Constitution

1. The association is established to advance public education in the UK about Modern Italy. In the furtherance of the above objects but not otherwise the Association may:
   1. bring together persons in the UK who have an interest in Modern Italy
   2. organise conferences, meetings, seminars, lectures and exhibitions;
   3. publish newsletters, journals and other material;
   4. co-operate with appropriate institutions and individuals in Italy and the UK.
2. Membership is open to all persons interested in the aims set out above.
3. An annual General Meeting shall be held at which:
   1. officers and an Executive Committee shall be elected for the ensuing year; and
   2. reports of the officers and the accounts for the previous year shall be presented. The quorum shall be 20 persons.
4. An extraordinary General Meeting shall be held if the Executive Committee so decided, or if a request for one is made to the Chairperson or Secretary by 15 members. Its purpose must be stated in such a request, and no other business may be dealt with at the meeting. Notice of at least 21 days shall be given. The quorum shall be 20 members.
5. The officers shall be a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary.
6. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers and seven other members. It shall meet at least twice a year. It may invite such persons who are interested and concerned with the objects of the Association to attend its meetings as the Committee in its absolute discretion shall think fit: such persons may not vote. The Committee shall also have power to co-opt such persons as it shall determine.
7. The General Editor or Joint Editors of the journal shall be appointed by the Executive Committee upon the recommendation of the Editorial Committee and subject to the approval of the next general meeting of the Association. No General Editor or Joint Editor shall normally serve for more than five years. The General Editor or Joint Editors may be removed from office at any time by a general meeting. The position(s) of General Editor or Joint Editors shall confer ex-officio membership of the Executive Committee. The Editorial Committee has no fixed number of members, and there is no fixed term of office. Members are appointed by the General Editor or Joint Editors in consultation with existing members. The General Editor or Joint Editors shall be responsible for distributing the specific tasks related to the production of the journal among the members of the Editorial Committee.
8. The officers and members of the Executive Committee shall be eligible for re- election, provided that they shall not serve continuously for more than five years.
9. The Executive Committee may propose to the AGM the names of persons for election to honorary membership. Any members of the Association may submit names for consideration by the Executive Committee.
10. All monies raised by the Association shall be used to further its objects and for no other purpose, provided that nothing shall prevent the re-payment of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses to the officers and members of the Executive Committee. Proper accounts shall be kept by the Treasurer. A bank account in the name of the Association shall be maintained. All cheques must be signed by at least two authorised signatories.
11. The management of the Association shall be vested in the Executive Committee.
12. Power to amend this constitution and to alter the rate of subscription, shall be reserved to the AGM. Amendments to the Constitution and alterations to the rate of subscription shall require a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. No amendment shall be made as would cause the Association to cease to be a charity. Members shall receive at least 21 days' notice of such changes.
13. If the Executive Committee by a simple majority decide at any time that, on the grounds of expense or otherwise, it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Association, it shall call a General Meeting, giving at least 21 days' notice. If such decision shall be confirmed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, the Executive Committee shall have power to dispose of any assets held by or on behalf of the Association. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institutions, having objects similar to those of the Association, as the Executive Committee may determine.