Some stages in the creation of your association under the 1901 law are less straightforward than others, and the founding general meeting plays a central role. Although not systematically required by law, it remains a crucial pillar in formalizing the steps involved in founding your association. Here we present the essential information on the founding general meeting, a key event for new associations.
Steps to create your association
The constitutive general meeting is the founding event of your 1901 law association. It takes place at the first meeting of the founding members, i.e., the individuals or entities behind the associative project, as well as the first members. The main purpose of this meeting is to create the association's articles of association and by-laws, the key elements that will guide the association's future organization and operation.
During this meeting, a number of strategic decisions were taken, including :
- defining guiding principles
- determining contributions
- appointment of the first executives
- choosing a name for your association
- head office selection
- inventory of available resources
Although it's not always compulsory to hold one, it' s practically unavoidable. It's at this meeting that the articles of association are approved and the minutes drawn up, two fundamental documents required by the authorities for the official registration of your association.
In addition, the constitutive general meeting offers the opportunity to formally elect the officers and directors who will represent and act on behalf of your association in its future endeavours. It's clear, therefore, that although it's not mandatory, it remains crucial to the formal establishment and future management of your association.
Formalities of the constituent AGM
Notice of this first meeting must be sent to all founder members and early-adopters. It must be in writing, setting out the details of the meeting and the agenda. The latter typically includes :
- validation of articles of association
- election of board of directors and executive committee
- definition of contributions
The documents needed to make an informed decision, including the draft bylaws, must be provided to members well in advance of the meeting.
The minutes, drawn up by the meeting secretary, are a faithful record of the meeting. They include essential information such as the date, list of attendees, debates and decisions taken.
So, even if the constitutive general meeting is not a legal obligation in all cases, it is a fundamental step in ratifying the articles of association and officially recording the creation of your association. After this meeting, the formalities can continue either online or by post.