Official Association Rules (§ 1–17)

# RULES OF THE MAKAN ASSOCIATION (MAKAN RY) **Business ID (Y-tunnus):** 3657266-8 **Registered Office:** Vantaa, Finland **Registered Date:** 22.09.2026 --- ### § 1 Name and Registered Office The name of the association is **Makan Association** (officially registered as **Makan Ry**). The association's registered office is in **Vantaa**, Finland. ### § 2 Purpose of the Association The purpose of the association is to promote peace, protect civilians affected by war and foreign military intervention, raise awareness of the humanitarian consequences of war and unjust sanctions, and promote dialogue and understanding between Iranian society and people in Finland, Europe and the wider international community. The association is independent, non-profit, humanitarian and non-governmental. It has no political, ideological or religious affiliation. ### § 3 Activities In order to fulfil its purpose, the association may: 1. Organise public discussions, seminars, conferences, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, cultural events and screenings; 2. Publish and distribute statements, articles, reports, educational materials and other publications; 3. Organise peaceful demonstrations, petitions and other forms of lawful civic advocacy; 4. Promote awareness of the humanitarian consequences of military intervention, war, occupation and economic sanctions; 5. Promote knowledge and understanding of Iranian history, culture, society and contemporary life; 6. Support dialogue and cooperation between Iranian communities and organisations and people and organisations in Finland and other countries; 7. Cooperate with researchers, journalists, artists, civil society organisations and other parties whose activities are consistent with the association's purpose; and 8. Undertake other lawful activities that support the purpose of the association. The association may receive membership fees, donations, grants and other lawful forms of financial support. The association may organise fundraising activities and engage in limited economic activities directly connected with the fulfilment of its purpose, in accordance with applicable law. ### § 4 Members Any person who accepts the purpose and principles of the association may apply for membership. The Board of Directors decides on the acceptance of members. The association may also have supporting members and institutional supporters in accordance with decisions made by the association. ### § 5 Membership Fees The amount of the annual membership fee is decided by the General Assembly. The General Assembly may decide that membership is free of charge. The General Assembly may also decide on other fees payable by members. ### § 6 Resignation and Termination of Membership A member may resign from the association by notifying the Board of Directors or the Board of Directors' chairperson in writing. A member may be expelled from the association in accordance with the Associations Act and these rules. ### § 7 Board of Directors The affairs of the association are managed by a Board of Directors consisting of a chairperson and 2–6 other members. The Board of Directors is elected by the General Assembly. The term of office of the Board members is one year (the period between annual General Assemblies). The Board elects from among its members a vice-chairperson and may appoint a secretary, treasurer and other necessary officers. The Board represents the association and is responsible for managing its affairs in accordance with the law, these rules and decisions of the General Assembly. ### § 8 Right to Sign on Behalf of the Association The right to sign on behalf of the association is held by the chairperson alone. The General Assembly or the Board may, where permitted by law, grant signing authority to other persons. ### § 9 Financial Year The financial year of the association is the calendar year (1 January – 31 December). ### § 10 General Assembly The association shall hold one ordinary General Assembly each year. The annual General Assembly shall: 1. Present the association's annual report; 2. Present the financial statements and auditor's or operations inspector's report; 3. Decide on the approval of the financial statements; 4. Decide on granting discharge from liability to the Board and other responsible persons; 5. Decide on the membership fees for the following year; 6. Elect the members of the Board; 7. Elect an auditor or operations inspector as required by law; and 8. Consider any other matters included in the meeting notice. ### § 11 Extraordinary General Assembly An extraordinary General Assembly shall be held when the Board considers it necessary or when members representing at least one tenth (1/10) of the voting members, or the proportion required by law, request it in writing from the Board for a specified purpose. ### § 12 Calling a General Assembly The Board shall call the General Assembly by sending a written notice to the members at least 14 days before the meeting. The notice shall state the time, place and matters to be considered at the meeting. The meeting may be held physically, remotely or in a hybrid format where permitted by law. ### § 13 Decision-Making Each member who has fulfilled the membership requirements has one vote at the General Assembly. Unless otherwise provided by law or these rules, decisions are made by a simple majority of votes. In the event of a tie, the chairperson's vote shall decide, except in elections where lots shall be drawn. ### § 14 Auditor / Operations Inspector The association shall have one operations inspector (or auditor) and, where required by law, a deputy. The operations inspector shall examine the association's administration and finances in accordance with applicable law and issue the required report to the General Assembly. ### § 15 Amendments to the Rules A decision to amend these rules shall be made by the General Assembly in accordance with the Associations Act. Any amendment shall require a majority of at least three quarters (3/4) of the votes cast. ### § 16 Dissolution of the Association If the association is dissolved or disbanded, any remaining assets, after all debts and obligations have been paid, shall be transferred to another registered non-profit organisation or association whose purpose is consistent with the principles and objectives of the Makan Association, as decided by the General Assembly. The remaining assets shall not be distributed among the members. ### § 17 General Provision In all matters not specifically provided for in these rules, the provisions of the Finnish Associations Act (503/1989) and other applicable legislation shall apply.