The SNU is based on the The Three Tier System, which aims to provide a democratic and two way channel of communication from the top of the structure and through to members at the bottom. It was originally proposed in 1975 by Tyler of Gloucester, then again in 1984 by Vice-President, Eric Hatton before it was finally implemented. The three tier system provides structure and order so that all members are able to play an active role in the SNU
The First Tier consists of the National Executive Committee (NEC) is responsible for managing the SNU by putting into place the operation policies and procedures. It will also manage the monitoring and performance of all areas within the SNU. The NEC meets seven times per year. Four SNU officers, three Ordinary Director Members, two designated Directors for Education and Exponents and Communications, and a representative of the council are present at the meeting. Members of the NEC are volunteers and unpaid registered directors of the company and Trustees of the charity. The President and Vice President are elected in alternate years. Every member and affiliated body can vote. The Financial Director is appointed by the President and the Vice-President biannually. The following report to the NEC: committees, an advisory National Council, fourteen District Councils, the Lyceum Union, and the SNUi. The NEC makes sure of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is a meeting held once a year. The results and discussion of that meeting are the highest authority of the SNU. This meeting involves elections for the President, discussions on finance and accounting, and all other important matters. Currently, the President is Minister Jackie Wright. The NEC is at the top of the Three Tier System.
The second tier is made up of the council. It is made up of the Officers of the SNU together with representatives from the Branches, District Councils of the Union, and the Individuals Members’ Representatives. The council acts as an advisory body to the NEC and works to formulate policy (p.72). It is designed to represent a wide scope of opinions. The district works to elect representatives to council (p.72). Election terms are staggered so there is always a continuity of ideas and experience. (p.94).
The third tier is made up of the branches, district councils, and the SNUi, which together function as local administrator branches of the Union. The Branches include the Arthur Findlay College, the Barbanell Center, the SNU Trust, the Spiritualists Lyceum Union, and the SNUi.
The Arthur Findlay College and the Barbanell Center offer educational opportunities in-person and online. The Lyceum has been linked to the education of children (p. 116). The Spiritualists’ national Union International(SNUi) was set up in 2009 to provide access to the SNU to members around the world. The SNUi gives students access to classes, services, and community. The SNU Trust Branch was established in 1907 so that the SNU could own property. (p/97). The The Fund of Benevolence offers financial benefit to Spiritualists who are not able to work and need money (p.99), The Spiritualist Housing Association is an elderly home for Spiritualists. The London Headquarters Fund (LHF) was established to manage SNU funds, outside of social needs, such as the propagation of Spiritualism (p. 100), saving on interest charged to the Union, updated equipment, and the purchase of ‘Two Worlds’. Each District is run by an executive committee who are elected and they have specific duties such as to create educational opportunities, publicity, and social activities, and visit churches to sort out any problems that should arise before escalating to the next tier (p. 92-92). Regions oversee the Spiritualist churches. Regions have representatives that is the voice of the members. The SNU officers are also seat holders in the SNU council and this is where information is exchanged. Spiritualist churches have their own governing body, but they adhere to the principles of Spiritualism as set forth by the SNU. Ministers and officiants are trained and accredited by the SNU and while the ministers are able to officiate ceremonies, the role of the officiants is more limited. Although The Third Tier is at the bottom of the Three Tier System, the system enables their voice to be heard at the top of the Tier. The Top of the Tier is also able to be heard from the bottom of it.
Bibliography
Bassett, Jean. 100 Hundred Years of National Spiritualism. 1990.
“Describe the Structure of the SNU” prompt. chap.openai.com, March 31, 2024.
Spiritualists’ National Union SNUi. snui.org.uk/.
“The Spiritualists’ National Union.” The Spiritualists’ National Union, www.snu.org.uk/.
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