XR Finance: Constitution Template

CONSTITUTION – [INSERT LOCAL GROUP NAME]

Article 1 – Name

The name of this organisation shall be: [Insert local group name]

Article 2 – Address

[Insert chosen address]

Article 3 – Objectives & Activities

The objectives of this organisation shall be to achieve the following three demands using non-violent direct action:

  1. Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.
  2. Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
  3. Government must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

The activities of the organisation shall be in line with its objectives. General activities may include the following:

  • Protests
  • Communicating with the public and press
  • Reaching out into our communities
  • Organising meetings
  • Conducting talks
  • Arranging training courses
  • Implementing processes, techniques and events to enable a regenerative culture for wellbeing
  • Lobbying and advocating for our demands
  • Managing our finances
  • Fundraising

Article 4 – Membership

There are no requirements to join our organisation. However, we ask that members organise and operate in accordance with our three demands above and our ten principles and values below. Members may be asked to leave if they diverge from these.

  1. We have a shared vision of change.
  2. We set our mission on what is necessary.
  3. We need a regenerative culture.
  4. We openly challenge ourselves and our toxic system.
  5. We value reflecting and learning.
  6. We welcome everyone and every part of everyone.
  7. We actively mitigate for power.
  8. We avoid blaming and shaming.
  9. We are a non-violent network.
  10. We are based on autonomy and decentralisation.

Article 5 – Organising Working Groups

The organisation uses a holacratic decision making process. We are organised into eight main Working Groups which may also contain further sub-groups:

  1. Actions & Logistics
  2. Arts
  3. Media & Messaging
  4. Communities
  5. Talks & Training
  6. Regenerative Culture
  7. Lobbying & Advocacy
  8. Finance & Fundraising

Article 6 – Finance

Any money obtained by the organisation shall be used only for the organisation.

Any bank or savings accounts opened by the organisation shall be in the name of [Insert local group name]

[Insert name(s) of local Finance team] shall be responsible for the finances of the organisation.

Article 7 — Meetings

The organisation shall have one main meeting per week plus a variable number of ad-hoc AG and office meetings per week.

The organisation shall have at least one general meeting per week at which amendments can be made to the Constitution.

Any changes to the Constitution must be agreed by at least a majority of those members in attendance.

Adoption of the Constitution

This constitution was adopted by the members present at a meeting held on: [Insert date]

Signed: ___________________________________________ Date: ________________

Print Name: _______________________________________

Signed: ___________________________________________ Date: ________________

Print Name: _______________________________________

Signed: ___________________________________________ Date: ________________

Print Name: _______________________________________