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easliEuropean Association of Sign Language Institutes

Draft statute

The working-group draft Articles of Association of EASLI, prepared by the Institute for Slovenian Sign Language / ZDGNS (January 2026).

Draft · transcription · not an official or legally binding text

This is a transcription of the working-group draft, for reading only.

The text below is the English working-group draft.

I. Organisation

Article 1 – Name

The international organisation shall be called "European Association of Sign Language Institutes", hereafter referred to as EASLI.

EASLI shall have the legal status of an international non-profit association with scientific and humanitarian purposes, in accordance with the (country) law, thereby entitling it to bear the designation international non-profit association.

Article 2 – Internal Rules

EASLI shall operate in accordance with the present Articles of Association, subsequent amendments, the internal rules of the organisation, and other guidelines passed by its General Assembly and/or Board of Directors.

Article 3 – Duration

The duration of the organisation is unlimited. Its legal status may be amended at any time in accordance with Article 26. Dissolution may only occur as outlined in Article 27.

Article 4 – Registered Office

The registered office is located in XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

Article 5 – Purpose

Section 1 – Mission Statement

EASLI aims to represent sign language institutes as key stakeholders in research, education, and advocacy for sign languages, collaborating with bodies, organisations, and groups involved in sign language research, teaching, studies, didactics, and accessibility. Its primary objective is to promote high-quality research, education, and ethical standards in sign language-related activities across Europe, supporting the continuing professional development (CPD) of institutes and their staff. ENSLI's target group includes sign language institutes operating in countries that are members of the Council of Europe.

Section 2 – Aims

EASLI shall monitor and uphold ethical standards in sign language research, sign language policy, and accessibility. It will foster collaborations with organisations that support its aims, participate in EU projects related to sign language institutes, and disseminate resulting knowledge to its members.

Section 3 – Objectives

EASLI's objectives include:

  • Promoting knowledge sharing and exchange of expertise in sign language research, education, and accessibility on a European scale.
  • Encouraging active collaboration and mutual exchange of information between member institutes and partners.
  • Supporting and advising countries to establish new national sign language institutes or research centres.
  • Establishing and maintaining active cooperation, dialogue, and representation with European and international institutions, including but not limited to the European Union, Council of Europe, and United Nations.
  • Conducting, collecting, and disseminating research and data related to sign languages, in collaboration with other organisations where necessary, and providing this to relevant stakeholders, including national governments, academic institutions, and research bodies.

II. Membership

Article 6 – Membership

Membership is divided into two categories:

  1. organisational members and
  2. donors.

Applications for membership in all categories are submitted to the Board, following procedures outlined in the internal rules. All decisions and changes related to membership are ratified by the General Assembly. The rights and obligations of members are detailed in the Articles of Association and internal rules. Membership registration procedures are explained in Article 8. All members must meet annual contribution obligations. No member, in any category, may claim rights or exert pressure on EASLI's assets.

Article 7 – Categories of Membership

Section 1 – Organisational Membership

Organisational members are institutes or organisations legally qualified to conduct sign language research, education, or advocacy in a Council of Europe member country. These members may attend the General Assembly and have full voting rights. They have access to ENSLI workshops, symposia, and other activities. Organisational members must comply with the Articles of Association and internal rules and support EASLI's objectives through relevant activities. Only one organisational member per country is permitted.

Section 2 – Donors

Donor membership is open to any organisation with legal status and a registered office that endorses and supports EASLI's goals and objectives. Donor members may participate in meetings but do not have voting rights.

Article 8 – Membership Registration Procedure

All applications are submitted to the Board and General Assembly for approval, as outlined in the internal rules.

Article 9 – Cancellation, Termination, and Exclusion

Any member may resign from EASLI by sending a registered letter to the Board with formal resignation, effective immediately. Members must settle all outstanding financial obligations for the year of cancellation, as defined in the internal rules. Membership terminates upon dissolution of an organisational member or death of an individual representative. The Board may revoke membership if a member fails to comply with the Articles of Association, internal rules, or decisions of EASLI, or demonstrates unsuitability. Disqualification is preceded by warnings.

III. Structure of Organisation

A. General

Article 10 – Structure of Organisation

ENSLI comprises the following organisational bodies:

  • The General Assembly
  • The Board of Directors, presided over by the President

B. General Assembly

Article 11 – Powers and Competences

The General Assembly holds the following exclusive powers under the Articles of Association and internal rules:

  1. Elections to the Board: one (1) President, one (1) Vice-President, one (1) Secretary and two (2) Regular Board Members.
  2. Reviewing and approving reports on EASLI activities.
  3. Acting on financial reports and budgetary matters.
  4. Adopting annual accounts and budgets.
  5. Assessing and approving the action plan for the coming year and setting new directions for EASLI.
  6. Authorising the Board to submit project funding applications for the coming year(s).
  7. Amending the Articles of Association and internal rules.
  8. Appointing and dismissing Board members.
  9. Changing the name and/or location of EASLI.
  10. Dissolving EASLI.

Article 12 – General Assembly (GA)

The time and venue of the General Assembly will be communicated via a formal letter once agreed by the Board.

Article 13 – Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA)

An Extraordinary General Assembly may be convened by the President after consultation with all Board members or at the request of one-quarter (1/4) of organisational members.

Article 14 – Quorum and Votes

The General Assembly is the highest authority of EASLI. Decisions are only taken on matters included in the pre-approved agenda. Only organisational members have voting rights, as per the internal rules. A quorum requires over 50% of those entitled to vote. Decisions are adopted with a simple majority (over 50%), except for amendments to the Articles of Association or internal rules and dissolution, which require a two-thirds majority. Delegates may vote, abstain, or choose an option. Abstentions count as votes. Voting methods include roll call, show of hands, electronic vote, secret ballot, or red/green cards. Proxy votes are not permitted.

Article 15 – Invitations and Agenda

Invitations and agendas for General Assemblies (General and Extraordinary) must be sent to all members as per the internal rules.

Article 16 – Minutes

Minutes of each General Assembly are recorded by a person designated by the President at the meeting's start. Minutes are recorded in written English, signed by the designated person and the President. They are sent to all organisational members within six months of the General Assembly. Third parties requesting access to minutes must submit a request to the Board, which decides whether to grant access.

Article 17 – Procedures

Voting and decision-making procedures are detailed in the internal rules. The General Assembly is presided over by a person appointed by the Board, who may not be a Board member.

C. Board

Article 18 – Composition

The Board comprises five members, appointed for a maximum term of four years: one (1) President, one (1) Vice-President, one (1) Secretary and two (2) Regular Board Members. No more than one Board member may represent the same Council of Europe country.

All Board members must adhere to the principles in Article 5 and EASLI's core concepts as defined in the internal rules.

Article 19 – Powers and Competences

The Board holds all powers not exclusively assigned to the General Assembly, including:

  1. Managing EASLI's finances.
  2. Reviewing actions and making decisions between General Assembly meetings, implementing approved policies. The Board may establish working groups or delegate tasks to individuals who report back regularly for evaluation.
  3. Recommending or reviewing amendments to the Articles of Association and internal rules, subject to General Assembly approval under Articles 14 and 26.
  4. Approving the final agenda for General Assembly meetings.

Article 20 – Procedures

The Board meets at least four times a year via video conferencing and once in person. Meetings are announced via invitation, accompanied by a draft agenda. The President chairs meetings; in their absence, the Vice-President chairs. If neither is present, the meeting is postponed. Minutes are recorded in International Sign (video) and written English by a designated person, signed by that person and the President.

Article 21 – President

Section 1 – Powers and Competences

The President may delegate duties to other Board members. The President must be legally qualified or working as a professional in sign language research or education in Europe, with demonstrated experience. They must have an academic level of education, advanced proficiency in International Sign, and the ability to understand and express themselves in written English.

Section 2 – Responsibilities

The President represents EASLI in external policy and political matters. In their absence, this responsibility may be assumed by the Vice-President or delegated to another Board member. The President remains responsible for decisions or actions taken by delegates. Public decisions on behalf of EASLI require prior Board consultation. The President oversees financial planning, reports, and discusses ENSLI issues with the Board. Additional duties may be assigned by the Board.

Article 22 – Vice-President

Section 1 – Powers and Competences

The Vice-President assumes the President's responsibilities when the President is unavailable or delegates tasks. The Vice-President must meet the same qualifications as the President regarding experience, education, and proficiency in International Sign and written English.

Section 2 – Responsibilities

The Vice-President reports to the President, collaborates with the Board, and performs additional tasks as assigned.

Article 23 – Board Members

Section 1 – Powers and Competences

Board members must be legally qualified or working as professionals in sign language research or education in Europe, with demonstrated experience, an academic level of education, and proficiency in International Sign and written English. They have powers as granted by the Articles of Association and internal rules and report to the General Assembly.

Section 2 – Responsibilities

All Board members attend meetings, volunteer for tasks, complete them thoroughly and on time, stay informed about EASLI matters, and review minutes, reports, and documents. The President and Board are not liable for legal or financial issues unless fault is proven.

IV. Finances

Article 24 – Financial Year

The financial year is established in the internal rules. The General Assembly may alter its start and end dates.

Article 25 – Sources of Income

EASLI's income includes:

  • a) Regular membership fees.
  • b) Subsidies, grants, gifts, donations, legacies, and testamentary dispositions supporting EASLI's general or specific purposes.
  • c) Funds from projects aligned with EASLI's objectives.
  • d) Funds obtained legally and in compliance with applicable laws.
  • e) Bank loans, authorised by the Board in exceptional circumstances.

V. Change and Dissolution

Article 26 – Change

The General Assembly may ratify and review proposed amendments to the Articles of Association and internal rules. Proposals may come from the Board or at least three-fifths (3/5) of organisational members. Draft amendments must be included in the agenda and sent to organisational members two months before the General Assembly. Amendments require approval under Article 14 and must be submitted to relevant authorities and published in the (country) Official Gazette as per Article 1.

Article 27 – Dissolution

The General Assembly may dissolve EASLI upon proposals from the Board or four-fifths (4/5) of organisational members. Dissolution must be added to the General Assembly agenda and voted on per Article 14. Upon dissolution, the General Assembly appoints two liquidators and determines their powers. Assets are allocated to a non-profit organisation with comparable goals in sign language research or education in Europe.

VI. Communication

Article 28 – Official Language

The official language for all legal documents is (country), as required by (country) law.

Article 29 – Working Languages

ENSLI's working languages are International Sign and written English.

Article 30 – General Assembly and EASLI Events

All EASLI events and General Assemblies are conducted in International Sign, subject to financial and structural constraints. Interpretation into spoken languages is provided for events targeting a wider audience.

VII. Final Clauses

Article 31 – Applicable Law and Legal Texts

The (country) version of the Articles of Association is the only legally binding version. EASLI is subject to the laws outlined in Article 1. Any matters not covered by these Articles are governed by (country) law.

Article 32 – Interpretation of Articles of Association

In case of disagreements over the interpretation of the Articles of Association or internal rules, the Board has the authority to mediate or decide. The internal rules are subordinate to the Articles of Association, as outlined in Article 1 of the internal rules.