Convivium: The Philosophy and Food Roundtable
I. Aim of Organization: Convivium: The Philosophy and Food Roundtable fosters research in and reflection on food. The members of Convivium recognize the embodied and encultured status of human beings. They are also aware that reflection on food and food practices, while widely overlooked in western philosophy, is central to a proper grasp of that status. Therefore, Convivium seeks to:
A. Provide a forum for people to explore food philosophically;
B. Increase visibility of food as a topic for philosophical investigation;
C. Serve as a network for the exchange of ideas;
D. Work as a resource for people who are trying to write or teach food as philosophers;
E. Function as a support system for students doing work in the area of food and philosophy;
F. Promote interdisciplinary approaches to philosophical studies through food; and
G. Forge connections with other like-minded organizations, such as the Society for the Study of Agriculture and Human Values, and the Association for the Study of Food and Society.
H. Act as a medium for the dissemination and publication of research addressing food and philosophy.
II. Structure of Convivium: We govern Convivium by way of a Steering Committee.
A. The Steering Committee is composed of an odd number of persons, not fewer than five, and not more than nine.
B. The membership of Convivium elects Steering Committee members, with elections to be held via mail-in ballot in the fall of the year.
1. Terms on the Steering Committee are four years, with terms being staggered to ensure continuity on the Committee.
2. Steering Committee members may not serve more than two consecutive four-year terms.
3. At least one member of the Steering Committee shall be a graduate student.
C. The Steering Committee shall:
1. Establish subcommittees to coordinate the activities of the organization, including: organizing sessions at the APA and other conferences, forming liasons with other organizations devoted to the study of food, and other activities identified by the membership.
2. Recognize and develop new opportunities for the organization to achieve its stated aims.
3. Participate in regularly scheduled Steering Committee meetings.
D. The Steering Committee is headed by the Executive Secretary. Other officers include the Corresponding Secretary and the Archivist.
1. Officers will be elected by the full membership, via mail ballot, in the fall.
2. Officers' terms are four years.
3. Officers may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
E. The Executive Secretary shall:
1. Coordinate the planning, programs and activities of Convivium.
2. Serve as a central source for outside inquiries concerning the work of the organization.
3. Maintain an overview of the organization's goals and activities, and communicate those to its officers and other Steering Committee members, as well as to the general membership.
4. Chair meetings of the Steering Committee, prepare an agenda for such meetings, and notify Steering Committee members of the time and place of such meetings.
5. Secure nomination and election of Steering Committee members.
6. Provide members of the Steering Committee with information that requires their collective judgment.
7. Oversee the management of the Convivium discussion list.
F. The Corresponding Secretary shall:
1. Take minutes of all Steering Committee meetings, and distribute them to Steering Committee members.
2. Take minutes at any membership meetings, and distribute them to members.
3. Carry on all official Convivium correspondence.
4. Publicize calls for papers, announcements of conferences, and other official functions of the organization.
5. Oversee the maintenance of the Convivium website.
6. Maintain the membership database.
7. Collect the dues and maintain the Society’s accounts, including filing an annual financial report.
G. The Archivist shall:
1. File copies of all official documents pertaining to Convivium activities, including meeting minutes, conference programs, etc.
2. File copies of all papers presented at official Convivium sessions, conferences, etc.
3. Maintain such resources as might be useful for persons working on food and philosophy, including a bibliography of relevant works.
4. Coordinate with the Corresponding Secretary to make relevant archived materials available on the website.