Draft of rules of International Club

INTRODUCTION

The International Club "AMICI E SOSTENITORI DELLA CULTURA ITALIANA E DELLA COOPERAZIONE CON L'ITALIA" di UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNER, is an online partner network, primarily composed of university students, individuals, teachers of Italian as a first or second language, professionals, companies, institutions, diplomatic representations, chambers of commerce, universities, academies, schools and Italian and foreign non-profit organizations around the world. It primarily promotes the unique qualities of all Italian regions, knowledge of the Italian language and culture, fosters dialogue between peoples and supports initiatives for academic, scientific, economic, educational, cultural and social cooperation with Italy, in accordance with the principles of peace, solidarity, democracy and inclusion.

DRAFT OF RULES - effective in 2027

Article 1 – Name

The "International Club of FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF ITALIAN CULTURE AND COOPERATION WITH ITALY," hereinafter referred to as the "Club," is hereby established.

Article 2 – Purpose

The Club pursues exclusively cultural and social goals.

In particular, it aims to:

• promote the Italian language and culture worldwide;
• enhance Italy's cultural, scientific, artistic, historical, literary, musical, and food and wine heritage;
• foster friendships and collaboration between Italian and foreign citizens;
• support international cooperation initiatives;
• organize cultural events, conferences, seminars, and online training sessions;
• encourage exchanges between universities, schools, businesses, and public and private entities;
• promote cultural tourism to Italy;
• develop international cooperation networks with Italy.

Article 3 – Principles and values of the Club

The Club operates in accordance with the following principles and values:

• legality;
• impartiality;
• transparency;
• participation;
• solidarity;
• cultural pluralism;
• respect for human rights;
• inclusion.

The Club is nonpartisan, nondenominational and conducts regular economic activities as per its bylaws.

Article 4 – Partner members

The following may join:

• Italian citizens;
• foreign citizens;
• institutions;
• associations;
• foundations;
• businesses;
• public and private institutions.

Admission is decided by the Board of Directors, subject to the President's right of veto.

Article 5 – Partner member's categories

The following categories are available:

• Co-founding Partners;
• Independent Partners;
• Affiliated Partners;
• Supporting Partners (Sponsors);
• Non-Profit Partners;
• Honorary Partners.

Article 6 – Member rights

Members have the right to:

• participate in activities;
• receive information;
• propose initiatives;
• participate in assemblies;
• vote in accordance with the Rules ;
• stand for office, where applicable.

Article 7 – Member duties

Members undertake to:

• respect these Rules;
• conduct themselves appropriately;
• promote the values of the Club;
• pay the required membership annual fees;
• protect the good name of the Club

Article 8 – Club's bodies

The Club's bodies are:

Members' Assembly;

• President;
• Board of Directors;
• General Secretary;
• Scientific and Cultural Committee
• National and International Coordinators.

Article 9 – Member's Assembly

The Members' Assembly:

Approves the general guidelines;

Elects the governing bodies;

Deliberates on matters of major interest.

Article 10 – Board of Directors

The Board of Directors:

• supports the candidacy of new members;
• organizes activities;
• appoints committees and working groups.
• amends the bylaws as provided for in Article 19;

Article 11 – President of the Club

The President:

• represents the Club;
• convenes the Assembly and Board of Directors;
• has the right to veto Board of Directors resolutions;
• coordinates institutional relations;
• promotes the Club's objectives in Italy and abroad;
• exclusively approves or rejects the membership of new Club members.

Article 12 – Association activities

The Club may organize, both in person and online:

• conferences;
• courses;
• workshops;
• seminars;
• festivals;
• exhibitions;
• concerts;cultural trips;
• international exchanges;
• awards;
• scholarships;
• publications;
• publishing activities;
• digital initiatives;
• european and international projects.

Article 13 – Committees of the Club

Permanent or temporary committees may be established, dedicated, for example, to:

• culture;
• immigration;
• university;
• international cooperation;
• business;
• tourism;
• innovation;
• research;
• communication.

Article 14 – Regional sections of the Club

The Club may establish online:

• international sections (foreign delegations);
• national sections;
• regional sections;
• local chapters
• operate in compliance with these Rules .

Article 15 – Assets and resources of the Club

The Club's resources may come from:

• membership fees;
• private contributions;
• sponsorships;
• donations;
• bequests;
• national and international projects;
• activities compatible with the association's goals.

Article 16 – Communication of the Club

The Club promotes its activities through: website; social media; newsletter; magazines; publications; digital platforms; audiovisual media. 

Article 17 – Ethics 

Every member undertakes to: respect cultural diversity; avoid conflicts of interest; maintain correct conduct; promote intercultural dialogue. 

Article 18 – Disciplinary sanctions 

Violation of these Rules may result in: written warning; suspension; dismissal from office; expulsion. All proceedings guarantee the right of the interested party to be heard. 

Article 19 – Amendments to the Rules 

These Rules may be amended by the Board of Directors, only with the express consent of the President, who has the power of veto.