The NEH Application for Charity Status

North East Humanists`

Application for Registration as a Charity

Part 3 Q9

Object (a)

Promoting the mental and moral improvement of the human race by the advancement of the philosophy of humanism.

This is the overarching object under which objects 2 and 3 are subsumed.

Humanist values are rooted in the democratic ideal which goes back for thousands of years. The origin of modern Humanist beliefs lies in the 18^th Century Enlightenment with the thinking, amongst others, of Kant and David Hume. An account of present beliefs and values is set out in the enclosed Humanist Beliefs, Values, and Actions.

We believe that if Humanist values were to be adopted worldwide, the well-being of all persons would be advanced. As well as being concerned with Humanism in the United Kingdom, we are affiliated to the International Humanist and Ethical Union and to the European Humanist Federation. In addition, we have links with members of Humanist organisations in a number of overseas countries

Object (b)

Advancing the education of the public in the philosophy of humanism.

Monthly Thursday evening meetings for members and guests on the Humanist approach to a variety of topics.

Bi-annual and occasional conferences open to members and non-members.

The provision of `The North East Humanists Statement of Beliefs, Values, and Actions` to members and non-members.

Induction meetings for new members (and partners).

A regular discussion group (monthly).

The provision and maintenance of a website.

The publication of a quarterly newsletter.

The publication of a 118 page book, `Modern Humanism`, now in its fourth edition.

The regular publication of "Thought for the Week" in the Durham Advertiser.

Seeking Humanist representation on Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (SACREs) and the provision of such representatives on six SACREs.

Providing speakers for schools in the religious education/beliefs syllabus.

Provision of literature for the North East Religious Learning Resources Centre Ltd

Publicity

Providing information about NEH events for newspapers; letters to newspapers; radio interviews; library displays; information stalls at Newcastle Green Festival and at Durham Miners Gala.

In addition, providing the public with information about Humanist weddings, funerals, baby-namings, and affirmations.

(Various illustrations of the above, enclosed.)

Object (c)

Promoting charitable purposes.

Social events in aid of various charities

Children North East

Newcastle East Area Asylum Seekers Support Group

The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture

NEPACS (North East Prisoners After-Care Society)

IHEU Tsunami Appeal

Collections at social outings for, e.g., for Save the Children

Occasional collections at the monthly meetings when addressed by speakers from charities, e.g., Lazarus Girls Home in Palestine.

Appeals to members for goods and financial help for refugees.

(Flyers and receipts enclosed)

NORTH EAST HUMANISTS

CONSTITUTION

Agreed at AGM held on February 19, 1998

1. NAME AND OBJECTS: The Group shall be called "North East Humanists" and shall have the following objects;

a) Promoting the mental and moral improvement of the human race by the advancement of the philosophy of humanism.

b) Advancing the education of the public in the philosophy of humanism.

c) Promoting charitable purposes.

2. MEMBERSHIP: Any person who agrees with the objects of the Group may become a member on payment of the annual subscription. The Executive Committee may refuse to admit as a member or terminate the membership of any person whose conduct is, in its opinion, inconsistent with the objects of the Group.

3. HONORARY OFFICERS: The Honorary Officers shall be: President, Vice-President, Chairman, Education Officer, Press and Publicity Officer, Programme Secretary, Secretary, Social Secretary and Treasurer. They shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting of the Group.

4. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The Executive Committee shall consist of the Honorary Officers, an ex officio member from the Teeside Group and four members each serving for two years. Two of the four shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting held in even numbered years and two at the Annual General Meeting held in odd numbered years. Any vacancy may be filled by the Executive Committee subject to confirmation at the next Annual General meeting.

The Chairman of the Group shall be the Chairman of the Executive Committee. The general business of the Group shall be controlled and carried out by the Executive Committee. It shall meet at least once in every two months, and at least fourteen days' notice of meetings shall be given to members. A quorum shall be five members of whom at least three shall be honorary officers.

5. GENERAL MEETINGS: An Annual General Meeting shall be held before the end of March in each year. It shall receive financial accounts and the reports from the Executive Committee for the year ended the previous thirty-first of December. It shall elect the Honorary Officers of the Group and the members of the Executive Committee.

At least twenty-one days' notice shall be given to all members.

Nominations, duly seconded, and notices of resolutions must be received by the Secretary at least seven days before the meeting. Any member whose nomination for honorary office does not lead to election shall automatically be considered as a nominee for ordinary membership of the Committee.

A Special General Meeting may be convened by the Executive Committee, or shall, on receipt of a requisition signed by at least fifteen percent of the members of the Group be convened by the Secretary within six weeks of the receipt of such requisition. At least twenty-one days' notice shall be given to all members. Only business stated on the notice convening the meeting shall be considered at general meetings other than the Annual General Meeting.

The quorum at general meetings shall be ten members of the Group. In any dispute concerning the affairs of the Group, a general meeting shall be the final authority.

6. FINANCE: The income and property of the Group shall be devoted to the promotion of the objects of the Group. Honorary Officers and Members of the Executive Committee may not receive payment for their services to the Group.

In the event of the Group having to be wound up, all funds after payment of liabilities shall go to the British Humanist Association.

The annual subscription to the Group shall be set by the Annual General Meeting.

7. CONSTITUTION: Subject to the following provisions of this clause, the constitution may be amended by a resolution passed by at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at a general meeting. The notice of the general meeting must include notice of the resolution setting out the terms of the amendment proposed.

No amendment may be made which would have the effect of making the charity cease to be a charity at law.

8. AFFILIATIONS: The Group shall maintain its affiliation to the British Humanist Association. Affiliations to other bodies may be sought by resolution of a general meeting.

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