Association Rules

1. Name and Domicile of the Association 

The name of the association is Miljövännerna på Våtskär rf, Våtskärin ympäristöystävät ry and its domicile is Loviisa.

2. Purpose and Nature of Activities 

The association's purpose is to plan and implement measures related to the environment, waters, and marine care in the Våtskär archipelago. Additionally, the purpose is to promote and develop cooperation among summer residents, preserve the area's cultural heritage, and support the development of archipelago culture while enhancing the well-being of the area's inhabitants.

To achieve its purpose, the association may:
- organize parties, concerts, exhibitions, or other events
- advise and guide its members
- participate in public discussions on relevant matters
- collect and disseminate information and conduct research activities
- gather members for joint activities and maintain contacts with other associations in the field
- make proposals, initiatives, and reports, as well as provide statements to other communities and authorities
- collaborate with authorities, organizations, companies, and private individuals
- plan and carry out maintenance and marking of informal boat routes, shore care and restoration works, measures for the care of water bodies and fish stocks
- advise and guide in the renovation and maintenance of traditional buildings, as well as the care of traditional landscapes and biotopes
- organize joint events, volunteer workdays, and other activities that advance the association's purpose

To support its activities, the association may, after obtaining the necessary permits:
- organize fundraisers and lotteries
- receive grants, donations, and bequests
- own movable and immovable property necessary for its operations
- perform volunteer work

3. Members

As a regular member of the association, a person who accepts the association's purpose can be accepted. As a supporting member, a private individual or a legal entity that wishes to support the association's purpose and activities can be accepted. Regular members and supporting members are approved upon application by the association's board. Upon the board's proposal, the association's meeting may invite a person to be honorary chairman or honorary member who has significantly promoted and supported the association's activities.

4. Joining and Membership Fees

The amount of the joining fee and annual membership fee to be collected from regular members and supporting members is decided separately for each member group by the autumn meeting. Honorary chairman and honorary members do not pay membership fees.

5. Board

The association's affairs are managed by the board, which consists of a chairman and 2–6 other regular members as well as 0–2 deputy members, elected at the autumn meeting. The board's term is the period between election meetings. The board elects from among itself a vice-chairman and appoints from among itself or outside a secretary, treasurer, and other necessary officials. The board convenes upon the call of the chairman or, in their absence, the vice-chairman, when they deem it necessary or when at least half of the board members demand it. The board is quorum when at least half of its members, including the chairman or vice-chairman, are present. Votes are decided by absolute majority. In case of a tie, the chairman's vote decides, but in elections, a draw is used.

6. Signing the Association's Name

The association's name is signed by the board's chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer, or a person authorized by the board, each alone.

7. Accounting Period

The association's accounting period is the calendar year.

8. Association Meetings 

Participation in the association's meeting can be allowed, as decided by the board or the association's meeting, also by mail or via data communication connection or other technical aid during or before the meeting. The association's meeting approves the voting and election procedure. The association holds two regular meetings annually. The association's spring meeting is held in January–May and the autumn meeting in September–December on a day determined by the board. At the association's meetings, each regular member, honorary chairman, and honorary member has one vote. A supporting member has the right to attend and speak at the meeting. The decision of the association's meeting becomes, unless otherwise provided in the rules, the opinion supported by more than half of the votes cast. In case of a tie, the meeting chairman's vote decides, but in elections, a draw is used.

9. Convening Association Meetings 

The board must convene the association's meetings at least 7 days before the meeting. The meeting notice must be sent to members by letter or email

10. Regular Meetings 

At the association's spring meeting, the following matters are handled:
1. opening of the meeting
2. election of meeting chairman, secretary, two minutes inspectors, and if necessary, two vote counters
3. confirmation of the meeting's legality and quorum
4. approval of the meeting's agenda
5. presentation of the financial statements, annual report, and auditors'/functional auditors' statement
6. decision on confirming the financial statements and granting discharge from liability to the board and other accountable persons
7. handling of other matters mentioned in the meeting notice.

At the association's autumn meeting, the following matters are handled:
1. opening of the meeting
2. election of meeting chairman, secretary, two minutes inspectors, and if necessary, two vote counters
4. confirmation of the meeting's legality and quorum
5. approval of the meeting's agenda
6. confirmation of the action plan, income and expense budget, and the amounts of joining and membership fees for the next calendar year
7. election of the board's chairman and other members
8. election of one or two functional auditors and deputy functional auditors or one or two auditors and deputy auditors
9. handling of other matters mentioned in the meeting notice.

If an association member wishes to have a matter handled at the association's spring or autumn meeting, they must notify the board in writing in sufficient time so that the matter can be included in the meeting notice.

11. Amendment of Rules and Dissolution of the Association

A decision to amend the rules and dissolve the association must be made at the association's meeting with at least a three-quarters (3/4) majority of the votes cast. The meeting notice must mention the amendment of rules or dissolution of the association. Upon dissolution of the association, the association's assets are used to promote the association's purpose in the manner determined by the dissolving meeting. If the association is liquidated, its assets are used for the same purpose.