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 by the assembly. Within itself, the Board appoints one or more Vice-Coordinators and a Secretary with the role of Treasurer. All positions are unpaid. The Board remains in office for four years and its members are eligible for re-election. Resolutions are adopted by majority vote.

Only members who are up to date with their membership fees may hold office.

The Board is validly constituted with the presence of a majority of serving directors and passes resolutions with the favourable vote of the majority of those present.

Resolutions of the Board must be recorded in minutes signed by the Coordinator or Vice-Coordinator and the Secretary, and made available to all members in the most appropriate manner to ensure maximum dissemination.

Art. 13

In the event of resignation or incapacity of the Coordinator, their functions shall be carried out by the Vice-Coordinator until a new Coordinator is appointed at the next available assembly.

The Board shall be considered dissolved if, through resignations or other causes, it loses the majority of its members, including the Coordinator. Should this occur, an ordinary assembly must be convened immediately to appoint a new Board. Until the new Board is constituted, and solely for the purpose of ordinary administration, the outgoing Board shall continue to act.

Art. 14

The Board of Directors meets whenever the Coordinator deems it necessary, or upon request by at least half of the directors, without formal requirements.

Art. 15

The duties of the Board of Directors are:

• to deliberate on membership applications;
• to prepare the budget and financial statements for submission to the assembly;
• to set the dates of ordinary assemblies, to be held at least once a year, and to convene extraordinary assemblies in accordance with the quorum set out in Art. 8, paragraph 2;
• to draft any internal regulations relating to the association's activities for approval by the assembly;
• to adopt expulsion measures against members where necessary;
• to pursue the aims set out in the statute and implement decisions of the members' assembly.

Art. 16

The Secretary carries out the resolutions of the Coordinator and the Board of Directors, draws up the minutes of meetings, and as Treasurer manages the administration of the association.

Art. 17

The Board of Directors prepares both the budget and the financial statements of the association for approval by the assembly. The financial statements must provide information on the overall financial situation of the association.

The accounts must be drawn up clearly and must give a true and fair view of the financial and economic situation of the association, in accordance with the principle of transparency towards members.

A copy of the financial statements must be made available to all members together with the notice convening the ordinary assembly at which their approval is on the agenda.

Art. 18

The social and financial year begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December of each year.

Art. 19

Financial resources consist of membership fees determined annually by the Board of Directors, contributions from public bodies and institutions, bequests and donations, proceeds from activities organised by the association, and any sponsorship income.

Art. 20

The dissolution of the association is resolved by the general assembly of members, convened in extraordinary session and validly constituted with the presence of at least 4/5 of members with voting rights, with the approval — both at first and second call — of at least 4/5 of members casting a personal vote. A request for an extraordinary general assembly for the purpose of dissolution must likewise be submitted by at least 4/5 of members with voting rights.

Upon dissolution, the assembly shall resolve on the allocation of any remaining assets to another association with similar aims or for purposes of public benefit, unless otherwise required by law.

Art. 21

For matters not covered by this Statute, the relevant provisions of law shall apply.