Chapter 1 - Introduction & Definitions

Download Complete Constitution

[Accepted : 21/02/2007]

2007 Draft Version 16/12/2006
post-2007 Version Ammended on 10/12/2005
post-2007 Version Accepted on 14/09/2005

1.1 Definitions
1.1.1 The name of the incorporated Association shall be CAAH (Community Action Against Homophobia) and shall be referred to as the 'association' for the purpose of this document.

1.1.2 The following definitions are applicable throughout this document, unless otherwise stated.
(a) "Constitution" - The rules of the association
(b) "Community" - A group of people with a common sexuality and/or identity within society.
(c) "QLGBTI" - Those identifying as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, same sex attracted, transgender, intersex and/or non-heterosexually identifying.
(d) "Homophobia" - An irrational hatred, disapproval, or fear of those within the QLGBTI community and/or their culture.
(e) "Collective" - A non-hierarchical gathering of members with authority (by the constitution) to act on behalf of the association in the pursuit of its specific tasks.
(f) "Constituent Collective" - An autonomous collective that is represented by a delegate on the committee.
(g) "Committee" - The administrative collective that manages the association made up of elected representatives nominated by each constituent collective.
(h) "Egroup" - Is any specified electronic email service (appendix 1) that disseminates messages to members of a specific collective.
(i) "Member" - A member of the association is defined as a natural person who has paid their membership fee for the year and has been approved for membership by a constituent collective treasurer.
(j) "Empower" - Ensuring that a collective member knows that they are able to, and are encouraged to, take on responsibility.
(k) "Grass Roots Organising" - Every general member is able to take part in decision making of the collective.
(l) "ILGA" - International Lesbian and Gay Association.
(m) "In writing" - Means by written notice, posted in the mail, delivered by hand or sent electronically to a recognized and listed email address or e-group.
(n) "Attendance" - Physical attendance at a meeting or attendance by Internet, phone or any other communications media.
(o) "The Act" - The latest version of the Association Incorporation Act.
(p) "Regional collective" - A constiuent collective established for members in a particular geographical region.
(q) "Taskforce collective" - A constiuent collective established as a cross regional taskforce which is open to all CAAH members.
(r) "Simple Majority" - A vote in which 50% +1 of the total votes (excluding abstentions) have voted in favour. If there is an odd number of total votes then only a majority greater than 50% of the total votes (excluding abstentions) of those who have voted in favour is required.