ASWAN (A Society Without A Name, For People Without A Home) is an
grassroots organization which invites any person who is homeless or formerly homeless to
become a voting member.
The founding principles and procedures are as follows:
1. The purpose of the organization is to act on behalf of the interests of the homeless.
2. The organization will accept contributions in kind, but not financial contributions.
3. A Membership Sheet will be passed around at the beginning of every meeting. Any
homeless or formerly homeless person who signs that sheet becomes a voting member. Others
who sign a declaration of conscience that they have no mental reservation by reason of
conflict of interest may join as advisory or non-voting members.
4. Except for selection of co-convenors, decisions are by consensus of voting members
present at any meeting. Any voting member who objects to a decision can choose to stand
aside as to that matter, even though in opposition, in consideration of the views of the
others, or, if he or she feels strongly enough to prevent a decision from going forward, may
do so, in which event that action will not go forward.
5. The organization will elect four co-convenors by majority vote. Each or a combination
of co-convenors will have authority between meetings to act for the group, and will report
on any such action at the next meeting.
6. Co-convenors serve at the pleasure of the group. Any co-convenor may relinquish that
responsibility at any meeting, or may be replaced at any meeting by a majority of the other
voting members of the group who are present. Anyone succeeding to the position of
co-convenor will be subject to the same procedures. The group may appoint committees to do
specific work on its behalf.
7. At the end of every meeting, the time and place of the next meeting will be decided.
All members are encouraged to invite others to attend who meet the criteria of membership.
Notice of meetings may be by word of mouth, and there is no requirement of other kinds of
notice.
8. The organization may amend these principles by unanimous vote of two successive
meetings.