The Sjálfsbjörg National Convention was held on April 24 and 25. It had a modified format this time, as the first day was a workday for Sjálfsbjörg. There was a lecture on strengthening the spirit, organized by Proevent. The Halale Theatre Group came and presented a play that the group wrote and subsequently performed. The Frístundasafnið was presented, and finally, there was a lecture on Mindset and Communication for Transformation. On the second day, the annual general meeting was held in accordance with the association's bylaws. At the meeting, a proposed bylaw amendment regarding Direct membership in Sjálfsbjörg lsh. was presented and approved, which proposed that membership would be two-tiered:
• Membership through regional member associations as provided for by law, and
• Direct individual membership in Sjálfsbjörg through a direct members' division, independent of the member associations.
The goal is to add a new way to participate in the work of Sjálfsbjörg without diminishing the role of member associations. More people will be able to take part in the work of the national federation, including individuals in areas where it is difficult to maintain an independent association.
Division of Direct Individual Membership
It was proposed that individual membership be organized within Sjálfsbjörg in a special unit, a department for individuals—direct members—without it being an independent association or legal entity.
The chapter would have neither its own board nor budget. The Self-Help office would handle the chapter's administration, including member registration and meeting notices. The chapter would be given a special name in the bylaws of Self-Help.
A minimum of one annual meeting of direct members would be held, which could be held electronically. At the meeting, members would:
• elect national convention delegates from their group
• elect a representative of the division to sit on the Sjálfsbjörg chairpersons' meetings.
Individual members would also have the right to run for elected positions within Sjálfsbjörg, on the same basis as members of the affiliated associations. More about individual membership can be found in Article 6 of the bylaws. Various changes had to be made to the bylaws to adapt them to the new article. The changes were treated as a single legislative proposal regarding direct membership, which was approved by a majority vote with two abstentions.
After the election for the board, the same board members remained in office. The resolution of the 2026 Self-Help National Convention was on accessibility issues and was passed unanimously.
The meeting, which began at 9:30 a.m., was adjourned at 3:07 p.m.
