This is an unofficial English translation of the rules. The rules are only legally binding in the original Finnish.
The rules of Vegaaniliitto ry (The Finnish Vegan Association)
1 § Name and domicile
The name of the association is Vegaaniliitto ry, Veganförbundet rf. The unofficial English name is The Finnish Vegan Association. The domicile of the association is Helsinki. The domain of the association is all of Finland.
2 § Purpose and forms of activity
The basic tenet of the association’s work is that the same principles of equity and justice should be applied to humans and other animals, and that, consequently, the exploitation of animals is wrong.
The purpose of the association is to promote veganism, a way of life in which all wholly or partially animal-based products, as well as all products and services involving animal exploitation, are avoided.
The association is ideologically independent and has no ties to religious institutions or political parties. The Finnish Vegan Association does not condone any kind of discrimination or hate speech, including sexism, racism, transphobia, ableism or discrimination based on sexual orientation.
To realize its purpose, the association carries out informational, educational and publishing work, organizes informational events, presentations and study groups, as well as organizes demonstrations and campaigns.
To fund its work, the association may receive donations and testaments, own fixed assets that are needed in its work, as well as carry out raffles and fundraisers with the proper permits. The association may also participate in small-scale trade of vegan products.
3 § Language
The language of the association is Finnish.
4 § Members
Membership applications are approved by the executive committee.
Any private individual, organization with legal capacity or foundation that accepts the purpose of the association may be approved for full membership in the association.
The amounts of the yearly fees for full membership, supporting membership, family membership, as well as the reduced membership fee are decided at the annual autumn meeting. The reduced membership fee may be paid by students, unemployed persons, pensioners, or indigent persons.
Persons belonging to the same family may choose the family membership, in which case one person pays the full membership fee, and other members of the family pay the family membership fee. Members with family membership have the same rights and responsibilities as full members.
A full member of the association may become a lifetime member by paying a sum equivalent to fifteen (15) yearly membership fees at once.
The executive committee may bring a motion to the spring meeting to invite as honorary member a person who has meritoriously contributed to the purpose of the association.
A member may be expelled from the association
a) if they have failed to pay the membership fee for two years
b) if they have through their conduct within or outside the association significantly damaged the association
c) if they no longer meet the conditions for membership laid down by law
d) if they no longer meet the conditions for membership laid down by the rules of the association
In the case outlined in point a), the executive committee has the right to expel the member. In the cases outlined in points b), c), and d), the decision to expel the member is made by the association in its meeting by a motion from the executive committee.
Once a membership application has been approved by the executive committee, the attained membership rights cannot be revoked unless the member is expelled.
5 § The executive committee
The affairs of the association are attended by an executive committee, elected at the annual autumn meeting from among full members of the association. The executive committee may have three to nine (3-9) members, one (1) of whom is elected as chairperson by the autumn meeting. If possible, the executive committee should consist of persons who adhere to a vegan way of life.
The term of office for the chairperson and the executive committee is one calendar year.
Applications for membership in the executive committee must be presented to the current executive committee of the association no later than two (2) weeks before the autumn meeting.
The executive committee elects a vice chairperson from among committee members, as well as a secretary, treasurer and other necessary officials from within or outside the committee.
The meetings of the executive committee are called by the chairperson, or the vice chairperson in case the chairperson is prevented, when they consider it prudent, or when at least two (2) members of the executive committee demand it.
Invitations to meetings of the executive committee must be delivered at least five (5) days before the meeting. A meeting of the executive committee has a quorum when at least half of its members, including the chairperson or vice chairperson, are present. Matters are resolved with a simple plurality of votes. In case of a draw, the chairperson makes the final decision, except in elections, where the final decision is made randomly.
6 § Persons entitled to sign the name of the association
The name of the association is signed by the chairperson or vice chairperson on their own, or a person designated by the executive committee on their own.
7 § Accounting
The association’s accounting period is one calendar year. Financial statements, including all the necessary documents and the executive committee’s annual report, must be given to the performance auditors at least five (5) weeks before the annual spring meeting. The performance auditor must give a written statement to the executive committee at least three (3) weeks before the spring meeting.
8 § Meetings of the association
If the executive committee or the meeting of the association so decrees, meetings of the association may also be attended by mail or by telecommunications links or other technical aid, either during the meeting or beforehand.
The association holds two regular meetings each year. The spring meeting is held on a day specified by the executive committee between February and April, and the autumn meeting between August and November.
An additional meeting is held when a meeting of the association so decides, or when the executive committee deems it necessary, or when at least one tenth (1/10) of the members of the association entitled to vote demand it in writing from the executive committee for a specifically stated purpose.
The right to vote in meetings of the association is given to everyone over the age of fifteen (15) years, as long as they have a full membership, a lifetime membership, or a family membership in the association, and they have paid their membership fee at least two (2) months before the meeting. In addition, honorary members are entitled to vote. Supporting members have the right to speak at and attend meetings of the association but are not entitled to vote. Each voting member has one (1) vote. Matters are settled with an open vote unless someone demands a secret vote.
Unless otherwise specified by the rules, the association’s decision shall be that opinion which has received more than half of the given votes. If the votes are split, the final decision is made randomly. Otherwise, the decision shall be that opinion which is favored by the chairperson of the meeting.
9 § Convening a meeting of the association
Meetings of the association are called by the executive committee. Invitations must be delivered at least fourteen (14) days before the meeting either by sending a written invitation to each member or by publishing an invitation in the association’s magazine or in some newspaper which is distributed in the domicile of the association.
10 § Yearly meetings
The following matters are addressed at the annual spring meeting of the association:
1. Opening the meeting;
2. Appointing the chairperson of the meeting, the secretary, two (2) persons to check the minutes, and two (2) tellers if needed;
3. Establishing the legitimacy and power of decision of the meeting;
4. Accepting the order of business of the meeting;
5. Presenting the financial statements, annual report and performance auditor’s review;
6. Deciding on the ratification of the financial statements and the discharge from liability;
7. Addressing other matters mentioned in the invitation to the meeting.
The following matters are addressed at the annual autumn meeting of the association:
1. Opening the meeting;
2. Appointing the chairperson of the meeting, the secretary, two (2) persons to check the minutes, and two (2) tellers if needed;
3. Establishing the legitimacy and power of decision of the meeting;
4. Accepting the order of business of the meeting;
5. Ratifying the annual plan of operation, budget and membership fee;
6. Deciding the number of members to the executive committee and electing the members and chairperson of the executive committee;
7. Appointing one performance auditor as well as one deputy;
8. Addressing other matters mentioned in the invitation to the meeting.
If a member of the association wishes to bring an issue to be decided at the spring or autumn meeting, they must declare it in writing far enough in advance that the matter can be included in the invitation to the meeting.
11 § Dissolution of the association and changes to these rules
Decisions about changes to the rules or the dissolution of the association must be made in a meeting of the association by a majority of at least three quarters (3/4) of the votes given. The invitation to the meeting must include mention of changes to the rules or the dissolution of the association.
If the association is dissolved, the association’s funds are used for advancing the purpose of the association in a manner decided by the meeting making the decision about the dissolution. If the association is terminated, the funds are used for the same purpose.