BYLAWS

The text below is written in the singular, but as described in Article 6.4, there may certainly be more than one person —and in fact, it is highly likely— in each position.

Positions are categorized into organizational roles, and political roles. Political roles will only become relevant by 2028, for the next election (2029).

It is perfectly possible to hold multiple positions simultaneously.

Each position is autonomous and does its part, acting to the best of its ability. Collaboration is, of course, encouraged and necessary, but the party chairperson for example has no say in —and need not interfere with— the work of the treasurer. There is as little hierarchy as possible; everyone contributes to their potential. Everyone works as equals, and for the greater good.

• a. Organizational Roles
  • Chairperson

    The party chairperson is the face of the party, the spokesperson...

  • Vice-chairperson

    = The vice-chairperson is the chairperson when the chairperson is not available.

  • Webmaster

    The webmaster is responsible for updating and ensuring the proper functioning of the website:

    • updates the website based on information provided by other roles. He updates the finances (input from treasurer), new members, content from the forum (input from the forum moderator), maybe new quotes... ;
    • ensures that links work, that information is up-to-date, and that new elements are integrated;
    • performs an update monthly.
  • Treasurer

    is responsible for the finances:

    • manages the party's revenues and expenses, is responsible for accurate accounting. (« We do not spend at any time more than what we have », art.4) ;
    • ensures (via the webmaster) that the accounting records are transparently accessible on the website. Submits monthly financial data to the webmaster so that they can update the website (or uses a system such as Google Sheets so that the webmaster always has access);
    • Draws up an annual budget in collaboration with the other officers and submits it to the members by the end of November, together with the previous year's financial statements;
    • reviews requests for reimbursement of expenses. Members who wish to have expenses reimbursed by the party must submit a request before the expenses are incurred. The treasurer assesses the extent to which it is possible, feasible, desirable, and relevant to reimburse those expenses. The treasurer responds to this within four working days;
    • handles the necessary payments (fixed costs; invoices, salaries, and bonuses for special achievements, refunds, reimbursement of expenses, etc.) and verifies membership fees (to ensure they have been paid);
    • and ensures that we are in compliance with tax regulations (pays the necessary taxes).

    Since we highly value transparency, we always present our budget and financial statements in plain language, making them as clear and understandable as possible - for anyone. Abbreviations and technical jargon are explained.

  • Secretary
    • is responsible for scheduling meetings. The secretary takes other events into account as much as possible;
    • collects votes and comments from members who are not present at the meeting, compiles them and shares / communicates them during the meeting ;
    • writes the report of meetings;
    • The secretary acts with neutrality in the exercise of their duties.
  • Ombudsperson
    • handles complaints received by the organization, mediates, seeks to find solutions, and serves in an advisory capacity;
    • maintains (for their own records) an (anonymized) report of the complaints received and any actions taken in response.

    To ensure neutrality, independence, and impartiality, this position cannot be held concurrently with any other positions.

  • Communications

    External PR

    handles external communications, seeks out partners, explores opportunities for collaboration...

    Internal Communications

    • handles communication with members, including meeting invitations... ;
    • writes the newsletter;
    • answers emails sent to info@.
  • Event

    Handles the organization of events. Arranges the venue, provides food and supplies... This person is responsible for the event volunteers.

  • Event volunteer

    helps with setting up, taking down, washing dishes at events...

  • Grant/Fundraising Coordinator
    • develops and implements initiatives that help us generate revenue;
    • seeks out funding opportunities for the association;

    collaborates on both tasks with the public relations manager and, if necessary, with the treasurer.

  • Legal Counsel
    • provides legal advice and ensures compliance with the law ;
    • oversees tax payments.
  • Bylaws Custodian / Guardian

    Are the Bylaws being followed? Are we acting according to (the spirit of) the Bylaws?

  • Inclusion Monitor / Custodian

    Is an inclusive atmosphere being fostered? Does everyone feel welcome? Is sufficient attention being given to the accessibility of meetings, activities, and the platform for all?

  • Guardian of the Code of Ethics

    Is everyone adhering to the Code of Ethics (art. 9)? Is the Code of Ethics being respected?

  • Forum moderator
    • monitors the platform (Art. 10), removes inappropriate posts and closed discussions, and keeps the platform as relevant as possible...
    • is responsible for transferring information, proposals, citations, etc., from the forum to the website. They collaborate with the webmaster for this purpose. They ensure that the information is correctly transferred from the forum to the website.
  • Writer of the Annual Report

    They write the annual report in collaboration with the internal PR officer and the treasurer. The report reviews the activities and finances of the past year. "The annual report provides an overview of the organization's achievements, strategy, objectives, results, and outlook." This is done for each fiscal year. The annual report is presented to the members annually along with the financial statements.

  • Youth Chair

    is responsible for the party's youth section. must be at least 16 years old and no older than 25 ;

    is appointed by the youth section of the party.

  • Questioners / Interviewers

    head out to ask questions to people on the street. This way, we aim to reach as many “ordinary people” as possible. A (brief) report on these activities is posted on the website each time.

    The questioners can also head out around a specific proposal, for example on the reform of agriculture, and listen to the farmers.

  • Translator
    help translate website content, documents, ideas...
  • Interpreter

    We aim to organize the meetings in several languages (NL, FR, ENG - ideally in as many languages as needed). To do this, we need interpreters. Interested? You're welcome to join!

  • Other / New Role

    Would you like to add a role? Is something missing? Would you like to share your skills with the group? Art and creativity? ...? You can always add or suggest a new role.

• b. Political Roles

  By the regional, federal, and European elections:

  

  • Member of the Brussels Parliament;
  • Member of the Flemish Parliament;
  • Member of the Federal Parliament
  • Member of the European Parliament;
  • Ministerial candidate;
  • Other political party positions?
• c. Nomination Committee and Working Groups
  • Nomination Committee

    Ideally, the Nomination Committee consists of (at least) five members who oversee the nomination process for positions within the party (see Art. 6.4). The Nomination Committee assesses the validity of the candidacies, ensures that the candidacies meet the necessary criteria, and ensures a smooth nomination process.

  • Working Groups

    Working groups can form and propose themselves at any time. They do not need to go through a formal meeting or approval process.

The following are considered part of the "Board": secretary, party chair, vice chair, webmaster, treasurer, External PR, Internal PR, events coordinator, and youth chair. The other roles are at least as important.

Essential Roles / Required Positions are: secretary, treasurer, nominating committee, webmaster, ombudsperson, party chair, and writer of the annual report. These positions must be filled, but may be combined with other roles. If there are no candidates for the remaining positions, those positions will be eliminated for that year.

For applying for a position, one must be:

• at least 18 years old (with the exception of the Youth Chair: minimum 16 years old, maximum 25 years old);
• an active member for at least two months prior to the start of the nomination period;
• you must demonstrate, through your life, actions, and words—past and present—that you stand behind the party’s principles and values. No racism, no discrimination, no corruption...

Note: (except for political positions) you do not need to be a “legal citizen” of Belgium to be a candidate. You must, however, reside here.

You can run for as many positions as you wish.

• Art.6.4.1. Designation by simple notification
  You can become a translator, questioner, event volunteer, or interpreter at any time throughout the year by simply notifying us.
• Art.6.4.2. Special procedures
  • Ombudsperson
    A new ombudsperson is elected during a special session (in person) by a group of at least 10 members drawn at random (30 members drawn at random are invited, of which at least 10 must be present). Each year, the ombudsperson is confirmed. If the ombudsperson is not confirmed, or if an ombudsperson wants to resign, the candidacy period for new ombudspersons is opened after one week. If there are three candidates after another one week, a session bringing together 30 members drawn at random is organized. During this session, the candidates present themselves, then the selected members vote. The person obtaining the most votes becomes the next ombudsperson. A function transfer occurs and, in collaboration with the outgoing ombudsperson, the new ombudsperson determines the date when their mandate will take effect.
  • Youth Chair
    The youth chair is appointed by the youth, this is done outside the party.
  Art.6.4.3. Concerning the other roles

  Concerning the other roles, it is a selection by the candidates themselves. The one who candidates in a valid manner becomes de facto automatically this role. It is then up to the candidate to collaborate with their co-candidates to determine how to organize. Will they work together? Will they divide the role, split it into different parts? Will they take turns? Will some candidates withdraw their candidacy? Will they designate one of them? ... The candidates must consult, align and reach a proposal.

  Note: This procedure also applies to political positions: decide among yourselves and establish the electoral list together.

• Art.6.4.3bis. Exception for the launch year
  At least 33 members are required to be able to form a first team. As an exception during the launch year, a minimum membership period of one month (instead of two) is required to be able to apply.

Creating the team, the team decides whether they start a one-year mandate (which implies restarting the entire procedure the following year), a two-year mandate, or a three-year mandate.

Members can remove the board through a motion of no confidence supported by at least two-thirds of the members and a quorum of 60% (at least 60% of the active members must be present). In that case, the full nomination procedure will be initiated within two months.

Maximum periods:

• A chairperson may serve for a maximum of six consecutive years;
• Political office may be held for a maximum of two terms (= 2 x 5 years);
• The translators, interpreters, questionars and the ombudsman are not subject to term limits.

We do as much as possible out of love and conviction, but it's important for certain things to be financially compensated and recognized in order to maintain a balance.

• Art.6.6.1. Remunerations of the team

  Once the team's plan is finalized (see Art. 6.4.3), the team—including translators, questioners, interpreters, the ombudsperson, and the youth chair— will begin drafting a remuneration proposal.

  The compensation proposal specifies the salary each person will receive during the period they hold their position.

  Except for translators and interpreters, remuneration is determined individually to maintain balance, calculated per person rather than per position, taking into account needs, requirements, and contributions as much as possible, in a manner deemed fair.

  Note: To avoid imbalances within the party, the salaries for political positions are also determined through this procedure. Political officeholders receive a salary from the government, which they pass on to the party. Just as with other positions, their compensation is submitted to and approved by the members. They can request compensation for special merits at any time, just like anyone else.

  Translators are paid per piece of work they translate; this is done through a bonus for exceptional performance.

  A salary is capped at one and a half times the minimum wage. Payment ceases upon the termination of the position.

  In any case, remuneration will always remain within the limits of what is possible, within the financial means available at that time. Salaries do not take priority over other expenses. Bonuses for special merits take precedence (and as stated in Article 4: “We never spend more than what we have available at that time.”).

• Art.6.6.2. Special merits

  Special merits can be remunerated. Members can submit a request for this at any time; the request is then presented to the members for a vote.

  One can request recognition for special merits for themselves, or for someone else, if one believe they have done exceptional work.

  Requests for recognition of special merits must always be properly justified and are then put to a vote.

  Art.6.6.3. Reimbursements for expenses

  Reimbursements for expenses may be requested, but must first be reviewed by the treasurer. The treasurer will confirm within four business days whether the requested expenses will be reimbursed by the party.

The gatherings always include the following: a theme, conversations, shared meals, social breaks, and connecting activities.

The report includes at least the following elements:

• date and location;
• participants: who was there? Focus on members; non-members can be listed as a number, without it being necessary to cite their name;
• apologies: who sent apologies and whether or not they submitted items for the meeting in advance (votes, comments, etc.);
• the agenda, a summary of the discussions and a brief summary of the decisions.

We strive for consensus, and as many decisions as possible are made by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, a vote is taken. In such cases, a simple majority applies, unless specified differently.

Every member who has been a member for at least one month (including team members) has one vote.

For important votes, such as those on the bylaws and the budget, a 60% attendance quorum and a two-thirds majority must be achieved. Voting may take place (1) in person at the meeting (by a show of hands, using voting cards, or in writing), (2) (if a hybrid session is facilitated) from home during the meeting, or (3) in advance via email to the secretary.

If changes are made during the meeting, members who have casted their votes in advance will be notified via the internal communications responsible. These members may then choose to change their vote or not.

Voting can take place during meetings but also outside of meetings, online, via online voting forms. Online votes must be announced at least three weeks in advance; one week is set aside for discussion, followed by one week for members to cast their votes. Members are notified of the vote via email, and the voting forms are sent to members by the secretary via email.

Opinion polls may also be conducted, and everyone is welcome to vote; you do not need to be a member to do so. This will always be clearly indicated.