The General Assembly of an Association is the sovereign body of any association. It is the key moment when members gather to take the major decisions that shape the functioning and future of the organization. Although the French law of 1 July 1901 does not systematically require a General Assembly of an Association, almost all associations include it in their bylaws.
1. Role of the General Assembly of an Association
The General Assembly of an Association brings together all members (or their representatives) and has general competence for decisions that go beyond day-to-day management.
Its main missions are:
- Approving the annual accounts and the provisional budget
- Validating the moral, activity and financial reports
- Electing or renewing the board and executive committee
- Setting the association’s strategic directions
- Determining membership fees
- Amending the bylaws or deciding on dissolution (in an Extraordinary General Assembly)
When the bylaws are silent, the General Assembly of an Association is also competent for important decisions such as appointing or removing leaders, initiating legal proceedings, or excluding a member.
2. Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly
There are two types of General Assembly of an Association:
A mixed assembly combines both in one meeting.
3. Organizing the General Assembly of an Association
Who convenes the General Assembly of an Association?Usually the president, the board or the executive committee, according to the bylaws.
What the notice must include:
- Date, time and place (or online connection details)
- A precise agenda
- Identity of the person issuing the notice
- Supporting documents if any
Deadline:Generally between 15 days and 1 month before the meeting (as defined in the bylaws). A proper notice is essential for the validity of the decisions taken during the General Assembly of an Association.
4. How the General Assembly of an Association works
A well-organized General Assembly of an Association usually follows these steps:
- Signing of the attendance sheet and verification of the quorum
- Opening of the meeting and adoption of the agenda
- Presentation of the moral and financial reports
- Discussion and voting on the different points
- Drafting and signing of the minutes
Only the items listed on the agenda can be discussed and voted on during the General Assembly of an Association.
5. After the General Assembly of an Association
- Circulate the minutes to the members
- Update official documents if necessary (for example after a bylaws amendment)
- Keep the attendance sheet, minutes and reports for the required period
