Statutes
The name of the association is Organiserade Aspergare (OA). The Association is a non-profit association of and for Asperger’s and other high-functioning autistic people, i.e. people with Asperger’s Syndrome and other forms of high-functioning autism spectrum conditions.
§ 2 OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES AND TARGET GROUP
- The OA is a politically and religiously independent non-profit association, whose purpose is to work for people with diagnoses on the autism spectrum and to represent their interests.
- The OA is a nationwide association exclusively for those who themselves have some form of high-functioning condition on the autism spectrum to enable them to work independently of outsiders.
- The OA works to help and support its members to develop each according to their strengths and weaknesses.
- The OA works to promote the target group’s own voice in society.
- The OA organises meetings and activities for high-functioning people in the autism spectrum.
- The OA shall represent the interests of its members in the public debate, where appropriate.
- The OA’s local branches work primarily on issues of a local nature.
- The OA wants to work with authorities, organisations, networks and associations to best meet the needs of the group and the individual and to improve his or her conditions in society.
- The OA aims to act as a network for its members to network and mentor each other wherever possible.
- OA aims to promote self-help, increased opportunities for training and learning, support for people’s self-esteem and confidence, and understanding and acceptance of people with the differences and needs that can accompany autism spectrum conditions.
- The OA aims to create the best possible conditions for young people and adults on the autism spectrum, so that they can live independent and normal lives in society to the greatest extent possible.
- The OA believes that Asperger Syndrome and other conditions on the autism spectrum are not only disabilities but also have positive aspects that can be great assets both for the individual and for society. This is something we want to bring and promote in discussions that affect our group.
- OA wants to increase and add knowledge from our own perspective on autism spectrum diagnoses.
§ 3 COOPERATION, ACCESSION AND MERGER
The OA may cooperate with other cooperation bodies with similar purposes. Decisions on such cooperation shall be taken by the Management Board.
3.2. Accession or merger of the OA with another association or organisation is decided by approval at two consecutive national meetings, held at least two months apart, the first of which is an ordinary meeting.
§ 4 MEMBERSHIP
Membership and voting rights in the Association are obtained upon payment of the membership fee.
Conditions for granting membership:
- That the person has been diagnosed, or believes they are likely to be diagnosed, with an autism spectrum disorder.
- The person is able to speak for him/herself, without outside assistance, in any participation he/she wishes to have in the association (via internet communication and/or meetings).
Possible exceptions to criteria a) and b) decided by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
4.2 A person who is not a member of the OA’s target group for membership and does not meet the conditions for membership but supports the aims and objectives of the OA may apply for sympathy membership of the OA. Sympathisers pay a fee equivalent to the membership fee and can receive regular information about the association’s activities and be invited to activities organised by the OA that are not explicitly reserved for the association’s target group for membership. However, a sympathiser does not have the right to attend, vote or speak at the Annual General Meeting and is not eligible for election to positions of trust within the association.
4.3 A member who has violated the Association’s statutes or who has grossly opposed the interests of the Association may be expelled from the Association by the Board if the violation is not corrected after a written warning. The decision to expel a member may be appealed to the Annual General Meeting within one month of the member receiving the decision.
§ 5 DISTRICT AND LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS
Members of the OA may form district associations for regional activities. The district association’s catchment area and statutes are approved by the annual meeting of the national association.
5.2 A member of the OA automatically becomes a member of both the national and the district association in his/her region. A new member in an area where a district association has not yet been established becomes a member directly of the national association of the OA.
5.3 If a new district association is established, all existing members in the district’s catchment area or in that locality become members of the new district association.
§ 6 ATTENDANCE RIGHTS
Members have the right to attend and speak at meetings of members.
Other persons, including personal assistants in case of physical disability, have the right to be present and/or to speak by special decision of the Board.
§ 7 WORKING GROUPS
In order to develop specific areas, the Annual General Meeting or the Board may set up working groups with a time-limited mandate.
§ 8 ANNUAL MEETING
The highest decision-making body of the National Association is the Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting is held once a year, at a time and place decided by the Board.
The annual meeting shall be convened by the Board at least three weeks in advance by notice to all members.
8.2 If 1/4 of the members so request in writing, the Board shall convene a general meeting.
8.3 Anyone who has been a member for at least three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting or General Meeting has the right to attend, speak and vote at these, as well as the right to propose motions to the Annual General Meeting. In the event of a tied vote, the President shall have the casting vote, except in the case of elections by lot.
8.4 Motions must be received by the Board at least 1 month before the Annual Meeting. The activity report and the audit report, as well as documents received from the Nomination Committee, are sent to members at least two weeks before the annual meeting.
§ 9 BUSINESS AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The following matters shall be dealt with at the Annual General Meeting:
1. Opening of the meeting.
2. Election of the chairman of the meeting.
3. Election of the secretary of the meeting.
4. Election of two correctors and tellers.
5. Adoption of the agenda.
6. Establishment and adjustment of the voting list.
7. Asking whether the meeting has been duly convened.
8. Presentation and consideration of the Board’s activity report and annual report.
9. Presentation of the audit report.
10. Adoption of the balance sheet and profit and loss account.
11. Discharge of the Board of Directors.
12. Determination of the membership fee to the National Association for the following year.
13. Adoption of the budget.
14. Election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the National Association.
15. Election of other members of the Board of Directors.
16. Election of alternate members of the Board and determination of the order of entry into the Board.
17. Election of auditors and deputy auditors.
18. Election of the Nomination Committee.
19. Consideration of the proposals submitted by the Board.
20. Consideration of motions received.
21. Other issues.
22. Closure of the meeting.
§ 10 EXTRAORDINARY ANNUAL MEETING
An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be held whenever the Board of Directors of the Association deems it necessary or within 30 days of the request of the auditors or at least one third of the number of members/districts.
Written notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be sent at least three weeks before the meeting and shall state the business to be transacted. The Extraordinary General Meeting may only decide on matters specified in the notice of meeting.
§ 11 ROOTS
Voting rights are exercised by OA members who have paid their annual subscription within the agreed period. All members have the right to attend and speak at the annual meeting. Decisions are taken by simple majority and by open vote.
11.2 Any member who is unable to attend meetings may vote by proxy. This task falls to the Board.
The signed proxy must be received by the Board no later than 3 days before the annual meeting and must relate only to items on the agenda of the meeting.
In the event of a tied vote, the President shall have the casting vote, except in the case of elections, where the decision shall be taken by lot. Otherwise, the President in office has the casting vote. A member of the Board of Directors of the Association or an alternate may not vote on the discharge from liability or on the election of auditors and alternate auditors.
Ordinary auditors and representatives of the Nomination Committee shall be called to the Annual Meeting.
§ 12 DUTIES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors of the Association is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Association and shall initiate such measures as will further the objects of the Association. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the Association’s accounts and financial management are properly organised.
It is the duty of the Board to implement the decisions taken by the Annual General Meeting and to keep the members/districts informed of its activities. The Board sets the dates of its meetings and communicates this to the members/districts.
§ 13 COMPOSITION OF THE NATIONAL BOARD
The Board of Directors of the Association shall consist of not less than seven and not more than nine full members and two alternates. Only members are eligible for election to the Board. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board are appointed at the Annual General Meeting for the period until the next Annual General Meeting. The other members of the Board of Directors shall be appointed for a term of two years, half the number of directors and half the number of alternates being elected at each ordinary Annual Meeting for the period up to the Annual Meeting occurring in the second year following the election year. The Board appoints the Secretary and Treasurer from among its members.
In the event of the resignation of a member of the Board during the current term of office, the Board may appoint an alternate to take the place of the resigning member until the next ordinary Annual General Meeting. In the event of the resignation of the Chairperson of the Board, the Vice-Chairperson shall take over as Chairperson until the next ordinary Annual General Meeting. Vacancies may also be filled at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
The Board shall meet when convened by the Chairperson or at the request of at least three of its members. Within the Board, each member has one vote. Decisions are taken by simple majority. In the event of a tie, the President shall have the casting vote, except in the case of elections where the decision shall be taken by lot. The quorum is at least half of the members of the Board.
Minutes shall be kept of meetings of the Board and shall be certified as to their accuracy by the Chairman or by a person chosen at the meeting to act as an auditor.
§ 14 COMPETENCE OF THE BOARD AND SIGNATORY
The Board acts on behalf of the Association towards third parties and represents the Association before the authorities. The Association’s signature is signed by the President and the Treasurer of the Association, each separately, or by those appointed by the Association’s Board.
§ 15 MEMBERSHIP FEE
The Annual General Meeting sets the membership fee for the calendar year following the year in which the Annual General Meeting is held.
§ 16 THE ASSOCIATION’S ACCOUNTS AND THE BOARD’S ANNUAL REPORT
The Association’s financial year is a calendar year. The Association’s accounts are closed for each financial year. Before 28 February following the end of the financial year, the Board of Directors shall submit to the auditors the annual accounts, including the annual report, profit and loss account and balance sheet.
§ 17 AUDIT
Auditors and their deputies are appointed at the ordinary Annual General Meeting for the period until the next ordinary Annual General Meeting to audit the management of the Board and the accounts of the Association. The auditors shall be given the opportunity to carry out their audit work on an ongoing basis. It is their responsibility to submit an annual audit report to the Board of Directors of the Association by 30 March at the latest, to be presented at the Annual General Meeting.
§ 18 AMENDMENT OF STATUTES
Decisions to amend or add to these Statutes shall be taken either by motion or by proposal of the Board and shall be included in the notice of the Annual Meeting. The decision shall be taken at two consecutive Annual General Meetings, held at least two months apart, one of which shall be an ordinary meeting.
However, the order of decision specified therein is required for the amendment of § 19.
§ 19 DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION
The Association may be dissolved only after a decision to this effect has been taken at two consecutive Annual General Meetings, held at least two months apart, the first of which shall be an ordinary meeting. A majority of at least two thirds of the votes cast at each meeting shall be required for a decision to take effect. Any funds – monetary or otherwise – remaining after the dissolution of the Association shall be disposed of in accordance with the purpose of the Association.