Sunshine Coast Pride Network Incorporation Meeting

This meeting is to get things going effectively and to get our Sunshine Coast Pride Network up and running, we need to elect a Board and register the Committee members, the interest is high and lots are coming forward to offer their help and become members.
PLEASE READ the information below.
To become a member of the Sunshine Coast Pride Network you need to be a resident of the Sunshine Coast and a member of a recognised Sunshine Coast LGBTQI+ group.

Here is some very relevant information to help you get involved:
To effectively involve people in incorporating your not-for-profit, clearly communicate the purpose and benefits, offer specific roles, and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for participation.
Communicate the Vision and Purpose:
· Explain the "Why":
Becoming an incorporated body provides legal recognition, protecting our members and activities under the law. It will also enable our group to enter contracts, secure funding, and apply for grants, enhancing our ability to support initiatives and advocate for LGBTIQA+ rights. Incorporation also fosters accountability and transparency, strengthening community trust and providing a clearer structure for decision-making and leadership.
· Share the Vision:
As an incorporated entity, the Sunshine Coast Pride Network aims to establish a sustainable, legally recognised platform that ensures long-term advocacy, support, and empowerment for LGBTIQA+ individuals and groups. The group seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable community by securing resources and funding for educational programs, health and wellbeing services, and social initiatives that address the specific needs of the LGBTIQA+ community. Furthermore, the group intends to build lasting partnerships with other organisations, enhancing its reach and impact, and fostering a more cohesive, supportive environment where LGBTIQA+ people feel valued, safe, and heard.
· Highlight the Benefits:
· Incorporation will allow the Sunshine Coast Pride Network to achieve its mission more effectively by providing a formal legal framework that enhances credibility and trustworthiness.
· With legal recognition, the Sunshine Coast Pride Network can enter partnerships with other nonprofits, government bodies, and private sector entities, enabling access to new resources and opportunities for collaboration.
· Incorporation also opens the door to securing funding through grants, donations, and sponsorships, which will allow for the development of larger-scale social networking opportunities for those in the LGBTIQA+ community.
· Additionally, incorporation ensures accountability and transparency to its stakeholders. This enhanced stability and legitimacy will position the Sunshine Coast Pride Network to expand its services to support more individuals and create a lasting impact within the LGBTIQA+ community on the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
· With a clear governance structure, the Sunshine Coast Pride Network can establish volunteer, membership, and leadership opportunities. This structure helps engage a broader group of people in meaningful ways, from advocacy to fundraising.
· Identify Needed Skills:
The incorporation process for the Sunshine Coast Pride Network requires a range of expertise and skills to ensure that the Network is set up properly and can operate effectively. Key areas of expertise and skills needed include:
Legal Skills
· Compliance
· Contracts and agreements
Financial Skills
· Nonprofit financial management
· Fundraising
· Auditing and reporting
Administrative Skills
· Governance and Organisational Structure
· Record keeping
Project Management
· Strategic Planning
· Risk Management
· Monitoring and Evaluation
Communication and Public Relations
· Brand Development
· Community Engagement
Technology and IT Skills
· Website and Social Media
· Database Management
Having a team or access to individuals with these skills and expertise will ensure that the incorporation process runs smoothly, and that the organisation is positioned for long term success.

Create Clear Roles:
President
Role: The President serves as the leader of the organisation, overseeing strategic direction and ensuring it operates in alignment with its mission and goals.
Responsibilities:
· Leadership and Oversight
· Board Meetings
· Representation
· Executive Leadership
· Conflict Resolution
Treasurer
Role: The Treasurer is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Sunshine Coast Pride Network, ensuring transparency, and maintaining reserves.
Responsibilities:
· Financial Oversight
· Record Keeping
· Reporting
· Tax and Compliance
· Fundraising Support
· Secretary
Role: The Secretary is responsible for ensuring the Sunshine Coast Pride Network’s governance is efficient and well-documented, handling administrative and legal paperwork.
Responsibilities:
· Record Keeping
· Correspondence
· Compliance
· Scheduling
· Governance Support
· Committee Members
Role: Committee members are responsible for assisting in the decision-making process, guiding the Sunshine Coast Pride Network on specific areas of its operations, and supporting the board in fulfilling its duties.
Responsibilities:
· Participation in Meetings
· Advisory Roles
· Task-Specific Work
· Support in Decision-Making
· Monitoring and Evaluation
· Community Representation
These roles help create a strong and effective governance structure, ensuring that the Sunshine Coast Pride Network operates efficiently, remains accountable to its stakeholders, and is positioned for sustainable growth and impact.
· Tailor Opportunities:
Match people's skills and interests with the available roles and opportunities.
3. Create a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment:
· Start Regular Meetings:
Hold regular meetings to keep people informed, gather input, and foster a sense of community.
· Encourage Participation:
Create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and contributing to the process.
· Celebrate Contributions:
Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of everyone involved.
4. Specific Actions:
· Form a Work Group:
Create a small, dedicated group to handle the practical aspects of incorporation.
· Invite Experts:
Bring in professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants) to provide guidance and support.
· Publicize the Process:
Inform the public about the incorporation process and invite them to participate.
An incorporated association is an organisation incorporated under state or territory law, that is usually not-for-profit.
Its structure establishes it as a legal entity separate from its individual members.
You can recognise an incorporated association by the word 'Incorporated' or the abbreviation 'Inc' after its name.