NAME:
The name of the Association shall be "UK Samba Association" hereby known as the Association. It is a non-profit distributing organisation.

The UKSA has been born out of a love and respect for Brazilian music and culture. It continues to be inspired by those factors, while also encompassing the many diverse art forms present in the UK, and driving the creation of new fusions of musical styles.

OVERALL AIMS:
1. To encourage the formation of samba groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
2. To help the artistic and organisational development of samba groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
3. To support the artistic education of individual sambistas in England,Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

STRATEGY
· To help facilitate the existing network of sambistas
· To increase the numbers of people within the UK network.
· Be an information resource including sign-posting for help. Much of this would be web based.
· Organise an annual get-together to discuss relevant issues; to have workshops and to encourage performance.
· Organise an annual showcase.
· Use national and international experience of how best to operate as an organisation.
· Develop and share expertise and resources.
· Offer training.
· Exchange information between groups.
· Develop the profile and collective voice of samba groups with government,
press, bookers, funders and the public.

MEMBERSHIP
The Association is open to those individuals and groups who support the aims of the Association, and who have paid the annual subscription rate of £tbc for individuals and £tbc (to be decided at the Inaugural Meeting) for organisations. The Steering Group has the right to suspend any membership for sufficient reason, subject to an open hearing before the Steering Group before a decision on termination is taken. A 3/4-majority vote of the Steering Group is required to suspend or terminate membership.

STEERING GROUP
The policy and affairs of the Association shall be directed by a Steering Group which will meet not less than 2 times a year. The Steering Group will consist of not less than 4 members, and not more than 8. Members of the Steering Group shall be elected at the AGM of the Association, or in another way agreed by members. Election to the Steering Group will last for one year. Re-election is possible. Nominations for the Steering Group must be proposed and seconded by members with the agreement of the nominee. All members of the Association are welcome to attend Steering Group meetings, but shall not have a vote. All members of the Association are welcome to raise issues to be discussed at the Steering Group meetings. This should be done 3 weeks in advance in writing to the Secretary. Minutes of Steering Group will be available on request to all members through e-mail.

MEETINGS
Annual General Meeting (AGMs) will be held. 21 days written notice will be given to all members. At AGMs the business shall include:-
Election of officers
Appointment of auditor
Report by the Chair on the activities of the Association
Report by the Treasurer on the financial position
Accounts for previous year
All other business deemed necessary.
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGMs) may be convened at any time either by a resolution of the Steering Group or a 2/3 majority of all members. A minimum of 14 days written (e-mail) notice will be given to all members. Quorum at a meeting of the Association shall be 20% of members. Quorum of the Steering Group shall be 3/4 of members of the Steering Group.

AMENDMENTS TO GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
Any alteration to this Governing Document must receive the assent of not less than 2/3 of Association members present and voting at an AGM or EGM, or a method agreed by members. Notice of any proposed alteration must be received by the Secretary in writing not less than 30 days prior to an AGM.

DISSOLUTION
If at any time the Steering Group decides by a simple majority that it is necessary or desirable to dissolve the Association, it will call a meeting of all members entitled to vote. 30 days notice shall be given, stating the proposed resolution for dissolution. If the decision is confirmed by 2/3 majority of those present and entitled to vote at such a meeting, the Steering Group shall have the power to dispose of any assets held by or on behalf of the Association. Any assets remaining, after the payment of any proper debts and liabilities should be given or transferred to such other institutions having similar aims to the Association as determined by the Steering Group.