Global Network for Digital Theology

Mission Statement

The Global Network for Digital Theology (GoNeDigiTal) is an international network that connects those involved in research and reflection on the interaction and expression of theologies within digital cultures, media, and technology. The Network contributes a spirit of collegiality and collaboration to the ongoing definition of digital theology as a distinct field of study, giving impetus to research, education, and robust engagement. These collaborations are by necessity interdisciplinary drawing together voices from academia, faith communities, industry, and policy makers.

Organisation

The Global Network for Digital Theology is primarily a mechanism for collaborative projects amongst its members and is overseen by a board drawn from individual members of the network as set out in the Terms of Reference.

Membership

Membership in the Network is drawn from individuals located in academia, faith communities, industry, and wider community who are active in areas connected with the Mission of the Network.

[The board will work towards an individual membership scheme implemented at the annual meeting 2024. The members will vote for board members.]

Terms of Reference for the GoNeDigiTal Board

The GoNeDigital board works collaboratively to support the Network’s mission and to provide oversight of its organisation, finances, and activities.

Board Responsibilities

The Board is responsible for:

§  Promoting the mission of the Network;

§  Fostering collaboration among its members;

§  Strategic development of the Network;

§  Oversight of events and activities organised by the Network;

§  Oversight of the Network’s communications;

§  Management of the Network finances;

§  Reviewing the governance structures of the Network;

Board Membership

1.       The Board should consist of no more than twelve members.

2.       A majority of board members should hold academic roles in their own context, but board membership can also include persons in non-academic roles with relevant expertise and experience.

3.       Members of the Board will be appointed by the board for a period of three years at a time. A board member will only be appointed after declaring in writing to the Board Chair their commitment to the mission of the Network.

New board members will be nominated to the Chair prior to the AGM. New members will be elected at the AGM by the board.

4.       The Board includes the following officers:

§  Chair of the Board (three-year period)

§  Vice Chair of the Board (three-year period)

§  Secretary (three-year period)

§  Treasurer (three-year period)

§  Chair of Annual Conference Subcommittee (three-year period)

§  Chair of Events Subcommittee (three-year period)

§  Chair of Communication Subcommittee (three-year period)

Meetings

5.       The Board is a standing committee which will meet no less than twice per calendar year.

6.       An Annual General Meeting will be held in conjunction with the annual conference. The following will be standing items on the agenda:

§  Election of new Board members

§  Finance report and projected budget

§  Reports from the subcommittees

7.       The minutes of the Board will constitute a formal record of its meetings and decisions.

8.       Six members will constitute a quorum, which must include either the Chair or the Vice Chair. For voting purposes, the chair of the meeting will only cast their vote in the event of a tied vote.

Subcommittees

9.       The Board will have the following subcommittees:

a.       Annual Conference Subcommittee

b.       Events Subcommittee

c.       Communications Subcommittee

10.   The subcommittees will report to the Board at the Annual General Meeting.

11.   Annual Conference Subcommittee

The Annual Conference Subcommittee is a standing committee which acts on behalf of the Board to plan and organise the Network’s annual conference;

§  Its membership should consist of no less than three persons and must include at least one Board member;

§  The Chair of the committee must be a Board Member and will be appointed by the Board

§  The Annual Conference Subcommittee formally reports to the Board at the Annual General Meeting

12.   Events Subcommittee           

The Events Subcommittee is a standing committee which acts on behalf of the Board to plan and organise events and activities hosted by the Network;

§  Its remit includes organising regular workshops and any other events that will further the mission of the Network;

§  Its membership should consist of no less than three persons and must include at least one Board member;

§  The Chair of the committee must be a Board Member and will be appointed by the board;

§  It may co-ordinating events with other networks, organisations and institutions;

§  The Events Subcommittee formally reports to the Board at the Annual General Meeting

13.   Communications Committee

The Communications Committee has oversight of the communications of the Network including social media, website, and email communications;

§  Its membership should consist of no less than three persons of which at least one must be a member of the Board;

§  The Chair of the committee must be a Board Member and will be appointed by the board;

§  It is also responsible for co-ordinating communications with other groups and institutions;

§  The Communications Subcommittee formally reports to the Board at the Annual General Meeting

Finances

The finances of the Network are managed by the Treasurer in conjunction with an institution connected to a Board member.