Become a founding member of Reseed
We are excited to announce that we are offering all Reseed donors the opportunity to become founding members. This is a unique chance to have a say in the way we operate and be a part of our story.
What is a founding member?
As a registered charity we can have members that input into the organisation, for example, attending our annual AGM and voting on things like the appointment of our trustees.
How do I become a founding member?
We’re currently inviting everyone who donated to Reseed in our first year of operating to become a founding member as a thank you for your support for Reseed's journey to date. To do so, you just need to opt in so drop us a note on hi@reseed.org.uk.
If you recently donated or haven’t yet, we will be setting up 2023 membership shortly so watch this space. You can always contact us and let us know in advance or join the newsletter to get regular updates.
What do I get by being a founding member of Reseed?
Voting rights at the AGM (vote on Trustee Annual Report, Annual Accounts, appointment of Trustees and any other pre-notified items).
Reseed’s first AGM is scheduled to be a virtual event in May/June 2023 and we will make sure voting will be available online for a period around the event in case you can't make it!
An opportunity to participate in the governance of the charity
Priority invitations to events & programme and organisational updates
A special Reseed Founder Member certificate
Your name listed on the wall in Reseed Sierra Leone’s office in Lunsar, Sierra Leone
Does my money still go to projects in Sierra Leone if I am a founding member?
Yes! Don't fret. The reason why we have invited current supporters and donors to be founding members is that we'd love our members and those voting at the AGM to have a vested interest in Reseed and the way it is run. We feel like the best way to do this is by securing a commitment from both sides - you kindly contribute to our sustainable livelihoods projects and programmes, we give you back the confidence and security of knowing your investment is having a positive impact on the ground in Sierra Leone.
Do I have to join to continue supporting?
There is no obligation to join as a founding member and please do keep supporting Reseed and our projects.
Other charities I support haven't ever asked me to be a member - why is Reseed doing this?
Reseed has been registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with voting members other than its charity Trustees using an Association model constitution. This isn't the traditional way of setting up a charity but it is however seen as being the most diplomatic and democratic way to run an organisation - something we're super keen on. By being a CIO it means the power dynamic within the organisation isn't top heavy and dominated by the Trustees, although they still act as the guardians or custodians for the organisation and do the background admin such as signing and approving our annual accounts.
