Statues/Memorandum of the Association

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PREAMBLE

The association was founded in TOURS(France) on 13 July 1961 under the name of "The International Association of Agricultural Medicine and Rural Health".

Article 1 : NAME

Under the name of "The International Association of Agricultural Medicine and Rural Health (IAAMRH) is incorporated as an association governed by the statues herein described.

Article 2 : GENERAL

"The International Association of Agricultural Medicine and Rural Health (IAAMRH) is an independent Association for Agricultural and Rural Health professionals.

Its representative board is the Executive Board.

It works under the statues accepted by the General Assembly.

It collaborates with the United Nations Economic and Social council, World Health Oganisation (WHO), International Labour Organisation(ILO). Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and other specialized institutions of the United Nations. Recently a collaboration agreement has been signed with the International Association For Pesticide Safety (ICPS)

More Generally it collaborates with other health and medical, as well as scientific associations and their representatives in the areas such as agriculture, food industry, ecology and environment protection as appropriate. The organisation maintains effective collaboration with governments, governmental organisations, professional associations and oher groupss or individuals interested in agriculture medicine and rural health.


Article 3 : DURATION

The duration of the association is unlimited.

Article 4 : AIMS AND TASKS

Aim of the Association is....
  • To support the WHO goal of "Health for All in the 21st Century".
  • To help improve the status of health of rural communities and to protect the health of the agricultural workers in the spirit of various concerned resolutions of UN bodies such as WHO,ILO,FAO.
  • To help member organisations adopt a scientific approach in the field of agricultural medicine and rural health and assist in its practical application.
  • Its endeavor is to study the issues of agricultural and rural health in association with other sciences and to provide scientific information and advice in this field for all its members and member organisations
  • To establish effective collaboration with other branches of medicine, health, agricultural, environmental and other related sciences.
  • To study the effects of social , physical and environmental conditions on human health.
TASKS

In order to achieve these aims, the tasks of the association are: -
  • to publish professional journals and publications,
  • to formulate the official opinion of the Association on professional questions
  • to provide professional advice and opinion to governmental or social organisations on the national and/or international level, on request, or by decision of the executive board.
  • to conduct professional competitions in various issues and aspects of agricultural medicine and rural health and to establish awards, commemorative medals and prizes,
  • to arrange and support exhibitions in the field of agricultural medicine and rural health,
  • to collaborate with expert individuals organizations, as and when required, in undertaking various tasks for realising the objectives of the Association
  • to establish regional, national organisations and specialised commissions for the improvement of this branch of science. ( the activities of these commissions shall be in accordance with the objectives of the association).


REGIONAL DIVISIONS

Considering, the peculiarities of rural communities due to different on geographical, life and work conditions, the Association may decide on the establishment of Regional Divisions on the recommendation of the Board.

The Regional Divisions comprise individual members working in rural health and National Associations.

The Regional Divisions are directed by the Regional Council of that Divison, which is led by the President of the Regional Council and the Secretary of the Regional Council.

Members of the Regional Councils: presidents of National Associations working in the region, Secretaries-General of National Associations and three to seven elected members.

The President, the Secretary-General and the members of the Regional Divisions are elected by open vote by the Regional Assembly on the recommendation of the President of IAAMRH.

Assembly Meetings of the Regional Divisions are held triennially. Members of the Association and representatives of National Associations have voting rights.

The Regional Divisions assist with the establishment of national organisations or Special Committees, and support their work. They co-ordinate the activities of agricultural medicine and rural health organisations in the region and collaborate with other like-minded associations. They may also hold independent meetings. They shall remit an annual membership fee as prescribed by the Association. The membership will he CANCELLED if they do not pay the fee for three- consecutive years.

The North American Chapter is established and managed in co-operation between the IAAMM and the NAAC. North American members who choose to be members of both organisations are accepted as members with full rights in both associations. The Regional Council is elected by these members of both organisations together.


NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

May be established in the field of agricultural medicine and rural health.

The national associations as acknowledged members cooperating with the IAAMRH.

The national associations may formulate their independent statutes, and national Programs. They acknowledge the Statutes of IAAMRH and accept it as binding for them. They co-ordinate their activities with the programs of IAAMRH.

The national associations are actively involved in the activities of the Regional Divisions. The Presidents and Secretaries- General of national associations have voting rights in the Regional Councils.

In order to co-ordinate the activities of the national associations, a conciliatory meeting should be held for the Presidents and the Secretaries - General prior to the Board Meeting of IAAMRH.

Representatives of the national associations can participate in the Board Meeting of IAAMRH with consultative rights.

The national associations organize activities in their country in association with other specialities and in accordance with the organisational framework of the country. They may hold independent meetings, collaborate with other organisations and elect their own Executive Board. National Organisations are under the supervision and direction of their Regional IAAMRH Chapters. (Where applicable)

They shall remit an annual membership fee as prescribed by the Association. The membership will he cancelled if they do not pay the fee for three consecutive years.

Article 5 : MEMBERS, RIGHTS AND DUTIES

The association has three types of membership:
  1. full membership (individual and collective)
  2. honorary members
  3. associate members
FULL MEMBERSHIP is available for professionals such as physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, veterinarians, agriculturists and scientific bodies / organisations who are interested or involved in the field of agricultural medicine and rural health. Such membership is given to those, who apply in writing with an undertaking that they accept the statutes of the Association by paying a prescribed fee for a period of minimum three years and are admitted by the Association by passing a resolution to this effect at its Executive Board meeting. They will have voting rights.

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP is given to individuals who, because of their -work in the field of agricultural medicine and rural health, are elected by the General Assembly after being recommended by the Executive Board. Such persons once elected become permanent life members of the Association. They will have voting rights.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is available for public or private corporate bodies who support the aims of the Association. Such bodies are expected to pay the prescribed membership fees. They will not have a voting right.

All members have equal rights. Any individual member, or representative of a collective member, may participate in the General Assembly. Except Associate members, all other members may move a motion, participate in discussions and vote and can be elected to any post in the Association.

Associate members may participate in the General Assembly and other meetings. They may move motions, and participate in discussions. However they do not have the right to vote and cannot be elected to the Executive Board.

All members are entitled to advantages, given by the Association. Any member of the Association or its Boards may submit a proposal through the Executive Board to award a prize to an outstanding member.

Membership may be terminated by:
  • resignation
  • expulsion
  • death
  • failure to pay requisite fees for three consecutive years.
Resignation should be sent to the President or Secretary General in writing. Resignations are accepted by the Executive Board, on the recommendation of President/Secretary.

General Termination of membership may be carried out if the member does not observe the Statutes of the Association or demonstrates unworthy behaviour. Such termination is carried out by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Executive Board.

Article 6 : BOARDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

The General Assembly is the main organ of the Association. It comprises all the members of the Association. Its official functions are:
  • to establish and alter the statutes
  • to discuss reports on the work of the Association
  • to decide the main tasks of the Association
  • to discuss the budget and accounts of the Association
  • to determine the subscription
  • to elect members of the Executive Board its office bearers and representatives of the Association.
Meetings of the General Assembly are held in conjunction with the International Congress which is normally held in every three years. An extraordinary General Assembly may be held if requested by one third of the membership.

A decision of the General Assembly requires the assent of more than 50% of the valid members at the meeting. Such assent is shown by open vote.

The General Assembly is presided by the leader elected bv the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Executive Board.

DISSOLUTION

The dissolution of the Association will proceed with the agreement of the General Assembly 'when its objectives can no longer be achieved. The General Assembly may decide on its dissolution by a two -third majority of the members present at the General Assembly supporting this action following a secret ballot. Such ballots cannot be carried out unless all members have been given three months notice in writing of the intention to dissolve the Association.

The Association has two bodies, which are responsible for the administration of the Association. These are THE EXECUTIVE BOARD and THE PRESIDENCY.

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD is elected for three consecutive years by open vote by the General Assembly and is the executive organ of the Association. It comprises of not less than 15 or more than 30 members; the President, the President Elect, the Immediate Past President, the Congress President, three Vice Presidents, the Secretary General, the Treasurer, Presidents and Secretary Generals of Regional Chapters, the Presidents and Secretaries of Special Commissions as well as elected members.

The Collaborating Organizations / Associations will have reciprocal arrangements with IAAMRH as regards the Executive Bureau. If the Collaborating Organization invites the IAAMRH to become the Member of its Executive Committee / Board, then IAAMRH shall also reciprocate the same. In case the Collaborating Organization offers any other position, e.g. observer to the Executive Committee, then IAAMRH would also have the same and equal reciprocal arrangement. However, this arrangement will not be applicable to any UN/WHO/ILO or similar organizations and their official representatives will always be invited to join the Executive Bureau as its full-fledged members.

All the above mentioned executives are elected twice

However, the President Elect once elected shall take over as the President of the Association in the ensuing General Assembly as thus the Election of the President shall be a formality.

The Board meets annually and can make binding decisions if more than one third of its members are present. Such decisions are made by open vote with the President having a casting vote in addition to his/her substantive vote.

WORK OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board is responsible for the administration of the Association and implements the policy decided by the General Assembly. It cannot alter the statutes. It :
  • ensures the implementation of resolutions adopted by the General Assembly;
  • outlines plans for co-operation with other scientific associations;
  • establishes programs, workshops and ad hoc working groups;
  • prepares the Association balance sheet.
  • makes preparations for the General Assembly;
The Executive Board shall meet once a year.

Between meetings of the Board, the President and the Secretary General are responsible for the administration of the Association

If necessary, they may consult with other members of the Board. The President reports on such work to the next meeting of the board.

THE PRESIDENCY

The Presidency is comprised of the President, the President Elect, the Immediate Past President. the Congress President, the three Vice Presidents, and the Secretary General . The function of the Presidency is to control the financial expenditure of the Association (see article 7).

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT

To preside over the Executive Board and the Presidency.

To represent the Association.

If the president is indisposed, the President Elect, or one of the Vice Presidents will serve in that capacity.

RESPONSIIBIILITIES OF CONGRESS PRESIDENT

To organize and manage the next international scientific meeting of the Association.

To ensure that accurate and complete financial accounting methods for the meeting are established and a balance sheet provided to the Board.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRESIDENT ELECT.

In absence of the President, he shall represent the Association

RESPONSIBILITIES OF SECRETARY GENERAL

To provide operational support to the Association.

To ensure implementation of Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly, the Executive Board or the Presidency.

THE SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat is composed of (a) the Secretary General appointed by the General Assembly / President for a term of three years, renewable; and (b) staff members as may be necessary, appointed by the Secretary General, in consultation with the Chair. Its functions are the following:

a) Execute all decisions of the President

b) Prepare the annual work plan and budget and submit it to the General Assembly for approval

c) Execute the work plan approved by the President and manage the activities of association

d) Manage the personnel and financial resources of the Association and sign the commitment and disbursement authorisations in the name of Association.

e) Prepare the Annual meeting of the Association and the meetings of the association and such other Committees as may be instituted by the Association.

f) Establish and implement regulations and procedures for the Secretariat

g) After the close of each fiscal year, present to the Association an annual report on the activities and operations of the Association.

h) Prepare the report of the annual Meeting of the Association / forum i) Perform such other tasks and functions assigned by the Board / President.

REPRESENTATION

The President (for matters which are the responsibility of the Association) and the Secretary General (for matters -which are delegated to him/her) or their representative are entitled to represent the Association in all the dealings with Third Parties

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Nomination Committee makes proposals for the nomination of the leaders / executives of the Association to the Board meeting. Proposals discussed and accepted by the Board are forwarded to the General Assembly.

The Nomination Committee consists of three persons. The General Assembly on the recommendation of the Bureau elects them for three-years.



Article 7 : COMMISSIONS

The Executive Board may organise special commissions and approve their programs. Those convening such commissions are responsible for drafting their terms of reference, which must be approved by the Board.

The Chairperson of the respective Commission is responsible for presenting an annual report of the work of the Commission to the Board.

The commissions that have been established are
  • Anthropozoonosis
  • Ergonomics and Safety
  • Living and Working conditions
  • Medical Care
  • Toxicology


Consideration is being given to establish further commission on:
  • Primary Health Care
  • Health Promotion and Policy
  • Intersectorial Collaboration
  • Medical Equipment and Appropriate Technology for Rural Health
  • Nursing and Paramedical Staff
  • Gerontology
  • Rehabilitation
  • Traditional Medicine


Article 8 : FINANCE

The financial expenses of the Association are met by subscriptions and membership fees. The amount of subscription (individual, national and associate) is determined by the General Assembly following a proposal from the Executive Board.

The Treasurer is responsible for routine operation of the Association bank account and for preparing a balance sheet for the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall get the Balance sheets of the Association audited by the registered Chartered Accountant or follow any other such rule which is the law of the land.

The Executive Board will take the stock of the Financial situation of the Association every year and prepare a Budget for ensuing year.

The Presidency is responsible for all expenditure incurred by the Association.

Article 9 : APPROVAL

The amendments of the statutes of the IAAMM were approved by the General Assembly of the IAAMRH meeting in Pecs in May 2000.

SIGNATURES

All instruments committing the Association shall be signed by the President or his/her representative, except for the matters delegated to the Secretary Generat

LIABILITY

The Association is responsible for its liabilities on all its assets. Members and officers of the Association or its organs shall incur no personal liability in respect of the commitments of the association