Statutes and Policy
OFFICIAL NAME, AIMS, HEAD OFFICE, RANGE OF ACTIVITIES.
Article 1. Under the name World Association on Dual Disorders WADD a not for profit association is constituted under the Spanish Organic Law 1/2002, of March 22nd, and complimentary rules, with legal entity and full capacity to act. Article 2. The Association is constituted for an indefinite time period. Article 3. This association has been founded to achieve following purposes : To increase the study, research and divulgation of Dual Pathology from a bio-psycho-social perspective, Dual Pathology being defined as the coincidence in the same person of an addiction, or addictive conduct and another mental disorder. Being a priority to address the concept ‘Dual Disorders’ and its future role in the world. The achievements of these aims the Association will does adhere itself to any type of ideology or to any other objectives than the ones already stated; though without renouncing, nevertheless, in participating in public life or positioning ourselves, as an Association, in those subjects which affect our purposes. Article 4. To fulfill these purposes the following actions will be carried out:
- Actions related to (I+D+I), programs, research, development and innovation in the field of Dual Disorders
- Actions related to teaching in the field of Dual Disorders.
- Actions related to the information, promotion and dissemination of knowledge in the field of Dual Disorders.
- Actions geared towards the design, planning and management of activities, resources and processes related to Dual Disorders.
- Actions directed to achieve the integration of groups, associations or/and professionals at national or international levels who are working in the same areas of knowledge which constitute the objective of Dual Disorders.
- Actions to reduce the double stigma which Dual Disorders creates.
- Actions at an individual, family or social level within the range of Dual Disorders, giving special attention to socially excluded groups.
- To create a ‘live’ platform to serve as a point of reference to dual disorder professionals worldwide.
- To be the voice and image of Dual Disorder professionals by means of scientific knowledge and information
Article 5. The Association Headquarters will be based in Madrid, Spain, at C/ Londres, 17, Zip Code 28028 and its activities will be carried out at an international scale.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Article 6. The Association will be represented and managed by a Board of Directors formed by an Executive Committee and Zonal Representatives. Article 7. All the officers constituting the Board of Directors will act on their own free will and will have no remuneration. Positions will be appointed or revoked by the General Assembly and the term will be of three years, excepting the Treasurer who will have a four year term. The President can be re- elected for another three years term, in which case the vice-president will remain in the same position for another three year period. The other positions held, except the treasurer, can be re-elected six years after the termination of their appointment, but they can apply for another position in the Board of Directors. Article 8. Applications to hold Executive Board positions have to be submitted at least three months before the day in which the elections will be taking place. Article 9. Officers can cease by voluntary renouncement in writing by a statement addressed to the Executive Committee, and/or revoked by that person non fulfillment of the duties entrusted to him/her, and by expiration of the mandate Article 10. The Council officers, having completed the term for which they had been elected, will continue to hold their positions until the new Officers substituting them have been designated and accepted. Article 11. The Executive Committee will meet as often as determined by the President and/or by the initiative or request of over a 50% + 1of the association members, and at least once every two years. It will be considered constituted when 50% + 1 of its members attend and the agreements reached will be considered valid when approved by the majority of voters. In case of draw the President’s vote will count as two. Article 12. Any vacancy of any Executive Committee Member that happens during his/her assignment will be provisionally covered by the rest of the Executive Committee Members until the next General Assembly, which might be called for that purpose, designs the new Executive Committee Member. Article 13. The Executive Committee will be composed by: President, Vicepresident, Secretary General and Treasurer. Article 14. Faculties of the Executive Committee: Executive Committee will cover those actions, within the aims and purposes of the association that, according to the statutes of the association, do not require express authorization from the General Assembly. Specific duties of the Executive Committee:
- Lead the social activities and manage its financial and administrative issues, taking the actions and signing those contracts needed for the correct running of the association
- Implement the agreements taken by the General Assembly
- Formulate and submit to the General Assembly for approval the Balance sheet and Annual Accounts.
- Decide on the admission of new members.
- Appoint delegates for any precise Association activity
- Any other capacity which does not fall within the competence of the General Assembly.
Article 15. The President will have the following competencies and obligations : to legally represent the Association before any type of Public or Private Institution; convene, chair and close any sessions held by the General Assembly and by the Executive Committee, as well as directing the proposals discussed in each of them; order payments; approve, with his signature, documents, minutes and correspondence; to take any urgent steps advisable for the smooth running of the Association or that become necessary or convenient, and which will be, in all cases, communicated posteriorly to the Executive Committee. Article 16. The Vicepresident will replace the President in the latter’s absence, motivated by a justified cause, and will have the same attributions as the President. Article 17. The Secretary General will be responsible for the Association’s administrative tasks working in close relationship with the technical secretariat. He will issue certificates, will update the official Association’s Legal Books, will supervise the member roster, and will supervise the correct keeping of the official and private documents of the Association, ensuring that any information from the Executive Committee; communications regarding designations related to the Executive Committee or other type of agreements that have to be Officially Registered, should be carried out and appropriately reflected, as well as fulfilling the legal documents in the terms that legally correspond. The SG can also hold, in the absence of the President, the legal representation of the Association. Article 18. The Treasurer will supervise the amounts collected as well as the funds belonging to the Association and will carry out the payment orders indicated by the President, or by the designated person if any. Article 19. There will be a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 194 Zonal Representatives. In order to have all geographical areas and their special concerns represented. Article 20. Zonal Representatives faculties:
- To promote and share WADD activities within their geographical area.
- To promote, publicise and encourage in their area activities connected to WADD
- To inform in which situation DD is in their respective zone.
- To advice and guide the Executive Committee on activities or iniciatives which could take place in their area.
- To propose to the Executive Committee for their evaluation, policies and activities to carry out in their geographical zone.
- To apply and present bids to organize WADD Congresses
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Article 21. The General Assembly is the maximum governing body of the Association and it will be integrated by all the members belonging to the Association. Article 22. The Meetings of the General Assembly can be ordinary or extraordinary. The Ordinary Assembly will be held once a year; Extraordinary Assemblies will be held when circumstances so advise in the President’s opinion, by agreement of the Executive Committee, or when proposed in writing, addressed to the Executive Committee, by a 20 % of the members. Article 23. The General Assemblies will be convened in writing, indicating place, date and time of the meeting, as well as enclosing a detailed Agenda with the concrete points to be discussed. Between the official communication and the date in which the Assembly itself is going to take place at least 15 natural days have to elapse, and if appropriate the date, time convened for a second meeting, which could take place a half an hour after, in no case before, the appointed time for the first one. Article 24. The General Assemblies, whether ordinary or extraordinary, can be considered to be legally constituted at first call when a third […] third of the associates with voting rights are present, and at second call with whichever number of associated members with voting rights are present. The agreements will be taken by simple majority of those present or represented with rights to vote when the affirmative votes are superior to the negative ones, null, abstention or blank votes will not counted. No person can hold more than five proxies, only members with right of vote can hold proxies. A qualified majority of members present, or represented, with right of vote will be necessary, that is when the number of positive votes exceed half of the votes validly issued for;
- Dissolution of the entity
- Modification of Statutes
- Disposal, alienation of tangible property or fixed assets
- Remuneration to the members of the representing Board
Article 25. The General Assembly has the full power to:
- Approve the management carried out by the Executive Committee
- To check and if appropriate, approve the Annual Accounts
- Elect members to the Executive Committee
- Whichever other competence non attributable to any other social body.
- Dissolution of the Association
- Modification, amendments of Statutes
- Disposal or alienation of properties
- To agree, if appropriate, to remunerate the members of the Association representing bodies
- Any other which is not a conferred competence to another body.
Article 26. A requirement of agreement from the Extraordinary General Assembly, convened to that effect is needed for:
- Modification of Statutes
- Dissolution of the Association
STANDING COMMITTEE
Article 27. The Standing Committee will be composed by the Past Presidents Article 28. It will be stablished as a Consulting Body contributing with their experience and knowledge to :
- On request, to assess the Executive Committee in decision making.
- To carry out specific projects approved and supervised by the Executive Committee. Board
MEMBERS
Article 29. Who can become a member? Healthcare personnel having college/university degrees, involved in the therapeutic approach, education, or research of Dual Disorders. Article 30. The Association will have the below member classification:
- Founding member, those participating in the founding act/ceremony.
- Full Member, those who become member after the establishment of the Association.
- Emeritus, full members who are retiring and who wish to continue linked to the Association. A formal request, in writing has to be done and addressed to the Executive Committee.
Article 31. Membership drop;
- Voluntary resign, addressed in writing to the Executive Committee
- By their not fulfilling their economical duties, not having satisfied the corresponding fees
- Proven Acts or Statements detrimental to the image and good name of the Association
Article 32. Founding and Full Members will have the following rights:
- To be elected to any of the Associations’ executive or representative positions.
- To be part in any and all activities organized by the Association for the achievement of the Association’s purposes.
- Share any advantages or benefits the Association might obtain.
- Participate in the Assemblies with speaking and voting rights.
- Capacity to vote for the Association’s executive and/or representative positions
- Receive any and all the information regarding any agreements adopted by the Association representative bodies.
- Present suggestions/changes to the members of the Executive Committee to better fulfil the purposes of the Association.
Article 33. Founding and Full Members will have the following obligations :
- Comply with the present Statutes and valid agreements of the Assemblies and Executive Committee.
- Payment of established fees.
- Attend and vote, if appropriate, Assemblies and any other acts that might be organized by the Association.
- Perform, when necessary, those obligations inherent to the assignment to which they have been appointed.
Article 34. Emeritus Members
- Emeritus members will be welcomed to Assemblies and Meetings but have no voting rights.
- Members who can and wish to enter this category are requested to inform the Executive Committee, in writing, of their wish.
- They will be exempt of the payment of any annual or other regular fee.
- They cannot belong to the Executive Committee
- The will have a special reduced fee when attending Congresses or other Association Events.
- They can be requested to cooperate with the scientific committees of the Association events, in the revision of the submitted scientific abstracts, if they wish to do so.
Article 35. The financial resources foreseen for the purposes and activities will be as follows:
- Membership fees, which can be periodic or extraordinary
- Subsidies, legacies, grants or inheritance that may be legally granted by members or third parties
- Or any other licit resource
Article 36. The Association initial Assets are of 0 Euros Article 37. The associative and financial period will be annual and will take place in coincidence with the Annual Ordinary General Assembly.
DISSOLUTION
Article 38.The Association will be dissolved when it is thus agreed by the Extraordinary General Assembly called to that effect, as stipulated in article 24 the present Statutes. Article 39. In case of dissolution a Liquidating Commission will be appointed which, once any pending debts are cancelled, and if there were any disposable assets left these amounts will be assigned to purposes which fulfill the Associations non for profit regulations and purposes ADDITIONAL STIPULATION In all other issues not envisaged in the present Statutes the in force Ley Organica 1/2002, of March 22, and complimentary dispositions, which regulate the Rights of Association will be applied.