Constitution of Touch Grass CIC
Article 1: Name
The name of the organisation shall be Touch Grass CIC, hereafter referred to as "the Enterprise."
Article 2: Mission and Vision
Section 1: Mission
The mission of the Enterprise is to build community for queer women, trans and non-binary people of colour in the UK by organising outdoor gatherings, creative workshops, camping trips and retreats that focus on wellbeing and reconnecting with nature.
Section 2: Vision
The vision of the Enterprise is for queer women, trans and non-binary people of colour to see the outdoors as a space that they belong in, can take up space in and can grow in. For them to know and believe that there are different ways to build community, ways that centre wellbeing, creativity and nature in a sober friendly space.
Article 3: Objectives
The objectives of the Enterprise are:
Facilitate Community Building: To organise regular outdoor gatherings that incorporate nature and creativity, camping trips, and wellness retreats, specifically designed to foster a sense of community and belonging among queer women and non-binary people of colour in the UK.
Improve Access to Green Spaces: To enhance access to green spaces and outdoor activities for queer women and non-binary people of colour in the UK by providing inclusive and safe opportunities to experience and enjoy nature.
Promote Wellbeing: To improve the mental and physical wellbeing of queer women and non-binary people of colour by offering outdoor events and activities that combine nature, creativity, and wellness practices.
Encourage environmental stewardship through creativity: To inspire care for the environment through creative outdoors education such as writing, environmental theory, and art workshops. Queer women and non-binary people of colour will be able to engage in nature related creative disciplines which are traditionally exclusive and white-centric.
Article 4: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
The Enterprise is a Community Interest Company Limited by Guarantee with a small membership. All directors are members of the Enterprise and all members are directors within the Enterprise. Membership is open to queer women and non-binary people of colour. Queer encompasses the full range of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Section 2: Rights and Responsibilities
Members shall have the right to:
Participate in activities and events organised by the Enterprise. Members shall be responsible for:
Upholding the values and mission of the Enterprise.
Article 5: Governance
Section 1: Leadership Structure
The Enterprise shall be managed by a Leadership Team, which may include positions such as:
Managing Director
Director(s)
Section 2: Duties of the Leadership Team
The Leadership Team shall be responsible for:
Setting the strategic direction of the Enterprise.
Ensuring financial stability and integrity.
Overseeing the implementation of the Enterprise's activities and programs.
Reporting to the membership on the Enterprise's progress and performance.
Article 6: Advisory Committee
Section 1: Purpose
The Enterprise shall establish an Advisory Committee to provide guidance, insight and accountability in achieving our mission and vision.
Section 2: Composition
The committee will be made up of Touch Grass members such as facilitators we have worked with, volunteers and/or attendees of our events. The committee shall consist of 5-8 individuals who reflect the diversity of Touch Grass. Advisory Committee members will be reached through an open invitation for transparency and inclusivity.
Section 3: Role and Responsibilities
The advisory committee shall:
Offer input on the Enterprise’s strategy, programming and priorities.
Provide feedback on key decisions when consulted by the Leadership team.
Help ensure alignment with the needs of the Touch Grass community.
Uphold the values of inclusivity, care and environmental responsibility.
Section 4: Terms of Service
We encourage being on the committee for a minimum of six months for the continuity of the work that we do.
Section 5: Decision-Making
The Advisory Committee serves in a strictly consultative capacity. It does not have formal decision making authority but plays a key role in influencing the direction of the Enterprise, fostering accountability and ensuring the voices of the community are heard.
Article 7: Meetings
Section 1: General Meetings
The Enterprise shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once per year. Special General Meetings (SGMs) may be called by the Leadership Team.
Section 2: Leadership Team Meetings
The Leadership Team shall meet at least quarterly to conduct the business of the Enterprise.
Section 3: Advisory Committee Meetings
The Advisory Committee shall meet at least once a quarter. Additional meetings may be called by the Leadership Team or the Advisory Committee itself.
Article 8: Finance
Section 1: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Enterprise shall be from 1 September to 31 August.
Section 2: Funds
The funds of the Enterprise shall be derived from event sales, donations, grants, and any other sources approved by the Leadership Team.
Section 3: Accounts
The Managing Director shall ensure that proper accounts are kept and provide financial reports to the Leadership Team at the AGM.
Article 9: Amendments
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a general meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been given to all members at least 14 days in advance.
Article 10: Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the Enterprise, any remaining assets shall be distributed to another non-profit organisation with similar objectives or as determined by the Leadership Team, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.