Joining GM Freeze as an group, company or business

Representatives wishing to join GM Freeze should please:

  • print out our membership application form (pdf 208 kb), fill it in, and then
  • print out two copies of our pledge form (pdf 208 kb) and sign them, and then
  • send one signed pledge form and your application along with a cheque for the amount appropriate to your organisation's size (see application form) to GM Freeze, 50 South Yorkshire Buildings, Silkstone Common, Barnsley  S75 4RJ.

You can call us on 0845 217 8992 with any queries you may have.

Benefits for Member Organisations

Representation

By consulting with the membership, GM Freeze can act as a common and united voice, representing the interests of members and their supporters to policy makers within government and elsewhere, on the issue of GM in food and farming. The membership list is always presented in correspondence, publications and at meetings, thereby raising the profile of members on this issue when lack of resources might not allow them to work on it individually.

Publications

Members receive complimentary copies of every publication produced by GM Freeze, regular briefings and a bi-monthly newsletter keeping the membership up to date with developments and campaigning actions.

Publications and materials from member organisations are also circulated and shared as much as possible to help increase understanding and awareness. Publicity is given to members events, publications etc where there is a relevance to food and farming. Links to member websites are included on our website.

Information

Requests for information or for speakers at events can be directed to the GM Freeze office and every attempt is made to answer queries or to pass them on to the appropriate person or organisation. Assistance in responding to government consultations is available, enabling members to participate individually if desired without having to take the time to formulate statements etc.

Network Building

GM Freeze encourages organisations to work together to increase their strength and effectiveness by:

  • Attending regular meetings on issues relating to GM in food and farming
  • Gathering support for their own work, eg by circulating materials
  • Convening special meetings on issues of particular concern

Rights of Members

As a member of GM Freeze you will be entitled to attend all the Freeze’s open meetings and receive minutes of them. Members of the Freeze can send up to two delegates to each meeting. Each member organisation will be entitled to vote at the AGM and in the election of the Management Committee. All members are eligible to stand for election to the Management Committee if proposed and seconded by other members.

From time to time GM Freeze may set up working groups which members are welcome to join. For details of current working group activity, membership and how you may contribute, please contact the GM Freeze office at coordinator@gmfreeze.org.

The liability of members is limited.

Obligations of Members

GM Freeze is a company limited by guarantee and therefore all members of GM Freeze will be liable for the payment of debts and liabilities of the company (see Clauses 8 - 10, Memorandum of Association). Liability for each member will not exceed one pound sterling in the event GM Freeze being wound-up while a member or within one year after ceasing to be a member. Copies of the Articles and Memorandum of Association are available from the Coodinator.

Members wishing to resign from GM Freeze must give at least one month’s notice in writing (see Clause 8, Articles of Association).

GM Freeze contacts within each member organisation are requested to distribute GM Freeze action alerts, papers and publications internally.

Elections

Elections for positions on the Management Committee will take place at the AGM each year. Members will be able to vote for at least five candidates who all need to be nominated and seconded by two other Freeze members.