Articles of Association

Art. 1

An association named "International Association of Apulians in the World – London Branch" is hereby established. It is based in London at 31 Griffiths Road, London SW19 1SP.

Art. 2

The association is non-political and non-profit. During the life of the association, surpluses, funds, reserves or capital may not be distributed, even indirectly, unless such distribution is required by law.

The association is also characterised by a democratic structure, elected and voluntary positions, mandatory financial reporting; it must primarily rely on voluntary, personal and unpaid contributions from its members and may not employ paid workers or use self-employed services except to ensure the regular functioning of its structures.

Art. 3

The duration of the association is unlimited and it may only be dissolved by resolution of the extraordinary general assembly of members.

Art. 4

The association promotes initiatives in London and the surrounding area aimed at fostering the development and strengthening of social, economic, commercial and cultural relations and exchanges between all Apulians present in its area of competence and their homeland; initiatives to promote and develop linguistic and cultural heritage by enhancing folk traditions and promoting "Made in Puglia" products through conferences, round tables, fairs, meetings and more; commitment to the social reintegration of fellow Apulians and their families settling in London and the surrounding area.

Art. 5

The association is composed of an unlimited number of members, divided into Founding Members and Ordinary Members.

Founding members are those present at the establishment of the Association; they oversee the correct democratic management of the Association and act as its guarantors.

Ordinary members are all those who join the Association by resolution of the Board of Directors with the endorsement of at least one existing member, who fully accept the Statute and regulations of the Association and commit to paying the annual membership fees in the manner determined by the Board of Directors.

Art. 6

Ordinary members cease to belong to the association in the following cases:

• voluntary resignation;
• failure to pay membership fees for more than two months after the due date;
• expulsion resolved by a majority of the Board of Directors, for a member who commits repeated dishonourable actions within or outside the association, or whose conduct constitutes an obstacle to the proper functioning of the association;
• dissolution of the association pursuant to the relevant article of this statute.

Art. 7

The organs of the Association are:

• The General Assembly of Members;
• The Coordinator;
• The Board of Directors.

Art. 8

The General Assembly of Members is composed of all members. It is the highest decision-making body of the association and is convened in ordinary and extraordinary sessions.

When duly convened and constituted, it represents the totality of members and its legitimately adopted resolutions are binding on all members, including those not present or dissenting.

An extraordinary assembly may be requested from the Board of Directors by at least one third of members who are up to date with their membership fees, who propose the agenda. In such case, convening the assembly is mandatory. An extraordinary assembly may also be requested by a majority of the Board of Directors.

The assembly must be convened at the registered office or in a suitable venue to ensure maximum participation of members.

Assemblies are chaired by the Coordinator of the Board of Directors, or in their absence by the Vice-Coordinator, and by the Secretary. A copy of the minutes must be made available to all members.

The Coordinator or Vice-Coordinator directs and regulates discussions and determines the procedures and order of voting.

Art. 9

Notice of the ordinary assembly must be given at least eight days in advance by posting notice at the association's premises and simultaneously communicating to members by ordinary mail, email, fax or telegram. The notice must indicate the date, place and time of the meeting and the agenda.

The assembly must be called by the Board of Directors and convened by the Coordinator at least once a year, within four months of the end of the financial year, for the approval of the financial statements and examination of the budget. The assembly deliberates on general guidelines and policies, approves social regulations, appoints the governing bodies and addresses all matters pertaining to the life and relations of the association.

Art. 10

The ordinary assembly is validly constituted at first call with the presence of an absolute majority of members with voting rights and passes resolutions with a favourable vote of the majority of those present. At second call it is valid regardless of the number of members present.

Each member has one vote.

The extraordinary assembly at first call is validly constituted when two thirds of members with voting rights are present and passes resolutions with the favourable vote of the majority of those present. At second call it is valid regardless of the number present.

Art. 11

The extraordinary assembly must be convened by the Board of Directors at least 15 days before the meeting by posting notice at the association's premises and simultaneously communicating to members by ordinary mail, email, fax or telegram.

The notice must indicate the date, place and time of the meeting and the agenda.

The extraordinary assembly deliberates on the following matters: approval and amendments to the articles of association, appointment and replacement of elected governing bodies where their absence compromises the functioning and management of the association, dissolution of the association.

Art. 12

The Board of Directors may be composed of a minimum of five to a maximum of eleven elected members, including the Coordinator who is elected.