Charter of Our Association (English version)

Charter of the Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association

June 2, 2024

Chapter 1: General Provisions

Article 1

The Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association (hereinafter referred to as the Association) is a non-profit organization officially registered in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Its official English name is: Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association.

Article 2

The mission of the Association is to promote cultural heritage, enhance cultural and artistic exchanges among ethnic groups, and serve as a bridge for cultural and artistic exchanges between Canada, China, and other parts of the world.

Article 3

When conducting activities, especially outside Canada, the Association may use the name Canada Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association.

Article 4

The Association adheres to the laws and regulations of Canada and operates in accordance with this Charter.

Chapter 2: Organizational Structure

Article 5

The Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association (referred to as the General Association) currently comprises three professional associations:

1. Atlantic Photographers Association

2. Atlantic Artists Association

3. Atlantic Calligraphers Association

Article 6

The Board of Directors is the highest authority of the Association. It has the power to interpret this Charter, nominate the President of the General Association and Presidents of affiliated professional associations, and appoint or remove Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries-General, and Deputy Secretaries-General of the General Association and affiliated professional associations.

Article 7
The legal representative of the Association is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

Article 8
The term of office for the Board of Directors and the General Association Council is four years.

Article 9

Candidates for the new Chairperson of the Board, Board members, and President of the General Association are nominated by the outgoing Board, widely discussed, and appointed.

Article 10

The General Association Council consists of one President, several Vice Presidents, one Secretary-General, and several Deputy Secretaries-General. Vice Presidents, the Secretary-General, and Deputy Secretaries-General are nominated by the new President, discussed in the President’s Executive Meeting, and approved by the Board of Directors.

Article 11
The term of office for the Councils of professional associations is four years.

Article 12

The Councils of professional associations consist of one President, several Vice Presidents, one Secretary-General, and several Deputy Secretaries-General.

Article 13

Candidates for the new President of each professional association are nominated by the President of the General Association, discussed in the Board’s Executive Meeting, and widely consulted before being appointed by the Board and the General Association.

Article 14

Newly appointed Presidents of professional associations may nominate several Vice Presidents, one Secretary-General, and several Deputy Secretaries-General. These nominations must be discussed in the General Association’s President’s Executive Meeting and approved by the Board of Directors.

Article 15

Executive meetings of the General Association and professional associations include the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary-General, and Deputy Secretaries-General. These meetings discuss significant matters and routine work.

Article 16

The General Association and professional associations adopt a leadership system under the President’s direction, with specific tasks delegated to Vice Presidents. The Secretary-General assists the President in handling daily work and implementing the resolutions of the Executive Meetings.

Article 17

The General Association and professional associations hold regular Executive Meetings. These are presided over by the President or, in their absence, by a designated Vice President or Secretary-General.

Article 18

Honorary positions may be established for individuals who have made significant contributions to the Association. Nominees for honorary positions must be discussed in the General Association’s Executive Meeting and approved by the Board.

Article 19

In exceptional circumstances, such as personnel changes due to resignation, legal procedures, or other issues, the Board, the General Association, or professional association Councils may add or remove members outside of regular election cycles. These decisions must be discussed and approved by the appropriate body.

Chapter 3: Membership

Article 20

The Association operates on an individual membership system. Any individual who agrees to this Charter and wishes to participate in the Association’s activities may become a member upon personal application, introduction by an existing member, and completion of formalities.

Article 21

Membership Rights:

• ●  Participate in the Association’s activities.

• ●  Join one or more professional associations.

• ●  Criticize, suggest, and supervise the work of the Association.

• ●  Withdraw membership freely.

  Article 22

  Membership Obligations:

• ●  Abide by the Charter.

• ●  Execute resolutions of the Association.

• ●  Protect the Association’s legal rights.

• ●  Pay membership fees: Members must pay a one-time registration fee, which is centrally

  managed by the General Association.

• ●  Members who seriously violate social ethics or attack others verbally or physically may

  be asked to withdraw or have their membership revoked.

Chapter 4: Finance

Article 23

The Association’s funding sources include:

• ●  Membership registration fees.

• ●  Social sponsorship.

• ●  Other legal income.

  Article 24

  The finances of professional associations, including accounts, cash, bank accounts, and taxes, are centrally managed by the General Association. Separate accounts are maintained for each professional association, ensuring funds are used for their intended purposes.

  Article 25

  Daily cash and account management must be handled by separate personnel. The use of self-raised funds must comply with the General Association’s rules. Annual financial reports must be submitted for review by January of each year.

  Article 26

  During leadership transitions, outgoing leaders must responsibly hand over all financial records, with both incoming and outgoing Presidents and cash custodians signing off on the transfer.

  This revised Charter has been submitted for discussion and approval by the Board of Directors.