The purpose of this policy is to outline the criteria, process, and responsibilities associated with membership in the Children's Rights Alliance Inc. trading as Children’s Rights Queensland (the "Association"). This policy aligned with the Children's Rights Alliance Inc. Constitution.

This policy takes effect from January 2025 and supersedes all previous policies, whether documented or not.

This policy applies to:

• Leadership Team
• Executive
• Employees
• Contractors
• Volunteers
• Members

Membership: Membership involves individuals or organisations joining the Association to support its objectives and participate in its activities.

• Leadership and Executive: Ensure compliance and strategic oversight.
• Volunteers: Promote child safety and adhere to this policy.
• Contractors: Conduct risk assessments and provide culturally safe environments.

Membership Classes

The Association offers the following classes of membership:

• Ordinary Membership: Open to individuals who support the objectives of the Association.
• Executive Membership: Comprises the leadership team and individuals appointed by the leadership team to fulfill specific roles.
• Alliance Membership: Includes organizations that support, engage, or connect with children, families, and communities. Membership is valid for one year and may be renewed annually.
• Life Membership: Bestowed by the leadership team upon individuals for outstanding services to the Association or significant contributions to children's wellbeing.
  
  

Membership Application

• Applicants must be proposed by one member and seconded by another.
• Applications must be submitted online in the form decided by the leadership team.
• Individual applicants must be eligible for a Working With Children Check Card.
• The leadership team will consider applications at the next meeting after receiving the application and the appropriate membership fee.
  
  

Membership Fees

• Membership fees are determined by the members at a general meeting and are payable as decided by the leadership team.
  
  

Admission and Rejection of Members

• The leadership team will decide on membership applications at their next meeting.
• Applicants will be informed in writing of the decision as soon as practicable.
  
  

Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated if a member:

• Is convicted of an indictable offence.
• Does not comply with the Constitution.
• Has membership fees in arrears for at least two months.
• Breaches the terms of their membership agreement.
• Conducts themselves in a way considered injurious to the Association.
  
  

Members will be given a fair opportunity to show why their membership should not be terminated before a decision is made.

Appeals

• Members whose applications are rejected or memberships terminated may appeal the decision by notifying the president or secretary within one month.
• A general meeting will be called to decide the appeal within three months of receiving the notice.
  
  

Register of Members

• A register of members will be maintained, including full names, addresses, dates of admission, and other relevant details.
• The register will be open for inspection by members at reasonable times, with certain information withheld if disclosure could put a member at risk.
  
  

Use of Information

• Information from the register must not be used for advertising or disclosed without approval from the Association.
  
  

Responsibilities of Members

• Members are expected to uphold the objectives of the Association and comply with its Constitution and policies.
  
  

Roles and Responsibilities

• Executive: Ensure compliance and strategic oversight.
• Volunteers: Promote child safety and adhere to this policy.
• Contractors: Conduct risk assessments and provide culturally safe environments.

Non-compliance with this policy by anyone may result in investigations, corrective actions, disciplinary measures (e.g., warnings or termination), or reporting to relevant authorities. Breaches must be reported promptly to a member of the Children’s Rights Alliance Leadership Team.

• Children’s Rights Alliance Inc. Constitution

• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

• Approval: Approved by the Child Rights Alliance Inc. Leadership Team.
• Review: This policy will be reviewed every two years. Feedback from children, families, and stakeholders will guide updates.

Please contact us.