Invitation to TATTE’s autumn general assembly on 21.11.2024

 

TATTE’s autumn assembly will take place on 21 November 2024 from 17:00-19:30 at a cabinet at Ravintola Harald (Hämeenkatu 23). After the assembly, participants are welcome to continue the evening in a more relaxed way at ZBase Tampere  (Itäinenkatu 9-11, https://zbase.fi/tampere/), where classic arcade games await and laser tag options are available. If you’ve been curious about getting more involved in Tatte’s efforts to defend the conditions of academic work, this is a great moment to learn more, meet colleagues, and take on an active role. Tatte is always open to new people, ideas, and initiatives! All members are encouraged to attend.

Participation in the assembly is possible in both Finnish and English, although in practice much of the discussion will likely be in English. In addition to the regular agenda items (such as TATTE’s 2025 action plan and budget), TATTE’s board plans to propose a set of changes to TATTE’s rules for our members’ consideration. These changes are proposed in order, primarily, to broaden the definition of membership in the association, to promote smooth and democratic operations in the member assembly and board (especially to update the function and position of deputy board members), and to update practical aspects of the rules to accordance with how the association actually needs to work (e.g. how membership matters are being handled in conjunction with the Union). The text of the proposed rules changes and other relevant meeting documents will be sent by email to members in advance of the meeting. TATTE’s 2025 chair will also be elected at the assembly. Any TATTE member can run for the position, and TATTE’s current chair is available to answer any questions (puheenjohtaja at tatte.fi).

TATTE could not function without the active participation of our members, and joining the board is one of the best ways to get involved. It is not uncommon for board membership to be the first active role in TATTE taken on by a member, so new or newly active members should not hesitate to join in. You can participate in board meetings in either English or Finnish. All that is required is a desire to get involved with Tatte’s work.

At the autumn assembly, TATTE will also be selecting our representatives to the FUURT union meeting. The union meeting is the primary decision-making body of the national union, so this a great opportunity for members to get connected to those working elsewhere and to help shape FUURT’s advocacy and organizing around higher education and research policy and university working life in Finland. There are usually two such meetings each year, in the spring and fall, respectively. Typically, these assemblies are organized with simultaneous interpretation to allow full participation in either Finnish or English.  This role can be taken on concurrently with Tatte board membership or separately.

Any TATTE member is always welcome to simply nominate themselves for either or both of these positions directly at the autumn assembly. If you have questions about either of these roles or already know that you would be interested in them, you are encouraged to email us (puheenjohtaja at tatte.fi) to let us know. In the registration form, you can let us know about your interests in getting involved.  If you know that you would like to serve in one of these roles but are not planning to attend the autumn assembly, it is especially important that you contact us so that we can arrange to nominate you.

An active and organized membership allows TATTE to respond assertively to employer initiatives, to develop and promote our own projects, to nominate individuals to working groups and committees, to organize events and services for our members, to work in solidarity with other employee associations, and to contribute to the broader work of FUURT. There is a lot we can do together, and we hope you will consider getting involved to help carry this work forward.

The last day to register for the assembly is November 13th. The registration link has been sent to members’ email

Please note that you can join our social program at Zbase Tampere even if you are not able to participate in the general assembly. In this case, please send an email to our chair (puheenjohtaja at tatte.fi).

 General autumn assembly agenda:

  1. Opening the meeting
  2. Legitimacy of the meeting and confirmation of quorum
  3. Approving the agenda
  4. Electing meeting officials and the meeting practices
  5. Updates and announcements
  6. Revisions to TATTE’s rules
  7. Board’s proposal for 2025 action plan
  8. Membership fees in 2025
  9. Board’s proposal for 2025 budget
  10. Election of Chair
  11. Election of Board members and deputy members
  12. Election of TATTE’s auditors
  13. TATTE’s representatives in Union Board and union meeting delegates
  14. Other business
  15. Closing the meeting

A warm welcome to all!

Tampere, 25 October, 2024

TATTE’s Board