1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
1 The Professional Public Organization "Psychologists' Union of Armenia" (hereinafter referred to as the "Organization") is a public association of citizens of the Republic of Armenia, foreign citizens, and stateless persons, and has the status of a non-profit organization.
2 The principles guiding the Organization's activities are legality, non-discrimination, good faith, voluntary membership, commonality of members' interests, self-governance, and accountability.
3 The Organization operates throughout the territory of the Republic of Armenia and in foreign countries in accordance with the legislation of those countries.
4 The official names of the Organization are:
Armenian: "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀՈԳԵԲԱՆՆԵՐԻ ՄԻՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ" ՄԱՍՆԱԳԻՏԱԿԱՆ ՀԱՍԱՐԱԿԱԿԱՆ ԿԱԶՄԱԿԵՐՊՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ, abbreviated as "ՀՀՄ" ՄԱՍՆԱԳԻՏԱԿԱՆ ՀԿ;
Russian: "СОЮЗ ПСИХОЛОГОВ АРМЕНИИ" ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНАЯ ОБЩЕСТВЕННАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ, abbreviated as "СПА" ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНАЯ ОО;
English: "PSYCHOLOGISTS' UNION OF ARMENIA" PROFESSIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION, abbreviated as "PUA" PROFESSIONAL NGO.
5 The Organization shall have an official emblem, the description of which shall be approved by the General Assembly of the Organization. A color image and description of the emblem shall be attached as an appendix to this Charter.
6 The registered address of the Organization is: 1st Non-Residential Premises, Building 3, Nansen Street, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia. Telephone: +374 91 428635. E-mail: avanesyanh@ysu.am
2 SUBJECT MATTER AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION'S ACTIVITIES
7 The subject matter of the Organization's activities is the fulfillment of a professional mission aimed at evaluating, coordinating, and regulating psychological practice and education in the Republic of Armenia, as well as ensuring their representation at the international level.
8 The objectives of the Organization are:
8.1 To bring together organizations operating in all regions of the Republic of Armenia (including NGOs, educational institutions, and other entities) and individuals engaged in scientific, educational, and applied activities in the field of psychology (or related psychological disciplines), thereby fostering a professional community and an environment of mutual support.
8.2 The Organization cooperates with the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, the law enforcement and security agencies of the Republic of Armenia, the State Revenue Committee under the Government of the Republic of Armenia, as well as with governmental and non-governmental bodies and organizations.
8.2.1 To ensure the conditions and effectiveness of organizing and carrying out psychological activities in Armenia and on international platforms, and to promote the legislative and professional regulatory frameworks governing cooperation with governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations.
8.3 The Organization's objectives are as follows:
8.3.1 To organize and carry out activities arising from and consistent with the provisions of the Organization's Charter.
8.3.2 To analyze and assess the existing challenges and needs in various areas of psychological practice in the Republic of Armenia, including research, education, applied psychology, expert assessment, diagnostics, counseling, psychotherapy, and related fields, as well as the current state and future development prospects of the professional psychological workforce.
8.3.3 To contribute to the establishment of universally accepted standards in the field of psychological practice.
8.3.4 To cooperate with public authorities, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and other interested stakeholders.
8.3.5 To contribute to the development of legislation and methodologies aimed at improving systems of psychological education, as well as to support the development of concepts and frameworks for the professional training of future psychologists.
8.3.6 To provide professional advisory and expert support to organizations and individuals engaged in psychological practice.
8.3.7 To develop and implement standards, benchmarks, and guidelines for various types of psychological work, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of professional psychological practice, while safeguarding the rights and interests of beneficiaries, clients, and service recipients.
8.3.8 To ensure the development of the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct for psychologists, as well as procedures for their implementation and enforcement.
8.3.9 To cooperate with psychological organizations, institutions, associations, and non-governmental organizations in Armenia and abroad, as well as with international professional bodies in the field of psychology.
8.3.10 To conduct independent public expert reviews of contemporary educational, scientific-pedagogical, methodological, and other programs and projects, as well as major research initiatives.
9 In carrying out its mission, objectives, and functions, the Organization shall cooperate with public administration bodies, local self-government authorities, international and foreign counterpart organizations, and other organizations registered in the Republic of Armenia.
9.1 In order to fulfill its mission, objectives, and functions, the Organization may establish separate subdivisions, including branches and representative offices.
9.2 To achieve its statutory objectives, the PUA carries out the following activities:
9.2.1 Organizing conferences, roundtable discussions, and meetings for the discussion and adoption of key decisions relating to the Organization's activities.
9.2.2 Establishing working groups to develop documents necessary for the implementation of the PUA's objectives and functions.
9.2.3 Organizing lectures, seminars, training courses, research activities, and other events of interest to PUA members.
9.2.4 Engaging in public relations activities, including organizing press conferences, issuing press releases, participating in exhibitions, and undertaking other related activities.
9.2.5 To promote the dissemination and development of psychological literacy and culture within society, and to contribute to the dissemination and popularization of contemporary psychological knowledge (educational and public awareness function).
9.2.6 To support the enhancement of the level and quality of psychological training among non-psychologists working in the social professions.
9.2.7 To review and resolve disputes related to compliance with professional and ethical standards by members of the Organization that arise in relations among clients, applicants, public authorities, and members of the Association.
9.2.8 To organize the exchange of information and cooperation with foreign and international organizations that bring together trainers and consultants.
9.2.9 To engage in information and analytical activities, and to publish collections, books, and other scientific and informational publications.
10 For the achievement of its statutory objectives, the Organization shall have the authority, in accordance with the procedure established by law, to:
1) To organize the training, professional development, and retraining of personnel in the fields related to the Organization's activities.
2) To engage in charitable activities.
3) To raise funds and secure resources necessary for the achievement of the Organization's statutory objectives and for strengthening its institutional and legal capacity.
11 In carrying out its objectives and functions, the Organization cooperates with public administration bodies, local self-government authorities, international and foreign counterpart organizations, and other organizations registered in the Republic of Armenia.
12 The Organization has the right to engage in entrepreneurial activities consistent with the objectives set forth in its Charter, to manage its property and the results of its activities for that purpose, and, in accordance with the procedure established by law, to establish a commercial organization or become a participant therein.
III. PROCEDURE FOR ACQUIRING AND TERMINATING MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION
13 Any natural person who has attained the age of 18, accepts the objectives set forth in the Organization's Charter, and wishes to participate in its activities may become a member of the Organization.
14 A person wishing to become a member of the Organization shall submit a written application to the Organization's executive body, namely the President.
15 The President shall decide on the admission of a person to membership in the Organization in accordance with the provisions of this Charter.
16 A member of the Organization may withdraw from the Organization at any time. Termination of membership in the Organization shall be effected by a decision of the President.
17 Membership dues may be established for members of the Organization exclusively by a simple majority vote of a duly constituted General Assembly.
IV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION
18 A member of the Organization has the right to:
1) To elect and be elected to the governing bodies of the Organization.
2) To attend the General Assembly in person.
3) To use the services provided by the Organization free of charge in all cases.
4) To review the minutes of the Organization's governing bodies and to obtain copies of their decisions.
5) To appeal decisions of the Organization's bodies through higher internal review procedures or through the courts. Appeals against decisions of the executive body by a member of the Organization shall be submitted to the General Assembly by means of a written application. The application shall be reviewed by the General Assembly. Such review may also be conducted by absentee (remote) procedure.
6) To request information from the Organization and obtain copies of documents relating to amendments to the Organization’s Charter, minutes and decisions of the Organization’s governing bodies, funds derived from the management of the Organization’s property, as well as a copy of the independent auditor’s opinion on the Organization’s financial statements, concerning the preceding three years.
7) To exercise any other rights provided by law.
19 A member of the Organization shall be obliged to:
1) To comply with the requirements of the Organization’s Charter and the decisions of its governing bodies
2) To conscientiously perform the duties assigned to them by decisions of the Organization’s governing bodies.
20 In the event of a violation of the requirements of the Organization’s Charter or failure to fulfill obligations assigned by a decision of the Organization’s governing bodies, disciplinary measures may be imposed on a member of the Organization by the President of the Organization in the form of a reprimand or expulsion from membership in the Organization.
V. GOVERNANCE OF THE ORGANIZATION
21 The governing bodies of the Organization are the General Assembly and the executive body, namely the President.
22 The authority to make final decisions on any matter relating to the activities of the Organization shall be vested in the Organization’s supreme governing body, the General Assembly.
23 The regular meeting of the General Assembly shall be convened once every five years. The regular General Assembly shall be convened by the President, either in the form of an in-person gathering of members or by absentee (remote) procedure through the use of telecommunication means, with the corresponding minutes being duly recorded. The President shall determine the date, time, and venue of the General Assembly, as well as the preliminary agenda, and shall notify the members and bodies of the Organization thereof no later than 20 days in advance by registered mail, electronic means, mass media, or any other method prescribed by law.
24 An extraordinary General Assembly shall be convened by the President upon the initiative of the President or at the request of at least one-third of the members of the Organization.
25 An extraordinary General Assembly shall be convened no later than five days following the aforementioned initiative. Participants of the General Assembly shall be notified of the date, time, and venue of the extraordinary General Assembly at least five days prior to the date of its convening.
26 The matters falling within the exclusive competence of the General Assembly shall include:
1) Approval of amendments and supplements to the Organization’s Charter, or approval of a new version of the Charter;
2) Adoption of a decision on the establishment of another legal entity or on the Organization’s participation in another organization;
3) Adoption of decisions on the establishment of separate subdivisions or institutions of the Organization and approval of their charters;
4) Approval of the organizational structure of the Organization;
5) Election and removal of the President of the Organization;
6) Determination of the procedure and conditions for the remuneration of the President of the Organization;
7) Election of the person conducting the audit of the Organization, where the Organization is subject to mandatory audit under the law;
8) Approval of the Organization’s strategy, should the Organization decide to adopt one;
9) Once every five years, approval of the annual reports on the Organization’s activities and use of property that were approved by the executive body during the years preceding the convening of the General Assembly;
10) Suspension of decisions of the Organization’s bodies that are contrary to legal acts or the Charter;
11) Adoption of a decision on the reorganization of the Organization;
12) Adoption of a decision on the dissolution of the Organization (except in cases of dissolution by a court decision);
13) Exercise of other powers provided by law.
27 The General Assembly shall be deemed competent (quorate) if it has been convened in accordance with the law and the Organization’s Charter, and if more than half of the total number of members of the Organization participate in the Assembly. Decisions of the General Assembly shall be adopted by a simple majority vote of the members present at the General Assembly. The minutes of the General Assembly shall be signed by the chairperson and the secretary of the meeting. The minutes of the General Assembly shall be retained for a period of five years.
28 The President shall be elected by the General Assembly for a term of five years. The executive body of the Organization shall be the President of the Organization. The President shall manage the day-to-day activities of the Organization and shall preside over meetings of the General Assembly.
29 The powers of the President shall include all matters relating to the management of the Organization’s current activities, as well as all matters aimed at ensuring the functioning of the Organization’s governing bodies.
30 In accordance with the Organization’s Charter and the decisions of the General Assembly, the President shall:
1) Ensure the implementation of the decisions of the General Assembly;
2) Manage and administer the Organization’s property of any type and value, including its financial resources, and enter into transactions on behalf of the Organization;
3) Represent the Organization in the Republic of Armenia and in foreign states;
4) Issue powers of attorney;
5) Open settlement accounts (including foreign currency accounts) and other accounts of the Organization in banks;
6) Within the scope of his or her authority, issue orders and instructions, provide binding directives for implementation, and supervise their execution;
7) Approve the Organization’s staffing schedule and annual expenditure budget;
8) Approve the internal documents regulating the Organization’s activities, including the internal disciplinary and other rules of its separate subdivisions and institutions;
9) Approve the reports of the Organization and its governing bodies;
10) Approve the annual reports on the Organization’s activities and use of property for the years preceding the convening of the General Assembly, and submit them to the General Assembly for approval once every five years;
11) Admit persons to membership in the Organization and terminate membership in the Organization;
12) Exercise other powers provided by law.
31 In exercising his or her powers, the President shall act on behalf of the Organization without a power of attorney.
32 The President shall bear the liability prescribed by law for failure to perform or improper performance of the requirements of laws, other legal acts, the Organization’s Charter, decisions of the General Assembly, or obligations arising from concluded contracts.
VI. PROPERTY OF THE ORGANIZATION, SOURCES OF ITS FORMATION, AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS USE
33 The Organization shall own separate property and shall be liable for its obligations with that property.
34 The Organization may own immovable and movable property, including buildings, structures, vehicles, equipment, monetary funds, securities, and any other property not prohibited by law.
35 The sources of formation of the Organization’s property may include:
1) Contributions made by members of the Organization;
2) Income derived from the Organization’s entrepreneurial activities;
3) Funds received from commercial organizations established by the Organization or in which the Organization participates;
4) Allocations received from the state budget;
5) Donations, including grants;
6) Public collections and voluntary contributions;
7) Other sources not prohibited by law.
36 The funds and property of the Organization may be used solely for the implementation of the purposes and objectives set forth in its Charter. The property of the Organization, including profits derived from entrepreneurial activities, shall not be distributed among its members.
VII. REORGANIZATION AND DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION, AND THE USE OF ITS PROPERTY UPON DISSOLUTION
37 The Organization may be dissolved by a decision of the General Assembly or by a court judgment.
38 The General Assembly shall establish a liquidation commission and, in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law, determine the procedure and time limits for liquidation. Upon dissolution of the Organization, after satisfaction of creditors’ claims, the remaining property shall be directed toward the purposes provided for in the Organization’s Charter. If this is not possible, any remaining monetary funds shall be transferred to the state budget, and any other property shall be transferred to the Republic of Armenia, represented by the Government, under the right of ownership.
39 The Organization may be reorganized by a decision of the General Assembly or, in cases prescribed by law, by a court judgment, in accordance with the procedure established by law.
This Charter was executed on 7 March 2023 and consists of 9 pages and one annex.