(Proposed changes in bold italic, with annotations in parentheses.)
PLACE OF BUSINESS
2.1 Its place of business shall be at “11, Beach Road, Level 3 Unit 1, Singapore 189675” or such other address as may subsequently be decided upon by the Committee and approved by the Registrar of Societies. The Society shall carry out its activities only in places and premises which have the prior written approval from the relevant authorities, where necessary.
DEFINITION OF HUMANISM
3.3 Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance that affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality. (Minimum Statement on Humanism, Humanist International).
MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATION AND RIGHTS
4.1 Full membership is open to all who support and agree with the objectives of the Society as described in Clause 3 herein. A Member, Full or otherwise, is defined as a person who has been made an application for membership of the Society and has been approved by the Committee and who has no outstanding arrears owed to the Society whether for membership fees or other amounts.
4.4 Associate membership is open to all who support and broadly agree with the objectives of the Society as described in Clause 3 herein, but do not concur that humanism is non-theistic. A separate Declaration in Clause 4.4.1 is hence included for Associate Members to ratify, in lieu of the Minimum Statement. An Associate Member is subject to the same fees, requirements, and privileges of a Full Member, but will neither be eligible to vote nor run for office in the Executive Committee.
4.4.1 To live a humanist way, there is no entrance requirement, no necessary rite of passage, and no hierarchy to which one must belong. I adhere to a democratic and ethical life stance that affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. Regardless of my theistic beliefs, supernatural views, or lack thereof, I stand for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. (Declaration of Personal Belief for Associate Membership)
(4.4 is a new clause which has been added to allow for ‘associate members’ who may identify as humanists and subscribe to religion, that is, religious humanists. This would allow us to include our religious as well as inter-faith allies in our community while maintaining our secular integrity.)
ENTRANCE FEES, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND OTHER DUES
6.3 Annual subscriptions are payable in advance within the first month of the year. If a member falls into arrears with their subscription or other dues, they shall be informed immediately by the Treasurer. If they fail to settle their arrears within two (2) months of their becoming due, the President may order that their name be posted on the Society’s notice board and that they be denied the privileges of membership until they settle their account. If they fail to settle their arrears for more than six (6) months, they will automatically cease to be a member.
MEMBERSHIP POLICIES
7.4 A person ceases to be a member of the Society if the person –
7.4.1 dies,
7.4.2 resigns that membership,
7.4.3 fails to pay his or her dues after six (6) months (see clause 6.3 above),
7.4.4 is expelled from the Society.
SUPREME AUTHORITY AND GENERAL MEETINGS
8.10 A member or proxy is not entitled to vote at any general meeting of the Society unless all monies due and payable by the member or proxy to the Society stipulated under the Clauses 6.1 and 6.2 above have been paid at any time before the general meeting.
(To allow late renewals to vote and participate in the AGM.)
