Bylaws for Globeknot – The Knowledge Tank
§ 1 Name
The name of the association is Globeknot – Kunskapstanken, a non-profit association.
The association is a non-profit, independent organization.
§ 2 Purpose
The association aims to bridge the gap between facts and public perceptions, strengthen democracy, and contribute to a more knowledge-based society.
This is done by:
1. Highlight the differences and similarities between empirical facts and citizens’ perceptions.
2. Promote public education through accessible reports, lectures, and visualizations.
3. Counter populism, disinformation, and false narratives.
4. Serve as a neutral and credible source for the media, politicians, researchers, and the general public.
§ 3 Activities
The association shall conduct its activities through, among other things:
– Conduct research nationally and internationally using scientific methods.
– Publish reports that describe and explain the current state of knowledge on key social issues.
– Organize seminars, democracy days, lectures, and training sessions.
– Collaborate with researchers, universities, colleges, and other relevant stakeholders.
– Post content on the association’s website and social media channels.
§ 4 Independence
The association shall be politically and religiously independent.
Funding bodies and donors shall not have any influence over the content of reports, analyses, or conclusions.
Grant providers may suggest research topics, but may not influence the methodology, analysis, or results.
§ 5 Membership
Membership is open to individuals and legal entities who support the association’s purpose and bylaws.
Applications for membership are reviewed by the board.
Members must pay any membership fees set by the annual meeting.
§ 6 Members’ Rights and Obligations
Members have the right to:
– Participate in the association’s meetings and activities.
– Have access to the association’s information and publications.
– Submit proposals to the board and the annual meeting.
Members are required to:
– Comply with the association’s bylaws and decisions.
– Pay any membership fees on time.
§ 7 Board of Directors
The association's board is responsible for its operations between annual meetings.
The board shall consist of no fewer than 3 and no more than 9 members, including the chairperson.
The Board is elected by the annual meeting for a two-year term.
The board appoints a vice chair, secretary, and treasurer from among its members.
The Board of Directors shall:
– Implement the decisions of the annual meeting.
– Manage the association's assets.
– Manage the organization in accordance with its mission.
§ 8 Signing Authority
The association's name is signed by the board of directors, or by the person(s) designated by the board.
§ 9 Fiscal Year
The association's fiscal year is the calendar year.
§ 10 Annual Meeting
The annual meeting is the association's highest decision-making body.
The annual general meeting shall be held no later than April 30 of each year.
The notice of meeting must be sent to members no later than 4 weeks before the meeting.
The following matters will be discussed at the annual meeting:
1. Opening of the meeting.
2. Election of a chairperson and a secretary for the meeting.
3. Election of a secretary and a vote counter.
4. Determination of the voting list.
5. Question regarding whether the meeting was convened in accordance with the bylaws.
6. Approval of the agenda.
7. The Board’s Annual Report.
8. Financial Report and Auditor’s Report.
9. Motion to discharge the Board of Directors from liability.
10. Setting of membership dues.
11. Election of board members and alternates.
12. Election of an auditor and an alternate auditor.
13. Election of the Nominating Committee.
14. Consideration of submitted motions.
15. Other matters.
16. Closing of the meeting.
§ 11 Special Annual Meeting
An extraordinary annual meeting shall be held when requested by the board or at least one-third of the members.
The notice of meeting must be sent at least two weeks before the meeting.
§ 12 Audit
The association’s financial statements and the board’s administration shall be audited by an auditor. The auditor is elected at the annual meeting.
§ 13 Amendment of the Bylaws
Any amendment to the bylaws requires approval at two consecutive annual meetings, at least one of which must be a regular annual meeting.
A two-thirds majority is required at both meetings.
§ 14 Dissolution
Upon the dissolution of the association, any remaining assets shall be used in accordance with the association’s purpose.
A decision to dissolve the association must be approved by two consecutive annual meetings with a two-thirds majority.