Bylaws, Internal Rules and Charter

Bylaws

The new bylaws of the association were adopted at the Extraordinary General Assembly on March 22, 2024, and validated by the competent authorities on February 11, 2025.

The decision to amend the bylaws was motivated by the desire to manage general assembly and board of directors meetings electronically. This option had only been granted temporarily during the COVID crisis.

The Ministry of the Interior requested that the bylaws be brought into compliance with the standard bylaws validated by the Council of State. It was decided to modify the method of appointing directors, who are now elected all at once — rather than by halves — but still for two-year terms, by the general assembly.

A copy of these new bylaws is available below:

SAR France Bylaws (PDF)

Internal Rules (excerpt)

Article 1 – Approval of Members

Only new members are subject to approval. In accordance with Article 3 of the bylaws, any candidate wishing to join the association must submit proof of eligibility. This proof is reviewed by the proof commissioner.

To be approved, a member must meet the following conditions:

• Eligibility validated by the proof commissioner,
• having read and acknowledged the bylaws, internal rules, and the association’s code of ethics and conduct,
• having paid the membership fee.

The board of directors votes on the membership application. Approval is granted provided there is a two-thirds majority of members present or represented.

Refusal of approval does not need to be justified and cannot be appealed. Any membership following a lapse in dues requires a new approval.

Article 9 – Composition of the General Assembly

The general assembly comprises all approved members of the association and honorary members whose dues for the previous year have been paid no later than 45 days before the general assembly, as well as members of honor. No other person may request to be added to the attendance list or participate in votes beyond this deadline.

Article 25 – Powers of the Board of Directors

The board of directors implements the policies and general directions decided by the general assembly and carries out the decisions adopted by the general assembly. It manages and administers the association in accordance with these directions.

It approves new members. It grants the status of member of honor and honorary member and reports on this annually to the general assembly.

It rules on the removal of members, automatic resignation, and the dismissal of directors, with due respect for the rights of defense.

It finalizes the proposals submitted to the general assembly. It prepares the association’s budget forecast for submission to the general assembly for approval. It closes the accounts, submits them for approval by the general assembly, and proposes the allocation of the result.

It authorizes, within the limits set by the budget approved by the general assembly, the creation and elimination of salaried positions. It may delegate this authority to the president.

It is informed of the signature delegations granted by the members of the bureau.

When needed, the board of directors may create committees. The board of directors defines their composition. It may dissolve a committee at any time. These committees may only serve in an advisory capacity. The analyses, reflections, and proposals of these committees are presented to the board of directors.

Article 32 – Powers of the Bureau

The bureau carries out the decisions of the board of directors and the general assembly, ensuring their legal and statutory compliance. It prepares the work of the board of directors. It is responsible for the day-to-day management of the association. It may not receive delegation of all the powers of the board of directors.

The members of the bureau, within their respective areas of responsibility, shall comply with any request from directors or members of the association for access to the annual accounts, accounting documents, or minutes.

Article 39 – Territorial Organization of the Association into Regional Delegations

The association’s activities are carried out through regional delegations established at various locations throughout the national territory, which do not have legal personality. Members of the association belong to the regional delegation corresponding to their address declared at the headquarters. The distribution of branches is proposed by the bureau and approved by the board of directors.

Delegations may also be established abroad; they are governed in the same manner as regional delegations established in France.

To obtain a complete copy of the internal rules, you may send your request by email to sarfrance.sons@gmail.com

Code of Ethics and Conduct

Since its founding, SAR France has based its action on the following values, which it considers essential:

• trust in its members for the management of their projects and commitments on behalf of the association and its objectives,
• clarity and transparency in its relationship with its members, third-party stakeholders, and other institutions involved in pursuing the association’s objectives,
• a respectful approach in the treatment of historical facts.

SAR France encourages the development of initiatives related to its purpose. To this end, the association cooperates with public and private partners from both the commercial and non-commercial sectors, taking their expectations into account, with the sole objective of fulfilling its mission.

It also strives to report to all its stakeholders, particularly its members and donors, on the results and impact of its action in a regular, transparent, and impartial manner. It places the fulfilment of its mission, as defined by its corporate purpose, at the forefront of its concerns.

In order to reflect these values, SAR France has established a code of ethics and conduct. This charter applies to all members of the association and aims to guide their behaviour and actions on a daily basis. To obtain a copy, you may send your request by email to sarfrance.sons@gmail.com