This document constitutes the unofficial translation of the authentic Finnish-language version of the Rules of the Finnish Association of International Affairs, as amended on August 23, 2022 with regard to section 3.4 of the association’s rules.

1§ Name and Domicile

1.1. The official name of the association is Kansainvälisen politiikan yhdistys. The association’s English name is Finnish Association of International Affairs. The association is domiciled in Helsinki.

1.2. The name of the association may be signed, whether individually or collectively, by the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary or treasurer.

1.3. The languages of the association are Finnish, Swedish, and English. The official language is Finnish.

2§ Purpose and Activities

2.1. The Finnish Association of International Affairs is a nationwide, politically and religiously non-affiliated youth and student organization. Its goal is to promote discussion and information dissemination on topics related to international relations. The association may engage in advocacy, provided its non-affiliated nature is upheld. To achieve its objectives, the association may:

- Organize lectures and discussion events
- Organize various events targeted at youth and students
- Engage in information and publishing activities
- Issue statements and declarations
- Cooperate internationally with its sister organizations

2.2. To finance its activities, the association collects membership fees. It may also organize ticketed events, sales events, social gatherings, and entertainment activities, and accept grants, donations, and bequests.

3§ Membership

3.1. Members are approved at board meetings. A person who accepts the goals of the association and works to promote them may become a full member, provided they pay the annual membership fee determined by the autumn meeting.

3.2. A private individual or a legal entity may become a supporting member by paying the supporting membership fee set annually by the autumn meeting.

3.3. A member may resign by informing the board or chairperson in writing, or by announcing their intention to resign at a meeting of the association, in which case it is entered into the minutes.

3.4. The board may expel a member who acts against the rules and principles of the association. A member who has not paid their annual fee by the end of the year is considered resigned as of January 1 of the following year. Such a person is not obliged to pay overdue membership fees. The board confirms the termination of membership at a board meeting. An expelled or deemed-resigned member has the right to appeal the decision at a general meeting of the association by submitting a written appeal within 14 days of being informed of the decision.

4§ Meetings of the Association

4.1. The association holds spring and autumn meetings as well as extraordinary meetings.

4.2. Notices for the spring and autumn meetings must be given at least 14 days in advance by publishing on the association’s Facebook page or website, or by sending a written notice to each member. Electronic delivery of such notice is allowed. Other meetings must be announced at least 7 days in advance in the manner outlined in this section.

4.3. Each full member has one vote at association meetings.

4.4. Unless otherwise stated in the rules, a decision is made by a simple majority of votes cast. In the event of a tie, the chairperson has the casting vote, except in elections, where the result is determined by lot.

Remote participation in meetings of the association is permitted.

4.5. The spring meeting must be held annually between February and May, with the following agenda:

1. Opening of the meeting
2. Election of chairperson, secretary, two reviewers of the minutes, and, if necessary, two vote counters
3. Confirmation of legality and quorum of the meeting
4. Approval of the agenda
5. Presentation of the financial statement, annual report, and the auditor’s/reviewer’s report
6. Decision on the approval of the financial statement and discharge of the board and other accountable persons
7. Other matters mentioned in the notice

The autumn meeting must be held annually between September and December, with the following agenda:

1. Opening of the meeting
2. Election of chairperson, secretary, two reviewers of the minutes, and, if necessary, two vote counters
3. Confirmation of legality and quorum of the meeting
4. Approval of the agenda
5. Approval of the action plan, budget, and membership/supporting membership fees for the next calendar year
6. Election of the chairperson and other board members
7. Election of the auditor/reviewer and deputy auditor/reviewer
8. Other matters mentioned in the notice

4.6. If a member wishes to include a matter on the agenda of the spring or autumn meeting, it must be submitted in writing to the board in sufficient time for inclusion in the meeting notice.

4.7. An extraordinary meeting is convened when the board deems it necessary or when at least one-tenth (1/10) of the association’s voting members request it in writing for a specific matter. The meeting must be held within 14 days of the request. The board calls all meetings.

§5 The Board

5.1. The board is responsible for the association’s activities. It is elected at the autumn meeting for a calendar year.

The board consists of:

– The chairperson
– Three to twelve (3–12) other members elected for one year and zero to thirteen (0–13) deputy members

5.2. A board member may be granted resignation by the association upon request.

5.3. The board elects a vice-chairperson and other necessary officers from among its members for up to one year, and may establish working groups. The board meets at the call of the chairperson or, in their absence, the vice-chairperson, or upon request of at least half of the board members. Remote participation is allowed.

5.4. The board has a quorum if all members have been informed and the chairperson or vice-chairperson and at least half of the board members are present.

6§ Fiscal and Operational Year

6.1. The association’s fiscal and operational year is the calendar year.

6.2. The financial statement with required documents and the board's annual report must be submitted to the operations auditor at least one month before the spring meeting. The auditor must submit a written statement to the board at least two weeks before the spring meeting.

§7 Amendments to the Rules and Dissolution

7.1. Amendments may be made if an amendment proposal is approved by a majority (over half) in two (2) consecutive association meetings held at least 14 days apart. The proposal must be mentioned in the meeting notice. If the association is dissolved or ceases to exist, its assets must be used to promote the purposes stated in these rules.

7.2. For matters not covered in these rules, the Finnish Associations Act (503/1989) shall apply.