Bylaws for ISNA-MSE
International Snoezelen Association
Source: https://isna-mse.org/statuts/
October 2011 | Actualized version 12 April 2020 added 12B and 12C | Overall Actualized version 04 May 2026
1. Name and Homepage
The name of the Association is:
ISNA-mse, International Snoezelen Association Multi-sensory Environments.
It is referred to as “ISNA-mse” or shortened as “ISNA”. The official homepage is www.isna-mse.org
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the Association is to take care of the interests of professionals and “common” users to both private and public authorities in order to advance the development and use of Snoezelen throughout the world.
We work for:
Publications of scientific and pedagogical articles on websites, in magazines and books.
Creation of a training network, for the development of methods and contents in various application fields.
Further research into the effects of Snoezelen within all populations.
The Association’s members include: individuals and institutions from different countries and also hosts established Local ISNAs under its umbrella (e.g. ISNA-mse.ar).
3. Independence
The Association is independent of commercial interests.
4. Membership Eligibility
Any person or institution that works with or is related to the use of Snoezelen is eligible for
membership of the association. Personal or institutional membership is available.
General Assembly Meetings
The General Assembly is the highest authority. The AGM (the Annual General Meeting) is held every year in connection with the annual ISNA-mse conference. The GMA is convened on ISNA-mse’s official website, www.isna-mse.org.
An extraordinary General Assembly Meeting is held whenever a majority of the Board or 1 / 3 of the members request it.
Members shall be informed in writing at least 30 days in advance of a physical meeting and maximum 14 days before an electronic meeting. The notice shall be accompanied by an agenda of matters to be considered at the meeting.
AGM Agenda Points
The AGM shall include at least the following points:
Election of Board members
Election of Executive Committee by the members of the Board, to occur every three years from 2026.
Executive Committee Report for the past year.
The treasurer presents the audited accounts for approval.
Proposals
Determination of quota
Election of National Representatives
Other Items
The AGM will take place at the international ISNA-mse conference when possible.
Proposals from Members
Proposals from members must be in writing and sent to the Executive Committee at least one week before the AGM. Proposers must be present at the meeting in order to talk to the proposals.
The Board
The Board consists of a maximum of 12 members. Board members are elected for 3 years. Board members are required to actively participate in ISNA-mse meetings and activities. Board Members will show commitment, and presence to Snoezelen and isna-mse.
Four of the members of the Board are for election every third year. The Board may be extended with up to two members, by ordinary majority in general meeting, twice in a row. We will try to make sure the main world languages are represented in this board.
The Board holds an annual meeting in connection with the annual ISNA-mse conference after the AGM has been held. Additionally, if required, the board can establish committees, consisting of at least one Board member and members of ISNA-mse.
8a. Executive Committee (Decision of the Extraordinary General Assembly of 04 May 2026)
The organization shall establish an Executive Committee consisting of three (3) members of the Board, which shall replace the roles and responsibilities of the President and Vice
President.
Each member of the Executive Committee is authorized to act independently on behalf of ISNA-mse, including the authority to sign documents, contracts, banking instruments, and grant materials in the name of the organization.
In situations where an external entity requires the designation or signature of a “President,” any one of the three Executive Committee members shall be authorized to act and sign in that capacity. All actions taken under this authority shall remain subject to oversight by the Board.
A treasurer and a secretary are elected and it can elect a press contact at the annual board meeting after the AGM amongst the board members.
Voting and Statute Changes
Decisions at AGM are made by majority vote of those present. Changes to the ISNA-mse statues/bylaws can only happen at an AGM and must be approved by at least 60% of the members. If this quota cannot be met, an extraordinary AGM must be convened not earlier than 14 days and within 30 days of the general meeting. Resolutions at the Extraordinary AGM are adopted by a simple majority vote of those present.
Board Representation and Funds
The Board represents ISNA-mse and handles its affairs under the authority of the AGM, as it disposes of ISNA-mse funds to promote ISNA-mse purposes. The Board cannot borrow money without AGM approval.
Minutes and Deliberations
The Board shall keep minutes of its deliberations. Board decisions are valid only when a majority of its members are present, including the Executive Committee (at least two of the three Executives). Extra meetings can be held electronically, if necessary.
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year runs from January 1st to December 31st.
12a. Legal Signatures and Fund Access
The Association is legally bound by the individual signature of one of the Executive Committee, the cashier and the co-founder of isna-mse, who is a life time member of the board.
The Executive Committee, and the cashier are responsible for the funds of the Association, and they have access to the Association’s bank account.
12b. Financing and Allocation of Funds
The Association finances itself generally by the membership fees, organizing congresses, merchandising of small items like books or fan articles, sponsoring, crowdfunding, public subventions, by contributions of courses/training, donations and others.
As mentioned in Point 3 the Association is independent of commercial interests. The finances are used to the mentioned aims of the association or to cover the costs of the Association itself and, if possible, the Executive Committee or other Board-members.
Appointment of Auditors
An independent auditor is appointed. The independent auditor is appointed at the annual Board meeting and will look through the Association’s accounts and approve it before the following annual meeting. They do not physically need to be present at the general meeting.
Quota Year and Fees
ISNA-mse quota year runs from January 1st to December 31th. Payment contingents either as an individual or as an institution: the quota is decided at the AGM.
Use of Quota Yield
The yield of the quota is used to promote dissemination of knowledge about Snoezelen including support to networking between the countries (covering the cost of maintaining the website, hiring rooms for meetings, travel expenses of members in conjunction with conferences, development of courses and training in Snoezelen and support for publications of various kinds about Snoezelen. Decisions are to be approved by the Board.
Dissolution of the Association