STATUTES

I GENERAL PROVISIONS

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1.1. The official name of the non-profit organization is Estonian Deaf Youth Organization (EKNO).
1.2. The location of the Estonian Deaf Youth Organization is Tallinn, Republic of Estonia.

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II PURPOSE OF ACTIVITIES

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2.1. EKNO’s purpose is to advocate for the interests of young people aged 16 to 35 with hearing loss (deaf, hard of hearing, and cochlear implant users) and to ensure their consideration in Estonian social life through cooperation, communication, and events.

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III MEMBERSHIP

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3.1. Any person aged 16 to 35 with hearing loss (deaf, hard of hearing, or cochlear implant user) may become a member of EKNO.
3.2. An applicant wishing to become a member must submit a written application to the board, confirming that they meet the requirements set out in section 3.1 of the statutes.
3.3. Members are admitted by decision of the board.
3.4. A member may be expelled from EKNO by a board decision with a majority vote if:
3.4.1. the member has failed to fulfill the obligations arising from these statutes as an EKNO member;
3.4.2. the board notifies the parties of the meeting discussing the expulsion proposal at least 10 days in advance. The member whose expulsion is under discussion has the right to submit written or Estonian Sign Language audiovisual explanations on the matter.
3.4.3. In deciding the question of expulsion, the representative of that member on the board has no voting rights.
3.4.4. If the member does not agree with the board’s decision on expulsion, they may submit a request to have the matter considered by the general assembly at least 14 days before the assembly takes place. The decision of the general assembly is final.

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IV RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

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4.1. EKNO members have the right to:
4.1.1. participate in the general assembly with voting rights;
4.1.2. receive support and assistance from EKNO arising from these statutes, the board’s, or the general assembly’s decisions;
4.1.3. take part in events and projects organized by EKNO;
4.1.4. nominate candidates for EKNO elections;
4.1.5. examine EKNO documents, except for information declared confidential by the board;
4.1.6. initiate the expulsion of another member from EKNO or the termination of a relevant cooperation agreement;
4.1.7. make proposals for the development and improvement of EKNO’s activities.

4.2. EKNO members are obliged to:
4.2.1. comply with the provisions of the statutes, good practices, and decisions of the board;
4.2.2. use and preserve EKNO’s assets purposefully;
4.2.3. pay membership fees on time;
4.2.4. submit a written notice to the board at least 14 days in advance of their intention to resign from EKNO.

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V MANAGEMENT

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5.1. The highest governing body of EKNO is the general assembly.
5.2. The general assembly makes decisions on all management matters that are not assigned by law or these statutes to the board or another governing body.
5.3. An ordinary general assembly is held once a year. The board must notify participants in writing at least 14 days before it takes place.
5.4. Each member has one vote at the general assembly.
5.5. The general assembly has a quorum if at least one-quarter of the members are present.
5.6. Voting at the general assembly is public unless a larger majority is required by law.
5.7. The board:
5.7.1. consists of three to five members, elected by the general assembly for two years. The authority of the outgoing board ends when the new board’s authority begins.
5.7.2. is composed of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and board member(s).
5.7.3. is accountable to the general assembly and submits an annual report to it.

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VI MERGER, DIVISION, AND TERMINATION OF ACTIVITIES

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6.1. EKNO’s merger, division, or termination is decided by the general assembly with at least a two-thirds majority and according to the procedures established by law.
6.2. In the event of EKNO’s termination, after satisfying creditors’ claims, the remaining assets shall be transferred to an association or public legal entity listed in the register, or to another registered association or public legal entity with a similar purpose.