Constitution

Preamble

We, the members of the Black Girl Streams (BGS), recognizing the need for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, community building, and advocacy focused on Black girlhood experiences across Europe, do hereby establish this Constitution to guide our collective mission and organizational structure.

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1.1: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Black Girl Streams (BGS).

Section 1.2: Purpose

BGS is an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary learned community for Black/Black mixed girls in Europe, and scholars, academics, practitioners, and organizations working with Black/Black mixed girls in a European country, and/or invested in developing Black girlhood studies in Europe.

We aim to accomplish positive impact through:

• Building research capacity
• Promoting collaborations
• Informing good practice
• Supporting frontline organisations
• Developing leadership skills in girls
• Building capacity to transform communities

Article II: Membership

Section 2.1: Eligibility

Membership is open to individuals and organizations who support the mission and objectives of BGS, including but not limited to:

• Black/Black mixed girls and young women in Europe
• Scholars and academics researching Black girlhood
• Practitioners working with Black girls
• Organizations supporting Black girls and young women
• Allies committed to advancing Black girlhood studies

Section 2.2: Membership Categories

BGS offers various membership categories with progressive pricing to ensure accessibility:

• Limited Membership: Free access with basic community features
• Full Membership (Waged): Complete access for working individuals
• Full Membership (Unwaged): Reduced rate for unwaged individuals
• Student Memberships: Special rates for part-time and full-time students
• Retired Membership: Reduced rate for retired individuals

Article III: Organizational Structure

Section 3.1: Leadership

BGS shall be led by a Director and supported by a team of convenors, coordinators, and volunteers who share the organization's vision and commitment to Black girlhood studies.

Section 3.2: Geographic Stream Networks (GSN)

BGS operates through five Geographic Stream Networks covering different regions of Europe:

• Eastern Europe GSN
• Southern Europe GSN
• Western Europe GSN
• Northern Europe GSN
• Central Europe GSN

Section 3.3: Special Interest Streams (SIS)

Special Interest Streams focus on specific areas of research, practice, and advocacy related to Black girlhood studies, allowing members to connect around shared interests and expertise.

Article IV: Governance

Section 4.1: Decision Making

BGS operates on principles of collaborative governance, with decisions made through consultation with members, convenors, and stakeholders. Major decisions affecting the organization's direction shall be made with member input and approval where applicable.

Section 4.2: Voting Rights

Full members in good standing shall have voting rights on matters affecting the organization's governance, policies, and strategic direction. Voting procedures shall be transparent and accessible to all eligible members.

Article V: Activities and Programs

Section 5.1: Research and Scholarship

BGS supports and promotes research that centers Black girls' lived experiences and perspectives in European countries. This includes funding research projects, providing research capacity building, and facilitating collaboration between researchers and practitioners.

Section 5.2: Community Building

The organization facilitates connections between researchers, practitioners, and organizations across European countries through Geographic Stream Networks and Special Interest Streams.

Section 5.3: Professional Development

BGS provides educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and scholarships for emerging and early career researchers within the community.

Section 5.4: Advocacy and Outreach

The organization engages in advocacy work to protect Black girls against violence, trauma, and erasure while recognizing their assets and agency. BGS supports Black girls in positively shaping their own lives and communities.

Article VI: Financial Management

Section 6.1: Funding Sources

BGS's activities are supported through membership fees, donations, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with organizations committed to advancing Black girlhood studies.

Section 6.2: Financial Transparency

The organization maintains transparent financial practices and provides regular reports to members on the use of funds and organizational finances.

Section 6.3: Progressive Pricing

BGS implements progressive discount structures to ensure sustained community building and accessibility for members from diverse economic backgrounds.

Article VII: Amendments

Section 7.1: Amendment Process

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of full members in good standing. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing and distributed to all members at least thirty days before the vote.

Section 7.2: Review Process

This Constitution shall be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective in guiding the organization's mission and operations.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section 8.1: Dissolution Process

In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to organizations with similar missions focused on Black girlhood studies, community building, and advocacy for Black girls and young women in Europe.