CODE OF CONDUCT
Updated 21.12.2020 (Download in Finnish)
1. Name and Domicile of the Association
The name of the association is Futures Finland ry, and its domicile is Helsinki.
2. Purpose and Nature of Activities
The purpose of the association is to collaboratively develop and promote high-quality future thinking both in Finland and internationally. The network aims to increase awareness of foresight and build a better future by influencing the surrounding society.
Futures Finland is an informal platform and network for professionals in future thinking and those aspiring to become such. The association's foundation is professional: it serves as a platform and network for those working in futures research, trend observation, strategic foresight, and related themes.
To achieve its purpose, the association acts as a platform and network for dynamic discussions in the field of foresight, both online and through regular gatherings with topical subjects and training. The network's meetings and social media groups serve as places to develop and promote the field of future thinking and to grow as a professional in future thinking.
The association's board is responsible for the formal management of activities, but the network is horizontal and democratic in nature. All ideas, views, wishes, and development suggestions are not only allowed but also encouraged.
To support its activities, the association collaborates with multidisciplinary professionals and companies both in Finland and internationally. To support its operations, the association can organize sales events and paid events, offer paid consulting services, and receive donations and grants in the form of materials or money. Upon obtaining the appropriate permit, the association can also conduct lotteries and fundraising.
3. Membership and Membership Fees
A member may be exempted from the membership fee if they have provided significant services to the association. The amount of the joining fee and the annual membership fee to be charged from members is decided at the annual meeting.
4. Board
The affairs of the association are managed by a board consisting of a chairperson and 2-8 other regular members, as well as 0-8 deputy members elected at the annual meeting. The term of office for the board is 2 years. The board elects a vice-chairperson from among its members and appoints a secretary, treasurer, and other necessary officials from among its members or externally. The board meets at the invitation of the chairperson or, in their absence, the vice-chairperson, when they deem it necessary or when at least half of the board members demand it. The board is quorate when at least half of its members, including the chairperson or vice-chairperson, are present. Votes are decided by an absolute majority. In the event of a tie, the chairperson's vote decides.
5. Signing the Association's Name
The association's name is signed by the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, or treasurer, each alone.
6. Financial Year
The association's financial year is the calendar year.
7. Meetings of the Association
The association holds two regular meetings annually. The spring meeting is held between January and May, and the autumn meeting between September and December, on a date determined by the board. Participation in the association's meeting may also be possible by mail or through a telecommunications connection or other technical means during or before the meeting, as decided by the board or the association's meeting.
Regular Meetings
At the association's spring meeting, the following matters are addressed:
Opening of the meeting
Election of the chairperson, secretary, two minutes reviewers, and, if necessary, two vote counters
Confirmation of the legality and quorum of the meeting
Approval of the meeting agenda
Presentation of the financial statements, annual report, and auditors' report
Decision on the approval of the financial statements and granting discharge to the board and other accountable parties
Addressing other matters mentioned in the meeting notice.
At the association's autumn meeting, the following matters are addressed:
Opening of the meeting
Election of the chairperson, secretary, two minutes reviewers, and, if necessary, two vote counters
Confirmation of the legality and quorum of the meeting
Approval of the meeting agenda
Confirmation of the action plan, income and expenditure budget, and the amount of the joining and membership fees for the next calendar year
Election of the chairperson and other members of the board every other year
Election of one or two auditors and deputy auditors or one or two auditors and deputy auditors
Addressing other matters mentioned in the meeting notice.