Friends
The friends of the GBSSG are those who register with the Charity for support. It costs nothing to be a friend but by our Constitution, friends must be affected (perhaps as a sufferer or a relative) by GBS, CIDP or a related condition and be resident in the UK or Ireland.
It would be a breach of trust if the GBSSG extended its charitable spending outside its stated objectives activities which is why these restrictions are placed. However, anyone can use this Web site and its facilities and anyone can become a member.
Members
GBS Support Group is a 'membership charity'. Members collectively decide the direction of the Charity at general meetings. Unlike friends, who receive support from the Charity, the members are former friends who wish to give something back to the Charity or others who would like to add their support. Anyone with an interest in GBS/CIDP may be a member of the GBSSG.
Members pay a modest subscription and may help the Charity in other ways as they are able, perhaps by making an additional donation or by becoming a trustee. Only members may vote at general meetings.
Benefits of being a friend or member
| Benefit | Friend | Member |
| No subscription necessary | Yes | No |
| Vote at general meetings | No | Yes |
| Free newsletters three times per year | Yes | Yes |
| Free annual journal (Reaching Out) | Yes/No* | Yes |
| Subsidised delegate rate at Conference | Yes/No** | Yes |
| Be nominated to be elected to the NEC | No | Yes |
| Be a volunteer for the Charity | Yes/No*** | Yes |
Notes
* Friends will receive a complementary copy of the most recent Reaching Out on registration. Friends will receive a subsequent edition but after that, this benefit may cease. Future copies may be purchased or will be free if membership is taken up.
** Friends will initially enjoy the same subsidised conference fees as members but this benefit will cease after a period of time. Friends may find it cheaper to become a member and pay the reduced fee.
*** There are many ways in which you can help the Charity and not be a formal member. However, there are some activities where volunteers are required to be members.
Become a Friend or Member (or Renew Membership) |
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Annual General Meetings |
General meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM) are held pursuant to the rules in the GBSSG Constitution. The AGM is held every spring and invariably takes place on a Saturday, on the same day as our Annual Conference. Attendees to the Conference usually attract a fee but attendance at the AGM is free to members. Notwithstanding, members who wish to attend the AGM but not the Annual Conference are requested to inform the GBSSG Office in advance. |