Bylaws of EBMA

Signed on Sun 4th February 2001 in Jena, Germany 
with changes decided at annual general meetings on 11th May 2002, 1st May 2008, and 3rd June 2011

  1. 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.

  2. This association strives to further bluegrass music in Europe by:
    1. Getting more people interested and involved,
    2. Further European bluegrass musicians and bands and
    3. Enhance bluegrass music’s image.

  3. This shall be achieved in particular by:
    1. Annual gatherings
    2. A website as the main means of communication
    3. Contacts between European bluegrass people (networking)

  4. The association accepts supporting and active members into the association.

  5. The Board of Directors decides on the acceptance of members into the association. Membership ends by notice of resignation or if membership fee is owed for more than one month.

  6. The financial means of the association are:
    1. Annual membership dues
    2. Revenues from selling EBMA products
    3. Sponsorships

  7. The association’s financial liabilities are limited to its fortunes.

  8. The organs of the association are:
    1. The General Membership Assembly
    2. The Board of Directors
    3. The financial auditors
    4. The website
    5. BLUEGRASS EUROPE magazine

  9. 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 30 days in advance. Changes to the agenda have to be made known to the Board at least a week before the General Membership Assembly.

  10. The General Membership Assembly is quorate if at least three active members with full voting rights are present. Decisions are made by majority of votes. In the event of a tied vote, the chair makes the decision.

  11. The annual General Membership Assembly decides on:
    1. Acceptance of annual financial report as recommended by the financial auditors
    2. Election of the Board of Directors
    3. Election of the financial auditors
    4. Changes to the bylaws.

  12. 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 one year.

  13. The Board of Directors leads the association and represents it towards the general public.

  14. The association’s legal year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30. Its financial year starts on January 1 and ends on December 31.

  15. Upon dissolving the EBMA, any remaining money will go to an association with similar goals.

  16. 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 and 4th February 2001