Napo Virtual AGM 2020 - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens at the AGM? What is ‘formal business’, what is a ‘quorum’, what are the ‘rules of debate’, how do I go about participating?

‘What’s the Point of Order’ is a helpful guide that explains how the Napo Annual General Meeting operates. It is intended to help members to follow the proceedings and to enable members to take part as fully in the meeting as they would wish to. If anything is still unclear you can contact the Steering Committee.

2. What is the Steering Committee and how can I contact them?

The Steering Committee is an elected committee of Napo that: arranges and orders conference business; upholds the constitution and standing orders; and offers advice on the conduct of business.

Find a Guide to Steering here

To contact the Steering Committee during the AGM, email [email protected] If you wish to meet with them in person you will be sent an ID to enter their virtual Steering Room.

3. Is AGM Monitored?

Yes. Formal monitoring of AGM is co-ordinated by two lead monitors and carried out by a number of trained volunteer members from across the union.

Why Monitor the business of the Union? Discrimination and oppression, both personal and structural, continue to occur throughout society and are manifested in overt, covert, passive or active forms. Napo believes that the monitoring of its business is a mechanism which can engender a positive climate in which all members feel as safe as possible. It is a way of increasing awareness and learning for all members as well promoting change within the organisation. The fundamental purpose of monitoring is to make Napo a more inclusive union and to enable members to participate within their union as fully as they wish. It also provides a focus for dealing with issues relating to language, behaviour and structures when they can feel oppressive or threatening.

Find a Guide to the Monitors here

4. How can I contact the Monitors?

You can contact the Monitors during AGM by emailing [email protected]. If you wish to meet them in person you will be sent an ID to access their remote Monitors’ Room.

5. Is there a guide to speaking at conference? How will this work in the virtual setting?

Yes. There is a comprehensive guide with advice for people speaking to propose or second a motion or to speak for or against a motion, to move an amendment or to speak from the floor.

See the guide here

This is written in relation to a physical conference so indicating you wish to speak and ‘coming to the front of the hall’ to queue to speak, raising your hand etc. will be different this year.

If you are proposing or seconding a motion you will be contacted in advance with a link to be streamed to the conference. You will be put in a virtual waiting room while waiting to speak. You will be given both audible and visual ‘warnings’ as you come toward the time limit of your speech.

If you wish to speak for or against a motion you will need to indicate in advance that you wish to do so by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] depending on whether you wish to speak for or against. You will then be given a link to a virtual waiting room to wait to be called. Whilst in the virtual waiting room you will be able to continue to watch proceedings. You can also raise a point of order or information or challenge the chair. You can do this by using the "raise hand" in the chat stream.

6. We are normally given our conference documents when we arrive at the AGM venue? How do I get them this year?

If you registered before the cut-off point for posting, you will have received a copy of the Motions Booklet and an Agenda for AGM. You can find all the rest of the documents – minutes of the 2019 meeting, Finance Report, Order of Business, Composites, Draft Annual Report, etc. either on the Napo website or in the ‘Conference Pack’ tab at the top of the AGM site home screen.

7. How do I vote on a motion?

If you are a member with voting rights (i.e. a Full, PAM or Retired PAM) you will have access to a voting button. When a vote is called the button will appear on your screen for you to vote Yes or No. The votes will be counted quickly.

8. How do I find out what’s happening over the course of AGM?

That’s all in the ‘Agenda’ tab at the top of the home screen or click the box at the bottom of whatever page you are looking at.

9. How do I join a fringe meeting?

All the fringe meetings are Zoom meetings. You will find the link and joining details next to the fringe meeting of your choice in the Agenda.

10. What if I have forgotten my password, cannot find it, or would like to update it?

You will find your password in your invitation email. If you are unable to locate your password, please click here to log in or register in the top right-hand corner of the website and then click "Forgotten password" on the next page. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password.

11. Will I be able to ask questions and communicate with the speakers?

The live sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging and will allow for plenty of opportunities to interact with the speakers, take part in polling activities and submit your questions before and during the sessions.

12. How do I access the virtual event?

On the day of the event, log in here and select the ‘Watch live’ tab. The stream will start 30 minutes before the first session.

13. How do I test my connection?

We recommend that you use wired headphones for the best viewing experience and have a stable connection. For details on technical support, please read our guide by clicking here.

We're live on 8 - 9 October

Frequently Asked Questions