Conference Decisions

Here are some past decisions of Conference

Charities

AIVC Charity Fund Raising

Southampton IVC proposed that AIVC run a second National Charity Fundraising effort during 1987. The idea for this, arose out of Conference when it was agreed that a National Charity Fundraising day be held on 13th July 1985. The principal aim was to generate publicity for the Association, whilst at the same time raise money for a worthwhile cause.

It is a controversial subject and it is hardly surprising that feelings ran high on both sides.

Purpose

Some delegates were obviously unhappy that publicity was the main objective of the fund raising. Perhaps our aim would be to raise money. (Why not to socialise and enjoy ourselves? - ed.).

IVC's are Clubs for young professional people and by definition we are, for the most part, amongst the privileged members of society. It seems to me reasonable that whether as an Association or on a Club basis make an attempt to put something back into the society which has given us so much.

A National Day - a Charity Fortnight/Month

A national day has its attractions - all Clubs co-ordinating their fundraising activities and the proceeds being handed over together. From a publicity point of view this would have maximum impact. However apart from the publicity angle, how do you persuade all the Clubs to agree on the date?

Another important point is that a national day does not allow Clubs to take account of local conditions. For example, the day may clash with a major charity event in your locality, or with another major Club event - be it AGM, Summer Disco, or whatever. If a longer period is allowed it gives Clubs greater flexibility to meet local conditions and the preferences of Club members. They can chose the most suitable date for their major event and/or they may prefer to hold several smaller charity functions during the period.

Which Charity?

We all have our favourite charity and possibly those which we might not support in any circumstances. Clubs may already incorporate charity events in their programme, whether organised by the Club or by members and they would not want to offend their numbers by "imposing" a charity from above. Let each Club choose their own charity.

Publicity

Much has been made of publicity in the argument. There is nothing wrong with it provided the main aim is not overshadowed. Charities themselves are well aware of the importance of publicity. They know that they need it to ensure that the funds keep rolling in. Most would be willing to advise, not only on ideas for fundraising but also on effective ways of publicising them and the handing over of the cheque.

If Clubs are allowed the freedom to choose their own charity, then the Association could prepare a statement to the effect that member Clubs are raising funds and that because they are independent the charity has been selected locally.

Individual Clubs could incorporate this into their own releases to the local press, radio and TV stations.

Participation

If charity fund raising is approved, then it must be stressed that there is no obligation on Clubs to participate, if their members are against it. Equally the participating Clubs must guard against (however unwittingly) coercing their members into co-operation.

Other Motions Passed at Conference

This section contains motions passed at Conference that do not form amendments to the Constitution or Standing Orders, yet whose wisdom it would be a shame to lose. It covers the period 1987 to 1996. The motion is given in the form in which it appears in the minutes of the Conference, followed by the date of the conference (in brackets). The minutes remain the formal record of the motion and should be referred to in any matter of substance.

All commercial activity, other than in connection with the organisation of the conference, the conference sponsors, the association or the operators of the conference venue, shall be prohibited during the entire period of the weekend. (1987)

The sum required for the Levy shall be determined in units of 10p. Any surplus/deficit in the budget due to this shall be added to/extracted from the Association's reserves. (1990)

Delegates travel expenses be increased to 10p per mile. (1991)

Conference instructs the AIVC Committee to look into means of obtaining the services of a legal expert, which will be available for use, failing other forms of arbitration, to IVC Officials or AIVC Officials involved in court cases whether proposed or actual, as a result of their actions as IVC or AIVC Committee members. (1993)

That the cost of distributing Club Bulletins by the Mail distribution Scheme is carried by the Association as part of the General Levy rather than by charging clubs individually. The time saved to be used to assist Regional Development. (1993)

Conference instructs the Association to Discontinue its practice, for Clubs with over One Hundred Members, of Deducting the first Two Hundred Miles from the Conference Travel Subsidy; and Instead to Subsidise the Full mileage. (1994)

That Chris Marcus be sponsored to carry out a historical investigation into the formation of IVC, with the freedom to incur reasonable expenses of up to £40 to be allocated from the General Administration budget approved by Conference. (1994)

This meeting instructs the AIVC Committee to stop all "Member Benefit" schemes, whether currently operational or planned, that are not directly connected with the social aims of AIVC. (1995)

That the committee be instructed to subsidise the 1996 AIVC Conference in Cambridge for all Clubs having less than 50 Members £40, and for all Clubs having 50 or more Members £20 per delegate, to a maximum of two delegates. (1995)

The AIVC allocate £2,000 for refundable loans to enable the 50th Anniversary events to take place. (1995)

That for the 50th Anniversary, a specific post on the AIVC Committee be established to ensure that the Anniversary is co-ordinated properly, namely a "50th Anniversary Co-ordinator". (1995)

That for 50th Anniversary Events, on the official calendar, up to a limit of £1,500, the AIVC Committee may decide how to underwrite a loss made by an organising club; the amount per club being in proportion to the levy paid by the club as a guideline. (1995)

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