AIA Constitution
Association of Iranica in Australasia Incorporated
Constitution
1. Name of the Association
The name of the Association shall be Association of Iranica in Australasia
2. Definitions
In this constitution unless the context otherwise requires:
“Association” means Association of Iranica in Australasia
“Constitution” means the Model Rules for incorporated associations (under the Associations incorporation Act, 1984) and a supplementary Constitution for the time being of the Association combined.
“Committee” means Executive Management Committee of the association for the time being.
“Member” means a person, group or organisation admitted to membership of the association.
3. Aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of the association shall be:
To promote a broader understanding of Iranian cultural heritage, in Australasia.
To enrich the cultural life of the wider community with the association’s programmes of talks, symposiums, artistic performances, exhibitions and conferences.
To act as advocates for Encyclopaedia Iranica to all levels of the community, especially academic and scholarly institutions.
To network and collaborate with other groups, organisations and institutions which share similar cultural values.
4. Membership - eligibility
Membership of the association shall be open to all persons and organisations
Membership shall consist of individuals and organisations that accept the objectives of the association and are willing to lend their support to the association and its activities.
Members must accept and comply with the conditions set in the constitution.
Members specifically must accept and follow the underlying principle of non-partisan, non-political, non-religious and non-ideological approach in the association.
Request for membership can be submitted either verbally or in writing.
Membership entitlements shall not be transferable to another person or agency.
4.1 Admission to membership
Applications for membership shall be made in the form and manner and upon payment of the application fee (if any) prescribed from time to time by the executive committee.
Upon admission to membership, the name of the member shall be entered in the register of members.
Membership shall be subject to the terms and conditions and for the period determined by the committee at any time and from time to time.
The executive committee may grant honorary membership to designated individuals with distinguished record of service to the association or Iranica project.
4.2 Termination of membership
Supplement to the model rules,
Members may resign their membership by written submission to the executive committee.
The executive committee by special resolution may determine membership or the termination of membership of any member.
Long-term absence, refusal to support objectives and lack of participation in the Association activities may result in the termination of membership.
A person who has ceased to be a member may readmitted to membership in accordance with the normal requirements for membership.
A person whose membership has been terminated by the Executive committee by special resolution may apply for readmission, but committee will determine the application.
4.3 Membership Renewal
Membership is determined by annual subscription renewal
4.4 Fees and subscriptions
In addition to model rules, whenever appropriate the committee will review and determine membership fees and subscriptions.
5. The Committee
Supplement to the model rules, candidates of the executive committee must meet the following conditions:
To be a member of the association for at least two years.
To be over 20 years of age
Members of executive committee shall be elected from amongst the financial members of the association at each Annual General Meeting for the ensuing term.
In some circumstances the positions of two Office bearers may be combined by majority votes at a General Meeting, or by the remaining members of the Executive.
The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt.
Subject to this Constitution and to any direction of a General Meeting the Executive may regulate its own affairs as it sees fit.
The Executive shall have the power to invite a person from either the general community or membership of the association to hold the position of patron. This position is honorary and subject to review from time to time.
6. Meetings
The Annual General Meeting and election of members of the Executive shall be held in December each year.
Additional meetings of the association shall be held as determined by the Executive.
Notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be forwarded in writing, by the Secretary, to reach all members of the association, at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.
Notice of other meetings shall be by sending notification to members, advertisement in local newspapers and leaflet distribution in the wider community.
The quorum at a General Meeting shall be a minimum of 15% of the total financial membership.
The quorum at any meeting of the Executive shall be three members of the Executive.
7. Voting
Voting rights shall be restricted to members aged 18 years and over.
Each member shall be entitled to one vote on any issue.
Voting shall be by secret ballots, and for absentees through appointed proxies.
8. Amendments to Constitution
Proposed amendments to the Constitution of the association shall be forwarded in writing to Secretary no later than four weeks prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.
Proposed amendments to the constitution shall be circulated to all members together with the notice of the Annual General Meeting.
Changes to the Constitution shall require a two-thirds majority of financial members present at the Annual General Meeting.
9. Financial Reports
The Association’s end of financial year will be November 30th.
An annual Financial Report will be presented to members at the AGM.
10. Miscellaneous & conclusion
At its current status this Association adopts combined model rules and supplementary constitution, which will be subject to review from time to time.