Constitution
Preamble
Workr.co is an online social enterprise dedicated to empowering, connecting and supporting workers aged around fifty and over.
Our core functions include curating useful and interesting work related information, managing a jobs network, hosting events and finding relevant opportunities for further learning.
This constitution exists to guide our operations and ensure a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community.
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1 | Purpose and values
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1.1 Our purpose is to:
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Build a vibrant online community for older workers and people and organisations looking to employ older workers
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Foster connections, knowledge sharing, mutual support and life-long learning, ultimately contributing to our members well-being, career advancement, financial security and social engagement as they transition into retirement.
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1.2 We uphold the following values within our community:
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Respect: We treat all members with dignity and courtesy, regardless of their background, experience or abilities
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Inclusivity: We foster a welcoming environment for our members and all older workers, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other personal characteristic
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Collaboration: We encourage our members to share their knowledge, experiences and skills in order to support and learn from each other
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Lifelong learning: We promote continuous learning and skill development opportunities for older workers to help them adapt and thrive in an ever changing world
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Empowerment: We support our members in achieving their personal and professional goals, advocating for their rights and interests and challenging ageism in the workplace and society
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Transparency and accountability: We are committed to operating openly, honestly and with financial accountability towards our members and stakeholders.
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2 | Membership
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2.1 Eligibility: Membership of the workr.co community is open to:
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Individuals who are choosing to keep working or who are looking for work regardless of their employment status, location or background
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Individuals or organisations who are looking for workers aged around 50 or older
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Any individual or organisation wishing to support older workers.
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2.2 Membership types: Membership types are currently identified as:
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Current: Membership to workr.co is free. Membership will remain free until the Board believes the organisation has sufficient momentum (measured in membership numbers and membership/community activity) to allow the introduction of membership fees.
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Planned: When the Board believes the organisation has sufficient momentum to allow the introduction of membership fees, it will introduce a membership structure which recognises the potential differences in financial capacity between individuals, small businesses and larger organisations.
These tiers are described as:
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M1: Open to individuals and organisations with 10 or less people
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M2: Open to organisations with 11-50 people
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M3: Open to organisations with 51+ people
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2.3 Membership rights and responsibilities: All members have the right to:
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Access the workr.co platform and its features
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Participate in discussions, forums and events
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Share their knowledge and experiences
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Vote on community decisions.
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All members are responsible for:
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Maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment
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Abiding by our community guidelines and code of conduct
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Using the platform responsibly and ethically.
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3 | Governance and decision-making
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3.1 Leadership: Workr.co is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for:
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Setting the strategic direction of the social enterprise
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Overseeing the financial management of the enterprise
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Appointing a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to manage the day-to-day operations.
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3.2 Decision-making: Decisions on major issues affecting the community, such as platform upgrades, policy changes and resource allocation, will be made through a combination of:
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Board votes
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Community feedback mechanisms (surveys, forums etc).
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3.3 Transparency and accountability: The Board will provide regular updates to the community on its activities, financial performance and decisions made.
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4 | Board of Directors
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4.1 Workr.co will establish a Board of Directors.
In the first instance, the Board may be between five and seven members. Board members will be selected for their ability to bring a range of experience and perspectives relevant to workr.co’s mission and plans. This could include Board members who:
- Have experience in the management of social enterprises
- ​Represent older workers
- ​Represent employers
- ​Have business and financial expertise
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​Have legal and policy expertise (the ability to navigate legal and regulatory frameworks related to employment, disability and ageing)
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Can provide relevant networking opportunities and the ability to connect with relevant organisations
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Have technology and/or digital expertise.
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4.2 Committees: The Board may consider establishing subcommittees focused on specific areas (eg. fundraising, technology, advocacy or governance).
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4.3 Term limits: The term limit for all Board members is 3 years with the option to renew.
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5 | Financial sustainability
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Workr.co operates as a social enterprise, re-investing 100% of its profits back into the enterprise, including content development and website development, capacity building, community and social impact initiatives.
We generate revenue through:
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Membership fees: Please refer to Item 2.2 Membership Types
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Corporate partnerships: Collaborations with businesses offering relevant products or services to the community
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Ticket sales: To non-members for events, courses etc
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Grants and donations: Fundraising from individuals, foundations and government agencies.
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6 | Amendments
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This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors or through a vote by the membership.
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7 | Dissolution
In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets after fulfilling all financial obligations will be donated to a charitable organisation aligned with workr.co's values and mission.
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8 | Effective date
This constitution becomes effective immediately upon its adoption by the Board of Directors.
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We, the members of workr.co commit to upholding the principles of this constitution and to work together to create a thriving online community that empowers, connects and supports older workers.