STATUTE - INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MULTILINGUALISM

1. Name
The name of the Association shall be the International Association of Multilingualism (IAM).

2. Justification
Multilingualism is a common phenomenon, and the study of multilingualism provides the basis for understanding all types of language acquisition and learning, maintenance and attrition.

3. Aims
The Association seeks to establish a network for professionals interested in multilingualism and multiple language acquisition and learning.

      To this end it will:
         1. foster the cooperation between researchers of multilingualism;
         2. disseminate knowledge, methods, theories and models;
         3. create a forum for the discussion of issues related to multilingualism;
         4. improve research in multilingualism and Applied Linguistics;
         5. improve research studies among young researchers;
         6. organise and sponsor conferences and meetings on a regular basis.

4. Membership
Membership shall be on an individual basis and shall cost an amount to be agreed annually by the Executive Committee subject to local and ad hoc arrangements.

5. The Committee of the Association
The governing body of the Association shall consist of an Executive Committee made up of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, five elected members for tasks such as: web-page, young researchers, bulletin, conferences, publication relations.
The President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected for two years, and the tenure of executive officers shall be maximally two terms.

6. Bi-annual Meeting
The Bi-annual Meeting of the Association shall take place during the bi-annual conference. Elections for vacant offices and ordinary executive committee membership shall take place at the bi-annual meeting. Any paid-up member may vote at bi-annual meetings. Audited accounts shall be prepared annually by the Treasurer and shall be approved by the bi-nnual meeting.

7. Amendments to the Constitution
Changes to the constitution may be made only at the bi-annual meeting and shall require two-thirds consent.

8. Working Languages
In its meetings and publications the association shall promote, as far as is feasible, the multilingual dissemination and exchange of spoken and written information.

9. Dissolution of the Association
Should the Association be dissolved the funds held by the Association shall be allocated to an Association to be decided by the members. Such dissolution shall only take place with the consent of two-thirds of the membership at the bi-annual Meeting.