Anglesea Community Network Charter

 “Better informed, better connected”

Contents:

Statement of Objectives

ACN Members Code of Conduct and Behaviours

Membership of ACN

Applications for Membership

•                 Full members

•                 Associate members

Register of members

Executive Committee

Role

Composition

Eligibility

Election

Role of Spokesperson (President)

Role of Scribe/Notetaker (Secretary)

Role of Finance….( Treasurer)

Annual General Meeting

Anglesea Community Network

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

VISION

Anglesea is a well informed and connected community, able to share skills and resources collectively, respectfully and effectively.

PURPOSE:

What:

ACN aims to a) nurture the social fabric of Anglesea and b) increase community resilience.

Anglesea Community Network objectives are to :

·         Improve communication within our town

·         Build on existing strengths & experience

·         Collaborate on issues & opportunities

How:

Communication:  

·         Facilitate community communications eg between groups

·         Act as a conduit to disseminate information relevant to Anglesea

·         Address some of the unintended fragmentation or ‘silos’ in the town

Connection  (enabling) :

·         Be an entry point for collaboration for a) people with issues b) people with skills/ resources to share

·         Build on existing skills and strengths by connecting people with interest and skills to local need, as identified by groups etc

·         Support the advocacy process arising from the ‘issues groups’

ACN is NOT:

·         A peak organisation for the town

·         The driver of an issue  

·         A replacement for any other group

·         A political lobby group

 ACN membership Code of Conduct

ACN members must always act:

·         honestly and in good faith

·         fairly and reasonably

·         in a socially responsible manner

·         treat others with respect and dignity

·         value the diversity of our community

·         recognise and avoid conflicts of interest

·         comply with the letter and spirit of the law

 ACN members must never:

·         take improper advantage of their position

·         mislead others

·         make improper use of information they have obtained

·         disclose confidential information

·         otherwise behave in a way that will reflect badly on ACN or ACH

 The Executive will provide good governance and leadership by behaving with integrity. It will:

• safeguard and promote ACN’s reputation

• act according to high ethical standards

• identify, understand and manage conflicts of interest and loyalty

• maintain independence of decision making

• maintain community focus

with acknowledgment to VCOSS

ACN Behaviours are:

·         respect others

·         work as one

·         focus on the community

·         listen and communicate

·         acknowledge good and focus on opportunity

(with acknowledgment to Emergency Management Victoria)

Membership of Anglesea Community Network (ACN)  

Membership of ACN is open to any person who

·         supports the objects of ACN ; and

·         agrees to comply with the code of conduct of ACN ; and

·         is 18 yrs of age

There are two membership categories:  Full members and Associate members.

Applications for Membership

Full members : Application must be made via the approved Membership Application form. The form requires applicants to support the objectives of ACN and agreement to comply with the Code of Conduct and Behaviours.

Associate Members – have no voting rights. Associate members receive the regular ACN bulletins and are able to attend any meetings.

Register of Members

ACN will keep a register of members showing

·         the name of each member,

·         the email address given by the member,

·         Membership category

·         the date of becoming a member, and

·         in the case of former members – the date of ceasing to be a member.

Executive Committee

Role of Exec Committee

Governance:

·         Uphold Vision and Values and Behaviours of ACN

·         Provide good governance and leadership by exercising effective control with regard to financial and legal issues.

·         Identify and review risks and have systems to manage those risks

·         identify, understand and manage conflicts of interest and loyalty

Operational:

·         Undertake regular surveying of the community regarding issues

·         Support the establishment of Theme groups to discuss and advance identified issues, as appropriate.

Composition: The Executive Committee is comprised of a minimum of four members: the spokesperson (president) , the scribe/ notetaker (secretary) the financial…. (treasurer) and one general member.

Election:  The Executive Committee is elected annually at the AGM.

Eligibility: Any full member is eligible to stand for election to the Executive Committee

 Role of Spokesperson (President)

·         To be the spokesperson for ACN

·         To provide leadership to the ACN executive committee and members

·         Is responsible for maintaining focus on stated aims and objectives, good governance and promoting ACN community engagement                         

Role of Scribe/Notetaker (Secretary)

To keep record of Exec meetings and regular membership forums.

Is responsible for maintenance of  Membership register

Role of Finance….( Treasurer)

Is responsible for oversight of all financial matters.  This includes budget preparation, record keeping, transactions, investments and preparation of annual statements

Annual General Meeting – will be held within 3 months of EOFY. Its purpose is to:

·         hear report of activity in the preceding year

·         Receive financial report

·         Elect members of exec committee – minimum and maximum number.