Become a Member
Common Ground Suffolk is owned and governed by its members. Membership is how community ownership works in practice: one member, one vote.
As a community benefit society, we exist for the benefit of the wider community, not private shareholders. Membership is open to anyone who supports our aims, and every member has an equal say in how the society is run.
What membership means
Becoming a member makes you a co-owner of Common Ground Suffolk. That is not a ceremonial title. It carries real rights. Members vote on major decisions at general meetings, elect the people who lead the society, and have a formal say in where its resources go.
Every member holds one vote, regardless of how long they have been a member or how much time they contribute. The society is run on democratic principles: equal standing for all.
What members can do
Vote at general meetings
Members meet four times a year at quarterly general meetings, plus the Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary meetings called as needed. They vote on key decisions including the use of any surplus funds and changes to the society’s rules. Members who cannot attend in person can participate and vote remotely by video, counting fully toward quorum.
Stand for election
Any member can stand for election to the board of directors and play a direct role in shaping the strategic direction of the society.
Propose and raise issues
Members can submit motions for consideration at general meetings, raise questions, and hold the board to account, making sure the society stays focused on what the community actually needs.
Inspect the accounts
Members have the right to see the society’s financial records and annual accounts. Everything we do with the community’s money is open to scrutiny.
Membership and volunteering
Membership and volunteering are separate things. You can be a member without ever picking up a trowel, and you can volunteer without becoming a member. Many people do both. Membership is about having a stake and a vote in how the society is run; volunteering is about giving your time and skills to help it operate day to day.
How to join
Membership is open to any individual aged 16 or over who supports our aims and lives in, works in, or has a connection to Suffolk or surrounding areas. Organisations that share our aims can also apply, exercising their membership rights through a nominated representative.
To become a member you purchase at least one share in the Society. Shares are currently priced at £10 each. There is no annual fee beyond this initial purchase. Your share remains yours and can be withdrawn if you ever choose to leave, though it cannot be transferred to anyone else. The share price is set at £10 while the society establishes its financial footing. Once we are sufficiently secure, we intend to reduce it to the statutory minimum of £1.
To apply, use the contact form and select I’d like to become a member from the dropdown. We will send you the membership application form and all the information you need to get started.
Apply for membership →