Signed on Sun 4th February 2001 in Jena, Germany with changes decided at annual general meetings on 11th May 2002, 1st May 2008, 3rd June 2011, and 1st March 2025.
There is a politically and religiously neutral association with the name European Bluegrass Music Association (EBMA) with headquarters at the treasurer’s office according to article 60ff. of the Swiss Civil Law Code.
This association strives to further Bluegrass music in Europe by:
getting more people interested and involved,
further bluegrass musicians and bands in Europe and
enhance bluegrass music’s image.
This shall be achieved in particular, but not exclusively, by:
annual gatherings
a website as the main means of communication
contacts between the European bluegrass network.
The association accepts supporting and active members into the association.
The Board of Directors decides on the acceptance of members into the association. Membership is encouraged to be inclusive. Website features, dues and tiers are to be decided by the Board. Membership ends by notice of resignation; or in case of unbecoming conduct from a member, after one notice and as decided by the Board after the notice and response is received.
The financial means of the association are:
membership dues
revenues from selling EBMA products
sponsorships and partnerships
The association’s financial liabilities are limited to its assets.
The organs of the association are:
the General Membership Assembly
the Board of Directors
the financial auditors
the website and social media outlets
The General Membership Assembly takes place once a year and is chaired by the chair of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors sends out invitations to all members at least 15 days in advance. Changes to the agenda have to be made known to the Board at least a week before the General Membership Assembly.
The General Membership Assembly is quorate if at least three active members with full voting rights are present, by hybrid model (physical/online). Decisions are made by majority of votes. In the event of a tied vote, the chair makes the decision.
The annual General Membership Assembly decides on:
acceptance of annual financial report as recommended by the financial auditors
election of the Board of Directors
election of the financial auditors
changes to the bylaws.
The Board of Directors consists of at least five members. It sets up the various jobs with the Board. The Board of Directors meets as often as necessary. Resignations of Board members have to be made known 3 months before the end of the term. The term of office of the Board of Directors is two years. The Board shall decide together on a code of conduct that suits the association’s goals and purposes for that term.
The Board of Directors leads the association and represents it towards the general public.
The association’s legal year and financial year align with the calendar year.
Upon dissolving the EBMA, any remaining money will go to a non-profit association with similar goals.
Coming into effect: By the Membership Assembly’s acknowledgement of these bylaws they become effective on 3 June 2011 and replace those agreed on 1 May 2008, 11 May 2002, 4th February 2001, and 3rd June 2011.