In accordance with section 10 of the SoA Bye-laws, we have received a request from the requisite number of Full Members (35) calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to debate two resolutions (2 and 3 below).
The SoA Board (Management Committee) has taken the opportunity to include an additional resolution (1 below).
Your votes and participation are important to us. We encourage all Full Members to vote at the EGM or to appoint a proxy and register a voting instruction in advance of the EGM. Associate Members are welcome to attend but cannot vote.
About the resolutions
The brief summaries below are only headings and do not give the full resolutions. Use the links to download the full text for each resolution to be debated.
Resolution 1 – on artificial intelligence (AI)
Proposed by the SoA Management Committee, asking Members to vote to assert that they do not consent to the use of SoA Members’ works to develop AI systems.
Resolution 2 – on ending fossil fuel investment in the books industry
Proposed by 31 Members, asking Members to vote for the SoA to lobby for a responsible end to fossil fuel investment in the books industry. The attached amended resolution has been approved by the proposers and the Management Committee.
Resolution 3 – on a proposed SoA statement on Gaza
Proposed by 66 Members, asking Members to vote for the SoA to make a statement on Gaza. The Management Committee has voted by majority to oppose Resolution 3. This paper includes a recommendation from the Management Committee that Members vote against the resolution, and information to support that recommendation.
How to participate
We will conduct the EGM online to enable as many Members as possible to take part.
Only Full Members have voting rights and can propose resolutions, but we encourage all Members – including Associate Members – to register and join us at the meeting.
The EGM is free to attend but you must register in advance online or complete and return a registration form to Head of Events, Society of Authors, 24 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4EH.
Please confirm your booking no later than Monday 29 April.
Voting will be managed, securely and confidentially, by Mi-Voice. They will write to all Full Members in the week commencing 1 April 2024 with full instructions on how voting will be conducted on the day, and how you can appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf if you are unable to attend. If we have an email address for you, they will email you directly. If we only have your postal address, they will send you a printed ballot paper.
At the meeting, the resolutions will be put to a vote via an electronic poll. If you have voted by proxy you may attend the EGM but will be unable to vote.
Any questions? Email info@societyofauthors.org or call the office on 020 3880 2230.
FAQs
How can I appoint a proxy to vote on my behalf?
You will receive full instructions on voting from Mi-Voice in the week commencing 1 April 2024. This will include information on appointing a proxy to vote on your behalf.
I’m an Associate Member but eligible for Full Membership – can I upgrade in order to vote?
Visit our upgrade page to check the criteria for Full membership, and to update our records on your professional circumstances. It is free to upgrade from Associate to Full membership. If you have any questions about the process or eligibility, email info@societyofauthors.org.
I can’t access the resolution documents – can you help?
Please email info@societyofauthors.org and we’ll help you access the information in another format.