How to write an AGM motion
Motions to our AGM are one of the ways members help decide Unlock Democracy’s agenda.
There are two types of motions which can be submitted, constitutional amendments and policy motions.
A constitutional amendment means changing Unlock Democracy’s written constitution. The constitution sets out the rules for how the organisation operates, and includes our election rules, Standing Orders for AGMs, and the rules for governance of Rodell Properties.
Some sections of the constitution have special rules for how they can (or can’t) be changed - see Section 8 for these. For most constitutional amendments, though, a two-thirds majority of members voting at an AGM is required to make a change.
Policy motions are the other type of motion, which deal with Unlock Democracy’s policy positions and campaign priorities. Technically, these motions are non-binding, and are sent to our elected Council to consider how best to implement the will of the members. These motions require a simple majority of members voting at an AGM to pass, and each year the Council reports on what they have done about policy motions approved in previous years.
Note that all motions should be relevant to the objects of the organisation, namely:
To achieve the aims set out in the organisation's strategy through campaigning, policy development, research, education and training.
Develop a network of active individuals and groups to campaign for these aims.
Build constructive relationships with organisations and individuals who share some or all of our goals.
Any local group, or two members, may submit a policy motion (or an amendment to the constitution). You can submit a motion on your own, but if nobody is willing to second it at the AGM, it will not be debated.
You must submit motions by email to motions@unlockdemocracy.org.uk or by post to Unlock Democracy, 2nd Floor (North Wing), London, SW1H 0BB before 5pm on 22nd October 2022
Any motion submitted after this deadline will be invalid. The only exception to this is Emergency Motions, which can only be submitted if they are on an issue which has arisen since the deadline and could not have been submitted before the deadline. In any event, Emergency Motions must be submitted at least 48 hours before the meeting.
How do I write a motion?
A motion is your way to get Unlock Democracy to have a view on certain issues that in turn guide the direction of the campaign. Your first step when writing a motion is always to check we don’t already have it covered in our constitution or policies. There is no set way to write a motion but we strongly encourage you to use the following format to make your motion clear and accessible to other peple reading it.
This meeting notes:
• Outline the current situation with regard to the policy area, including any recent developments.
This meeting believes:
• Spell out what you believe Unlock Democracy should adopt as policy.
This meeting resolves:
• Describe the actions you think Unlock Democracy should take.
What happens to my motion?
There's a limited amount of time to discuss motions so there'll be an open priority ballot to decide what order motions will appear on the agenda; if the time runs out, the motion won't be discussed at the AGM.
You will need a member to propose the motion at the AGM and someone to second it. If you won't be at the AGM, it's up to you to find someone willing to do this.
Constitutional amendments that are passed will be added into the constitution; policy motions will be taken into account by the elected Council over the next year.