Ian W welcomed everyone and explained the reason for the DMP and introduced the Chair David M (DM). David summarised where the agenda had been displayed and that it had been in the latest BCN special.
David summarised the guidelines and history of changes to the BiCon guidelines. This included the fact that it takes two successive BiCons to make an amendment. This amendment was to add a footnote to a guideline which had passed at BiCon 2007. Last year’s proposed guideline change:
"Proposal: to add a footnote to Guideline B.4 as follows: ‘The intent is not that the Equality Fund be how unwaged people generally attend BiCon.’"
Natalya had researched the issue of Helping Hand Fund (HHF) payments and felt that the added footnote supported the spirit of this guideline. She explained that people don’t want charity. The prices this year took into account this guidance and the sliding scale was used to support low/unwaged people to attend BiCon.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask question/express concerns. These were:
A vote was taken and it was passed for the second year.
A change was proposed to guideline B10.
The current section reads:
"All session rooms should be non-smoking and consideration should be given to allocating non-smoking social space.”
This was proposed to be changed to:
"All indoor space at BiCon will be non-smoking, and consideration should be given to allocating non-smoking outdoor space."
It was explained this was an update to the original guideline to bring it in line with current smoking legislation. It was discussed at the pre-decision making plenary. This suggested change should allow the team to create outdoor smoke free areas whilst not constraining them. It was commented that the current legislation allows for smoke free areas around doorways and certain public outdoor spaces.
It was suggested that the relevant legislation be referenced but was agreed that the guideline changes occur at a slower pace than that of the legislation changes.
A vote was taken and it was passed unanimously for the first year.
A request for a one off grant of £500 was put forwards to create a Bi Resource Network consisting of materials which could be used to enhance bisexual visibility and promote bisexual events (regional and national) such as Prides and Bifests. The organisers of this will be seeking match funding for the £500. There will be a holding bank account set up for the funds. Voluntary donations were suggested to help this project obtain further funding in addition to the requested £500.
A vote was taken and it was passed by a large majority.
A request for an annual sum of £100 was put forwards to support the printing, collating and distribution of the Bi Survey which is carried out each BiCon. The breakdown of costs for the last survey was given as approximately £52 for printing, £15 for postage and £15 for folding.
The data needs to be analysed but will be available in an anonymous and publically available format once it is. Previous analysis has been published in Bi Community News. This analysis could be used to support the bi community, further research and funding to undertake research.
A vote was taken and was passed unanimously.
Questions were raised about the amount of funds available in surplus to be able to support small funded project such as the Bi Resource Network and the Bi Survey. Whilst no details were available yet, it was expected that there would be a surplus sufficient to cover the £600 requested at this decision making plenary.
The proposal put forwards was to support the creation of two BiCon organisations - Limited companies. One of which would be for asset holding, the other for liabilities. Whilst these would be initially formed as Limited companies, it was proposed that one would apply for charity or not-for-profit status.
Reasons were given why this would be beneficial to BiCon and the bi community:
A vote was taken and it was passed unanimously.
The decision making plenary was then formally closed.