BYLAWS OF THE FAMILY ASSOCIATION

 

 

1. We are a family association. This means that membership is open to those who have *van* Meirhaeghe DNA. If there is uncertainty about this, research can be conducted using the genealogical data on the website. First-degree relatives of these DNA carriers can also become members. Individuals with exceptional merits for the family association can also acquire membership upon decision by the board.

 

2. The name of the association is Family Association *van* Meirhaeghe. The date of establishment is 1/3/2014. The registered office of the association is located at the address of the chairman, Adelwijn Meirhaeghe, Toleindestraat 172, Beervelde, (Lochristi).

 

3. We aim to be an inclusive association. This means that we do not discriminate on the basis of gender, religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, philosophical views, occupation, criminal record, past, or any other distinguishing factor.

 

4. Our inclusivity also means that we strive to collaborate with other family associations, organizations, and unrelated individuals.

 

5. Our legal status is that of an unincorporated association. Therefore, the necessary insurances are always taken out for activities organized by the association so that members cannot be held personally liable if necessary.

 

6. Our general objectives are: to unite all DNA carriers and their closest relatives, to inform them about the history and current events of the family, to promote their physical and mental well-being, and to optimize their interpersonal connections.

 

7. Regarding membership, there are 3 possibilities. Ordinary membership is free. A supporting member annually contributes a freely determined amount, "according to their own devotion and ability." A honorary member contributes at least 25 euros annually.

 

8. The association will endeavor to obtain discounts for supporting members when purchasing products issued by the association such as tartan, publications, stamps, chocolates, etc. They also receive reductions at paid events such as family gatherings, outings, and cycling tours.

 

9. The board consists of the honorary chairman/genealogist, the chairman, the vice-chairman, the policy officer, the genealogical research officer, the digital family tree officer, the membership officer, the digitization officer, the secretary, the treasurer, the webmaster, and other positions that may be introduced ad hoc by the board. All positions are open to men and women.

 

10. Efforts are made to represent as many family branches (see Herman's chart with the 7 lineages) in the board as possible.

 

11. A board position lasts for 3 years. A board member wishing to resign prematurely must do so by notifying the chairman.

 

12. There are at least 2 board meetings per year. At these meetings, an "update" of the genealogy is presented each time.

 

13. Every year there is 1 general meeting accessible to all members. At this meeting, the board presents the past operational year and the plans for the upcoming year. Then, each member can ask questions and make comments. This meeting concludes with a reception offered through the family fund.

 

14. At the open general meeting, the chairman may propose to reappoint or replace board members who have completed their three-year term.

 

15. Herman Meirhaeghe is appointed as honorary chairman/genealogist for life. He is indeed the "prime mover." Without him, there would certainly be many *van* Meirhaeghes, but they would hardly know each other.

 

16. The chairman convenes and chairs the board meetings. He sets the agenda, opens and closes the agenda items, decides on voting in case of division, directs the general management, and leads contacts with other groups.

 

17. A three-quarters majority of the board members in office on that date is required to approve proposals by vote.

 

18. The vice-chairman assists the chairman in his duties and substitutes for him in his absence.

 

19. The policy officer determines the major policy lines of the association. He annually submits his policy proposal to the board for approval.

 

20. The membership officer manages the contact with the members. He creates member lists with associated data, recruits new members, and ensures further contacts.

 

21. The digital family tree officer is responsible for entering, storing, searching, and updating all genealogical data in digital form.We zijn een familievereniging. Dit heeft voor gevolg dat men lid kan worden als men over *van* Meirhaeghe DNA beschikt. Indien er daarover onzekerheid bestaat kan een onderzoek gebeuren via de stamboomdata op de website. Aanverwanten in de eerste graad aan deze DNA-dragers kunnen ook lid worden. Personen met uitzonderlijke verdiensten voor de familievereniging  kunnen na beslissing door het bestuur eveneens het lidmaatschap verwerven.

 

22. The responsible for digitalization ensures the conversion of historical analog data into digital encoding. This involves past publications (for example, the work of Herman), past media data (film, photos, sound...) etc.

 

23. The responsible for genealogical research conducts research, upon request of a member of the association and as a continuation of Herman's life's work.

 

24. The secretary handles administrative tasks. He sends out emails, assists in preparing texts, publications, etc.

 

25. The treasurer manages the financial affairs. He has authority over the association's bank account. Annually, he provides an overview of the financial status at the first board meeting of the year.

 

26. The webmaster manages the website.

 

27. A board member can hold multiple board positions (e.g., chairman and webmaster). An interim appointment can also be made in case of an urgent vacancy on the board.

 

28. Financial resources will not be used for accumulating wealth. They are intended to achieve the objectives of the association.

 

29. Financial resources can be allocated as subsidies. This can support publications, digital resources, etc. Requests for this purpose should be directed to the board and approved there.

 

30. Financial resources can support projects. A comprehensive project proposal must be submitted to the board. A project is more extensive than a regular subsidy application. For example: "Research on the German family branch" (see Herman's text on witches and heretics). The proposal includes a rationale, cost estimation, and the expected results.

 

31. Insurances are arranged "ad hoc", that is, for each individual event.

 

32. All members have access to the website. Certain parts of it can be made accessible only to supporting members. Non-members can access limited data on the website.

 

33. At the board meeting of January 18, 2015, the following board members were unanimously elected:

 

       Honorary Chairman/Lineage Custodian: Herman Meirhaeghe

 

       Chairman: Adelwijn Meirhaeghe

 

       Vice Chairman: Roland VanMeirhaeghe

 

       Policy: Roland VanMeirhaeghe

 

       Membership: Riko Van Meirhaeghe

 

       Digital Family Tree: Lucien Van Meirhaeghe

 

       Digitalization: Lucien Van Meirhaeghe

 

       Genealogical Research: Herman Meirhaeghe

 

       Secretary: to be filled

 

       Treasurer: to be filled

 

       Webmaster: Adelwijn Meirhaeghe

 

 

34. The three-year term of this board begins on the aforementioned date of January 18, 2015. This means that the composition of the board must be updated at the open members' meeting in 2018.