Making your AGM Inclusive
As branches begin to hold their AGMs, you should think about how you can make the meeting more inclusive, ensuring that diverse voices have the opportunity to contribute to the running of the union.
Our guide to inclusive meetings gives practical steps that branches can take to increase attendance at AGMs, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women, disabled and black members.
As a democratic union, it’s important that our diverse membership is reflected in our committees and their views heard in debates around union policy. We know that members are often unable to attend meetings; issues ranging from childcare, accessibility, facilities for those with hearing needs or specific dietary requirements can all contribute to a less inclusive meeting.
The AGM is the focal point of the branch calendar, electing officers for the coming year as well as debating motions which will ultimately go on to influence the union’s policy at group conferences and ADC. Making a meeting inclusive gives those less often heard voices the opportunity to have their say on the issues which are important to them and ensure that those elected to represent them have the confidence of our diverse membership.