Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

In this issue:

1. Aims and purpose of CHASS
2. The next step
3. Draft constitution
4. HASS on the Hill
5. Foundation Membership
6. National Press Club Address
7. Note for newsletters
8. Members of Steering Committee

1. Aims and purpose of CHASS

Australia needs an advocacy body to make the case for the humanities, arts and social sciences. Too often the skills and expertise in the sector are overlooked in setting national policies, and too often the needs of the sector are overlooked when it comes to funding.

2. The next step

The inaugural AGM will be at the National Press Club in Canberra on the afternoon of Wednesday 16 June. This meeting will discuss the draft constitution and elect the inaugural President and Board.

3. Draft constitution

The draft constitution is up on our web site. It sets out the aims and structure of CHASS, and sets out categories of membership. And see the website for a guide to likely subscription levels.

4. HASS on the Hill

"Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences on the Hill" is an opportunity to talk to parliamentarians about the significance of your work.

Over 80 federal Parliamentarians have already accepted our invitation to discuss the humanities, arts and social sciences at individual meetings on Wednesday June 16.

This 2-day event is a wonderful opportunity to sell the message of the humanities, arts and social sciences! The full program and registration forms are at our web site.

5. Foundation Membership

Your society or organisation can become a Foundation Member of CHASS. Membership is open to all organisations with an interest in the future of humanities, arts and social sciences in Australia.

The subscription is a flat rate of $100, and only Foundation Members will be able to vote at the inaugural AGM on Wednesday June 16.

Application forms for Foundation Membership are on our website.

6. National Press Club Address

Iain McCalman will address the NPC on Wednesday 16 June, immediately before the inaugural AGM. His address will be televised live by ABC across Australia.

7. Note for newsletters

Please help publicise CHASS. Below is a short note suitable for including in newsletters or sending to colleagues:

"The Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) is a new advocacy body for the humanities, arts and social sciences. Too often the skills and expertise in the sector are overlooked in setting national policies, and too often the needs of the sector are overlooked when it comes to funding.

Our inaugural AGM will be held at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday 16 June. And the best way to stay in touch is to register to receive the CHASS newsletter.

8. Members of Steering Committee

Members of the Steering Committee piloting CHASS through the formation proccess are:

• Professor Tom Stannage (Convener) Dean, Curtin University
• Dr John Beaton, ED, Academy of Social Sciences, Australia
• Professor Linda Behrendt, UTS
• Mr John Byron, ED, Academy of the Humanities
• Professor Malcolm Gillies, D-VC, ANU
• Professor Andrea Hull, Director, Victoria College of the Arts
• Professor Iain McCalman, President, Academy of the Humanities
• Professor Sue Richardson, President, Academy of Social Sciences, Australia

 

Regards

Toss Gascoigne
30 April 2004

 

For more information, please contact:

Toss Gascoigne

Executive Director

Council of the Humanties, Arts and Social Sciences

Phone: +61 2 6249 1995

director@chass.org.au