CONSTITUTION FOR THE COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL
PSYCHOLOGY DIVISION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA
1. NAME
The name of the division is The Community and Social Psychology Division (CaSP)
of the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA).
2. STATUS
2.1. CaSP is
a division of PsySSA and has been established in terms of Article 12 of the PsySSA
constitution.
2.2. In the
event of any contradictions between this constitution and the constitution of
PsySSA, the provisions of the PsySSA constitution shall enjoy precedence.
3. OBJECTIVES
In addition to the objectives of PsySSA and the functions of divisions as
expressed in Articles 2 and 12.4 respectively of the PsySSA constitution, the
mission of the CaSP is to promote an understanding of the fields of community and
social psychology. The CaSP addresses
this mission through the advancement of scientific research, community and
social collaboration and professional education. The goals derived from this mission are to be
achieved in cooperation with PsySSA, other professional organizations, and the
general public.
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1. Categories and rules
CaSP makes provision for one category of membership, in accordance with
the provisions of PsySSA (Article 5). Clause 7 of this constitution contains
the specific voting arrangements. The rules for membership in the various
categories are as follows:
4.1.1. Full members
Full members shall be persons who
are either registered students in psychology, at a recognised university at the
undergraduate, Honours or Masters level, and registered interns; or persons with
a degree in any registration category in Psychology; or persons with an
interest in or working in communities or who are involved in social
interventions, social change or policy development.
4.3. Membership fees
The division’s executive committee in conjunction with the executive of
PsySSA shall decide upon membership fees.
Persons shall be enrolled in the highest class of membership for which
they are eligible.
5. MANAGEMENT
5.1. Structure
CaSP will consist of a group of 6 or more people who will decide who will
take responsibility for different tasks related to its functions and will be
referred to as an organisation committee.
5.2. Election of the Executive
CaSP’s organisation committee are selected annually during the annual
general meeting by way of voting by call. When a member is nominated in his/her
absence, the nominator must provide evidence that the nominee consents to stand
for the position.
The executive may co-opt further members.
5.3. Quorum
Four members shall form a quorum at executive meetings.
5.4. Terms of office
The term of office of all members is two years. Office bearers shall not hold office in the
same position for more than two consecutive terms.
5.5. Representation on the Council
of PsySSA
A nominated person shall represent CaSP on the council of PsySSA. The executive
shall appoint the alternate when necessary.
5.6. The
division shall submit an audited income and expenditure statement to council
for purposes of financial control.
6.
REGIONAL BRANCHES
Regional branches may be formed in the various regions of PsySSA to
promote the mission of the division.
7. GENERAL MEETINGS, VOTING
RIGHTS AND PROCEDURES
7.1. A
general meeting of CaSP shall be held at least once a year, preferably during
the annual congress of PsySSA.
7.2. The
chairperson of CaSP shall call for an extraordinary general meeting if he/she
considers it necessary, or on written request by no less than 25% of its members.
7.3. Members
shall be informed in writing of general and extraordinary general meetings, and
of the agenda of such a meeting, at least 30 days in advance of such a meeting.
7.4. The
members present at any meeting of CaSP shall be deemed to be a quorum of the
members, except where otherwise stipulated.
7.5. During
a general meeting the majority vote shall be final. Voting may take place by
ballot or by show of hands as the chairperson may determine.
7.6. Full
members shall have the right to vote by postal ballot and at general meetings.
7.7. A representative of the organizing
committee shall have a casting vote at a
general meeting.
7.8. Amendments
to the Constitution shall be ratified by postal ballot. A general meeting can
refer any other matter for vote by postal ballot.
8. DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER
MEASURES
CaSP can recommend to the council of PsySSA that disciplinary or other
measures be taken against members who act contrary to the objectives of CaSP or
PsySSA. No such recommendation will be made to the council unless at least two
thirds of the members of the division’s executive vote in favour of such
action. The member has the right to appear personally or be represented at a
meeting of the executive before a decision about such a recommendation to the
council is finally taken.
9. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
9.1. Proposals
regarding amendments to the constitution shall be submitted to the executive
and shall be put to a general meeting of CaSP. These proposals can be made by
members or the executive.
9.2. Written
notice of motion for such a proposed change shall be sent to members not less
than 30 days prior to the general meeting.
9.3. Amendments
shall be accepted by a 2/3 majority of members with voting rights at a general
meeting, after which it shall be confirmed through postal ballot. Full members,
honorary members and fellows shall then have the vote.
9.4. In the
event of amendments to the constitution of PsySSA, the constitution of CaSP
must be reviewed and changed if necessary.
10. DISSOLUTION
10.1. CaSP
may be dissolved by the council of PsySSA in terms of Article 12.6.3 of its
constitution.
10.2. CaSP
may be dissolved by a resolution taken at a general meeting in accordance with
the procedure laid down for amendments to the constitution. Such a decision
must be ratified by referring the matter to all full members, honorary members
and fellows by means of a postal vote. A majority of the postal votes shall be
decisive.
10.3. If CaSP
resolves to dissolve, the assets and liabilities of CaSP shall dispose of by
the PsySSA council.
Amended Constitution as discussed and accepted at the 2013 AGM
16 October 2013
