Statutes of the Iranian Solidarity Association Peywand
1. Name, Headquarters, and Scope of Activities
- The association is called “Iranian Solidarity Association Peywand.”
- The association is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
- Its activities extend throughout Austria and, if necessary, beyond Austria.
2. Purpose
The Iranian Solidarity Association is an independent, non-political organization that avoids any affiliation with political parties. It is non-profit-oriented and operates solely within the framework of the following objectives:
- Providing support, assistance, and financial aid to people suffering from chronic illnesses, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Raising awareness and educating the public about chronic illnesses, especially MS.
- Promoting, preserving, and honoring the culture and traditions of all Iranian ethnic groups.
- Organizing and hosting lectures, discussions, workshops, gatherings, and film screenings.
All activities of the association must comply exclusively with the laws applicable in Austria.
3. Means to Achieve the Association’s Purpose
The association pursues its objectives through:
- Intellectual means: Information events, lectures, assemblies, and discussion forums.
- Financial means: Membership fees, sponsorships, donations, and other contributions.
4. Membership
All individuals over 15 years old, as well as organizations and companies, may become members of the association, provided they agree to its statutes and comply with its objectives.
Types of Membership:
Ordinary Membership: Individuals or organizations who actively collaborate with the association and pay membership fees. These members have voting rights in the General Assembly and may fully utilize the association’s services. The membership expires after three months of unpaid membership fees without justification.
Extraordinary Membership: Individuals or organizations who temporarily support the association financially or intellectually. These members do not have voting rights in the General Assembly.
Honorary Membership: Individuals or organizations who significantly contribute to the development of the association but cannot support it financially. Honorary members have voting rights in the General Assembly.
Member Rights:
- Active voting rights
- Passive voting rights (for individuals over 18 years old)
- Right to attend General Assembly meetings
- Right to participate in board committees
- Right to receive reports and updates on board meetings through minutes
For extraordinary and honorary members, the extent of their participation in association activities is subject to the decisions of the General Assembly.
5. Association Structure
The main governing bodies of the association are:
- The General Assembly (see Section 5.1)
- The Board of Directors (see Section 5.2)
- The Auditors (see Section 5.3)
5.1. General Assembly
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the association, as defined by the Austrian Association Act of 2002.
An ordinary General Assembly is held annually, where reports on the association’s activities and finances are presented, and new board members are elected.
The General Assembly elects:
- Six board members
- Two auditors
An extraordinary General Assembly may be called:
- By decision of the board or the General Assembly.
- Upon written request by at least 10% of ordinary and honorary members.
Invitations to General Assemblies must be sent at least four weeks in advance via email.
Proxy voting is allowed if a voting member cannot attend and provides a written authorization with a valid reason.
The General Assembly is quorum-valid if at least 10% of members are present.
Decisions are made by simple majority unless stated otherwise.
5.2. Board of Directors
The board consists of six members, elected for one year by the General Assembly.
Within four weeks of election, the board assigns positions:
- Chairperson (Obmann/Obfrau) and Deputy
- Secretary and Deputy
- Treasurer and Deputy
The Chairperson coordinates board meetings, supervises official reports, and represents the association externally.
The board is responsible for:
- Financial management, including proper bookkeeping and asset records.
- Setting membership fees.
- Supervising the association’s activities.
- Preparing an annual budget and financial report for the General Assembly.
- Approving statute changes (with consent from the association’s founders and the General Assembly).
The board meets monthly, with additional meetings possible upon request of at least three board members.
Duties of the Board
- Executive Functions:
- Answering inquiries and processing requests in line with the association’s mission.
- Public Relations and Social Work:
- Establishing connections with the public and other organizations.
- Researching and maintaining information relevant to the association’s activities.
- Organizing events, workshops, and cultural gatherings.
- Financial Management:
- Collecting membership fees.
- Maintaining transparent and organized financial records.
- Creating budget plans to ensure financial stability.
- Presenting quarterly financial reports to the board.
- Safeguarding the association’s assets.
5.3. Auditors
- Two auditors are elected by the General Assembly for a term of one year.
- Their responsibilities include:
- Monitoring financial transactions to ensure proper bookkeeping and appropriate fund allocation.
- Advising the board on financial matters.
- Reviewing and addressing complaints from members.
- Reporting audit results to the board.
6. Dissolution of the Association
If the association can no longer fulfill its mission due to operational challenges or internal conflicts, the board must call an extraordinary General Assembly to discuss the issues and potential solutions.
- Dissolution requires a two-thirds majority vote of ordinary and honorary members.
- If the association has remaining assets, the General Assembly:
- Appoints a liquidator.
- Decides how the remaining funds are allocated.
- Remaining assets must be donated to a similar charitable organization.