Animals Count to contest 2010 elections
At Animals Count's successful third Party Conference on 19 September, the members decided that Animals Count should contest the 2010 General Elections in at least one area. The members were presented with research data from different constituencies regarding the animal-friendliness (or rather, unfriendliness) of several MPs. Animals Count decided we will not stand against an animal-friendly candidate likely to win.
Richard Deboo, Deputy Leader closed the conference with an inspirational and motivating speech for which he received overwhelming applause. The National Officers were (re-)elected and include Jasmijn de Boo, Leader; Richard Deboo, Deputy Leader; Louise Cobham, Treasurer and Fiona McNeill, Nominating Officer. A Secretary will be appointed in October. The conference was closed with a delicious 3-course meal and an auction, which raised much-needed funds for the 2010 elections.
We will soon recruit members for the following committees:
- Policy and Manifesto committee
- Candidate Nomination committee
- Events and Campaigns committee
- Fundraising and Finance committee
If you are interested in being considered for any of the positions in these committees, please send a brief cover letter and short CV by 24th October to Animals Count, outlining why you are the right candidate. Time commitment varies from several hours per week up to 5-10h per week during election time.
22 September 2009 
THIRD ANIMALS COUNT PARTY CONFERENCE, 19TH OF SEPTEMBER 2009, LONDON
On 19th September, Animals Count will hold its third Party Conference in London. We have been in existence for nearly three years and we have grown significantly. In 2008 we contested our first elections and in June we contested the 2009 European Parliamentary elections, receiving 13,201 votes in the Eastern region of England. In order to be noticed, to develop and to show we are a serious force to be reckoned with in the 2010 elections, we need to further develop our foundations, strategy and fundraising efforts.
The conference will be held at the Community Resources Space, 1-3 Newton Street, London WC2B. The closest tube station is Holborn, just 130m away from the venue. The conference (AGM) will start at 3.15pm, the fundraising dinner and auction will start at 6pm and the event will be closed at 6.45pm.
The AGM will be open to paid up members only. The talk by the guest speaker, fundraising dinner and auction from 5pm to 6.45pm will be open to everyone; members, supporters and other guests. Tickets for the fundraising dinner will be £20 and will include a 3 course (vegan) meal and a drink.
Conference Programme
3.15-3.30pm: Registration and refreshments
3.30-3.35pm: Welcome
3.35-4.00pm: Animals Count Update 2009 (European Parliament elections 2009: campaign, manifesto and financial report)
4.00-4.15pm: Amendments to Constitution and Standing Orders
4.15-4.35pm: 2010 Elections and budget: decide on whether and where to contest next year's elections
4.35-4.45pm: Election of National Officers
4.45-5.00pm: Any other business (A.O.B.)
5.00pm: Closure of conference / start of social programme
5.10-6.00pm: Guest speaker
6.00-6.45pm: Fundraising dinner and auction (please click here to view the catalogue listing details and photographs of wonderful items)
In order to cover room hire fees, we kindly ask for a contribution of £5 per person. Refreshments are included until 5pm.
Election of the National Officers
According to our Constitution and Standing Orders, the National Officers will be (re-)elected every year at the AGM (party conference) for a one year term. Their role is to effectively and professionally run the political party, in accordance with requirements by the Electoral Commission. Detailed responsibilities are in the job descriptions available at Job Descriptions National Officers.
At present the National Officers are:
- Jasmijn de Boo - Chair/Leader
- Richard Deboo - Interim Vice-Chair/Deputy Leader (Alex Bourke who was elected in October 2008 resigned due to personal reasons and Richard Deboo agreed to step into this role for the remainder of this year)
- Louise Cobham - Treasurer
- Shaun Rutherford - Nominating Officer (standing down)
- Secretary - vacant
The nominated candidates for (re-)election at the AGM on 19th September are:
- Jasmijn de Boo - Chair/Leader
- Richard Deoo - Vice-Chair/Deputy Leader
- Louise Cobham - Treasurer
- Fiona McNeill - Nominating Officer (a teacher in Arts at a secondary school in Greenwich and dedicated Animals Count member for over one year)
- Secretary - post possibly to be filled by mid October
If you are interested in being considered for any of these roles, please send a brief cover letter and short CV by 21st August to Animals Count, outlining why you are the right candidate. Time commitment varies from several hours per week during election time (Nominating Officer) to at least 5-10h per week on a regular basis (although often more, up to 20h a week, particularly during elections) for the Chair and Secretary positions. At the conference, members will vote for either the nominated candidate or the alternative candidate.
If you have any questions please send an email or call Jasmijn de Boo on 078 806 24310 (preferably in the evening). I look forward to seeing you at the Party Conference on 19th September.
30 July, 2009