requirements of LUU via means contrary to this constitution it should amend it accordingly. Similarly if the byelaws change, so too must this constitution be updated to reflect that change.