Society Charter

International Spine Society Charter

Association's Name and Headquarters

Article 1 - Name of the Association: INTERNATIONAL SPINE SOCIETY

The headquarters of the association is in Istanbul, Türkiye. The association may open branches domestically and abroad.

Purpose of the Society and Areas of Activity and Forms to Achieve This Purpose

Article 2 - The society contributes to the development of spine and spinal cord health, establishes close institutions for treating spinal diseases and deformities, providing treatment and prevention for spinal cord diseases, providing better information to the public about institutions and organizations, conducting activities with public institutions and organizations, and establishing them if necessary.

The association conducts sustainable work in the following areas and forms to achieve its purpose:

Sustainable Work Areas and Forms for the Society

1. Conducting activities to influence and develop research for the effectiveness and development of activities,
2. Organizing courses, seminars, conferences, and panels for education in the necessary types of information, documents, and publications,
3. Obtaining all necessary information, documents, and publications to achieve the purpose, establishing a documentation center, and using newspapers, magazines, books, and bulletins to announce its work in accordance with its purpose,
4. Providing a healthy working environment, obtaining all kinds of technical tools and equipment, fixtures and fittings, stationery to achieve the purpose,
5. Obtaining necessary permits, engaging in fundraising activities and accepting donations from within the country and abroad,
6. Establishing and operating economic, commercial, and industrial enterprises to obtain the revenues needed for the realization of the purpose of the bylaws,
7. Establishing social and cultural facilities, and furnishing them for members to benefit from and spend their leisure time,
8. Organizing dinner meetings, concerts, balls, theaters, exhibitions, sports, excursions, and entertaining activities for members or to develop relationships among members,
9. Purchasing, leasing, renting out, and establishing real rights on movable and immovable properties needed for the association's activities,
10. Establishing a foundation, federation, or joining an established federation domestically if deemed necessary for the realization of the purpose, establishing facilities that associations can establish with international activity permits or by obtaining permission,
11. Engaging in international activities, becoming a member of associations or organizations abroad, and collaborating or working with these organizations on projects,
12. If deemed necessary for the realization of the purpose, carrying out joint work with public institutions and organizations in their fields of duty without prejudice to the provisions of Law No. 5072 on the Relations of Associations and Foundations with Public Institutions and Organizations,
13. Creating a fund to meet mandatory needs of the members such as alimentation and shelter,
14. Creating platforms to achieve a common purpose with other associations or foundations, unions, and similar non-governmental organizations in areas that are related to the purpose of the association and not prohibited by law,
15. Carrying out all kinds of activities necessary for the purpose of the association and that are not prohibited by laws,
16. Establishing economic enterprises to obtain the revenues needed for the realization of the purpose,
17. Obtaining necessary information, documents, and publications for the realization of the purpose in the form of food, clothing, cleaning supplies, fuel, medicine, educational materials, and other goods from public institutions, organizations, real and legal persons free of charge in accordance with the legislation on aid collection,
18. Necessary initiatives to receive aid from international organizations for medical, social, and technical information education used in areas that are necessary for the purpose, promoting Turkish and foreign scientific works beneficial for publication rights,
19. Necessary initiatives for organizing scientific research, congress, seminar, panel, symposium, plantation, and workshops in the field of spine and spinal cord health, providing necessary information to the public when necessary,
20. Organizing basic and clinical research to promote spine and spinal cord health,
21. Planning and executing educational activities for medical doctors and other health workers before or after graduation,
22. Necessary initiatives for physicians to organize necessary courses to increase the number of interested individuals in the field of spinal cord and spinal health, providing education,
23. Conducting research and work for the formation and prevention of spinal cord and spine diseases, organizing meetings at necessary congresses,
24. To cooperate with all official and private institutions and social security institutions to ensure that patients with spinal cord injuries have access to social rights and the best services,
25. After obtaining the necessary permits, the society can open and support schools to train healthcare and technical support personnel in the field. It provides financial and moral support to those involved in the teaching, training, and management of these schools,
26. Providing scholarships to students who will receive education in the health field and support them with monthly allowances,
27. The society organizes seminars and meetings on both seeking rights and raising social awareness, with physicians and all healthcare personnel in the sector,
28. To be analytical, to initiate, to provide and encourage the necessary environment in order to better understand the treatment and prevention of spinal cord diseases, and to work towards the development of basic knowledge in this direction,
29. To conduct studies to reveal and disseminate preventive measures for spinal cord diseases,
30. As a society, raise awareness and work towards the correct progress of the treatment process for individuals in need who are undergoing treatment and those who cannot be treated,
31. Organizing international congresses, symposia, meetings, etc., as a society,
32. To provide the necessary information and documentation for studies on spine and spinal cord diseases in our country and to provide them when needed,
33. Informing individuals about research and exercise concerning spine health,
34. Increasing the effects in the field of education and health both nationally and internationally, developing opportunities and better services,
35. The society treats patients who are in need of help and covers or assists in the cost of treatment with regards to drug, medical equipment and treatment. The society can help the treatment of patients nationally and internationally. Assistance needed in the field of health from patients who need help affects treatment and medical materials and technical drugs found. Abroad and domestically, hospitals, laboratories, dispensaries, polyclinics, health centers, rest homes, training or institutions material and logistic help can be created. Can purchase or work with all health related facilities.
36. The society conducts, commissions, and publishes research on health. It undertakes activities that contribute to the implementation of modern healthcare systems in Türkiye and thereby benefit Turkish society.

Society’s Field of Activity

The society operates in the field of health nationally and internationally.

Right to Become a Member and Membership Procedures

Article 3 - Every person who has the capacity to act independently and adopts the purposes and principles of the society and accepts to work in this direction has the right to become a member of this association. However, to become a member, foreign citizens must also have the residence permit in Türkiye. This condition is not sought for honorary membership.

The membership application must be in written format to the society’s executive board and will be decided by the board of directors within a maximum of thirty days as acceptance or rejection of the request and notified to the applicant in writing. The applicant whose application is accepted is registered in the registry log for this purpose.

The full members of the society are the founding members and persons who applied to the board of directors and whose membership was accepted.

Those who have provided significant material and moral support to the association can be accepted as honorary members by the decision of the board of directors.

When the number of branches of the association exceeds three, the membership registrations of those registered at the society headquarters are transferred to the branch registries, and new membership registrations are also made to the branches.

Exiting from Membership

Article 4 - No one can be forced to remain a member. Every member has the right to leave the association by giving written notice.

As soon as the member's resignation petition reaches the board of directors, the exit procedures are considered completed. Exiting membership does not end the member's debts to the association.

Removal from Membership

Article 5 - Situations requiring removal from the society:

1. Acting contrary to the society's bylaws and charter,
2. Constantly avoiding assigned tasks,
3. Not paying membership dues despite written warnings for 6 months,
4. Not complying with decisions made by association organs,
5. No longer meeting membership conditions,

The member who exhibits one or more of the above-mentioned behaviors can be removed from membership by the decision of the board of directors.

Those who leave or are removed from the association are deleted from the member registry and cannot claim rights in the association's assets.

Society Bodies

Article 6 - The bodies of the society are shown below.

1. General assembly,
2. Board of directors,
3. Auditory board.

Form of Establishment, Meeting Time and Call and Meeting Procedure of the Association's General Assembly

Article 7 - The general assembly is the most authorized decision-making organ of the society, consisting of registered members.

The general assembly meets regularly;

1. At the time specified in this bylaw,
2. When the board of directors or supervisory board deems it necessary, or upon the written application of one-fifth of the association's members, in extraordinary cases.

The ordinary general assembly meets every three years in May, on the day, place, and time to be determined by the board of directors.

The general assembly is called to a meeting by the board of directors.

If the board of directors does not call the general assembly to a meeting, upon the application of one of the members, the magistrate assigns three members to call the general assembly to a meeting.

Call Procedure

The board of directors prepares the list of members entitled to attend the general assembly according to the association's bylaws. Members entitled to attend the general assembly are called to the meeting at least fifteen days in advance by announcing the day, time, place, and agenda in at least one newspaper or on the association's website, by written notification, by sending an email or a message to the contact number notified by the member, or by using local broadcasting tools. In this call, if the meeting cannot be held due to lack of majority, the day, time, and place of the second meeting are also specified. The period between the first meeting and the second meeting cannot be less than seven days or more than sixty days.

If the meeting is postponed for any reason other than lack of majority, this situation is announced to the members in the same way as the first meeting call, stating the reasons for postponement. The second meeting must be held no later than six months after the postponement date. Members are called back to the second meeting according to the principles stated in the first paragraph.

The general assembly meeting cannot be postponed more than once.

Meeting Procedure

The general assembly convenes with the participation of an absolute majority of the members entitled to participate, and with two-thirds in case of bylaw amendment and dissolution of the association; if the meeting is postponed due to lack of majority, majority is not sought in the second meeting. However, the number of members attending this meeting cannot be less than twice the total number of members of the board of directors and supervisory board.

The list of members entitled to attend the general assembly is available at the meeting place. The identity documents of the members entering the meeting place are checked by the board members or officials assigned by the board of directors. Members enter the meeting hall by signing next to their names on the list prepared by the board of directors.

If the meeting quorum is met, the situation is recorded in minutes, and the meeting is opened by the chairman of the board of directors or one of the board members assigned by him. If the meeting quorum is not met, this is also recorded in minutes by the board of directors.

After the opening, a council chairman and sufficient deputy chairmen and a secretary are elected to manage the meeting.

In voting for the election of the association's organs, voting members must show their identities to the council committee and sign next to their names on the attendance list.

The management and security of the meeting belong to the council chairman.

At the general assembly, only items on the agenda are discussed. However, it is mandatory to include on the agenda issues requested in writing by at least one-tenth of the members present at the meeting.

Each member has one vote at the general assembly; the member must vote in person. Honorary members cannot vote.

Issues discussed and decisions taken at the meeting are recorded in a minute and signed by the council chairman and secretaries. At the end of the meeting, the minute and other documents are delivered to the chairman of the board of directors. The chairman of the board of directors is responsible for preserving these documents and delivering them to the newly elected board of directors within seven days.

Voting and Decision-Making Procedures and Forms of the General Assembly

Article 8 - The decisions at the general assembly are taken by the absolute majority of the attending members unless otherwise specified in the bylaws or law. However, decisions on bylaw amendments and dissolution of the association can only be taken with a two-thirds majority of the attending members.

All decisions at the general assembly are taken by open vote unless a decision is made to take them secretly. Open voting is conducted in the manner to be determined by the chairman of the assembly with signs, raising hands, or saying yes or no.

In secret voting, papers or ballots sealed by the meeting chairman are thrown into an empty container after the members do what is necessary, and the content is determined by open counting at the end of the voting.

Decisions at the general assembly are made by a simple majority of the members present. Decisions regarding amendments to the bylaws and dissolution of the association can only be made by a two-thirds majority of the members present.

Decisions Taken Without a Meeting or Without a Call

Decisions taken with the written participation of all members without a meeting, as well as decisions taken by all members of the association without following the call procedure outlined in these bylaws, are valid. Such decisions do not constitute a regular meeting.

Duties and Powers of the General Assembly

Article 9 - The following matters are discussed and resolved by the general assembly.

1. Election of the society’s bodies,
2. Amendment of the society's charter and bylaws,
3. Discussion of the reports of the board of directors and supervisory board and acquittal of the board of directors and supervisory board,
4. Discussion and acceptance of the budget prepared by the board of directors as is or amended,
5. Supervision of other bodies of the society and dismissal of them for just cause when necessary,
6. Reviewing and deciding on objections to decisions of the board of directors regarding rejection of membership or expulsion from membership,
7. Authorization of the board of directors for the purchase of immovable property necessary for the association or for the sale of existing immovable property,
8. Reviewing and amending, if necessary, the regulations to be prepared by the board of directors regarding the society's operations,
9. Determination of the fees to be given to the chairman and members of the board of directors and all kinds of allowances, travel allowances, and compensations, as well as the daily allowances and travel allowances to be given to members assigned for association services,
10. Deciding on the society’s joining or leaving a federation,
11. Deciding on the opening of branches of the association and authorizing the board of directors to carry out the transactions related to the branch decided to be opened.
12. Authorization of the board of directors for the association's international activities, joining or leaving associations or organizations abroad as a member,
13. Establishment of a foundation by the society,
14. Dissolution of the society,
15. Reviewing and deciding on other proposals of the board of directors,
16. As the most authorized organ of the association, performing tasks and exercising powers not given to other bodies of the society,
17. Fulfilling other duties specified in the legislation to be performed by the general assembly.

Formation, Duties, and Powers of the Board of Directors

Article 10 - The board of directors is elected by the general assembly as seven full and five substitute members.

The board of directors, at its first meeting after the election, divides the duties by electing a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer, and member by secret vote.

The board of directors can be called to a meeting at any time provided that all members are notified. It convenes with the majority of the total number of members plus one. Decisions are taken by the absolute majority of those attending the meeting.

If there is a vacancy in the full membership of the board of directors due to resignation or other reasons, it is mandatory to call the substitute members to duty in the order of the majority of votes they received in the general assembly.

Duties and Powers of the Board of Directors

The board of directors performs the following matters.

1. Representing the society or authorizing one or more of its members in this regard,
2. Carrying out transactions regarding income and expense accounts and preparing the budget for the next period and presenting it to the general assembly,
3. Preparing the regulations regarding the society's operations and presenting them to the general assembly for approval,
4. With the authority given by the general assembly, purchasing immovable property, selling movable and immovable properties belonging to the society, having buildings or facilities constructed, making lease agreements, establishing pledges, mortgages, or real rights in favor of the association,
5. Ensuring the opening of branches with the authority given by the general assembly and authorizing the founders of the branch to be opened,
6. Overseeing the society's branches,
7. Opening representative offices where necessary,
8. Implementing the decisions taken at the general assembly,
9. At the end of each activity year, preparing the association's operating report or balance sheet and income statement and the report on the work of the board of directors, presenting it to the general assembly when it convenes,
10. Ensuring the preparation of the budget and presenting it to the general assembly,
11. Examining membership applications to the association, deciding on acceptance or rejection of membership,
12. Taking and implementing all kinds of decisions to realize the purpose of the society,
13. Performing all other duties given by the legislation and exercising the powers.

Organization, Duties, and Powers of the Audit Board

Article 11 - The audit board is composed of three full members and three alternates elected by the general assembly.

In the event of a vacancy on the audit board due to resignation or other reasons, the members must be called to office by a majority vote of the general assembly.

Duties and Powers of the Audit Board

The audit board audits whether the association is operating in accordance with the objectives and areas of activity specified in the bylaws to achieve these objectives, and whether the books, accounts, and records are kept in accordance with the legislation and the association's bylaws, in accordance with the principles and procedures set forth in the association's bylaws, at intervals not exceeding one year. It submits the audit results in a report to the board of directors and to the general assembly when it convenes.

The audit board may request that the general assembly be convened when necessary.

Society's Income Sources

Article 12 - The society's income sources are listed below.

1. Membership annual fee: An annual fee of 2,000 TL (Turkish Liras) are collected. The general assembly can change this amount.
2. Branch dues: 50% of the membership dues collected by the branches are sent to the headquarters every six months to cover the general expenses of the society.
3. Voluntary contributions and donations,
4. Income from events such as dinners, trips, representations, concerts, sports competitions, and conferences organized by the society,
5. Income from the society's assets,
6. Donations and aids collected in accordance with the provisions of the legislation on aid collection,
7. Income obtained from economic enterprises established by the society to provide the revenue needed to achieve its purpose,
8. Other incomes.

Society's Bookkeeping Principles and Procedures and Books to be Kept

Article 13 - Bookkeeping principles;

The association keeps logs on the basis of business account. However, if the annual gross income exceeds the limit specified in Article 31 of the Associations Regulation, books are kept on the balance sheet basis starting from the following accounting period.

If the above-mentioned limit is fallen below on the balance sheet basis, it can be returned to the business account basis starting from the next year.

With the decision of the general assembly, books can also be kept on the balance sheet basis regardless of the above-mentioned limit.

If the association opens a commercial enterprise, books are also kept for this commercial enterprise in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Procedure Law.

Registration Procedure

The books and records kept by the association are recorded in accordance with the procedures and principles specified in the Associations Regulation.

The society keeps the following books:

1. Log kept on the business account basis and principles to be followed:
2. Member registry log: Identity information of those entering the association as members, entrance and exit dates are written in this book. Entrance fees and annual dues paid by members can be recorded in this book.
3. Document registry log: Incoming and outgoing documents are recorded in this book with date and sequence number. Originals of incoming documents and copies of outgoing documents are filed. Incoming or outgoing documents via email are preserved by printing.
4. Decision log: Decisions of the board of directors are written in this book in date and number order and signed by the attending members under the decisions.
5. Business account log: Incomes received and expenses made on behalf of the association are clearly and regularly recorded in this book.
6. Receipt document registry log: Sequence and serial numbers of receipt documents, names, surnames, and signatures of those who receive and return these documents, and the dates they receive and return are recorded in this book.
7. Fixture life: The acquisition date and manner of fixtures belonging to the association, places where they are used or assigned, and the deregistration of those that have completed their usefulness are recorded in this book.

1. Books kept on the balance sheet basis and principles to be followed:
2. The books specified in subparagraphs 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph (a) are also kept if books are kept on the balance sheet basis.
3. Journal book and general ledger: The method of keeping these books is in accordance with the Tax Procedure Law and the Accounting System Application General Communiqués published based on the authority given by this Law to the Ministry of Finance.

Authentication of Logs

The logs that must be kept (except the general ledger) are certified by the provincial directorate of associations or notary before starting to use. The use of these logs continues until the pages are finished, and interim certification of the books is not done. However, the logs kept on the balance sheet basis and the form or continuous form account books must be re-certified every year in the last month before the year they will be used.

Income Statement and Balance Sheet Preparation

If bookkeeping is based on the operating accounting principle, a "Operating Account Statement" is prepared at year-end " (a sample is found in Annex-16 of the Society Regulations) (December 31st). If bookkeeping is based on the balance sheet principle, a balance sheet and income statement are prepared at year-end (December 31st) based on the Accounting System Implementation General Communiqués published by the Ministry of Finance.

Income and Expense Documents

Article 14 - Society incomes are collected with a "Receipt Document" (a sample is found in Annex-17 of the Society Regulations). If society incomes are collected through banks, documents such as bank receipts or account statements will replace the receipt document.

Society expenses are made with expense documents such as invoices, retail sales receipts, self-employment receipts. However, for payments within the scope of Article 94 of the Income Tax Law, expense slips are drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Procedure Law, and for payments not within this scope, "Expense Receipt" (a sample is found in Annex-13 of the Society Regulations) documents are used.

Free goods and service deliveries to be made by the society to persons, institutions, or organizations are made with "In-Kind Aid Delivery Document" (a sample is found in Annex-14 of Society Regulations). Free goods and service deliveries to be made by persons, institutions, or organizations to the association are accepted with "In-Kind Donation Receipt Document" (a sample is found in Annex-15 of the Society Regulations).

These documents; receipt documents, expense receipts, in-kind aid delivery documents, and in-kind donation receipt documents are printed in the form and size shown in the annexes of the Society Regulations, with sequential serial numbers, in fifty original and fifty stub form books consisting of self-carbon paper, or continuously in electronic systems and machines. The documents to be used must comply with the specified form or size.

Receipt Documents

Receipts used in the collection of association revenues (in the format and size specified in Annex 17 of the Society Regulations) are printed at a printing house by decision of the Board of Directors.

The printing and checking of receipts, their receipt from the printing house, their recording in the ledger, the transfer between the old and new accounts, the use of these receipts by the person or persons who will collect revenues on behalf of the association, and the delivery of the collected revenues are governed by the relevant provisions of the Society Regulations.

Authorization Certificate

The person or persons who will collect income on behalf of the association are determined by the decision of the board of directors, specifying the duration of authorization. The "Authorization Certificate" (a sample is found in Annex-19 of the Society Regulations) containing the clear identity, signature, and photo of the persons who will collect income is issued in three copies by the association and approved by the chairman of the association's board of directors. One copy of the authorization certificates is given to the units of the society.

Changes regarding the persons who will collect income are notified to the unit of associations within fifteen days. The persons who will collect income on behalf of the society can start collecting income only after one copy of the authorization certificate issued in their name is delivered to the unit of associations. The use, issuance, receipt, and delivery of the authorization certificate are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the regulation.

The term of authorization documents is determined by the board of directors as a maximum of one year. Expired authorization documents are renewed in accordance with the first paragraph. In the event of the expiration of the authorization document, or in the event of the issuing authorization document leaving office, death, or termination of employment or duty, the issued authorization documents must be returned to the society's board of directors within one week. Furthermore, the revenue collection authorization may be revoked at any time by decision of the board of directors.

Retention Period of Income and Expense Documents

Except for logs, the receipt documents, expense receipts, and other documents used by the association are retained for five years in accordance with the order of number and date in the books they are recorded, without prejudice to the periods specified in special laws.

Submission of Declaration

Article 15 - The "Association Declaration" (found in Annex-21 of the Regulation) regarding the activities of the association in the previous year and the results of the income and expense transactions as of the end of the year is filled out by the board of directors of the association and submitted to the local authority by the chairman of the association within the first four months of each calendar year.

Notification Obligation

Article 16 - Notifications to be made to the local authority;

General assembly result notification (Annex-3)

Within thirty days following the ordinary or extraordinary general assembly meetings, the "General Assembly Result Notification" and its annexes, including the full and substitute members elected to the board of directors, supervisory, and other organs, are submitted to the local authority.

In case of bylaw amendment at the general assembly; the minutes of the general assembly, the old and new versions of the amended articles of the bylaw, each page of the final form of the bylaw signed by at least the absolute majority of the board of directors members, are submitted to the local authority within the period specified in this paragraph.

Immovable property notification

The immovable properties acquired by the association are notified to the local authority by filling out the "Immovable Property Notification" (found in Annex-26) within thirty days from the registration in the title deed.

Notification of receiving aid from abroad

If aid will be received from abroad by the association, the "Notification of Receiving Aid from Abroad" (found in Annex-4) is filled out and submitted to the local authority before receiving the aid.

Notification of changes

Changes in the settlement of the association are notified by filling out the "Settlement Change Notification" (found in Annex-24); changes in the organs of the association outside the general assembly meetings are notified by filling out the "Notification of Changes in Association Organs" (found in Annex-25) within thirty days following the change.

Amendments made to the association's bylaw are also notified to the local authority in the annex of the general assembly result notification within thirty days following the general assembly where the bylaw amendment is made.

Internal Audit of the Society

Article 17 - Internal audit can be conducted by the general assembly, board of directors, or supervisory board in the association, or audit can be conducted by independent audit institutions. The fact that an audit has been conducted by the general assembly, board of directors, or independent audit institutions does not relieve the supervisory board of its obligation.

The audit of the society is conducted by the supervisory board at least once a year. The general assembly or board of directors can conduct audits when deemed necessary or have them conducted by independent audit institutions.

Borrowing Procedures of the Society

Article 18 - The society can borrow with the decision of the board of directors if needed to achieve its purpose and carry out its activities. This borrowing can be in the purchase of goods and services on credit or in cash. However, this borrowing cannot be in amounts that cannot be covered by the association's income sources and that will put the association in payment difficulty.

Branches, general rules to be followed by sub-branches

Article 19 - In addition to the rules specified in the main statute, branches will operate according to the general rules and sub-branch regulations determined by the association. Branch managers, as well as members elected to serve on the branch board, will be elected by the members of the branch in accordance with the procedures outlined in the association’s regulations. The branch board, along with the elected chairman and other elected members, will manage the branch’s activities and represent it in dealings with third parties.

Sub-branch, rules applicable to sub-branches

Article 20 - Sub-branches are units established by associations to provide services to members living in specific neighborhoods or villages. They operate under the supervision and guidance of the branch they are affiliated with. Sub-branches will carry out their activities in accordance with the regulations set by the branch.

Organs of Sub-Branches and Rules Applicable to Sub-Branch Officials

Bodies of the sub-branch, general rules, management board, and designation rules

Article 21 - The organs of the sub-branch are the general assembly, the management board, and the audit board. The management board consists of the chairman and other members elected by the general assembly of the sub-branch.

The organs of the sub-branch will operate according to the regulations set by the branch they are affiliated with, and these rules will be implemented accordingly.

General Rules for Sub-Branches, Planning Areas, and General Centers

Article 22 - Sub-Branches, general rules regarding planning areas, general centers Sub-branches are established within the general framework of the main statute and operate according to the general rules determined by the general center. The establishment of sub-branches within a province, district, or village is planned by the management of the general center, taking into account the needs and conditions of the region.

Sub-branches are managed by a branch manager, 2 deputies, and an equal number of members elected by the general assembly of the sub-branch. The general center oversees the activities of the sub-branches and ensures they align with the association’s objectives.

The general center designates the branch manager and other elected members of the sub-branch. These appointments are made in accordance with the general rules set by the general center, ensuring the sub-branch operates effectively and in line with the association’s goals.

Opening a Sub-Branch

Article 23 – Sub-branches may be established by the general centers in the planning areas they serve, provided the general center approves. The establishment of a general center requires a decision by the general assembly, supported by at least two-thirds of the members present, and must comply with the association’s regulations.

How the Bylaws May Be Amended

Article 24 – Amendments to the bylaws may be made by decision of the General Assembly.

In order for an amendment to the bylaws to be made at the General Assembly, two-thirds (2/3) of the members entitled to attend and vote at the General Assembly must be present. If a quorum is not achieved and the meeting is postponed, no quorum is required at the second meeting. However, the number of members attending this meeting cannot be less than twice the total number of the board of directors and audit committee members.

The decision quorum required for an amendment to the bylaws is two-thirds (2/3) of the votes of the members entitled to vote who are present at the meeting. Voting on bylaw amendments at the General Assembly shall be conducted openly.

Dissolution of the Society and Method of Liquidation of Its Assets

Article 25 – The General Assembly may decide at any time to dissolve the society.

In order for the issue of dissolution to be discussed at the General Assembly, two-thirds (2/3) of the members entitled to attend and vote must be present. If a quorum is not achieved and the meeting is postponed, no quorum shall be required at the second meeting. However, the number of members attending this meeting cannot be less than twice the total number of the board of directors and audit committee members.

The decision to dissolve the association requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members entitled to vote who are present at the meeting. The voting on the decision of dissolution at the General Assembly shall be conducted openly.

Liquidation Procedures

When the General Assembly decides to dissolve the association, the liquidation of the society’s money, property, and rights is carried out by a liquidation committee composed of the last members of the board of directors. These procedures begin from the date when the General Assembly’s dissolution decision is made or when the association’s legal status automatically ends. During the liquidation period, the association uses the title “In Liquidation of INTERNATIONAL SPINE SOCIETY” in all its transactions.

The liquidation committee is responsible and authorized to complete all liquidation procedures of the association’s money, property, and rights in compliance with the law. This committee first examines the association’s accounts. During the examination, the association’s ledgers, receipts, expenditure documents, deeds, bank records, and other documents are reviewed, and assets and liabilities are recorded in a formal report. During liquidation, the association’s creditors are notified, and if there are any assets, they are converted into cash to pay the creditors. If the association has receivables, they are collected. After collecting receivables and paying debts, any remaining money, property, and rights are transferred to the organization determined by the General Assembly. If the General Assembly does not specify, these are transferred to an organization with similar objectives and with the highest number of members at the date of dissolution.

All liquidation procedures are recorded in a liquidation report, and the liquidation process must be completed within three months unless additional time is granted by local authorities based on justified reasons.

Upon completion of the liquidation and transfer of money, property, and rights, the liquidation committee must notify the situation to the local administrative authority in writing within seven days, attaching the liquidation report.

The association's register and records are managed by the members assigned to the liquidation process. This duty can be performed by establishing a management structure. The duration for maintaining this register and records is indefinite.

Exception

Article 26 - In cases where specific provisions are not outlined in the Turkish Civil Code or other relevant laws regarding the management of associations, the provisions of the relevant legislation concerning associations shall apply.

**Temporary Article 1 - *Note: Until the general assembly establishes the society's organs, the interim representative and the tasks to be performed by the interim representative, as well as the interim management structure members, shall be determined by the founding members.

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