Introduction

Exactly one month ago today a group of dedicated Noamnikim aged 13 -23 travelled to the picturesque town of Canterbury, in Kent. Just like the pilgrims in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', they were on a mission of immense importance, a journey that would take them to places that they had never imagined... Unlike Chaucer they did not succeed in writing one of the most significant books in the hitory of the English language. However, perhaps more significantly, they succeeded in rewriting the rulebook when it comes to many key points of Noam's ideology....
For 4 days motions were written, debates were had, and tuna was eaten. The conclusion was the successful passing of 24 seperate motions in assefot themed around Democracy, Zionism, Masorti Judaism, Hadrachah, Zionism, and Electronics + Feedback.
Here these motions are presented in their entirity.

n.b. There were also many interesting motions that were extensively debated that were not passed. If you'd like to see these, then get in touch at sarah_b@masorti.org.uk and they can be added to the blog. If you have any other feedback on this blog then send it to the same place. the proposer and seconder for each motion has not been named for privacy reasons, but if you're proud of your motion and you'd like your name on it then just let us know. Thanks!

Hadracha Assefah Motion 12: Filling positions on Moetza

If any positions within the entire structure are not filled any applicable Noam member may apply directly. The winning candidate is chosen by the Moetza in conjunction with the Mazkirut.
If the positions of Yoshev Rosh Moetza or Rosh Snifim are abdicated or not filled the Rosh Noam Fulfils the duties of the role until the aforementioned process is completed. If the positions of Rosh Noam are abdicated or not filled, the Yoshev Rosh Moetza and Rosh Snifim fulfil the duties of the role until the aforementioned process is complete.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 11: Ostentatious designer clothing

1) Noam believes that certain types of clothes [e.g. ostentatious designer clothing] can have a negative impact on the group dynamics of machane. If it is believed that a situation is arising where clothing is negatively affecting the atmosphere on camp, the tzevet chould confront the issue at their discretion.
2) This policy will be sent to Noam parents as part of the Noam 'Hands-On' booklet.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 10: Passing motions after Camp

There will be a Veida assefah on madrichim feedback day after camp where motions concerning camp can be passed and changed. They will come into effect on the following camp unless they are repealed on Veida.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 9: Referring motions to bodies outside of Vieda

There will be a section referral to standing orders which states:
'If so decided by Veida a motion can be referred to another body. This includes an open forum, the Masorti rabbis, Moetza, Mercaz, Precamp, or any other body deemed appropriate by Veida.'

Hadracha Assefah Motion 8: Awareness of influence

Delegates must be aware of and take into consideration their status and influence on Veida discussions, for example office workers.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 7: Tzevet socials

Every Tzevet must have at least one social before camp at an easily accessible time and place, excluding shabbaton.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 6: Dorms and Privacy

Madrichim will actively try to be less intrusive into chanichim dorms after official dorm time. They will sit as far away from dorms as possible, while meanitaining line of sight and earshot.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 5: Peulah Pimping

Peulot written by Roshim for Pre-camp should be 'pimped' by senior madrichim.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 4: The Man in the Moon

A committee will be set up to discuss whether 'the man in the moon is my friend.' If it is found that he is not, this paragraph will be ommitted from bensching.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 3: Hadrachah Training

The Meltam curriculum should be taught in year 12 and a Masa-type course will be created for year 11.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 2: Chanichim write peulot

Chanichim should write short peulot for camp. This would make chanichim participate more in peulot, give an incentive for kids to go to club and start the process of hadracha.A madrich/madricha would be delegated to help with the writing of the peula.

Hadracha Assefah Motion 1: Discussing God

Noam should have a discussion about the concept of God on Nofim camp upwards.

Electronics and Feedback Assefah Motion 4: Written Reports

After Noam summer residentials roshim of each tzevet must write up on the madrichim in their tzevet for use the following year as part of feedback processes. Rakazim should do the same for roshim.

Electronics and Feedback Assefah Motion 3: Mazkirut Feedback

There must be a roshim and tour madrichim feedback and processing day organised with the new mazkirut after camp.

Electronics and Feedback Assefah Motion 2: Electronic Focus Group

An open focus group will be held soon to begin the decision making process on electrical devices (e.g. Nintendo, ipod etc.) on camp.

Electronics and Feedback Assefah Motion 1: Mobile Phone Focus Group

An open focus group will be held soon to conitnue the decision making process on mobile phones on camp.

Zionism Assefah Motion 2: Political critique, Israeli and Palestinian self-determination.

1. Noam should be wiling and active in engaging with, commenting on, and critically assessing the policies of the government of israel.
2. Addition to the Zionism Statement of Purpose:
'Noam acknowledges the inalienable right of self-determination of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Noam supports a peace process to establish a lasting accord between these nations.'

Zionism Assefah Motion 1: Olim in the IDF

Noam is Proud of its Olim who serve in the IDF.

Masorti Assefah Motion 2: Liturgy

Mandatory education and discussion about controversial liturgy, including:

1) 2nd paragraph of the Aleinu

2) Last paragraph of Benshing (k'firim rashu)

3) Maoz Tsur (rock of ages)

Masorti Assefah Motion 1: Mincha

Mincha should no longer be compulsory on Noam events. An optional Mincha service must be offered on every site. These prayers will be at the discretion of the madrichim on Israel Tour.

Democracy Assefah 4: Veida Peulah

There will be a minimum of 1 Veida themed Peulah for all summer camps and tour.

Democracy Assefah Motion 3: Moetza

Ammend the 2008 Moetza motion to the following: 'The Noam Moetza is a commitee of 8 people in school years 9-13 who are elected alongside the following positions:
- Rosh Noam: a 6th former who manages...etc.'

Democracy Assefah Motion 2: Weapons

To uphold the sanctity of the debating chamber attendees are required to leave all weapons at the entrance, and the Roshei Veida are responsible for providing an amnesty box to be placed in the antechamber.

Democracy Assefah Motion 1: Motion box

Motions can be written all year round by anyone and put in a motion box. The onus is on the author to come to Veida or get someone who is going to put it forward.