500 Keywords
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Capability of judgement
The term capability of judgement refers to the ability to act reasonably. It is independent of age, but should always be examined in relation to a specific situation.
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Capacity to be a party to legal proceedings
The association as a legal entity can act as a party in litigation. It may act as plaintiff or defendant.
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Capacity to sue and be sued
An association that has been founded in a formally correct way is capable to sue and be sued, i.e. it can assert its rights in a lawsuit.
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Central federation
Umbrella association
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Chairmanship
The position or office of the chairperson is called chairmanship. This term refers to the function, not to the person who holds this office. The association is managed by the ex...
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Chairperson
The most important committee office is that of the chairperson. This person must hold the reins and ensure that the committee is able to work and performs its duties. However, h...
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Chairperson for one occasion
A person different from the chairperson can be appointed to conduct the general meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, that person is chosen for the duration of the meeting o...
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Chairperson of a meeting
The general meeting is conducted by the chairperson. Some associations have a chairperson for one day or one occasion only. This can be another committee member or an external p...
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Change of purpose
In the general meeting, members may decide on a change in the association’s purpose. In most cases, the articles of association provide for a qualified majority, e.g. a two-thir...
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Changes to the protocol
If a protocol item is inaccurate, its amendment can be requested. As a rule, the minutes of the last session are approved at the beginning of the next meeting. The correction of...
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Chart of accounts
A chart of accounts is a listing of all accounts used in the accounting system of an association. Associations have some freedom in the choice of a suitable chart of accounts. ...
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Checklists
Checklists are useful tools for repetitive processes and activities such as the planning and organisation of the annual meeting, the annual report or other meetings. Once create...
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Checks and Balances
The term “checks and balances” refers to the mutual control (checks) of an association’s bodies in order to achieve a balance (balances), which is helpful for the success of the...
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Circular resolution
Committee decisions can be taken at a meeting or in the form of a circular resolution, in which all committee members express approval or rejection with their signature. Nowaday...
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Civil Code (CC)
The Swiss Civil Code contains civil law, family law, inheritance law and property law. The legal provisions relating to associations can be found in Articles 60 to 79, those rel...
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Civil society
The term civil society refers to the network of organisations and initiatives that work without profit for the public benefit and contribute to the further development of a soci...
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Club membership
Membership
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Club organisation
Organisation of the association
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Club symbols
Club symbols include flags, trophies, honorary cups, pins, uniforms, membership cards, honorary certificates and club chronicles.
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Co-chair
Co-chairing
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Co-chairing
The office of chairperson may also be occupied by two persons. It is important to have a clear definition of the areas of responsibility in the team of two, i.e. an agreement on...
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Co-option
The articles of association may provide that the committee is not elected by the general meeting, but by another body, for instance by the committee itself. If the committee app...
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Code of Obligations
In addition to the general part and the various types of contracts, the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) contains provisions for those legal entities that pursue an economic purpose.
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Collaboration
Collaboration means doing things together: completing, achieving, accomplishing something. Every collaboration is defined by three "factors": the individuals ("I"), the group ("...
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Collective appeal
Associations are important interest groups. By means of a collective appeal, they can uphold the interests of their members or the public in certain areas with specific statutor...
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Commercial business
According to Article 934/I CO, a commercial business is a trading, manufacturing or other type of business run on commercial lines. Any independent activity carried out for prof...
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Commercial register
Associations whose purpose implies an engagement in commercial activities or who are subject to the audit requirement are obliged to register in the commercial register and are ...
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Commission
A commission shall consist of two to three or more persons from amongst committee members or members of the association. The commission shall be appointed by the committee and r...
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Committee
Executive committee
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Committee meeting
Committee meetings are held to take decisions concerning the management of the association. They should take place regularly and as often as necessary. They are convened and con...
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Committee members
The members of the committee are elected for a certain term of office (in accordance with the articles of association) at the general meeting and, as a group, manage the affairs...
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Communication
A distinction is made between internal and external communication. Internal communication refers to the exchange between committee, employees and members, while external communi...
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Compensation for damages
A compensation is payable if damage has been caused by wrongful, illegal conduct.
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Compensation for meetings
Attendance fees
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Compulsory membership
Compulsory membership exists only exceptionally and due to statutory provisions or in some cases for professional associations, which perform a supervisory function. As a princi...
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Concluding a debate
A keen sense for human nature and skilful moderation are required to conduct a general meeting: It is important to find a balance between firm leadership and an extensive exchan...
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Conducting a meeting
A committee meeting should be structured, efficient and participatory. The person chairing the meeting ensures that all members receive an agenda in advance, that the objectives...
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Conducting the general meeting
As a rule, the chairperson presides over the general meeting. For individual agenda items, however, other members of the committee may also take the lead, especially if motions ...
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Confirmation of honorary work done
An honorary office implies hard work. It requires a lot of dedication and skills. Therefore, it is a good idea to provide a confirmation that documents the activities and compet...
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Conflicts
Conflicts are part of life – including the everyday life of an association. Often, conflicts are the result of a lack of clear definitions of tasks and responsibilities. They pu...
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Consensus decision
Consensus means agreement on a proposal or solution, with no tacit or overt disagreement. Thus, there are no losers. However, it is easier to reach consensus on uncontroversial ...
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Consent decision
With a consent decision, a proposal is deemed to be accepted if there are no major or justified objections: Not "Yes, I agree!" but rather "I have no major, justified objection ...
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Constituting the committee
If the articles of association state that “the committee constitutes itself”, the committee itself is responsible for the internal distribution of tasks and responsibilities. If...
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Consultative voting
A consultative vote clarifies whether or not a particular project should be further pursued. It is not legally binding and cannot be challenged.
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Contingency vote
In a meeting, there may be several motions at different levels on the same topic. The chair of the meeting must arrange the votes on individual motions in the right order. In th...
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Contribution exemption
Individual member categories may be exempt from contribution payments where this is provided for in the articles of association. For instance, committee members and honorary mem...
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Control authority
Audit, auditors
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Controlling
The object of controlling is the procurement, preparation, analysis and communication of data for the preparation of decisions. It is an important planning and steering tool, bo...
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Conversion of purpose
Change of purpose
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Convocation of the general meeting
Invitation to the general meeting
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Cooperative
The cooperative also brings together people who share a common purpose. The members of a cooperative are partners and acquire a share certificate. A cooperative mostly pursues a...
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Copyright
Copyright arises automatically when a work is created, for example, when something is photographed, painted, written or composed. Protection does not require registration, nor i...
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Corporate Governance
Corporate governance refers to principles of good management practices, guidelines for correct behaviour and the approach of the committee in its relationship with the administr...
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Counter motion
For each main motion, a counter motion may be submitted. Example: A new locality is to be rented (main motion). A counter motion proposes that a property be bought. Both motions...
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Court of arbitration
For the settlement of disagreements between members and the association as well as for the contestation of resolutions, independent courts of arbitration as provided for in the ...
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Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding refers to a form of fundraising. Via an online platform and social media, rather small amounts of money (funds) are raised from many individual persons (the crowd)....
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Customary law
Observance