CONSTITUTION
Article 1: Name - Residence - Language
a. The name of the organization is World Hellenic Bio-Medical Association (WHBA).
b. WHBA is incorporated as a non-profit organization 501c(3) and the headquarters reside in New York.
c. The official language of the Association is English and all key resolutions are also translated to Greek.
Article 2: Aims and Objectives
Aims:
a. To support the dissemination of Hellenic Bio-Medical Diaspora Worldwide with activities promoted by the Global Hellenic and Bioscientists Network and including all health sciences and bioscientific areas.
b. To promote the co-operation in the fields of Biosciences and Health Sciences among scientists and professionals of Hellenic Heritage around the world and those living in Greece and Cyprus.
c. To create a federation of all Hellenic Medical and Bioscientific Societies-Associations in the world by bringing them under a single organized framework.
d. To develop and maintain a database of contacts and areas of interest of all Hellenic origin Bio-Medical colleagues around the world.
e. To establish scientific and professional links with the Bio-Medical Academia of Greece and Cyprus through the Health Sciences Schools and the Hellenic Bio-Medical Societies worldwide.
Objectives:
In furthering this aim WHBA shall have the following objectives:
f. to organize international and regional congresses, conferences, symposia, workshops and courses.
g. to publish journals, newsletters, books and brochures for the dissemination of information.
h. to assist in education, training and providing educational programmes and materials.
i. to establish international exchange programs.
j. to promote international collaborative research projects.
k. to provide such other services and develop such other functions as are compatible with the purposes of WHBA and generated by the Board of Advisors.
The organization is a non-profit organisation and shall not seek to promote any political, economic or religious aims.
Article 3: Membership
Section 1: Groups
The membership consists of:
a. Full members
b. Corporate members (Member Organizations)
c. Associate members
d. Honorary Fellows
Section 2: Full Members
a. membership of the Association is open to all Greeks, Cypriot, Greek-origin people and those married to Greeks or Cypriots living abroad and working professionally in the Bio-Medical field according to the rules prescribed in the Bylaws. Full members can also become those stationed in Greece if they had lived and worked abroad for at least 5 years.
b. full individual members are entitled to attend, speak and be elected as officers, but not vote at the meetings of the Assembly.
c. full members have the right to hold office in the Executive Board.
Section 3: Corporate Membership
a. any Hellenic Bio-Medical organization residing anywhere in the world outside Greece and Cyprus may become a member of WHBA according to the rules prescribed in the Bylaws.
b. each Member Organization is entitled to appoint delegates to the Assembly according to the regulations in the Bylaws.
c. delegates of Member Organizations are entitled to attend, speak, be elected as officers, and vote at the meetings of the Assembly.
Section 4: Associate Members
a. any individual working in the Bio-Medical field living in Greece and Cyprus may become associate members as prescribed in the Bylaws.
b. any non-Greek Biomedical scientist or professional living in Greece permanently.
c. associate members are privileged to attend and speak at meetings of the Assembly. They are not entitled to vote. They may have other powers that from time to time may be prescribed in the Bylaws.
Section 5: Honorary Fellows
a. persons of distinction in the Bio-Medical field may be awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Association.
b. Honorary Fellows are privileged to attend and speak at meetings of the Assembly, but are not entitled to vote unless serving as delegates.
c. Honorary Fellows can be members of the Board of Advisors.
Section 6: Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated:
a. on the death of a member.
b. upon the written request of the member - in which case membership ends at the end of the year in the request was received, provided that this is at least six months before the end of that year. If not, membership will end at the end of the next year.
c. by failure of the member or Member Organization to pay the Association's membership fees - after due warning.
d. by a decision of the Executive Board in the case of members or Member Organisations who act contrary to the Constitution or have caused unreasonable harm to the organization and/or its memberships-as prescribed in the Bylaws.
Articles 4: Organization
Section 1: Organizational Structure
The organizational structure of WHBA shall consist of the:
a) Assembly
b) Board of Advisors (BA)
c) Executive Board (EB)
d) Officers
e) Special Interest Groups
Section 2: The Assembly
a. The Assembly shall consist of:
i. voting members - that is delegates of Member Organisations as prescribed in the Bylaws.
ii. Full members electable to Officer postions
iii. non-voting associate members
iv. Honorary Fellows, Past-Presidents and other members of the Association.
b. The Assembly shall:
i. review the activities of the Board of Advisors and of the Executive Board.
ii. review and approve the accounts and review the financial policies.
iii. review and approve any proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws.
iv. elect the Officers and the Board as prescribed in the Bylaws.
v. transact any other business necessary.
c. At least one regular business meeting year of the Assembly shall be held every 2 years. The Assembly may also meet on the call of the President or on the petition of at least one tenth of all members of the Association as prescribed in the Bylaws.
d. Twenty five members including those appointed as delegates shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 3: The Board of Advisors (BA)
a. The Advisory Board consist of 15 members and will act as an advisory council to the Executive Board and should consist on all past Presidents of the Association with lifetime appointments (full voting status), and supplemented by presidents of medical and bioscientists’ associations from Greece and Cyprus and representatives of the two Ministries of Health (non-voting status), as well as by highly esteemed individuals (“par excellence”) from around the world, following approval of the Assembly (full voting status). Past presidents are considered lifetime members (full voting status).
b. The Advisory Board has a Chairman for the purposes of organizing the meetings and confoference calls, and a Secretary General responsible for keeping detailed outlines of subjects discussed for introduction to the Exeutive Board and the Assembly.
c. The Advisory Board has a 4 year term. Each appointed member can serve up to two consecutive terms.
Section 4: Executive Board (EB)
a. The EB of WHBA shall consist of the Officers and Members, each of whom shall be elected by the Assembly as prescribed in the Bylaws.
b. The EB should receive a report from the President endorsed by all the Officers annually and shall confer:
i. at least four times a year, either in person or by arranged conference call.
ii. upon the call of the President
iii. upon the petition of a majority of the EB Members.
iv. postal or electronic meeting and voting of the EB is permitted
c. The EB is responsible for the managing the affairs of the Association and shall have and exercise all authority and duties except that specifically reserved to the Assembly as stated in this constitution and bylaws.
d. It shall be the responsibility of the EB, within the framework of regulations in the Bylaws, to implement the resolutions of Assembly and the advices of the Advisory Board, to administer the affairs of WHBA as directed to the Assembly, to appoint special working parties, to elect Members, Member Organisations and Honorary Fellows and to determine the place and the date of meeting Assembly.
e. In the event of vacancies occurring between terms the EB may appoint temporary Members to serve until the next meeting of the Assembly as prescribed in the Bylaws.
f. The term of the EB is set at 4 years with a possible advance of the President-Elect to President at the 2-year med-term interval. Each member of the EB may serve up to 2 consecutive terms.
Section 5: Officers
a. The Officers of the Association are the President, President-elect, two vice-presidents, Treasurer, Secretary and Deputy Secretary.
b. The Officers shall be elected and have the responsibilities, authority and privileges as defined in the Bylaws.
c. Where urgent decisions are required, the President and two other Officers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of this business. In financial matters the Treasurer shall be one of the two other Officers. Notice of the decision will be given to Officers and Committee Members at the earliest possible date. Postal voting and electronic communication is permitted.
Section 6: Special Interest Groups
The EB may establish special Interest Groups to develop and promote special themes and also undertake certain duties of the organization. Special Interest Groups may organise workshops, conferences, courses etc on behalf of the organization with the authority of the Advisory Board. Special Interest Groups should establish their own organisational structure. The organization will not be financially responsible for any event and action undertaken by the Special Interest Groups unless otherwise authorised by the EB or the Assembly
Article 5: Finance
Section 1: Membership Fees
Full Members and Member Organisations shall remit to the Treasurer such membership fees and before such a point in time as shall be decided by the Executive Board according to the regulations in the Bylaws.
Section 3: Contractual Responsibility
The organization may accept and conclude all contracts and acquires alienated, rent or let any real property or personal property necessary to conduct its affairs.
Section 4: Fund Raising and Acceptance of Gifts
The EB will actively pursue fund raising possibilities in the pursuit of the objectives of the Association. WHBA may accept and use all gifts, subsidies and legacies whether given in support of the general aims and objectives or of a specific purpose of WHBA.
Article 6: Amendments
Section 1: Amendments to the Constitution
Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by the Advisory Board or the EB or by a petition of one third of the Members and the Member Organisations. Notice of the proposed amendment shall be mailed to Members and Member Organisations by the Secretary at least three months prior to the meeting of the Assembly. The full text of the motion must be attached to the agenda. An amendment will be carried to the Constitution when it has been accepted at a meeting of the Assembly with more than half the Members and Member Organizations present by a two thirds vote.
If the required number of Members is not a new meeting shall be convened at a time to be arranged. The decision can then be reached by two thirds of postal votes in favour, regardless of the number of Members present.
Section 2: Amendments to the Bylaws
Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by the EB or the Advisory Board or a petition /motion of five Members to the Assembly at a regular meeting. A simple majority of votes will be sufficient to carry the proposed amendment to the Bylaws.
Article 7: Dissolution
Section 1: Dissolution
The organization shall be dissolved only by a two thirds majority vote of Members and Delegates of Member Organisations at a regular meeting of the Assembly at which more than half of the Members and Delegates of Member Organisations are present. The proposal for dissolution and the full text of the motion must have been notified to Members and Member Organisations at least six months prior to the Assembly.
Should the required number of Members and Delegates of Member Organisation not to be reached, a new Assembly may be convened within one month during which the decision to dissolve the Association can be reached by a postal vote, regardless of Members present by a two thirds majority vote.
Section 2: Funds and Assets
In the event of dissolution the EB shall be responsible for the liquidation of the affairs of the organization. Because the organization is dedicated exclusively to scientific and educational purposes and the development of services, its funds and assets, in the event of its dissolution, should be distributed exclusively for these purposes.
BYLAWS
Section 1 Membership
a. Any individual seeking membership of the organization shall file a written application to the Secretary.
b. Any organization seeking Corporate Membership of the Association shall file a written application which must include or be accompanied by a description of the nature and purpose of the organisation.
c. Election to Membership shall be by a simple majority of the EB or the Assembly.
d. The membership fees of the Association shall be decided by the EB.
e. All fees shall be payable in advance before the General Assembly.
f. An individual ember or Member Organization in good standing may resign provided that all the obligations are fulfilled. A Member or Member Organization who has resigned in good standing may be reinstated without prejudice.
g. An individual or Member Organization may be expelled from the Organization for conduct contrary to the Constitution of the Organization or otherwise prejudicial to the Association. Charges of such conduct must be admitted to the EB in writing signed by at least two members of WHBA. Before making a decision to expel a Member or Member Organization the EB shall give that Member or Member Organization the opportunity to answer the charge or resign. A Member or Member Organization which has been expelled shall have the right to appeal to the General Assembly and must do this within one month of receiving written notification of their expulsion from the Council. After hearing the evidence, the Assembly will decide by a two thirds majority of the Members present. h. Honorary Fellows will be nominated by one member of the Advisory Board and two members of the EB and shall be distinguished members of the Hellenic Bio-Medical Diaspora and shall be elected by the EB.
Section 2 The Assembly
a. A meeting of the Assembly will be held at each World Congress of the Global Hellenic Medical and Biosciences Network or otherwise held by WHBA.
b. Corporate Organisations shall appoint one or two delegates to the Assembly.
c. Delegates must make themselves known to the Secretary and present written evidence of their appointment by a Member Organization prior to the Assembly in order to be able to vote.
d. Extraordinary Assembly meetings may be called by a petition to the EB signed by at least 10 Members which states the subject or subjects to be discussed. The EB must convene a meeting of the Assembly within a year of such a request. In the event that this does not take place the petitioning Members may convene the meeting themselves. Extraordinary meetings of the General Assembly can only make decisions on those issues which were stated at the time the meeting was called.
e. The Secretary shall notify Members and Member Organisations of the date, time and place of the General Assembly at least ninety days prior to the meeting and invite items for inclusion on the agenda. Resolutions for consideration at the General Assembly must be made in writing to the Secretary at least ninety days prior to the date of Assembly.
f. A report by the EB on the Association's business and a financial report - both covering the previous two years shall be presented to the General Assembly.
g. Simple resolutions will be passed at the General Assembly by a simple majority vote. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast the resolution will be considered to have been rejected.
h. In exceptional circumstances resolutions may be passed by a postal ballot of all the Members and Member Organisations entitled to vote (lead to perhaps state details, e.g. 60 days notice, Secretary to co-ordinate, EB decides on exceptional circumstances).
Section 3 The Advisory Board
The Advisory Board shall consist of 15 members. First, all past Presidents of the Association will be appointed to this Board and their duration of term of office will be unlimited unless they choose to resign. The Advisory Board shall meet at least before each Assembly and any other time as members decide to intervene as advisors to the EB. Past presidents are considered lifetime members (full voting status). Their presence in the Advisory Board will be supplemented by presidents of medical and bioscientists’ associations from Greece and Cyprus, and representatives of the 2 Ministries of Health (non-voting status) as well as by highly esteemed individuals (“par excellence”) from around the world, following approval of the Assembly (full voting status). The Advisory Board has a 4 year term. Each appointed member can serve up to 2 consecutive terms. The Advisory Board elects a Chairman who is responsible for organizing the meetings and discussions and a Secretary General who is responsible with the records and communications with the EB.
Section 4 Executive Board
a. Members and Member Organizations can propose candidates for election to the EB prior to the Assembly.
b. Each Member Organization could have representatives in the EB but no more than three persons can be nominated from any one Member Organisation.
c. No more than one Associate member can be represented in the EB. Associate Members cannot be elected to the officers.
d. Candidates will be recommended to the Assembly.
e. Candidates elected at the Assembly shall succeed to Office at the close of the meeting at which they were elected.
f. Members of the EB shall serve for one term and/or until a successor is elected. They may be elected for a further term, but may not serve more than a maximum of two consecutive terms.
g. A Member of the EB who persistently fails to respond to letters or otherwise neglects his or her duties may be asked by the President - after consultation with the EB and BA to resign.
Section 4. The Officers
a. The Officers of the Association are the President, the President-elect, two Vice-presidents, the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and the Treasurer.
b. The Officers shall be elected from Members of the Executive Board.
c. Officers serve for one term or until a successor is elected. They shall be eligible for no more than two consecutive terms in the same Office.
d. The President of the EB shall preside at Assembly meetings. He/she may call special meetings of the EB or of the Officers. He/she shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Council. In the absence or temporary disability or death of the President, succession to the Office shall be the President-elect.
e. The President-elect performs such duties as may be assigned by the EB or the President and presides to the organising and program committee of the next World Congress.
f. The vice-presidents perform such duties as may be assigned by the EB or the President and preside to the organising and programme committee of the next World Congress.
g. The Treasurer shall receive and dispense and duly account all sums of money belonging to the Association. He/she shall keep accurate accounts, vouchers and receipts of all payments on behalf of the Association and all invested funds. He/she shall be responsible for the collection of all fees and registration of all new Members. He/she shall prepare financial reports for the regular meetings of the EB and the Assembly. The financial report to the Assembly shall be audited by a qualified accountant. He/she may be assisted in his or her duties by the formation of a small financial and business Sub Committee.
h. In the event that the President-elect, Vice-Presidents, Secretary or Treasurer are unable to perform the duties of their respective Offices, they may ask the President to be relieved of their responsibilities. After consultation with the BA, the EB can appoint a replacement Deputy Officer in his/her place by a simple majority vote of the remaining Officers.
i. Should an Officer be considered unfit to carry out his/her duties he or she may be relieved of his/her Office by a two thirds majority vote of the Assembly. A postal vote may be conducted. If the vote is carried the Officer will be asked to resign and a Deputy Officer appointed in his place as under Bylaw 4.i.
Section 5: Special Interest Groups
The EB may establish ad hoc task orientated Special Interest Groups chaired by Members of the Association or Members of the Council. Special Interest Groups may organise workshops, conferences, courses etc. on behalf of the Association with the authority of the Council. Special Interest Groups should establish their own organisational structure for approval by the Council. The Association will not be financially responsible for any event and action undertaken by the Special Interest Groups unless otherwise authorised by the EB and either the Advisory Board or the Assembly.
Section 6. World Congress
a. The Organization shall organize a Scientific World Congress at regular intervals or such other periods as may be determined by EB unless prevented by grave circumstances. The scientific program shall be arranged by a specifically appointed Program Committee of the Global Hellenic Medical Network or otherwise by WHBA. A local Organizing Committee may be appointed for the organization of the Congress.
b. The EB shall determine by a single majority vote of the EB members present, the place and date for the next Congress. The EB may propose one or more countries that should be invited to consider the hosting of the subsequent Congress.
c. During the World Congresses at least one regular Assembly meeting shall be held.
Section 7 Other Meetings
a. The Organization may organise and conduct scientific congresses, conferences and seminars, both global and regional.
b. The Organization is entitled upon invitation to participate officially in the scientific meetings of other organisations concerned with the aims of the Organization. The Organization will promote these official representations in the meetings of allied organisations as well as the representation of those in its congresses.
Section 8 Affiliation
a. The EB shall act to establish affiliations with associations and organizations where it seems that the best interests of the Organization will be served.
b. The EB may enter into arrangements with authorized representatives of national and international scientific organizations.
Article 1: Name - Residence - Language
a. The name of the organization is World Hellenic Bio-Medical Association (WHBA).
b. WHBA is incorporated as a non-profit organization 501c(3) and the headquarters reside in New York.
c. The official language of the Association is English and all key resolutions are also translated to Greek.
Article 2: Aims and Objectives
Aims:
a. To support the dissemination of Hellenic Bio-Medical Diaspora Worldwide with activities promoted by the Global Hellenic and Bioscientists Network and including all health sciences and bioscientific areas.
b. To promote the co-operation in the fields of Biosciences and Health Sciences among scientists and professionals of Hellenic Heritage around the world and those living in Greece and Cyprus.
c. To create a federation of all Hellenic Medical and Bioscientific Societies-Associations in the world by bringing them under a single organized framework.
d. To develop and maintain a database of contacts and areas of interest of all Hellenic origin Bio-Medical colleagues around the world.
e. To establish scientific and professional links with the Bio-Medical Academia of Greece and Cyprus through the Health Sciences Schools and the Hellenic Bio-Medical Societies worldwide.
Objectives:
In furthering this aim WHBA shall have the following objectives:
f. to organize international and regional congresses, conferences, symposia, workshops and courses.
g. to publish journals, newsletters, books and brochures for the dissemination of information.
h. to assist in education, training and providing educational programmes and materials.
i. to establish international exchange programs.
j. to promote international collaborative research projects.
k. to provide such other services and develop such other functions as are compatible with the purposes of WHBA and generated by the Board of Advisors.
The organization is a non-profit organisation and shall not seek to promote any political, economic or religious aims.
Article 3: Membership
Section 1: Groups
The membership consists of:
a. Full members
b. Corporate members (Member Organizations)
c. Associate members
d. Honorary Fellows
Section 2: Full Members
a. membership of the Association is open to all Greeks, Cypriot, Greek-origin people and those married to Greeks or Cypriots living abroad and working professionally in the Bio-Medical field according to the rules prescribed in the Bylaws. Full members can also become those stationed in Greece if they had lived and worked abroad for at least 5 years.
b. full individual members are entitled to attend, speak and be elected as officers, but not vote at the meetings of the Assembly.
c. full members have the right to hold office in the Executive Board.
Section 3: Corporate Membership
a. any Hellenic Bio-Medical organization residing anywhere in the world outside Greece and Cyprus may become a member of WHBA according to the rules prescribed in the Bylaws.
b. each Member Organization is entitled to appoint delegates to the Assembly according to the regulations in the Bylaws.
c. delegates of Member Organizations are entitled to attend, speak, be elected as officers, and vote at the meetings of the Assembly.
Section 4: Associate Members
a. any individual working in the Bio-Medical field living in Greece and Cyprus may become associate members as prescribed in the Bylaws.
b. any non-Greek Biomedical scientist or professional living in Greece permanently.
c. associate members are privileged to attend and speak at meetings of the Assembly. They are not entitled to vote. They may have other powers that from time to time may be prescribed in the Bylaws.
Section 5: Honorary Fellows
a. persons of distinction in the Bio-Medical field may be awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Association.
b. Honorary Fellows are privileged to attend and speak at meetings of the Assembly, but are not entitled to vote unless serving as delegates.
c. Honorary Fellows can be members of the Board of Advisors.
Section 6: Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated:
a. on the death of a member.
b. upon the written request of the member - in which case membership ends at the end of the year in the request was received, provided that this is at least six months before the end of that year. If not, membership will end at the end of the next year.
c. by failure of the member or Member Organization to pay the Association's membership fees - after due warning.
d. by a decision of the Executive Board in the case of members or Member Organisations who act contrary to the Constitution or have caused unreasonable harm to the organization and/or its memberships-as prescribed in the Bylaws.
Articles 4: Organization
Section 1: Organizational Structure
The organizational structure of WHBA shall consist of the:
a) Assembly
b) Board of Advisors (BA)
c) Executive Board (EB)
d) Officers
e) Special Interest Groups
Section 2: The Assembly
a. The Assembly shall consist of:
i. voting members - that is delegates of Member Organisations as prescribed in the Bylaws.
ii. Full members electable to Officer postions
iii. non-voting associate members
iv. Honorary Fellows, Past-Presidents and other members of the Association.
b. The Assembly shall:
i. review the activities of the Board of Advisors and of the Executive Board.
ii. review and approve the accounts and review the financial policies.
iii. review and approve any proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws.
iv. elect the Officers and the Board as prescribed in the Bylaws.
v. transact any other business necessary.
c. At least one regular business meeting year of the Assembly shall be held every 2 years. The Assembly may also meet on the call of the President or on the petition of at least one tenth of all members of the Association as prescribed in the Bylaws.
d. Twenty five members including those appointed as delegates shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 3: The Board of Advisors (BA)
a. The Advisory Board consist of 15 members and will act as an advisory council to the Executive Board and should consist on all past Presidents of the Association with lifetime appointments (full voting status), and supplemented by presidents of medical and bioscientists’ associations from Greece and Cyprus and representatives of the two Ministries of Health (non-voting status), as well as by highly esteemed individuals (“par excellence”) from around the world, following approval of the Assembly (full voting status). Past presidents are considered lifetime members (full voting status).
b. The Advisory Board has a Chairman for the purposes of organizing the meetings and confoference calls, and a Secretary General responsible for keeping detailed outlines of subjects discussed for introduction to the Exeutive Board and the Assembly.
c. The Advisory Board has a 4 year term. Each appointed member can serve up to two consecutive terms.
Section 4: Executive Board (EB)
a. The EB of WHBA shall consist of the Officers and Members, each of whom shall be elected by the Assembly as prescribed in the Bylaws.
b. The EB should receive a report from the President endorsed by all the Officers annually and shall confer:
i. at least four times a year, either in person or by arranged conference call.
ii. upon the call of the President
iii. upon the petition of a majority of the EB Members.
iv. postal or electronic meeting and voting of the EB is permitted
c. The EB is responsible for the managing the affairs of the Association and shall have and exercise all authority and duties except that specifically reserved to the Assembly as stated in this constitution and bylaws.
d. It shall be the responsibility of the EB, within the framework of regulations in the Bylaws, to implement the resolutions of Assembly and the advices of the Advisory Board, to administer the affairs of WHBA as directed to the Assembly, to appoint special working parties, to elect Members, Member Organisations and Honorary Fellows and to determine the place and the date of meeting Assembly.
e. In the event of vacancies occurring between terms the EB may appoint temporary Members to serve until the next meeting of the Assembly as prescribed in the Bylaws.
f. The term of the EB is set at 4 years with a possible advance of the President-Elect to President at the 2-year med-term interval. Each member of the EB may serve up to 2 consecutive terms.
Section 5: Officers
a. The Officers of the Association are the President, President-elect, two vice-presidents, Treasurer, Secretary and Deputy Secretary.
b. The Officers shall be elected and have the responsibilities, authority and privileges as defined in the Bylaws.
c. Where urgent decisions are required, the President and two other Officers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of this business. In financial matters the Treasurer shall be one of the two other Officers. Notice of the decision will be given to Officers and Committee Members at the earliest possible date. Postal voting and electronic communication is permitted.
Section 6: Special Interest Groups
The EB may establish special Interest Groups to develop and promote special themes and also undertake certain duties of the organization. Special Interest Groups may organise workshops, conferences, courses etc on behalf of the organization with the authority of the Advisory Board. Special Interest Groups should establish their own organisational structure. The organization will not be financially responsible for any event and action undertaken by the Special Interest Groups unless otherwise authorised by the EB or the Assembly
Article 5: Finance
Section 1: Membership Fees
Full Members and Member Organisations shall remit to the Treasurer such membership fees and before such a point in time as shall be decided by the Executive Board according to the regulations in the Bylaws.
Section 3: Contractual Responsibility
The organization may accept and conclude all contracts and acquires alienated, rent or let any real property or personal property necessary to conduct its affairs.
Section 4: Fund Raising and Acceptance of Gifts
The EB will actively pursue fund raising possibilities in the pursuit of the objectives of the Association. WHBA may accept and use all gifts, subsidies and legacies whether given in support of the general aims and objectives or of a specific purpose of WHBA.
Article 6: Amendments
Section 1: Amendments to the Constitution
Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by the Advisory Board or the EB or by a petition of one third of the Members and the Member Organisations. Notice of the proposed amendment shall be mailed to Members and Member Organisations by the Secretary at least three months prior to the meeting of the Assembly. The full text of the motion must be attached to the agenda. An amendment will be carried to the Constitution when it has been accepted at a meeting of the Assembly with more than half the Members and Member Organizations present by a two thirds vote.
If the required number of Members is not a new meeting shall be convened at a time to be arranged. The decision can then be reached by two thirds of postal votes in favour, regardless of the number of Members present.
Section 2: Amendments to the Bylaws
Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by the EB or the Advisory Board or a petition /motion of five Members to the Assembly at a regular meeting. A simple majority of votes will be sufficient to carry the proposed amendment to the Bylaws.
Article 7: Dissolution
Section 1: Dissolution
The organization shall be dissolved only by a two thirds majority vote of Members and Delegates of Member Organisations at a regular meeting of the Assembly at which more than half of the Members and Delegates of Member Organisations are present. The proposal for dissolution and the full text of the motion must have been notified to Members and Member Organisations at least six months prior to the Assembly.
Should the required number of Members and Delegates of Member Organisation not to be reached, a new Assembly may be convened within one month during which the decision to dissolve the Association can be reached by a postal vote, regardless of Members present by a two thirds majority vote.
Section 2: Funds and Assets
In the event of dissolution the EB shall be responsible for the liquidation of the affairs of the organization. Because the organization is dedicated exclusively to scientific and educational purposes and the development of services, its funds and assets, in the event of its dissolution, should be distributed exclusively for these purposes.
BYLAWS
Section 1 Membership
a. Any individual seeking membership of the organization shall file a written application to the Secretary.
b. Any organization seeking Corporate Membership of the Association shall file a written application which must include or be accompanied by a description of the nature and purpose of the organisation.
c. Election to Membership shall be by a simple majority of the EB or the Assembly.
d. The membership fees of the Association shall be decided by the EB.
e. All fees shall be payable in advance before the General Assembly.
f. An individual ember or Member Organization in good standing may resign provided that all the obligations are fulfilled. A Member or Member Organization who has resigned in good standing may be reinstated without prejudice.
g. An individual or Member Organization may be expelled from the Organization for conduct contrary to the Constitution of the Organization or otherwise prejudicial to the Association. Charges of such conduct must be admitted to the EB in writing signed by at least two members of WHBA. Before making a decision to expel a Member or Member Organization the EB shall give that Member or Member Organization the opportunity to answer the charge or resign. A Member or Member Organization which has been expelled shall have the right to appeal to the General Assembly and must do this within one month of receiving written notification of their expulsion from the Council. After hearing the evidence, the Assembly will decide by a two thirds majority of the Members present. h. Honorary Fellows will be nominated by one member of the Advisory Board and two members of the EB and shall be distinguished members of the Hellenic Bio-Medical Diaspora and shall be elected by the EB.
Section 2 The Assembly
a. A meeting of the Assembly will be held at each World Congress of the Global Hellenic Medical and Biosciences Network or otherwise held by WHBA.
b. Corporate Organisations shall appoint one or two delegates to the Assembly.
c. Delegates must make themselves known to the Secretary and present written evidence of their appointment by a Member Organization prior to the Assembly in order to be able to vote.
d. Extraordinary Assembly meetings may be called by a petition to the EB signed by at least 10 Members which states the subject or subjects to be discussed. The EB must convene a meeting of the Assembly within a year of such a request. In the event that this does not take place the petitioning Members may convene the meeting themselves. Extraordinary meetings of the General Assembly can only make decisions on those issues which were stated at the time the meeting was called.
e. The Secretary shall notify Members and Member Organisations of the date, time and place of the General Assembly at least ninety days prior to the meeting and invite items for inclusion on the agenda. Resolutions for consideration at the General Assembly must be made in writing to the Secretary at least ninety days prior to the date of Assembly.
f. A report by the EB on the Association's business and a financial report - both covering the previous two years shall be presented to the General Assembly.
g. Simple resolutions will be passed at the General Assembly by a simple majority vote. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast the resolution will be considered to have been rejected.
h. In exceptional circumstances resolutions may be passed by a postal ballot of all the Members and Member Organisations entitled to vote (lead to perhaps state details, e.g. 60 days notice, Secretary to co-ordinate, EB decides on exceptional circumstances).
Section 3 The Advisory Board
The Advisory Board shall consist of 15 members. First, all past Presidents of the Association will be appointed to this Board and their duration of term of office will be unlimited unless they choose to resign. The Advisory Board shall meet at least before each Assembly and any other time as members decide to intervene as advisors to the EB. Past presidents are considered lifetime members (full voting status). Their presence in the Advisory Board will be supplemented by presidents of medical and bioscientists’ associations from Greece and Cyprus, and representatives of the 2 Ministries of Health (non-voting status) as well as by highly esteemed individuals (“par excellence”) from around the world, following approval of the Assembly (full voting status). The Advisory Board has a 4 year term. Each appointed member can serve up to 2 consecutive terms. The Advisory Board elects a Chairman who is responsible for organizing the meetings and discussions and a Secretary General who is responsible with the records and communications with the EB.
Section 4 Executive Board
a. Members and Member Organizations can propose candidates for election to the EB prior to the Assembly.
b. Each Member Organization could have representatives in the EB but no more than three persons can be nominated from any one Member Organisation.
c. No more than one Associate member can be represented in the EB. Associate Members cannot be elected to the officers.
d. Candidates will be recommended to the Assembly.
e. Candidates elected at the Assembly shall succeed to Office at the close of the meeting at which they were elected.
f. Members of the EB shall serve for one term and/or until a successor is elected. They may be elected for a further term, but may not serve more than a maximum of two consecutive terms.
g. A Member of the EB who persistently fails to respond to letters or otherwise neglects his or her duties may be asked by the President - after consultation with the EB and BA to resign.
Section 4. The Officers
a. The Officers of the Association are the President, the President-elect, two Vice-presidents, the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and the Treasurer.
b. The Officers shall be elected from Members of the Executive Board.
c. Officers serve for one term or until a successor is elected. They shall be eligible for no more than two consecutive terms in the same Office.
d. The President of the EB shall preside at Assembly meetings. He/she may call special meetings of the EB or of the Officers. He/she shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Council. In the absence or temporary disability or death of the President, succession to the Office shall be the President-elect.
e. The President-elect performs such duties as may be assigned by the EB or the President and presides to the organising and program committee of the next World Congress.
f. The vice-presidents perform such duties as may be assigned by the EB or the President and preside to the organising and programme committee of the next World Congress.
g. The Treasurer shall receive and dispense and duly account all sums of money belonging to the Association. He/she shall keep accurate accounts, vouchers and receipts of all payments on behalf of the Association and all invested funds. He/she shall be responsible for the collection of all fees and registration of all new Members. He/she shall prepare financial reports for the regular meetings of the EB and the Assembly. The financial report to the Assembly shall be audited by a qualified accountant. He/she may be assisted in his or her duties by the formation of a small financial and business Sub Committee.
h. In the event that the President-elect, Vice-Presidents, Secretary or Treasurer are unable to perform the duties of their respective Offices, they may ask the President to be relieved of their responsibilities. After consultation with the BA, the EB can appoint a replacement Deputy Officer in his/her place by a simple majority vote of the remaining Officers.
i. Should an Officer be considered unfit to carry out his/her duties he or she may be relieved of his/her Office by a two thirds majority vote of the Assembly. A postal vote may be conducted. If the vote is carried the Officer will be asked to resign and a Deputy Officer appointed in his place as under Bylaw 4.i.
Section 5: Special Interest Groups
The EB may establish ad hoc task orientated Special Interest Groups chaired by Members of the Association or Members of the Council. Special Interest Groups may organise workshops, conferences, courses etc. on behalf of the Association with the authority of the Council. Special Interest Groups should establish their own organisational structure for approval by the Council. The Association will not be financially responsible for any event and action undertaken by the Special Interest Groups unless otherwise authorised by the EB and either the Advisory Board or the Assembly.
Section 6. World Congress
a. The Organization shall organize a Scientific World Congress at regular intervals or such other periods as may be determined by EB unless prevented by grave circumstances. The scientific program shall be arranged by a specifically appointed Program Committee of the Global Hellenic Medical Network or otherwise by WHBA. A local Organizing Committee may be appointed for the organization of the Congress.
b. The EB shall determine by a single majority vote of the EB members present, the place and date for the next Congress. The EB may propose one or more countries that should be invited to consider the hosting of the subsequent Congress.
c. During the World Congresses at least one regular Assembly meeting shall be held.
Section 7 Other Meetings
a. The Organization may organise and conduct scientific congresses, conferences and seminars, both global and regional.
b. The Organization is entitled upon invitation to participate officially in the scientific meetings of other organisations concerned with the aims of the Organization. The Organization will promote these official representations in the meetings of allied organisations as well as the representation of those in its congresses.
Section 8 Affiliation
a. The EB shall act to establish affiliations with associations and organizations where it seems that the best interests of the Organization will be served.
b. The EB may enter into arrangements with authorized representatives of national and international scientific organizations.