After the last AGM, I was charged with putting a group together to review the constitution. However it became very obvious that the first thing to look at was actually our core objectives and purpose. In short, to provide a concise answer to the question "What is the GCN for?". These two elements, the Mission Statement and Vision, seek to answer that question and will replace the seven objectives of the organisation listed in section 1 of the constitution.
From this start point, we have also established the scope of the organisation (the type of clubs that should be members) and some actions to help us move forward. The next stage will be to use this to review the rest of constitution later in the year. Then the complete package will be presented to the membership to be voted upon at the next AGM in January 2011.
Please forward any specific comments, questions, or suggestions to constitution@gamingclubnetwork.org.
Mission statement:
To facilitate table-top gaming club development; building communities including clubs, associations and the industry.
This covers us supporting/promoting GCN Clubs and their activities, encouraging new clubs; and then building communities of clubs at a local, national levels. The one thing it does not cover is the GCN actually running gaming events. On past experience this is best left to clubs or regional groups (such as in Yorkshire and the Thames Valley).
Vision: (in order to...)
To foster improvement in table-top gaming clubs.
This very aspirational. In short, we want more, better, table-top gaming clubs.
What is Table Top Gaming?
Many in our 'hobby' have very diverse interests however for clarity, the GCN is an association of table-top gaming clubs. These clubs exist to mostly support one of the following:
- Miniature Gaming (Warhammer, DBA, Warmachine, etc etc)
- Boardgames (Bloodbowl, Settlers, Chess, etc)
- Collectible Card Games (Magic:The Gathering, etc)
- Role Play Games
However, the GCN is specifically NOT involved in:
- Gambling games
- Live Action Role Play groups
How?
This is the basis of the next five year. For the sake of our sanity it is split into four pillars:
A Standards Organisation
- The GCN wants to improve clubs (in general) by setting minimum standards
- The Code of Practice (done)
- CRB/VBS/ISA and PLI (done)
- Setup an "Honour System" for clubs to describe the good things they do. For example, do they run shows, campaigns, tournaments; do they have disabled access; do they harbour a GCN volunteer.
Promote Table-Top Gaming Clubs
- Advertise clubs and club events
- Provide online resources for clubs (How to Guides)
- Encourage GCN Membership
Promote the Hobby
- Foster links with the industry, promote systems/products where appropriate
- Promote the hobby to the wider community
- Run Hammerhead (to showcase all the above)
Build the Organisation
- We need more GCN volunteers, specially reps and assistants.
- Recognition of our volunteers
- The GCN Volunteer Conference > chance for volunteers to share experiences and define their roles
OK, that's the starting point. Please let us know what you think.
