Chapter 1. Name, Location, and Purpose

Article 1. Name, domicile, and member associations

1.1. Sjálfsbjörg, the National Federation of Organizations for People with Disabilities, hereinafter referred to as Sjálfsbjörg, is a voluntary and independent association formed by members of the disabled community.

1.2. The area of operation of Sjálfsbjörg is Iceland.

1.3. The home and legal venue of Sjálfsbjörg is in Reykjavík. Sjálfsbjörg's address is at the office of the association.

1.4. Self-help may join organizations, domestic or foreign, upon a proposal from the board, and such a proposal must be approved by the general assembly to take effect.

Article 2. Mission and Guiding Principles

2.1. The mission of Sjálfsbjörg is to work for the full participation, rehabilitation, and equality of people with mobility impairments in Iceland, and, where applicable, other disabled people, and to protect their rights and interests.

2.2. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a guiding principle in the work of Sjálfsbjörg.

Article 3. Objectives and Activities

The goals of Sjálfsbjörg and the main tasks in support of Sjálfsbjörg's role are:

1. Ensure that people with disabilities, like others, have access to facilities, environments, education, employment, services, and information.
2. To educate, empower, and support people with disabilities in all matters concerning their status in society, including in cooperation with the member associations of Sjálfsbjörg.
3. Working to strengthen and equalize health and social services for people with disabilities.
4. To raise public awareness, among government authorities and labor market stakeholders, of the issues of people with disabilities through educational, publishing, and promotional activities on disability, accessibility, and other matters concerning people with disabilities.
5. Advocate for and advance the interests and rights of people with disabilities, including to the Althingi, the government, labor market stakeholders, associations, businesses, and others.
6. To cooperate with the government and other parties, domestic or foreign, in accordance with the mission of Sjálfsbjörg.
7. Fundraising from public entities, legal entities, and individuals for the activities of Sjálfsbjörg, including for specific projects and advocacy work.
8. To operate the health care facility, Kjark Rehabilitation, in a separate association and distinct from the operations of Sjálfsbjörg, in accordance with Chapter 9 of these laws.

Chapter 2. Organization and Membership

Article 4. Democratic organization

4.1. Sjálfsbjörg is an independent legal entity and is registered as an association in the business registry.

4.2. The board, elected at the national convention, manages the governance, policy-making, and affairs of Sjálfsbjörg between national conventions.

4.3. The Executive Director, appointed by the Board, manages the day-to-day operations of Sjálfsbjörg, directs the office, and hires Sjálfsbjörg's staff in accordance with the Board's strategic direction.

4.4. The Chairperson's Meeting is a consultative forum for the chairpersons of the member associations and the board of Sjálfsbjörg.

4.5. The National Convention is the forum for the member associations of Sjálfsbjörg to exercise their decision-making power in the affairs of Sjálfsbjörg and holds the supreme authority of the national federation.

Article 5. Financial Basis

5.1. Sjálfsbjörg is not run for a profit, and membership in Sjálfsbjörg carries no financial rights.

5.2. The operations of Sjálfsbjörg shall be funded by annual dues from member associations, contributions and grants from public entities and other sponsors, fundraising by Sjálfsbjörg, rental income from property owned and operated by Sjálfsbjörg, and, as applicable, other operating income and payments for services provided by Sjálfsbjörg to public entities and others under contract.

5.3. Member associations of Sjálfsbjörg are not liable for the debts and other obligations of Sjálfsbjörg except through their annual dues.

5.4. The income of Sjálfsbjörg shall be allocated in accordance with the mission of Sjálfsbjörg. Sjálfsbjörg shall pay costs related to its operations and costs for the participation of representatives of member associations at the national convention, in accordance with detailed rules established by the board pursuant to Article 43.

5.5. Transactions involving the assets of Sjálfsbjörg shall always be based on market value at all times. The sale or purchase of real estate or other property that is significant to the operations of Sjálfsbjörg requires the approval of the national convention.

Article 6. Member Associations

6.1. Associations of people with mobility impairments, and other associations, whether their members have disabilities or not, that work on the issues of people with mobility impairments in their area of operation in accordance with the mission of Sjálfsbjörg, may become members of Sjálfsbjörg.

6.2. There can be only one member association in each municipality, but an association's area of operation can cover more than one municipality.

 7. Sec. Conditions for membership

The conditions for membership in Sjálfsbjörg are:

1. The purpose and activities of the association shall be to advance the rights and interests of people with disabilities within its area of operation, in accordance with the mission of Sjálfsbjörg.
2. The association shall not be operated for profit, and membership shall not carry financial rights.
3. The association's bylaws shall clearly state that contributions to the association and its assets shall be used exclusively for the aforementioned purpose, as per item 1, and also in the event it ceases operations.
4. The association shall be democratically structured and shall have at least ten members.
5. The company shall have been in operation for three full fiscal years.
6. The association shall be legally and financially independent from other associations.

Article 8. Application for Membership

8.1. An application for membership must be submitted to the Sjálfsbjörg office at least three months before the national convention.

8.2. The application for admission shall be accompanied by:

1. Copy of the company's bylaws.
2. Copies of the audited annual financial statements for the last three years.
3. List of the names of board members and those in positions of trust within the association.
4. A membership list containing the names of members, their social security numbers, their home addresses, and their email addresses.

Article 9. Handling of membership application

9.1. An application for membership shall be submitted to the Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg. If the application meets all the requirements of the bylaws of Sjálfsbjörg, the Board shall make a recommendation to the General Assembly for its approval. The denial of an application under this provision shall not be submitted to the General Assembly.

9.2. The admission of new member associations, in accordance with a resolution of the national convention, takes effect upon the adjournment of the national convention.

Article 10. Rights of Member Associations and Their Members

The main rights of member associations and their members are:

1. Participation in all the work of Sjalfsbjorg.
2. Eligibility of members of member associations for elected positions at Sjálfsbjörg.
3. Participation in the national convention with the right of member associations to submit proposals and their representatives to the national convention, and the right to vote by the convention delegates.
4. Access to the services and education of Sjálfsbjörg, in accordance with the applicable rules at any given time.
5. The right to apply for grants from Sjálfsbjörg in accordance with the applicable rules at any given time.

Article 11. Payment of annual dues and other obligations of member associations.

Member associations shall:

1. Pay an annual fee to Sjálfsbjörg, which is a fixed amount per member determined by the national convention for the following year. The annual fee must be paid by the end of March each year and is based on the number of members as of January 1 of that year.
2. Meet the membership requirements of Article 7 for as long as the membership lasts.
3. The name of the association shall be "Self-Help" and its area of operation. "Self-Help" and its area of operation shall be placed first in the association's name, followed by "Association of the Disabled," if the association so chooses.
4. They work on the rights and interests of people with disabilities within their area of operation and in accordance with the laws of Sjálfsbjörg, as approved by the national convention and the board. They participate in the joint projects of Sjálfsbjörg. Otherwise, the associations have free rein over their internal affairs and operations.
5. Hold an annual general meeting and elect a board of directors (a minimum of three directors).
6. Send to the Self-Help office no later than one month from the annual general meeting:
7. List of board members and those who hold positions of trust for the association.
8. The annual report and financial statements were approved at the annual general meeting.
9. The laws of the company have been changed for them.
10. Send the Self-Help office an updated membership list as of January 1 of the same year, no later than the end of January each year.
11. Inform the office of Sjálfsbjörg, if the association is dissolved, about the disposition of its assets to the rights and interests of people with disabilities in Iceland, in accordance with the association's purpose.

Chapter 3. Withdrawal and Expulsion

Article 12. Withdrawal

12.1. A member club may withdraw from Sjálfsbjörg. A written notice of withdrawal, signed by a majority of the club's board, must be submitted to the Sjálfsbjörg office and shall take effect immediately.

12.2. If non-payment of dues under Article 11 has persisted for three consecutive years, the member shall be considered to have withdrawn from Sjálfsbjörg.

12.3. A member club that withdraws from Sjálfsbjörg has no claim to a share of Sjálfsbjörg's assets.

Article 13. Termination

13.1. The General Assembly may expel a member organization from Sjálfsbjörg if it:

1. Works against the interests of Sjalfbjargar, the role of the national federation, and its purpose.
2. Fails to fulfill its duties under this law.
3. Violates the resolutions of the national convention or the board of directors.

13.2. The National Assembly decides on expulsion upon the recommendation of the Board, and requires the approval of at least 2/3 of the votes cast by the delegates at the National Assembly.

3.13. The Board shall notify the board of a member association of a proposed expulsion no later than four weeks before the national convention where the proposal will be presented. The notification must state the reasons therefor and, where applicable, provide further explanations.

13.4. A member club proposed for expulsion from Sjálfsbjörg at the national convention may present its objections at the convention when the expulsion proposal is considered.

13.5. A member club expelled from Sjálfsbjörg has no claim to a share in Sjálfsbjörg's assets.

Chapter 4. National Convention

Article 14. National Assembly

14.1. The National Convention shall exercise the supreme authority in the affairs of Sjálfsbjörg.

14.2. The member associations exercise their decision-making power in the affairs of Sjálfsbjörg at the national convention and nominate delegates to that convention with freedom of speech, the right to make motions, and the right to vote.

14.3. An annual general meeting shall be held in April or May. If the board does not convene the annual general meeting, each member association shall have the right to demand that a general meeting be held.

14.4. The Board of Sjálfsbjörg may decide that delegates to the national convention may participate electronically, including voting without being present, provided that methods are used that ensure the participation of delegates and that they can exercise their rights at the convention in accordance with these bylaws.

Article 15. Continuing National Convention

15.1. The National Assembly may decide to hold a continuation session on matters not concluded during its regular session. It shall be held as soon as possible, but no later than four weeks after the adjournment of the National Assembly.

15.2. At a continuation of the national assembly, only those matters may be discussed that were the reason the meeting was adjourned and a continuation of the national assembly was called.

15.3. The mandate of the appointed national convention delegates, in accordance with Article 18, also extends to subsequent national conventions.

Article 16. Special Town Meeting

16.1. The Board of Sjálfsbjörg may convene an extraordinary national convention if it deems it necessary.

16.2. The board is required to call a special general meeting if a chairperson's meeting or at least one-third of the boards of Self-Help's member associations request it for the purpose of addressing a specific matter. The request for a special general meeting must be submitted in writing to the board of Self-Help, specifying the agenda item.

16.3. The board shall call the meeting with as short notice as circumstances permit, but in no case with less than one week's notice. The rules for annual general meetings shall apply mutatis mutandis.

4/16. The mandate of the appointed national convention delegates, as per Article 18, also includes extra national conventions.

Article 17. Notice and Legality of the National Assembly

17.1. The Board shall convene an annual general meeting with at least two months' notice by email to the chairs of member associations, or by other verifiable means, and by posting the notice on the Sjálfsbjörg website. Additionally, an area shall be opened on the website where the national assembly's documents are regularly posted.

17.2. The meeting place and time, as determined by the Board in consultation with the chairpersons' meeting, shall be specified in the notice of the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state if the meeting is held partially or entirely online, in accordance with Article 14.4.

17.3. The agenda and meeting materials for the annual general meeting shall be made available no later than two weeks before the annual general meeting and published promptly on the Sjálfsbjörg website.

17.4. A general meeting is considered legal if it is duly called.

Article 18. National Convention Delegates

18.1. Delegates nominated by each member association are entitled to attend the General Assembly. Delegates to the General Assembly must be members of the member association they are nominated by.

18.2. No later than six weeks before the annual national convention, member associations shall submit to the Sjálfsbjörg office a list of convention delegates and their alternates.

3.18. The number of representatives of each member association shall be determined as follows:                                                  

1. Each member association receives one representative for every 40 full members, see item 5, or for a partial number of 40 members.
2. However, each member association is entitled to at least two representatives and at most one-third of the total number of delegates.
3. Associations that have not submitted the Sjálfbjörg membership roster, annual report, certified annual financial statements, or are in arrears on membership dues, as per items 6 and 7 of Article 11, shall receive one representative at the national convention.
4. If dues have been delinquent for three consecutive years, the member shall have no representation at the annual meeting.
5. The number of full members is determined in accordance with the applicable bylaws of the respective association. However, members who do not enjoy full rights, such as sponsors, shall not be included.

Article 19. Right to Attend the National Assembly and Observer Representatives

19.1. Board members of Sjálfsbjörg, managers of funds owned by the national federation, committee members, and members of Sjálfsbjörg's policy groups who are not designated as delegates to the national convention have the right to a seat, freedom of speech, and the right to make motions at the national convention.

19.2. The executive directors of Sjálfsbjörg and Kjark have the right to use the floor, freedom of speech, and the right to make motions.

19.3. The auditor of Self-Help has the right to speak and be heard at the Self-Help national convention when the annual financial statements of Self-Help are discussed.

19.4. Candidates for positions of trust at the national convention who are not delegates to the national convention have the right to a seat, freedom of speech, and the right to make motions.

5.1. The National Convention may approve granting others permission to attend the National Convention as observer delegates upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg, a member club, or a National Convention delegate. Observer delegates have the right to freedom of speech and to make motions.

Article 20. Convocation of the General Assembly, Chairperson, Secretary, and Minutes

20.1. The general meeting is presided over by a chairperson in accordance with general rules of procedure.

20.2. The chair of the board or another person designated by the board calls the meeting and presides over the election of a chairperson.

20.3. The chair shall have elected a secretary, who shall record the minutes, and two delegates to the national convention to review and confirm the minutes with their signature after the meeting, together with the secretary and the chair. The minutes shall record the decisions of the national convention along with the results of the votes.

4.20. The office of Sjálfsbjörg shall publish the minutes on Sjálfsbjörg's website no later than two weeks after the national convention.

Article 21. Agenda of the National Assembly

The following matters shall be taken up for consideration and disposition at the general meeting:

A. General business:

1. Election of a chair, a secretary, and two delegates to review the minutes.

2. The board's report for the last calendar year.

3. The revised annual report of Sjálfsbjörg.

4. Report of the Board and audited annual financial statements of Kjark Rehabilitation.

5. Reports of member associations.

6. Reports and summaries of funds, committees, and working groups

7. Operating and financial plan for the current year and the next year.

8. Determination of the annual fee.

9. Compensation for board membership in Sjálfsbjörg.

10. Membership Applications.

11. Changes to the law

B. Election to the board in accordance with Article 28.4 for a two-year term:

12. Election of the chairperson.

13. Election of Vice President.

14. Election of treasurer.

15. Election of secretary.

16. Election of a co-chair.

17. Election of a substitute member.

C.Election to the Kjarks board for a two-year term in accordance with Article 42.2:

18. Election of a board member to the Kjarks board for a two-year term.

19. Election of a deputy to the Kjarks board for a two-year term.

D. Elections to the Electoral Committee pursuant to Article 23.1:

20. Election of two election committee members for a two-year term.

21. Election of one election committee member for a two-year term.

22. Election of a substitute member to the election committee for one year.

E. Other elections:

23. Election to the boards of other associations, institutions, and funds, as appropriate.

24. Election of committees and issue groups as appropriate.

D. Conclusions and other matters:

25. Resolutions, policies, and campaign issues.

26 Other matters.

Article 22. Eligibility to vote

22.1. All members of the member associations of Sjálfsbjörg are eligible to run for elected positions at the national convention, but board members of Sjálfsbjörg and Kjarks must be of legal age. The Chairperson of the Self-Help Board, a majority of the board, and at least half of the board's alternate members must be mobility-impaired.

22.2. If there is only one candidate for an office at the national convention, that person is automatically elected. If there is more than one candidate for an office, an election shall be held between them at the national convention, and the candidate who receives the most votes is elected. The number of votes determines whether people become main members or alternates, unless alternates are to be elected separately. If two or more candidates receive an equal number of votes and their ranking is significant, the outcome will be decided by a lottery, unless a different method is proposed.

22.3. Members elected at the national convention as main members to the board, committees, and issue groups of Sjálfsbjörg shall not serve in the same board, committee, or issue group for more than six consecutive years. If an individual has served in the middle of a term, they may complete that term in addition to three full terms, for a maximum total of seven years. A minimum of one year must pass from the end of the maximum consecutive term of office before a person is permitted to run for re-election and take a seat on the same board, committee, or policy group. All roles on the board, including alternates, are counted as service in the same position when calculating continuous service under this provision. Service as Chair of Sjálfsbjörg is independent of previous board service.

Article 23. Nomination and Election Committee

23.1. The Election Committee is a three-member committee elected for two-year terms at the national convention. Two committee members shall be elected in one year and one in the other. In a year ending in an even number, two committee members shall be elected for two-year terms. In an odd-numbered year, one commissioner shall be elected for a two-year term. A vice-chair shall be elected annually for a one-year term. The committee shall elect a chair.   

23.2. The role of the Nominating Committee is to ensure a sufficient number of candidates for the positions to be elected at the National Convention. All members of the member associations of Sjálfsbjörg shall be given the opportunity to run for office and to participate in the nomination process. The Nominating Committee shall prioritize a diverse slate of candidates, promote gender balance, and ensure that the representation of people from outside the capital region and the capital region itself in boards, committees, and issue groups is as balanced as possible.

23.3. The Nominating Committee, in cooperation with the Self-Help office, shall solicit nominations and accept suggestions for members of Self-Help's member associations for elected positions at the National Convention.

4.23. The office of Sjálfsbjörg shall send the election committee's announcement to the member associations of Sjálfsbjörg and their members by email no later than two months before the national convention. At the same time, the announcement shall be published on the Sjálfsbjörg website. The announcement of the election committee shall specify the names, email addresses of the committee members, and the deadline for candidacies.

5.23. Nominations must be submitted to the nominating committee no later than four weeks before the national convention. Candidates may submit a short promotional statement to the nominating committee. All candidates have an equal right to present their candidacy, as well as at the national convention.

6.23. The Nominating Committee shall send the Self-Help office a list with the names of the candidates and the member associations they belong to no later than two weeks before the national convention. The list shall be accompanied by the candidates' promotional materials. The Sjálfsbjörg office shall then immediately send the list from the election committee, with the candidates' names, to the member associations, delegates to the national convention, and their alternates, and shall also publish it on the Sjálfsbjörg website.

23.7. The Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg is responsible for the work of the Nominating Committee. The Board, in cooperation with the Nominating Committee, may establish more detailed rules regarding the Nominating Committee's work and nominations.

8.23. If a nomination is received too late, it is subject to approval by the national convention with a majority of the votes cast.

23.9. If an individual in a position of trust for Sjálfsbjörg resigns before their term expires, a replacement takes over and an election for the position is held at the next national convention.

Article 24. Proposals on the meeting agenda and meeting materials

24.1. Proposals to be submitted to the national convention, such as resolutions and amendments to the bylaws, must be in writing and sent to the Sjálfsbjörg office no later than four weeks before the national convention. The Sjálfsbjörg Secretariat shall send the proposals to the national convention delegates and member clubs no later than two weeks before the national convention and publish them on the Sjálfsbjörg website.

24.2. Proposals received after the meeting has begun can be added to the agenda of the national assembly with the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast.

3.24. The office of Sjálfsbjörg shall email meeting materials, including the annual reports and annual financial statements of Sjálfsbjörg and Kjark, to national convention delegates and member clubs no later than two weeks before the national convention, and publish them on the Sjálfsbjörg website.

Article 25. Ballotings

25.1. Each delegate to the national convention has one vote and may not grant another person a proxy to cast their vote.

25.2. A majority of votes shall decide the outcome at the national convention, except in cases concerning the expulsion of a member club, new proposals on the national convention agenda, amendments to the bylaws, and dissolution, as per Articles 13.2, 24.2, 26.2, and 45.2.

25.3. Ballotings shall be in writing if requested. Electronic balloting, as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 14.4, shall be considered a written ballot for the purposes of this provision if it is secret.

Article 26. Amendments to the Law

26.1. Proposals for amendments to the bylaws shall be submitted to the general meeting in accordance with Article 24.

26.2. Amendments to the bylaws require the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a general meeting.

Chapter 5. Chairman's Meeting

Article 27. Chairman's Meeting

27.1. The Board shall convene the chairs of all member associations to at least two chairperson meetings with the Board during the term of office for consultation and information sharing between the Board and the member associations regarding the affairs of Sjálfsbjörg and common affairs of Sjálfsbjörg and the member associations. The Board is authorized to invite more than just the chairs to a chairperson's meeting.

27.2. At least one-third of the boards of member associations of Sjálfsbjörg may demand that the board of Sjálfsbjörg convene a chairperson's meeting to discuss a specific matter.

27.3 Chairperson meetings shall be called in a verifiable manner, for example by email, with at least ten days' notice. Chairpersons may send a board member in their place to the meeting or bring additional representatives with them from the member association's board. Chairs may also request to bring additional representatives, other than board members, from the member association.

4.27. The participation of the chairperson and/or their representative must be confirmed for the meeting as soon as possible.

27.5. A chairperson's meeting can adopt recommendations to the board of Sjálfsbjörg and public resolutions, among other things, to the government.

27.6. The Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg may decide that meeting participants can participate in a chairperson's meeting electronically.

27.7. The Board of Directors may require a special general meeting, as per Article 16, to address a specific matter.

Chapter 6. Board of Directors, Executive Director, and Office

Article 28. Role of the Board and Election

28.1. The Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg shall exercise the supreme authority and manage the affairs of the national association between national conventions in accordance with the mission of Sjálfsbjörg, the decisions of the national convention, these bylaws, and provisions of law.

28.2. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Treasurer shall sign the name of Self-Help jointly.

28.3. The Board consists of a Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and a Board Member, who are elected for two-year terms at the annual general meeting. Two alternates shall also be elected for two-year terms to have the right to attend board meetings.

28.4. In an even-numbered year, a chairman, treasurer, one member-at-large, and one alternate shall be elected for a two-year term. In an odd-numbered year, a vice-chairman, secretary, and one alternate shall be elected for a two-year term.

Article 29. Alternates on the Board of Directors

29.1. Alternate board members shall be called to board meetings and receive all meeting materials. They are permitted to attend board meetings without the right to vote but shall take the seat of a board member in the event of an absence.

29.2. If the chairperson resigns during the term of office, the vice chairperson takes over as chairperson until the next national convention.

3.29. If a vice president resigns during the term of office, the board shall elect a vice president from among its members to serve until the next national convention.

4.29. If a board member resigns during their term, the alternate who has been elected for the longest time will take over.

Article 30. Main Duties and Functions of the Board

30.1. The Board directs and organizes the activities of Sjálfsbjörg and safeguards the interests of the national federation in all respects in accordance with Sjálfsbjörg's mission, on behalf of the National Convention and not individual member associations.

30.2. The Board shall oversee and supervise the assets, fundraising, and operations of Sjálfsbjörg. The Board shall ensure that adequate controls are in place over the association's accounting and is responsible for the preparation of the annual financial statements, in accordance with Chapter 8.

30.3. The Board of Directors sets the policy and main priorities of Sjálfsbjörg. It shall prepare an operating and financial plan for the current fiscal year and the next year and submit it annually to the national convention for approval.

4.30. The board shall appoint representatives to boards and committees on behalf of Sjálfsbjargar, unless the bylaws provide that the national convention shall elect representatives.

30.5. The board shall establish its own rules of procedure at the beginning of its term regarding the board's role and the execution of its tasks, including, where applicable, rules on the duties of the board chair and the executive director and their division of responsibilities.

Article 31. Chairman of the Board

31.1. The chairperson of the board speaks on behalf of the board regarding the policies of Sjálfsbjörg, in consultation with the board and its operating procedures.

31.2. The chair of the board represents the board to the executive director between board meetings.

31.3. The Board of Directors determines the chairman's employment percentage and enters into an employment contract with him for his duties as chairman, including the planning of Self-Help's work, communication with the member associations, strategy development, policy work, and external representation, such as with the government and others.

4.31. The Board is authorized to delegate to the Chair of the Board individual tasks that are considered a normal part of the Chair's duties, for which a fee may be paid. The Board may set a fee for the Vice Chair and other board members who temporarily assume the duties of the Chair or Vice Chair.

Article 32. Board Meetings

32.1. Board meetings shall be held regularly at a minimum of eight times a year.

32.2. The Executive Director shall attend board meetings with the right to speak and make motions, unless the board decides otherwise in individual cases.

32.3. The board may determine in its rules of procedure that board meetings or participation in them may be conducted electronically, including that voting on individual matters be conducted by email.

32.4. The chair shall call board meetings in a verifiable manner with at least one week's notice, unless special circumstances require otherwise. The agenda and meeting materials shall be sent with the notice of the meeting. A meeting shall be held if any board member or the executive director so requests, and within five days of the request.

32.5. A board meeting is valid if it has been duly called and a quorum is present. However, an important decision may not be made without giving all board members an opportunity to discuss the matter, when feasible.

32.6. A majority of the votes of the board members present shall decide the outcome of a board meeting. The chair's vote shall be the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

32.7. The board shall keep minutes, recording the outcomes and decisions of each matter considered.

Article 33. Appointment and duties of the Executive Director

33.1 The Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg appoints an Executive Director and enters into an employment contract with them. The Executive Director may not serve on the Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg.

33.2 The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and shall follow the policies and directives of the Board. Day-to-day operations do not include measures that are unusual or significant.

33.3 The Executive Director shall report on the operations and status of Sjálfsbjörg at board meetings whenever the board so requests.

33.4. The Executive Director may act externally on behalf of Sjálfsbjörg and bind Sjálfsbjörg in matters pertaining to day-to-day operations, but not in its policy matters.

Article 34. Office of Self-Help and Staff

34.1. The Executive Director of the Board of the Self-Help Office, in consultation with the Chair.

34.2. The Executive Director hires staff for the office and has all day-to-day management.

34.3. Efforts shall be made to ensure that no less than half of Sjálfsbjörg's staff are people with disabilities, and that the gender ratio is as balanced as possible.

Article 35. Conflicts of Interest and Ineligibility

35.1. A board member or executive director shall not participate in the handling or decision-making of a matter concerning a contract between them and Sjálfsbjörg, or in any other matter where their interests may conflict with the interests of Sjálfsbjörg. The same applies to Sjálfsbjörg's staff.

35.2. A board member and the executive director are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest as defined in section 35.1. and must voluntarily recuse themselves if such circumstances exist. A majority of the board may decide that a board member or executive director must recuse themselves if circumstances described in section 35.1 exist and the individual does not recuse themselves voluntarily.

35.3. It is prohibited to provide loans to directors and employees or to provide security for them.

Chapter 7. Committees and Issue Groups

Article 36. Committees and Issue Groups

36.1. The General Assembly may elect, and the Board may form, committees and working groups to address specific matters for Sjálfsbjörg.

36.2. The board is responsible for the work of committees and working groups. The board establishes their job descriptions and operating procedures for their work and project execution, including the role of the chairperson, the keeping of minutes, and reporting.

36.3. The board may determine compensation for work on committees and task forces.

Chapter 8. Accounts and Auditing

Article 37. Responsibility of the Board and the Managing Director for the Accounting and Annual Financial Statements

37.1. The Board of Directors and the Executive Director shall ensure that Sjálfsbjörg's books are kept and that the annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Accounting Act.

37.2. The board, together with the executive director, approves the annual financial statements of Sjálfsbjörg with its signature.

Article 38. Fiscal Year

Self-Help's fiscal year is the calendar year.

Article 39. Certified Public Accountant

The board of Sjálfsbjörg shall appoint a certified public accountant or an accounting firm to audit Sjálfsbjörg's annual financial statements.

Article 40. Adoption of the annual financial statements and their publication

40.1. The annual report of Sjálfsbjörg shall be presented at the national convention for approval.

40.2. The approved annual report of Sjálfsbjörg shall be published on Sjálfsbjörg's website as soon as possible and no later than two weeks after the national convention.

Chapter 9. Courage of Rehabilitation

Article 41. Mission and Organization of Kjarks Rehabilitation

41.1. Sjálfsbjörg shall operate Kjark Rehabilitation, a healthcare institution as defined by the Health Care Services Act, in a separate entity distinct from the operations and finances of Sjálfsbjörg. The entity's revenues and assets may only be used for its operations.

41.2. Kjarkur Rehabilitation, hereinafter referred to as Kjarkur, shall provide specialized, interdisciplinary, and individualized rehabilitation in accordance with the Health Care Services for People with Disabilities Act for individuals with neurological and/or brain injuries.

41.3. The board, elected by Sjálfsbjörg, is responsible for the operations of Kjark on behalf of Sjálfsbjörg. The board of Sjálfsbjörg determines, in consultation with the board of Kjark, the compensation for the board members' services.

41.4. The Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg shall adopt the bylaws of Kjarki upon the recommendation of Kjarki's Board of Directors and shall ratify them. The Board of Directors of Sjálfsbjörg may request that specified changes be made to Kjarki's bylaws and may request a recommendation for such changes from Kjarki's Board of Directors.

41.5. The annual report and financial statements of Kjark shall be presented at the national convention of Sjálfsbjörg.

41.6. The approved annual report of Kjark shall be published on Sjálfsbjörg's website as soon as possible and no later than two weeks after the national convention.

Article 42. Election and Nomination of Kjarks Board Members

42.1. The Board of Directors of Kjark consists of five main members and two alternates. The board must ensure the necessary and diverse expertise regarding the status of people with disabilities, in the field of healthcare and/or rehabilitation, and in financial operations (finance).

42.2. Two members of the Kjarks board and one alternate member shall be elected at the annual general meeting. Board members shall be elected for two-year terms, one each year. In an odd-numbered year, an alternate member shall be elected for a two-year term.

42.3. Three board members and one alternate member shall be nominated by the Board of Self-Help, which shall ensure the necessary professional expertise within the board. Two board members shall be appointed in one year and one in the other. In an even-numbered year, two board members shall be appointed for two-year terms and one alternate for a two-year term. In an odd-numbered year, one board member shall be appointed for a two-year term. Nominations of the Self-Help Board for the Kjarks Board in accordance with this provision shall take place at the first board meeting after the annual general meeting.

42.4. The Kjarks Board divides its duties annually at the beginning of the term of new board members and elects a chair and a vice chair from among its members.

42.5. It is prohibited for more than two board members of Sjálfsbjörg to also serve on the board of Kjörk, and for the chairman of Sjálfsbjörg to also serve as chairman of the board of Kjörk.

Chapter 10. Miscellaneous Provisions

Article 43. Rules for the further implementation of the law

43.1. The board is authorized to establish rules for the detailed implementation of individual sections of the bylaws. The rules shall be published to member associations and on the Sjálfsbjörg website.

43.2. Rules under this article shall always be within the framework of the relevant articles and this Act.

Article 44. Notifications of Changes to the Business Registry

The office of Sjálfsbjörg shall notify the business registry of amendments to Sjálfsbjörg's bylaws, the election of a new board member or an alternate member to the board, or changes to the authority to bind the association, along with other information that has been registered in the business registry.

Article 45. Termination

45.1. Upon the dissolution of Sjálfsbjörg, the assets of the national association shall be allocated to the rights and interests of people with disabilities in Iceland, in accordance with the mission of Sjálfsbjörg and a further decision by the national convention.

45.2. A proposal for the dissolution of Sjálfsbjörg shall be presented at a national convention in accordance with Article 24 and requires the approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast at the national convention. A proposal for the dissolution of Sjálfsbjörg must also include a proposal for how the assets of Sjálfsbjörg are to be disposed of within the framework of Article 45.1.

45.3. If the general meeting has, in conjunction with the decision on dissolution, approved the final financial statements, balance sheet, and income statement, in accordance with the Accounting Act, which are presented by the board of Sjálfsbjörg, stating that the association has no debts and that Sjálfsbjörg has no liabilities, a formal liquidation procedure is not required. The board of directors of Sjálfsbjörg shall then handle the liquidation, making the necessary arrangements for the dissolution and disposition of assets, unless a national convention decides to entrust this task to an elected liquidating committee or a receiver.

45.4. If a decision is made to dissolve Sjálfsbjörg and any debts exist, the general meeting shall elect a liquidator, and the liquidation shall then be governed by Section 23(2) of the Act on Non-profit Associations.

45.5. If the dissolution of Sjálfsbjörg has been decided, the financial disposition of Sjálfsbjörg's assets is permitted only to the extent necessary for the liquidation process.

45.6. When the liquidation of Sjálfsbjörg is completed, the liquidation shall be reported to the corporate registry and Sjálfsbjörg shall be dissolved.

Article 46. Entry into force

These laws shall take effect immediately.

Adopted at the National Convention of Sjálfsbjörg on April 26, 2025.