Ethos of Membership

Keele World Affairs is an educational charity organised by its Trustees to deliver a rich programme of Meetings in international politics and global issues for the benefit of serious-minded citizens. It is supported by speakers of national reputation who give their time without payment and by Keele University which grants use of its facilities. The organisers are unremunerated volunteers, so its members pay a remarkable low subscription in relation to the quality and breadth of what Keele World Affairs offers. In return, membership of Keele World Affairs places certain responsibilities on all members; it is not simply a financial transaction. Our ethos is summarised below.

	Members must not bring non-members and membership is not transferable.
	It is important that members commit to attending on a regular basis.
	Members attend for the duration of the Meeting, usually from 19:30 p.m. to 21:30 p.m.
	Members contribute to Q & A Sessions raising questions as often as they can.
	Members must register their attendance at every Meeting by scanning their membership card on entry.
	Members ensure that any mobile device is switched off, do not record or take photographs and do not make use of laptops during the Meeting.
	Members keep their on-line membership record up to date.
	Members permit Keele World Affairs and Keele University to video and take photographs at Meetings.

Ethos and Main Conditions of Membership Explained

Members must not bring non-members, membership is not transferable

Keele World Affairs has no external sources of finance, depending on the annual subscriptions of its members to cover its various expenses. Therefore, only current members may attend the Meetings organised on its behalf. If a subscribing member enables a non-member to gain admittance with their registration card, the Trustees will have the right to terminate membership. Members are not allowed to bring guests and any requests will be denied. This is a simple blanket policy that prevents misunderstanding or complaints by other members whose subscriptions fund the series.

It is important that members commit to attending on a regular basis

Our national reputation and our ability to attract people of the calibre seen in our Programmes rest on our promise to every speaker that they will have an audience of at least 300 members. This means that every member is encouraged to attend at least half the Meetings each season. A sub-committee regularly reviews attendance and has the right to discontinue a membership.

Members attend for the duration of the Meeting usually from 19:30 p.m. to 21:30 p.m.

The idea of Keele World Affairs is to bring leading opinion-formers and experts to engage in a discussion with members. Greater insight and learning are achieved through the Q & A session that follows each initial talk. The intervening interval enables members to prepare for this cross-examination of the guest speaker. All members are expected to attend the full meeting both for the advantages and as a courtesy to pro bono speakers who travel long distances and are obliged to stay overnight.

Members contribute to Q & A Sessions raising questions as often as they can

The interval after the talk enables members to submit written questions and there are additional opportunities to pose further questions via a microphone at the Chair's discretion. The Chair's aim at all Meetings is to ensure the widest possible discussion of issues with the active support of more members.

Members must register their attendance at every Meeting by scanning their membership card on entry

Information is gathered for security and safety reasons, to confirm membership status, and to monitor attendance short and long-term

Members ensure that any mobile device is switched off, do not record or take photographs and do not make use of laptops during the Meeting

As an exception, if a member finds it helpful, they may use a device app to hear the speaker better. Please explain this to a steward if asked about phone use. The Helpdesk in the foyer can arrange technical guidance if it is required.

Administration, emails and data protection

Members are expected to keep their membership record up to date so that information about Meetings, speakers, and other matters can be sent to them.

Members support Keele World Affairs and will benefit more if they also stay 'connected' by reading email communications and by completing our Member Surveys each term.

Keele World Affairs keeps information about members to help it manage its Programme and membership. This is done in accordance with GDPR which entitles members to ask what information is held about them. Details of our data protection policy will be found in the Members section of the website.

Members permit Keele World Affairs and Keele University to video and take photographs at Meetings

As part of its aim of sharing knowledge and ideas with the wider public, Keele World Affairs currently publishes videos of its Meetings on its website when it has the approval of the speaker. A condition of membership is to give consent to Keele World Affairs and Keele University to film proceedings and to take photographs at Meetings.

Questions? If you have any further questions concerning conditions of membership and Keele World Affairs as an educational charity, please write to compliance@kwaku.org.uk

Managing Your Subscription

Membership Rates

Prospective members can view the current rates on the application form. Members can view them by logging into MCH (MyClubHouse) where their membership record is held – go to Information/Membership Rates. If the membership rates are to be changed for the following year, it will be announced via all member email before the Renewal Date.

Renewal Date

Members renew automatically on 1 March approximately four weeks before the end of the current Programme or they are able to visit their membership record at any time before 1 March to terminate their membership.

Why Subscriptions Are Renewed at 1 March

Each season Keele World Affairs faces the challenge to ensure a large attendance at Meetings, relying on voluntary efforts to attract and admit new members. Members assist the organising team by indicating by 1 March their intention to continue to attend. It is then possible to judge how many new members can be accepted during the summer without attendances exceeding the capacity of the Westminster Theatre at Keele.

Although Meetings take place during six months, membership covers twelve months from 1 March. Current members will receive emails on various matters to keep them informed. In the months before Meetings take place, the volunteer team undertakes a wide range of tasks and costs are incurred.

Cancelling Membership After Payment

Requests for a refund will be accepted up to 31 March. Write to kwa@kwaku.org.uk with your reason.

Note: Members wishing to refer to Keele World Affairs' full terms and conditions can log into MCH (MyClubHouse) and view the Information drop-down. Applicants or non-members wishing to see the full terms and conditions should contact kwa@kwaku.org.uk