IFAAST Constitution

1. NAME
   
   The organization shall be called the International Federation of Associations for the Advancement of Science and Technology (IFAAST).

   
   

2. PREAMBLE
   
   The advancement and utilization of science and technology are essential for the health and prosperity of individuals and nations throughout the world. In order for science and technology to be used effectively for these purposes it is essential that they are understood and that their value is recognized. IFAAST is an international grouping of non-specialist organizations dedicated to popularizing science and technology and promoting better public understanding and awareness of them. It pursues its aims in order to enhance the work of its members both individually and collectively but in no sense does it seek to involve itself with the affairs of individual member organizations or with matters of a purely national character.

   
   

3. AIMS
   
   The aims of IFAAST are:
   1. to foster communication and collaboration amongst national and regional Associations for the Advancement of Science and Technology and other organizations which aim to promote public awareness and understanding of science and technology;

   2. to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and experience, including those of a truly international character, amongst member organizations;

   3. to support, facilitate and encourage international activities for young people in the field of science and technology;

   4. wherever possible, to facilitate international activities by scientists, engineers and technologists, including visits to meetings of member organizations;

   5. to provide an international focus for the discussion of global issues with a scientific or technological dimension;

   6. wherever appropriate, to encourage and facilitate the establishment and continuation of Associations for the Advancement of Science and Technology.

   
   

4. MEMBERSHIP
   
   
   1. Founding members
      The founding members of IFAAST shall be those organizations which agree to join by 31 October 1991.

   2. Members
      National and regional Associations for the Advancement of Science and Technology and other organizations with similar purposes may be admitted as members of IFAAST by a majority vote of members of the Executive Committee.

   3. Withdrawal
      Any member of IFAAST may withdraw from membership by giving six months written notice addressed to the Secretary, subject to all membership fees and any other monies due to IFAAST being full settled.

   
   

5. ORGANIZATION
   
   
   1. Committees
      The governing body of ffAAST shall be the General Assembly, which shall comprise all members of the federation, and which shall determine the policies of IFAAST. There shall also be an Executive Committee to implement these policies and to organize the activities of IFAAST. Other committees any be established by the General Assembly from time to time.

   2. Officers
      The officers of IFAAST shall be the President, who shall chair both the General Assembly and the Executive Committee, Vice-President, who shall normally be the President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer and such other officers as the General Assembly shall determine from time to time.

      All officers shall hold office for a period of two years.

   3. General Assembly
      
      1. the General Assembly shall meet not less than once every two years;

      2. business shall be conducted by correspondence between meetings;

      3. decisions shall be made by simple majority of those voting; the President shall have a second or casting vote;

      4. each member organization shall nominate one representative to be a member of the General Assembly who shall have one vote;

      5. postal voting will be accepted for all elections;

      6. the date and place of meetings shall be dispatched to all member organizations not less than three months in advance, by the Executive Committee. Wherever possible, meetings will be held in association with a meeting of a member organization or other international event;

      7. there shall be a quorum of one-third of the member organizations;

      8. observers from member organizations, and other organizations at the discretion of the Executive Committee, shall be allowed at meetings of the General Assembly.

   4. Executive Committee
      The Executive Committee shall consist of the four principal Officers of IFAAST and three other members elected by the General Assembly. It shall normally conduct its business by correspondence.

   
   

6. FINANCES
   
   
   1. Budget
      The Executive Committee shall recommend a budget to the General Assembly each year.

   2. Subscriptions
      The Executive Committee shall recommend to the General Assembly levels of membership subscription in order to raise the income needed to meet budgeted expenditure.

   3. Accounts
      The Executive Committee shall present a set of audited accounts to the General Assembly each year.

   
   

7. BYLAWS
   
   The Executive Committee shall have the power to make and change bylaws.

   
   

8. WINDING UP
   
   Any proposal to wind up IFAAST shall be agreed by two-thirds of the membership. In the event of a decision to wind up the federation being agreed, any remaining assets shall be assigned by the Executive Committee to other organizations with similar purposes.

   
   

9. AMENDMENTS
   
   Changes to the constitution may by proposed by any member organization; members shall be asked if they are willing to deal with the amendment by postal vote; the amendment(s) shall become effective if agreed by two-thirds of those voting.