Chapter VI: Membership

Articles 31. Types of membership

a) Founding member: Charter members are namely those who took part in the constitution of the Association. They participate in the various activities and actively contribute to the achievement of the objectives set out in the statutes.

b) Active member: Active members shall be those who join the Association after it has been formally constituted. They participate in the various activities and actively contribute to the achievement of the objectives set out in the statutes. They pay an annual membership fee.

c) Collaborating members, representing institutions or organisations with which specific collaboration agreements related to the purposes of the association are established.

d) Honorary members: Those persons, entities or bodies who deserve that distinction for services rendered to the Association or its purpose may be appointed Honorary Members. This appointment will require a resolution to be adopted by the Board at the appropriate time.

Article 32. To become a member of the Association

To become a member it is required to be a natural or legal person and be interested in the development of the aims of the Association.

Individuals must be adults or emancipated minors with full capacity to act and not be subjected to any legal condition before the exercise of the law.

All children over fourteen years old unemancipated need the accredited consent, of the persons responsible for them.

Legal entities of associative nature require the express agreement of their competent body, and those of institutional nature, the agreement of their governing body.

The request for acquiring a member status, provided that it meet the requirements regulated by the statutes, shall be accepted by the Board.

Article 33. Membership of the Association will terminate due to the following reasons

a) Request of the member; this will have to be done in writing and addressed to the Board. As of the submission date, the effects are immediate.

b) For non-payment of the annual fee. It will be necessary in this case, that the Treasurer notifies the member. This notification must be signed by the person holding the Presidency. At the time of notification, the member loses its membership in the association.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, the member who has lost its membership for this reason, may be readmitted as a member if within six months following the notification, if the contribution due is paid, with a penalty equal to one year fee. After six months, it is no longer possible to renew the membership.

c) For breach of the minimum hours of dedication to the activities of the association.

d) A substantial breach of the statutes or agreements adopted by the Board of directors.

The lost of membership for this reason, is conditioned by the agreement of 2/3 of the members of the Board. The member involved has the right to be informed of the facts that led to his expulsion and to be heard before the adoption of the exclusion agreement.

In the case of the exclusion of a member, the general assembly shall ratify the decision.

Article 34. Rights of members

The rights of founding members:

a) A member can participate in the activities of the Association and in governmental and representative organisations

b) A member can attend the General Assembly of the Association.

c) A member can enjoy all the advantages and benefits that the Association can obtain.

d) A member can vote for and be elected to representative and executive positions within the Association.

e) A member can be informed about decisions taken by the governing bodies of the Association.

f) A member can make suggestions to the members of the Board in order to best achieve the aims of the association.

The rights of active members:

a) A member can attend the General Assembly of the Association with voice and vote.

b) A member can vote for and be elected to representative and executive positions within the Association after one year of membership.

c) A member can be informed about decisions taken by the governing bodies of the Association.

d) To be heard in writing, prior to the adoption of disciplinary measures, and be informed of the causes that have lead to them,which can only be based on the non-compliance of their duties as members.

e) A member has access to the documentation of the association through the Board of Directors.

f) A member can participate in the activities of the Association and in governmental and representative organisations and enjoy all the advantages and benefits that the Association can obtain.

Collaborating members have the same rights as active and founding member, except those provided in paragraphs a) and b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, they may attend the General Assembly without voting rights.

Honorary members have the same rights as active and founding member, except those provided in paragraphs a) and b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, they may attend the General Assembly without voting rights.

Article 35. Obligations of members

a) A member must comply with the current legislation and with all the provisions of these by-laws and enforce the agreements validly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Association.

b) A member must promptly pay all approved registration fees and any other contributions that are approved by the General Assembly.

c) A member must participate in meetings and other events to be organised.

d) A member must carry out the obligations inherent in the position they occupy.

e) An Active member must share the purposes of the association and collaborate to achieve the same with a minimum monthly participation of 8 hours.

The loss of the membership associated to the non-payment of the annual fees implies the suspension of the right to vote during the process of exclusion. The suspension of the right to vote occurs when the process leading to the regularisation or permanent loss of membership in the association starts.