Name
The Group shall be known as “Rauceby Little Footprint Initiative” (abbreviated to the “RLFI”). It is an unincorporated, not for profit association.
Objectives
Rauceby Little Footprint Initiative is a focus group whose vision is to focus on ways in which Rauceby as a community can modify the way we consume and live to allow our community to develop into a model of sustainability, both social and environmental. It will not just be discussing the issues and promoting them but also bringing about the introduction of a variety of initiatives. The group will work closely with environmental agencies and local government seeking advice and funding to bring about the development of the variety of initiatives.
To act as a focal point for information about climate change, and provide advice and support for measuring, monitoring and reducing carbon footprints through the networks of the Rauceby Parish News and Rauceby Online.
To promote the benefits of low carbon living, and to encourage activity in all sectors of the local community in conceiving, planning for, and implementing a locally resilient and sustainable, low-carbon, low-waste strategy for the Rauceby community, including the development of community run social enterprise.
To support the generation of a renewable energy strategy, to create a transition plan and to pursue its implementation actively.
To ensure the successfully developed models are made available to other like-minded communities.
Powers
To further the above objectives, RLFI may:
Encourage its members to lead by example.
Organise and promote training for those willing to be active in encouraging, persuading and advising households and organizations about the benefits of low carbon living and the most effective ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Promote public engagement with the science of climate change, sustainability, energy saving, and alternative energy generation, with the highest quality of communication on these issues.
Carry out any lawful activities, projects and ventures which assist their attainment and raise funds from events, donations and grants.
Work in liaison with representatives of other organizations, statutory bodies and individuals.
Constitution and Rules
Maintain web pages for communication with and between members of RLFI and members of the public and other organizations involved in the field of sustainability.
Membership
Membership will be open to any individuals, businesses or organizations linked to the Rauceby Community that support the above objectives.
Management
RLFI will seek to be open and transparent at all times and will be governed by those members who attend its General meetings.
Ongoing management will be provided by a coordinating committee which will be responsible for supervision of financial matters, employment of any staff, co-ordination of steering groups, publicity and liaison with other organizations.
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the members will elect a Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer and such other honorary officers as RLFI from time to time deems necessary.
The Chair is responsible for chairing meetings of RLFI and of the coordinating committee, representing the group and acting as a spokesperson and taking the minutes.
The Secretary will keep a membership list, circulate meeting agendas and other relevant information within the group.
The Treasurer will supervise the financial affairs of the group and keep proper accounts of money received and paid out by the group.
In the event of a vacancy arising, through resignation, illness or death, the coordinating committee may appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the following AGM.
The coordinating committee may recommend the removal from office any office bearer if a motion of no confidence has been moved and passed by a majority of the coordinating committee.This decision must be ratified by a general meeting.
Any group of members may seek approval from the coordinating committee to set up a steering group to progress any specific area of activity relevant to the objectives of RLFI. Each official steering group will select up to two representatives to be on the coordinating committee.
The Chair and other honorary officers will hold office until the conclusion of the next AGM following their election. They will be eligible for re-election.
Steering Group
The development of the RLFI initiatives shall be managed by informal steering groups consisting of members drawn from special interest groups.
Election of officers will be held within 12 months of the adoption of this constitution by an AGM of the RLFI.
General Meetings
General meetings will be open to all, with prior notification to the Chair or Secretary. This is purely for the logistical reason of knowing the number of participants, to ensure the venue is large enough to accommodate the meeting. The date and venue of general meetings will be publicized via the Rauceby Online website, or by e-mail at least 14 days in advance.
General meetings will provide a forum for sharing information and ideas and specifically will:
provide the opportunity for steering groups to discuss and report back on current activities, provide an opportunity for the coordinating committee to report back on key issues and, when necessary, to seek approval for specific actions.
Only members of RLFI will be eligible to vote.
A Special General Meeting must be called if requested by 5 members, and in writing to the Chair / Secretary. This request must state the reason(s) for such a meeting, which must be called within twenty-one days of the request. The notice calling such a meeting will be communicated to all members not less than fourteen days prior to the meeting. Written requests / notification may be by letter or e-mail. The committee may call a special general meeting if it resolves to do so.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
An AGM will be held in May of each year. The date and venue of the AGM will be publicized via the local press, public notice, and the Rauceby Online website and/or by e-mail, at least 21 days in advance.
At each AGM the business will include the consideration of the Annual Report on the work of RLFI and its steering groups, the approval of the independently examined accounts, motions submitted by the membership, the election of honorary officers and the transaction of such other matters as may from time to time be appropriate.
Any member of the group may nominate another member as an honorary officer. Members may not nominate themselves. Should nominations exceed vacancies, election will be by ballot.
Rules for Procedure at all Meetings
Voting - As far as possible, all decisions will be reached by consensus. Should a vote be necessary, questions will be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast. In the case of an equality of votes, the person taking the Chair will have a second, casting vote.
Quorum - The quorum at all coordinating committee meetings will be four. The quorum at the AGM or a general meeting will be 15% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is the greater.
Minutes - The coordination group and all steering groups will ensure that minutes are kept of all meetings, containing in each case a note of those present and a record of all proceedings, resolutions and decisions. Minutes will be made available on the Rauceby Online website as soon as possible after the meeting.
Finance
A bank account will be opened in the name of Rauceby Little Footprint Initiative with such banks or building societies as the coordinating committee may from time to time decide. The coordinating committee will authorise in writing three of their members (one of whom will be the treasurer) to sign cheques on behalf of RLFI. All cheques must be signed by at least two of the authorised signatories.
The Treasurer will keep proper accounting records and will prepare accounts annually and at such other times as the coordinating committee may direct.
The accounts will be independently examined at least once a year and these will be submitted to the AGM.
RLFI shall not trade for profit. All funds raised by or on behalf of RLFI will be used to further the objects of RLFI and for community run enterprises and for no other reason unless reached by a majority vote of the entire membership and must be a sustainability related beneficiary.
The reimbursement of out of pocket expenses incurred by members of the coordinating committee or any steering group is deemed allowable within reason and must be supported by receipts to be given to the treasurer for approval by the coordinating committee.
Amendments and the Constitution
A resolution to alter this constitution will be made at the AGM or at a Special General Meeting and will require that at least 21 days notice of the amendment be given to all members and will require that at least two-thirds of the votes cast by those present are in favour of the alteration.
Dissolution
If the coordinating committee decide by a simple majority at any time that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Group, it will call a Special General meeting, giving at least 21 days notice and stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed at the meeting. If the meeting votes by a two-thirds majority that RLFI be dissolved, the coordinating committee will sell any assets of RLFI, settle any debts and liabilities and transfer any remaining funds to such organization with compatible objectives as the meeting decides.