Guidelines
I. THE NATURE OF THE FRANCISCAN FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA
The membership should encompass all Franciscan Groups in Australia. These groups are: Anglican, Catholic and Ecumenical
II. AIMS OF THE FRANCISCAN FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA
Aim 1 To Foster Working Together as Franciscans
Method
1) To coordinate the communal study, reflection and celebration of significant themes.
2) To act as liaison body with other national/international Franciscan groups.
3) Promote national/regional gatherings from time to time.
Aim 2 To Foster Communication within the Whole Franciscan Family and to the Wider Community
Method
1) To provide a national newssheet containing a calendar of events.
2) To provide a database of Franciscan resource personnel, material and courses.
3) To arrange for the publication of significant Franciscan material.
III. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
1) To be held every year in August with an election of the Executive to be held every second year.
2) The Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) is a gathering of Franciscans and is held to report on: the progress of the Aims of Franciscan Federation Of Australia and to present an audited financial statement of Franciscan Federation Of Australia. Each Franciscan member group is urged to send ONE designated member who will have voting rights at the A.G.M. Names of designated members must be forwarded to the Secretary of the Executive at least three weeks prior to the A.G.M. Attendance at the A.G.M. is open to all.
3) Current members of the Executive shall each have a vote at the A.G.M. Where a group has a member on the Executive, that group shall designate another member to the A.G.M. with voting rights. Members exercise one vote only.
IV. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1) The Executive Committee, whose office is two years, will consist of eight members - 6 elected, 2 appointed.
2) The appointed members will consist of one Anglican nominated by TSSF/SSF and one Secular Franciscan nominated by the national executive of the SFO. Such nominations to be notified to the Executive Secretary three weeks prior to the A.G.M. (This is to ensure an ecumenical dimension and a representation of the largest group of Franciscans, the SFO’s)
3) The six remaining members of the executive will be elected by the A.G.M.
4) The Executive, from among themselves, will elect the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
5) After an initial two-year term members of the Executive may be reelected for a further two-year term.
6) The Executive will meet at least twice a year.
7) Resignation of a member of the Executive Committee:
a. of an appointed member: the group (TSSF/SSF or SFO) will appoint a new member.
b. of an elected member: the other members of the Executive Committee will appoint the member, keeping in mind the results of the previous election.
c. such appointment/election will carry over till the next elective Assembly.
V. A COMMITMENT FEE
An annual commitment fee of $250.00 is requested from each group. This should be paid to the Treasurer each March to enable designated members to enjoy voting rights.