Constitution of the Cambridge University Lion Dance Troupe

I. Aims

The aims of the society shall be as follows:

  1) To promote traditional art of lion dance in Cambridge University.
  2) To share the rich Chinese culture with the student population in Cambridge.

II. Membership

Eligibility for membership and voting:

  1) All interested members of Cambridge University are eligible to join the troupe.
  2) All registered members of the troupe shall be eligible to vote for the committee.

III. Meetings

Meetings (Frequency and method of convening)

  1) Meetings will be held at least once a week during full term and last 3 hours.
  2) Members will be notified of weekly meetings through email.
  3) An Annual General meeting will be held at the end of Lent term for which 2 weeks notice must be given.
  During this meeting there will be
    - Evaluation of the troupe's performance in the past year
    - Discuss possible improvements to the troupe's administration and training in the coming year.
    - Election for the next committee.
  4) Any member of the committee can call for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) when the need arises, such as when drastic changes are necessary.
  5) Members will also be notified of any special meetings or other happenings in the troupe via email.

IV. Elections

Procedure for elections of governing body and of officers:

1) Elections are to be held in the form of an Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  -- Prior to voting, potential candidates are to submit nominations, seconded by another member of the troupe.
  -- Candidates are to run for the post of President or Committee.
  -- Voting is to take place in 2 parts.

  President
    -- Members are entitled to one vote each.
    -- The candidate with the majority votes will assume the post of President.
    -- All unsuccessful candidates are automatically in the running for the Committee.

  Committee
    -- All Members are entitled to four votes each.
    -- Going by a simple majority, the top four candidates with the most votes will be in the committee.
    -- In the event of a tie, members will vote again between the tied candidates.

  Allocation of posts
    -- The Committee shall consist of the following posts:
      1. President - Oversees the running of the troupe.
      2. Vice-president - Assists the President in his/her duties.
      3. Junior Treasurer - Handles the accounts and expenses.
      4. Secretary - Keep the troupe's records, minutes of committee meetings, and notifies members of the on-going events.
      5. Logistics Officer - Will handle the logistic and infrastructure matters of the troupe.

    -- These positions shall form the committee in charged of the running of the troupe.
    -- The elected committee will decide between themselves who will assume posts 2-5, subject to the final approval of the outgoing committee.

2) Only members present at the AGM are allowed to vote.

3) There is no limit to the number of terms a member can serve in the committee.

V. Constitution

Procedure for constitutional amendments

1) Any member of the troupe may suggest constitutional amendments of the troupe through the committee. Depending on the validity of the proposal, the committee will then meet to discuss and vote on the amendment.
2) The decision of the committee is final.

VI. Subscriptions

1) 3 pounds per year for a single year membership
2) 5 pounds for life membership

VII. Finance and Audit

1) It is hoped that being a registered society in the university, the troupe will be able to obtain proper funding from the relevant authorities.
2) A junior treasurer will be elected to keep track of the troupe's accounts and to keep proper records of the troupe's expenses.
3) The junior treasurer will answer to the senior treasurer who will be a staff member of the University.