Charter of Our Association（英文版协会章程）

Charter of the Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association

Chapter I: General Provisions

Article 1. The Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association (the “Association”) is a non-profit organization duly registered in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The official English name of the Association is ATLANTIC CULTURE AND ARTS EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION.

Article 2. The Association is established with the mission of promoting the heritage of human civilization and strengthening cultural and artistic exchanges among diverse ethnic communities. It serves as a bridge for cultural and artistic exchange between Canada, China, and other countries and regions worldwide.

Article 3. When conducting activities, particularly outside Canada, the Association may use the name “Canada Atlantic Culture and Arts Exchange Association.”

Article 4. The Association shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations of Canada and operate in accordance with this Charter.

Chapter II: Organizational Structure

Article 5. The Association (hereinafter referred to as the “Head Association”) establishes the following affiliated professional associations:

(a) Atlantic Photographers Association;

(b) Atlantic Fine Arts Association;

(c) Atlantic Calligraphers Association.

Article 6. The Board of Directors is the highest governing body of the Association and shall have the authority to interpret this Charter, and the authority to nominate, appoint and remove the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary General, and Deputy Secretaries General of both the Head Association and affiliated associations.

Article 7. The Chair of the Board of Directors shall serve as the legal representative of the Association.

Article 8. The term of office for the Board of Directors and the Council of the Head Association shall be four (4) years.

Article 9. Candidates for Chair, Board members, and President of the Head Association shall be nominated by the outgoing Board and appointed following appropriate consultation.

Article 10. The Council of the Head Association shall consist of one President, Vice Presidents, one Secretary General, and Deputy Secretaries General. Appointments shall follow nomination by the President and approval by the Board.

Article 11. Each affiliated professional association shall have a term of office of four (4) years.

Article 12. Each affiliated association shall establish its own council composed of a President, Vice Presidents, a Secretary General, and Deputy Secretaries General.

Article 13. Presidents of affiliated associations shall be nominated by the President of the Head Association and appointed upon approval by the Board.

Article 14. Officers of affiliated associations, including Vice Presidents, Secretary General, and Deputy Secretaries General, shall be nominated by their respective Presidents and appointed following appropriate consultation and approval by the Board.

Article 15. Executive meetings of both the Head Association and affiliated associations shall be convened by the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary General, and Deputy Secretaries General of the respective associations. These meetings shall deliberate on major and routine matters.

Article 16. The Association operates under a President-led responsibility system, under which the President oversees overall operations, the Vice Presidents assume responsibilities according to assigned duties, and the Secretary General assists the President in managing daily operations and implementing decisions.

Article 17. Executive meetings shall be held regularly. Meetings shall be chaired by the President, or in the President’s absence, by a designated Vice President or the Secretary General.

Article 18. The Association may establish honorary officers or advisors for distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the Association. Such appointments must be approved by the Head Association’s executive meeting, and subject to Board approval.

Article 19. In accordance with operational needs, and in the event of exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to casualties, resignation, dismissal, serious misconduct, or legal proceedings, leadership adjustments may be made outside regular terms by the board, Head Association, or affiliated associations, be subject to Board approval. The Board and executive meetings retain final authority of interpretation.

Chapter III: Membership

Article 20. Membership shall be open to individuals who support this Charter and wish to participate in the Association’s activities, subject to application and endorsement.

Article 21. Members shall have the right to participate in Association activities, join affiliated associations, provide feedback, including criticism, suggestions, and exercise the right of supervision, and withdraw from membership voluntarily.

Article 22. Members shall:

• Comply with this Charter.
• Implement the Association’s resolutions.
• Safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Association.
• Pay membership fees as required: a one-time registration fee is required; fees collected by affiliated associations shall be centrally managed by the Head Association.
• Members who seriously violate basic social ethics or engage in verbal (including written) or physical personal attacks without justification shall be deemed in serious violation of this Charter and may be advised to withdraw or have their membership revoked.

Chapter IV: Funding and Financial Management

Article 23. The Association’s funding sources include membership fees, donations, sponsorship, and other lawful income.

Article 24. The finances of affiliated associations—including accounting records, cash, bank accounts, and taxation— shall be centrally managed by the Head Association. Separate accounts shall be maintained for each affiliated association, with funds used exclusively for designated purposes and with independent financial responsibility.

Article 25. Daily financial accounting and cash management must be handled separately by different personnel. Use of self-raised funds must comply with regulations established by the Head Association. An annual financial report must be submitted in January of each year for review by the President’s executive meeting.

Article 26. Proper financial handover procedures shall be followed during leadership transitions. Outgoing principal officers must properly hand over responsibilities to incoming officers. Financial records must be clear and complete. Cash handover must be documented and signed by both outgoing and incoming Presidents, as well as the designated custodian.

This revised Charter shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for review and approval.

Date: June 2, 2024