Rules.

The name of the association is Founders of Oulu ry, and its domicile is the city of Oulu.

The purpose of the association is to promote and support entrepreneurship and startup culture in the Oulu region.

To fulfil its purpose, the association:

• may organise courses, training sessions, educational events, and other similar activities
• may organise competitions, exhibitions, excursions, camps, and other events
• may organise celebrations, concerts, exhibitions, or other occasions
• may maintain the association's electronic communication channels
• may publish the association's newsletters and other communications through various channels
• advises and guides its members
• participates in public discussion on matters related to its field
• may collect and distribute information and engage in research activities
• brings members together for joint activities and maintains contacts with other associations in the field
• may organise trips related to the association's purpose for its members
• may acquire necessary materials and equipment for the association's use
• strives to arrange premises that the association’s members can use
• may make proposals, initiatives, and reports, and issue statements to other organisations and authorities
• cooperates with authorities, organisations, businesses, and private individuals

To support its activities, the association may, having obtained the necessary permits where required:

• organise fundraising campaigns and lotteries
• organise sales events, flea markets, and other events
• organise paid events
• receive grants, donations, and bequests
• own movable and immovable property necessary for its activities
• carry out voluntary work (talkootyö)
• sell advertising space
• enter into sponsorship agreements

Any person who accepts the purpose and rules of the association may apply for membership. Applications for membership are approved by the board of the association.

The amounts of the joining fee and the annual membership fee shall be determined by the annual meeting.

The affairs of the association are managed by a board of directors (hallitus), which consists of a chairperson elected at the annual meeting and 2–10 other regular members and 0–3 deputy members.

The term of office of the board is the period between election meetings.

The board shall elect a vice-chairperson from among its members and shall appoint a secretary, a treasurer, and other necessary officials from among its members or from outside the board. The board shall convene at the invitation of the chairperson or, in the chairperson’s absence, at the invitation of the vice-chairperson, when they deem it necessary, or when at least half of the board members so require. The board has a quorum when at least half of its members, including the chairperson or vice-chairperson, are present. Decisions are made by absolute majority of votes cast. In the event of a tie, the chairperson shall have the casting vote; however, in elections, a tie shall be resolved by drawing lots.

The right to sign on behalf of the association (nimenkirjoitusoikeus) is held by the chairperson of the board, the secretary, and the treasurer, each individually.

The financial period (tilikausi) of the association is the calendar year.

Participation in meetings of the association may also take place by post or through a telecommunications connection or other technical means during or before the meeting, when so decided by the board or a meeting of the association. The meeting of the association shall approve voting and election procedures.

The annual meeting (vuosikokous) of the association shall be held each year on a date determined by the board between January and May.

Each member of the association has one vote at meetings. Unless otherwise provided in these rules, the decision of the meeting shall be the opinion supported by more than half of the votes cast.

In the event of a tie, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the casting vote; however, in elections, a tie shall be resolved by drawing lots.

The board must convene meetings of the association at least 7 days before the meeting.

The meeting notice shall be sent to members:

• on the association's website or in the association's social media group

The following matters shall be addressed at the annual meeting of the association:

1. 1.Opening of the meeting
2. 2.Election of the chairperson of the meeting, secretary, two scrutinisers of the minutes, and, if necessary, two vote counters
3. 3.Establishing that the meeting has been lawfully convened and has a quorum
4. 4.Adoption of the agenda
5. 5.Presentation of the financial statements, annual report, and the statement of the operations inspector(s) / auditor(s)
6. 6.Decision on the adoption of the financial statements and the discharge of liability for the board and other persons with fiduciary responsibility
7. 7.Approval of the action plan, budget, and the amounts of the joining fee and membership fee
8. 8.Election of the chairperson and other members of the board
9. 9.Election of one or two operations inspectors and deputy operations inspectors, or one or two auditors and deputy auditors
10. 10.Any other matters mentioned in the notice of meeting.

If a member of the association wishes to have a matter addressed at the annual meeting, the member must notify the board in writing in sufficient time for the matter to be included in the meeting notice.

A decision to amend these rules or to dissolve the association must be made at a meeting of the association by a majority of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the votes cast. The meeting notice must mention the proposed amendment of rules or dissolution.

Upon dissolution of the association, its assets shall be used for the promotion of the association’s purpose in a manner decided by the meeting resolving the dissolution. If the association is ordered to be dissolved, the assets shall be used for the same purpose.