§ 1 - Name and Domicile
The association is known under the name of “Circle of friends Tambacounda, association for the procurement of African cultural assets and for the advancement of development projects in Africa” incorporated society. („Freundeskreis Tambacounda, Verein zur Vermittlung afrikanischen Kulturgutes und zur Förderung von Entwicklungsprojekten in Afrika“ e.V.).
The domicile is Hanover.
The accounting year equals the calendar year.
§ 2 - Purpose
The association campaigns for the procurement of African cultural assets and for the advancement of development projects in Africa, focusing mainly upon the region of Tambacounda (Senegal).
The Friend Circle contributes actively to the procurement of African cultural assets and for the advancement of development projects in Africa. The association is non-partisan and secular.
To realize its goals, the association assumes the following activities:
-Cultural events (in particular event lectures, slideshow lectures, music events, etc.).
-Services for development policy groups, in particular throughout the region of Hanover and Lower Saxony.
-Presentation of development projects in Africa and advancement of their acceptance in public.
-Financial support for development projects in Africa.
§ 3 - Allocation of Resources
The association does not pursue goals primarily serving its own economic interest. Resources can only be used for statutable purposes. Members themselves receive no allocation from the association’s purse. It is strictly forbidden, for a person to profit from expenditures differing from the foundation’s goals, or that he/she is favored by disproportionally high amenities.
§ 4 - Membership
Individuals can become members. The directorate makes the decision concerning the request in writing. In the case of refusal, the association is not obliged to explain its reasoning to the enrollee. Membership may be granted without the right to vote.
§ 5 - Discontinuing Membership
Membership ends in the event of death, by voluntary withdrawal, or expulsion by the association.
Voluntary withdrawal is made through a written notice to a duly authorized board member. Discharge is only possible at the end of the calendar year and when four week’s notice is given.
A member can only be dismissed by a ¾ majority of the association’s valid voting members. Furthermore, the member must have violated the association’s interests in an abrasive way.
§ 6 – Membership Fees
Fees can be collected from all members. The association’s board members determine the fee amount.
§ 7 – Bodies of the Association
The two bodies are:
-The directorate
-The board
§ 8 – The Directorate
The directorate consists of the first and second chair (coevally the treasurer) and a secretary. Each member of the directorate is authorized to represent the directorate. A chair can delegate single tasks to third parties.
§ 9 – Cash Audit
The board elects a treasurer for a three-year period. At irregular intervals, but at least once a year, the treasurer must check that adjustable and non-cash transactions are in accordance to the association’s statutory purposes.
§ 10 – Roles and Responsibilities of the Directorate
The directorate chair is responsible for the association’s affairs as long as they are not allocated to another body as stated in the charter.
The responsibilities include:
-Preparing board meetings and setting the agenda
-Convening the board
-Implementing board decisions
-The preparation of all budgets, accountancy, the annual report, and the submission of the annual audit
-The admittance of applicants
§ 11 – Election of the Directorate Chair
The board elects the directorate chair for a three-year period. Only association members can be nominated. The chair holds office until the next reelection. Discontinuation of membership removes the directorate chair from office.
§ 12 – Directorate Meetings
The board is summoned by the first or second chairperson.
The presentation of an agenda is not necessary.
A quorum is confirmed by the presence of at least half of the board members. The board decides by a majority of votes. In the event of a tie, the first chairperson decides the vote. If he/she is not present, the second chairman’s vote is decisive.
§ 13 – Board Meetings
Each member has one vote. Appointing another member to vote for you is not permissible. One person may only represent one member.
The board is responsible for the following affairs:
-Election, dismissal and relief of the directorate
-Adoption of a resolution for amendments within the charter as well as annulment
-Other tasks outlined in the charter or by law
The board can appoint other members, besides the directorate, to special assignments. A board meeting must take place at least once a year. The meeting must be made known 4 weeks in advance through a written invitation by the first directorate chair. Other members of the board may summon meetings if 1/3 of the members, through a written request, explain the necessity for it. A quorum is achieved if the meeting has been duly convened. The board rules by simple majority. Amendments to the statutes require a ¾ majority of the present valid voting members. Abstentions are regarded as invalid votes. The chairperson and the secretary must undersign meeting minutes.
§ 14 – Dissolution of the Association
1) Dissolution of the association is possible through a ¾ majority of the board’s present members.
2) Upon dissolution of the association or discontinuation of the association’s purpose, the association’s funds shall be used for tax-exemption purposes. Decisions on the future use of funds may not be implemented without the approval of the tax and revenue offices.
