DAISSI Constitution

Preamble

DAISSI is about inclusion, fairness, and community care. This Constitution is a simple guide for how we work together as a board, and as an organization. It explains what is expected of each of us so we can treat each other well and represent DAISSI with respect.

Purpose

This Constitution protects our mission and community. It also makes sure all directors know their responsibilities under the BC Societies Act and DAISSI’s bylaws.

Foundations

This Constitution is informed by the following:

  • The BC Societies Act

  • DAISSI’s Constitution and Bylaws

  • The BC Human Rights Constitution

  • The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights

These documents set the legal and ethical framework for how DAISSI governs itself and how directors are expected to act.

Human dignity and rights

We believe every person deserves safety, dignity, and respect, across all identities and experiences. No one should ever face torture, mistreatment, or the loss of their basic rights. Respecting dignity does not mean excusing harmful actions. It means protecting everyone’s right to be safe.

Legal duties under the BC Societies Act

  1. Duty of loyalty. Always act honestly and in DAISSI’s best interests, not for personal gain.

  2. Duty of care. Be prepared, participate, and use good judgment.

  3. Duty of compliance. Follow the BC Societies Act, DAISSI’s constitution, and bylaws.

Conflicts of interest

  • Tell the board right away, in writing, if you have a personal or outside interest in a matter.

  • Step out of the discussion and vote on that item.

  • If DAISSI pays a director for other work, the decision must be fair, transparent, and recorded in the minutes.

Respectful conduct and inclusion

  • Treat everyone with respect.

  • No harassment, bullying, or discrimination.

  • Follow the BC Human Rights Constitution, which protects people from discrimination based on things like race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, or family status.

  • Pay attention to power and privilege. Make space for quieter voices.

  • Debate ideas, not people. Avoid stereotypes and tokenism.

Decision-making and unity

  • Bring your voice, questions, and lived experience into discussions.

  • Once the board decides, support the decision in your role as a director.

  • If you share personal opinions in public, make it clear you are not speaking on behalf of DAISSI.

  • Do not claim to speak for a community unless you have been invited to do so.

Confidentiality and transparency

  • Keep private board matters confidential during and after your term.

  • Confidentiality does not stop you from reporting legal or safety concerns.

  • Return or securely destroy board materials when your term ends, unless the law requires them to be kept.

Communications and representation

  • Follow DAISSI’s communications rules and spokesperson roles.

  • Use email and social media responsibly. Do not share private information or misstate board decisions.

  • If you are speaking as yourself, say so clearly.

Use of resources

  • Use DAISSI’s funds, name, and property only for DAISSI’s work.

  • Submit only reasonable, board-approved expenses with receipts.

  • Follow the board’s signing-authority rules.

Accessibility and care

  • Make DAISSI’s meetings, documents, and events as accessible as possible.

  • Share responsibility for making safe spaces. Care for your well-being and support one another.

Accountability and resolution

  • Concerns about conduct can be raised with the chair or co-chairs.

  • Remedies may include coaching, an apology, or stepping back from some duties.

  • Serious or repeated issues may lead the board to ask members to vote on removing a director under the BC Societies Act.

  • This Constitution will be reviewed regularly to keep language and practices current and inclusive.