Women of Multicultural Ethnicity Network – Bylaws
Art. 1
The Association shall be called Women of Multicultural Ethnicity Network (W.O.M.E.N.). The Association operates in Iceland and has its legal domicile in Reykjavik.
Art. 2
W.O.M.E.N. operates in accordance with the mission statement which is attached to these bylaws.
Art. 3
Icelandic is the official language of W.O.M.E.N in Iceland.
Art. 4
Membership in W.O.M.E.N. is open to women of foreign descent who want to work according to the laws and policies of the association, residing in Iceland but regardless of their nationality. When speaking of ‘foreign descent’ we are referring to women who have one or both parents of a foreign origin independent of the woman’s birthplace.
Written applications for membership shall be sent to the Board.
Art. 5
Membership fees determined at the annual general meeting.
Art. 6
The Board is elected at the Annual General Meeting and consists of 7 Board members elected to the Board for a term of two years, and three alternate members elected for one year at a time.
The board divides its responsibilities at the first board meeting following the election. All board members have freedom of speech, the right to make proposals, and the right to vote. Alternates have the right to speak and make proposals to attend all board meetings of the association.
If a board member resigns, an alternate takes a seat on the board and therewith completes the term of office of the outgoing board member.
The Board sets the organization’s policy outside of Annual General Meetings, supervises its finances and operations, and appoints representatives to working groups and strategic councils and committees.
The chairman and the board have the authority to make resolutions on behalf of the association, provided that the resolution is in accordance with their objectives.
The Board shall prepare the Annual General Meeting and other organization meetings.
The board meets at least six times a year. Decisions at board meetings are made by a simple majority. If the votes are equal, the chairman’s vote shall prevail.
Art. 7
The annual general meeting shall be convened before 30th of November each year.
The annual general meeting shall agree on the working plan for one year at a time.
The Board is elected at the Annual General Meeting.
All registered members have the right to attend the annual general meeting freedom of speech and the right to make proposals. Members who have paid their annual membership dues before the annual general meeting are eligible to run for a board position and have the right to vote.
The board is responsible for the association’s finances.
- The agenda of the annual general meeting shall be as follows:
- The opening of the meeting
- Election of chairwoman and secretary for the meeting
- A report from the board on operations during the past operational year
- The annual accounts of the association presented for ratification
- Election of board members
- Election of an auditor
- Amendments to the bylaws
- Suggestions by the board regarding the working plan for the next year
- Other
- End of the meeting
To be valid, the invitation to the annual general meeting must be sent by email to the members at least 10 days in advance.
The financial year of the association is set from 20th October to 19th October.
Art. 8
Proposals for amendments of the bylaws will be presented by the Board during the Annual General Meeting. The annual meeting agrees on changes with a 2/3 vote.
Art. 9
The organization can only be dissolved at the annual general meeting with a 2/3 vote and such a proposal will be presented through formal invitation. If the organization should be dissolved legally any and all property or finances will be donated to a charity determined by the board.
These Bylaws were last amended at the annual general meeting held on November 24th, 2021, and have attained value and been placed here within.