Constitution of the 
English Speaking Union Bavarian Branch e.V.

Table  of Contents:

General

Authorities and Membership

Concluding Paragraphs


General

§ 1

The Society has the name "English-Speaking Union Bavarian Branch" and was registered on the 16th February 1987 (Number 11967) at the Register Office in Munich.

§ 2  Purpose of the Society

1. In aid of international understanding and peace the Society promotes the common values and interests of democratically-organised people throughout the world, in particular those of the members of the English Speaking Union International and the English Speaking Union of the United States

2. In particular, the Society achieves it purpose through the promotion and active use of the English language as an indispensable aid to international understanding.  This is realized by means of discussion evenings, speaking competitions and recitals from works of English literature.  Additionally, the aims of the Society are effected by arranging lectures in English on political, scientific or cultural topics, which are intended to generate frank and well-informed discussion between the members and guests in a spirit of tolerance.  Some of these lectures serve also to improve the knowledge of the Society's German members and guests about English-speaking countries.
The Society also encourages and supports the participation of its members in conferences and seminars held by the Societies referred to in paragraph 1 above, as well as exchange visits for school children and students made possible through the contacts with these other Societies.  In all these activities the Society strives to bring together as many different nationalities as possible, whether as members, participants or lecturers, thus encouraging friendship - despite cultural and national differences - through the common use of the English language as a neutral means of communication.

§ 3  Non-profit making

The Society has no self-serving or financial aims, conducts its non-profit making activities strictly and exclusively in accordance with the Rules (under German law) for taxation relief, and has no party-political or economic ambitions.  The Society's funds may be used solely for those purposes defined in its Constitution and the members receive no benefits from such funds.  No person shall be favorably treated in connection with expenses not related to the purpose of the Society or by unreasonably-high compensation.  If members resign from the Society - or if it is dissolved - no subscription fees, other payments or deposits are repayable.

§ 4  Location and business year

1. The Society is located in Munich
2. The business year is the same as the calendar year
3. The first business year ended on 31.12.1986

§ 5  Co-operation with other Branches

The Society will co-operate with other Branches of the English-Speaking Union in Germany.

Authorities and Membership

§ 6  The constituent Authorities of the Society are

 1. General Meetings of the Members
2. The Executive Committee
3. The Steering Committee, in the event that one is formed

§ 7  The Membership

1.   Any person, organised group of persons, corporate body or goverment official interested in supporting the Society may become a member
2. Applications for membership must be in writing and the Executive Committee decides on acceptance or rejection.
The Executive Committee may also grant honorary membership to someone who has given special service to the Society.  Such persons enjoy all the rights of an ordinary member but do not have to pay a subscription. This applies also to accredited diplomatic representatives of English-speaking countries

§ 8 Termination of Membership

1. Membership can be terminated by:
- resignation
 -expulsion
 -death

 2. A resignation must be made in writing to the Executive Committee not less than three months before the end of a business year

3. A member can be expelled:
- if he or she has acted in a manner seriously-detrimental to the aims of the Society;
- when, despite a second reminder and a ten day notice period, his or her subscription remains unpaid

4. The Executive Committee decides on an expulsion.  Upon receipt of notice of such, the member concerned may appeal within one month to a General Meeting of the Members, whose decision is then final.

§ 9 General Meeting of the Members

- The Executive Committee must convene a General Meeting of the Members at least once a year (the Annual General Meeting).
- The Annual General Meeting receives the Reports from the Executive Committee and votes upon its exoneration
- The Annual General Meeting appoints the Executive Committee and the Auditor and decides upon the amount of the annual membership subscription
- The Annual General Meeting must be convened in writing to the members at least fourteen days in advance, with the agenda and, if applicable, notice of any proposed change to the Constitution
- An Extraordinary General Meeting must be convened when at least one tenth of the members demand it in writing and give notice of the subject to be discussed.
- Decisions at General Meetings are taken by simple majority of the members present in an open ballot. These decisions are part of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and have to be verified by the signatures of the Chairman and of one other member of the Committee. However, secret ballots can be held if approved by simple majority, following an application from a member.

§ 10 Change of the Society's purpose

Changes to the Society's purpose, or a revision of the content of the Society's Constitution, must be voted upon by all members. Minor amendments to the Constitution can, however, be approved by a three quarters majority of the members present.

§ 11 Amendments to the Constitution by postal vote

Changes to the Constitution can be submitted for approval by postal vote. They are approved when a simple majority of all members give their written approval.  This applies also to changes to the Society's purpose.

§ 12  The Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee consists of:
 - the Chairman
 - the Treasure
 - the Secretary
- and also at least two Vice-Chairmen or women

 2. The Executive Committee manages the business of the Society and ensures that the decisions of a General Meeting of the Members are carried out. ,A bank account shall be set up for financial matters; both the Chairman and Treasurer shall have signature authority for such an account

3. The Executive Committee is elected at a General Meeting of the Members for a two year period and remains in office until new elections are held.  Re-election of a member to the Executive Committee is permissible.  The Annual General Meeting can dismiss the entire Executive Committee, or individual members of it, and substitute other members

4. For business purposes the Executive Committee consists of:
- the Chairman
- the Treasurer
- the Secretary
These persons constitute the Executive Committee as defined in §26 BGB.(German law).  A minimum of two persons represent the Society

5. Executive Committee membership is honorary

6. The Executive Committee meets, upon request of the Chairman or two other committee members, as often as is necessary to safeguard the interests and purpose of the Society

§ 13 Steering Committee

A Steering Committee can be formed. If it exists its function is to give advice on the Society's programme of events, support the Executive Committee in arranging them and gives general advice. The Steering Committee should ensure that the activities of the Society are consistent with its declared aims and purpose

Concluding Paragraphs

§ 14  Dissolution

1. If the Society is to be dissolved, a General Meeting of the Members will appoint one or more members as Liquidators. They will be entrusted with the task of liquidating the Society's assets and settling any debts.

2. If the Society is dissolved (or upon cessation of its approved aims for tax-relief purposes) the liquidated assets are to be given to a non-profit-making Organisation or Society which has similar aims and is located in Germany. The choice shall be made by a General Meeting of the Members and the chosen Body shall use the monies exclusively, and without delay, for non-profit-making, charitable or religious purposes. Alternatively, they may give it to a public-service or other approved (tax-relieved) Body to be used for education and training, if possible for the promotion of English language instruction

§ 15  General Rules

1. Where not otherwise determined the General Rules of this Constitution are those specified in §§ 21ff BGB (German law).

2. This version of the Constitution takes effect on the 10th March 2001 and replaces the Version dated 13th November 1986 together with the amendments made on 17th February, 15th  March. and in June 1995.

Munich, 24th August 2001