We submitted our final constitution and are waiting while it is reviewed.
In the meantime, I propose that we have a meeting to discuss the following priorities. The best time for people seems to be Thursday at 1pm. If you are in a class until 1pm, just come as soon as you can. I propose that we meet in the McGregor commons because I don't know if we can reserve a room yet.
1. Our first activity- Interest has been expressed in asking the ssw students what they believe about some theological issue (e.g. What do you believe (or not believe) about God?), removing all the identifying information, and then reading them out loud to a group. Come to the meeting or comment about this idea on this blog.
2. Election of officers- Our constitution requires three officers: a President, a secretary, and a treasurer. If you are at all interested in any of these positions, submit your name either at the meeting or as a comment to this blog post. After the meeting I will send out an e-mail ballot to everyone. Let the caucus begin!
If you have any questions e-mail swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com or make a comment.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Finalized Constitution next week
I would like the constitution finalized by next Friday so we can get it submitted. Please review it and post your comments or send them to swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com. I will e-mail out a final version the day before I submit it so that if there are any problems with the final product group members can tell me.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Items of buisness
There are two important final items of business to address before becoming an officially recognized organization.
#1. Someone needs to be our third authorized signer. They would be able to sign checks in case we get any funding for activities from the school. That's about the extent of their responsibilities. Adriel and I (Daniel) are the other two so far, in case you are curious.
#2. Meeting times: Adriel and I are the only ones who showed up to our first meeting. This is a problem. What meeting times work out for everyone?
#1. Someone needs to be our third authorized signer. They would be able to sign checks in case we get any funding for activities from the school. That's about the extent of their responsibilities. Adriel and I (Daniel) are the other two so far, in case you are curious.
#2. Meeting times: Adriel and I are the only ones who showed up to our first meeting. This is a problem. What meeting times work out for everyone?
Activity ideas
Here are a list of activity ideas. If you have any other ideas or suggestions feel free to add them by way of comments. I think that as soon as we can get all organized we plan an activity. Currently I'm thinking that #3 would be the most attention grabbing and may encourage others to get interested in the organization, but I am open to different opinions...
1.Student Presentations/Forums: Students from SSW can be invited to give a presentation on the basic beliefs of their religion, common misperceptions, and things to be aware of when working with members of their particular religion. This could be followed by a question and answer session.
2.“Expert” presentation: Some expert on a particular religion (e.g. an imam, rabbi, minister, etc.) could be invited to talk about the basic beliefs of their religion and common issues members of that religion face. We could follow it with a question and answer session with just the expert or with a panel including students from that religion.
3.Anonymous presentation of beliefs: We could solicit SSW students to send in short statements about their beliefs on a theological topic (e.g. God or the afterlife) to be read aloud anonymously.
A discussion could follow, but doesn’t need to.
4.Service projects in the community, perhaps with faith-based organizations or perhaps not.
Any other ideas you can think of that would be engaging and contribute to the mission of the organization would be much appreciated!!!
1.Student Presentations/Forums: Students from SSW can be invited to give a presentation on the basic beliefs of their religion, common misperceptions, and things to be aware of when working with members of their particular religion. This could be followed by a question and answer session.
2.“Expert” presentation: Some expert on a particular religion (e.g. an imam, rabbi, minister, etc.) could be invited to talk about the basic beliefs of their religion and common issues members of that religion face. We could follow it with a question and answer session with just the expert or with a panel including students from that religion.
3.Anonymous presentation of beliefs: We could solicit SSW students to send in short statements about their beliefs on a theological topic (e.g. God or the afterlife) to be read aloud anonymously.
A discussion could follow, but doesn’t need to.
4.Service projects in the community, perhaps with faith-based organizations or perhaps not.
Any other ideas you can think of that would be engaging and contribute to the mission of the organization would be much appreciated!!!
Tentative Constitution
SWIA Constitution
Fall 2009
Preamble:
SWIA’s mission is to celebrate the diversity of religious belief in the field of Social Work and to challenge religious prejudice and misinformation. We strive to welcome students of all religious beliefs into the UM School of Social Work and to give them opportunities to form supportive and worthwhile relationships with their peers. SWIA also strives to create a forum where issues of social work and religion/spirituality may be discussed openly and civilly.
Article I-Name
The name of this organization is the Social Work Interreligious Alliance, henceforth referred to as SWIA.
Article II-Purpose
SWIA strives to
• support religious diversity within the field of Social Work by creating a welcoming environment for students of all religions in the UM SSW
• combat misinformation and stereotypes that exist regarding religious groups.
• create an open and civil forum for discussing religious issues within the context of social work.
• contribute to the UM SSW community by serving others and supporting quality activities.
Article III- Membership
Sect. I-Membership is open to all persons who support the mission and purpose of the SWIA.
Sect. 2 – One can become a member at any time by indicating to one of the organization’s officers their desire to join the organization.
Sect. 3- Voluntary withdrawal of membership may be done at any time with a written notice to a student leader of the organization.
Article IV: Officers
Sect. 1
SWIA has three officer positions:
President
Treasurer
Secretary
President plans and coordinates meetings and events. Treasurer coordinates and organizes finances. Secretary takes minutes of meetings, creates and distributes fliers as needed; also is responsible for communicating with Office of Student Services to coordinate events.
Sect. 2
Decision-making powers will be held by the membership of SWIA. Decisions will by made by majority or plurality vote.
Article V. Operations
Sect.1
Any member of SWIA is eligible for office.
Sect. 2
Officers are elected by nomination from their peers. The ballot will consist of an email sent to the President to be tallied. Officers may be elected in September and/or January.
Sect. 3
Officers will assume their positions at the first group meeting following the elections.
Article VI- Finances
Sect. 1
SWIA will obtain funding in the following ways 1) private donations 2) MSA funding.
Sect. 2
Elected Treasurer will be responsible for organizations finances.
Article VII- Amendments
Sect. 1
Amendments may be proposed verbally at any meeting or may be submitted in writing.
Sect. 2
Any current member of SWIA may submit an Amendment.
Sect 3.
Amendments will be sent by e-mail ballot to all members and must pass a two thirds vote. Members who don’t respond to the e-mail within a week of it being sent out will not have their vote counted.
Article VIII- Registration Renewal
Sect.1
Registration will be Renewed every September.
Article IX- Removal of Membership
Sect.1
Officers may be relived of their leadership duties if they fail to fulfill their commitments or engage in unethical/ illegal behavior.
Sect. 2
Officers will be removed by a majority vote from the membership.
Sect. 3
A member of SWIA may be removed if they pose any form of threat physical, emotional or psychological to any member of the organization.
Sect. 4
A member of SWIA may also be removed by a 2/3 majority vote from the membership.
Fall 2009
Preamble:
SWIA’s mission is to celebrate the diversity of religious belief in the field of Social Work and to challenge religious prejudice and misinformation. We strive to welcome students of all religious beliefs into the UM School of Social Work and to give them opportunities to form supportive and worthwhile relationships with their peers. SWIA also strives to create a forum where issues of social work and religion/spirituality may be discussed openly and civilly.
Article I-Name
The name of this organization is the Social Work Interreligious Alliance, henceforth referred to as SWIA.
Article II-Purpose
SWIA strives to
• support religious diversity within the field of Social Work by creating a welcoming environment for students of all religions in the UM SSW
• combat misinformation and stereotypes that exist regarding religious groups.
• create an open and civil forum for discussing religious issues within the context of social work.
• contribute to the UM SSW community by serving others and supporting quality activities.
Article III- Membership
Sect. I-Membership is open to all persons who support the mission and purpose of the SWIA.
Sect. 2 – One can become a member at any time by indicating to one of the organization’s officers their desire to join the organization.
Sect. 3- Voluntary withdrawal of membership may be done at any time with a written notice to a student leader of the organization.
Article IV: Officers
Sect. 1
SWIA has three officer positions:
President
Treasurer
Secretary
President plans and coordinates meetings and events. Treasurer coordinates and organizes finances. Secretary takes minutes of meetings, creates and distributes fliers as needed; also is responsible for communicating with Office of Student Services to coordinate events.
Sect. 2
Decision-making powers will be held by the membership of SWIA. Decisions will by made by majority or plurality vote.
Article V. Operations
Sect.1
Any member of SWIA is eligible for office.
Sect. 2
Officers are elected by nomination from their peers. The ballot will consist of an email sent to the President to be tallied. Officers may be elected in September and/or January.
Sect. 3
Officers will assume their positions at the first group meeting following the elections.
Article VI- Finances
Sect. 1
SWIA will obtain funding in the following ways 1) private donations 2) MSA funding.
Sect. 2
Elected Treasurer will be responsible for organizations finances.
Article VII- Amendments
Sect. 1
Amendments may be proposed verbally at any meeting or may be submitted in writing.
Sect. 2
Any current member of SWIA may submit an Amendment.
Sect 3.
Amendments will be sent by e-mail ballot to all members and must pass a two thirds vote. Members who don’t respond to the e-mail within a week of it being sent out will not have their vote counted.
Article VIII- Registration Renewal
Sect.1
Registration will be Renewed every September.
Article IX- Removal of Membership
Sect.1
Officers may be relived of their leadership duties if they fail to fulfill their commitments or engage in unethical/ illegal behavior.
Sect. 2
Officers will be removed by a majority vote from the membership.
Sect. 3
A member of SWIA may be removed if they pose any form of threat physical, emotional or psychological to any member of the organization.
Sect. 4
A member of SWIA may also be removed by a 2/3 majority vote from the membership.
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