INPIM Byelaws

Bylaws of the International Network on Participatory Irrigation Management

As amended on December 14, 1999, at the meeting of the INPIM Board of Directors during the Fifth International Seminar on Participatory Irrigation Management in Hyderabad, India.

ARTICLE I - OBJECTIVES

The International Network on Participatory Irrigation Management is a non-profit organization facilitating Participatory Irrigation Management through the exchange of people, ideas, and training materials. The objectives of this Network are to:

• Produce and circulate the INPIM Newsletter;
• Organize seminars, workshops, conferences and training programs to exchange experiences;
• Arrange the exchange of professional experts, training materials and information on best practices and literature;

Undertake any other activities that may further the promotion and implementation of Participatory Irrigation Management, which term shall include watershed management, soil and water quality management and gender equity.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
A. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

Any individual or institution involved in research, training, implementation of Participatory Irrigation Management activities, or who has a professional interest in irrigated agriculture (e.g., water user associations, agricultural agencies, etc.) is eligible for membership in the Network. Members are defined as qualified individuals/institutions who have submitted an application form and have paid the appropriate dues. Membership shall be divided into three categories: annual individual membership, lifetime individual membership and institutional membership.

B. DUES

Dues shall be assessed on each member (individuals and institutions). The membership year shall run from July 1 of the year of enrollment to June 30 of the year after. Membership fees shall be US$10 annually for individuals, US$30 for lifetime individual membership and US$200 annually for institutional membership. Members of the National Chapters shall pay the type and level of fees determined autonomously by the chapter concerned.

ARTICLE III - ORGANIZATION

Each member shall have one vote in selecting a member of the Board of Directors from his/her concerned country or international entity. The Board of Directors will select a Chairperson who in turn will designate an Executive Secretary overseeing the Secretariat. The selection of the Executive Secretary shall be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The INPIM shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of several members representing different countries, international entities, and the Executive Secretary, as an ex-officio member. Board members will serve three-year terms. The Board of Directors may create an Executive Committee and any additional committee as the need arises.

The Board of Directors shall have charge of funds and endowments of the network, authorize expenditures, and conduct other business as may be desirable. A minimum of 5 members of the Board of Directors or executive committee of the Board shall meet at least once during each two fiscal years (July1 to June 30).

Any member who holds a position that carries a significant responsibility concerning activities related to Participatory Irrigation Management, or who has made a significant contribution to Participatory Irrigation Management or anyone else who is considered suitable by the country members, is qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Nominations to the Board of Directors will be made by the members from each country or international entity. There will be one alternate member designated for each member. Any member country or international entity having 10 or more lifetime members is eligible to be represented on the Board of Directors. Those countries/international entities having 200 or more lifetime members shall be eligible to nominate a second member to the Board. Those countries/international entities having 500 or more lifetime members shall be eligible to nominate a third member to the Board.

ARTICLE V - NATIONAL CHAPTERS OF INPIM

Any country represented on the Board of Directors may create a National Chapter of INPIM after acquiring 10 lifetime members. The National Chapter shall be duly registered according to the relevant national laws. The Bylaws of the National Chapter shall not contradict the INPIM Bylaws as described in this document.

ARTICLE VI - CHAIRPERSON AND SECRETARIAT
A. CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD

The Chairperson of the Board will be selected by the Board of Directors, with majority votes. The Chairperson will have a term of three years and will be responsible for facilitating the work of INPIM by arranging for the INPIM Secretariat. Selection of the Chairperson of the Board will be made on the basis of his/her ability to provide intellectual leadership and the technical and financial resources required for the day-to-day operation of the Secretariat. The Chairperson shall perform the following functions:

• Preside over meetings of the Board;
  Designate an Executive Secretary, to be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors;
  Ensure that the Board accomplishes its objectives.

B. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

An Executive Secretary will be designated by the Chairperson of the Board and confirmed by the Board of Directors. The Executive Secretary, who is responsible to the Board of Directors, will oversee the work of the Network, and specifically the day-to-day activities of the Secretariat. The Executive Secretary will also provide support to the National Chapters as required and feasible.

C. SECRETARIAT

A Secretariat will conduct the day-to-day business of INPIM. The location will be determined by the selection of the Chairperson of the Board, and will normally be in the same institution. The role of the Secretariat will be to:

• Produce a periodic Newsletter for the membership;
  Organize seminars on PIM;
• Arrange visits by INPIM Fellows;
• Collect and disseminate training materials on PIM;
• Maintain INPIM accounts;
• Screen membership applications;
• Maintain the membership database;
• Prepare Annual Reports;
• Mobilize funding;
• Facilitate technical and financial support to the National Chapters;
• Undertake any other tasks as may be required to achieve INPIM's objectives.

D. ADVISORY BOARD

There will be an Advisory Board that will advise the Board of Directors on strategic and critical issues. It will be composed of persons who either have made substantial contributions to PIM or INPIM or are persons of great repute willing to serve. Members are invited by the Board. Members of the Advisory Board may attend meetings of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII - FINANCES

In countries where a National Chapter has been established, INPIM membership dues shall be paid to the National Chapter and a portion of the funds shall be passed on to the INPIM Secretariat. The percentage of funds to be passed on to the INPIM Secretariat shall be determined by a vote of the INPIM Board. Each National Chapter shall provide an annual accounting of their funds to the INPIM Secretariat.

In countries where no National Chapter has been established, INPIM membership dues shall be sent directly to the INPIM Secretariat and deposited to the INPIM account. The Secretariat will provide an accounting of these funds in an Annual Report to the Board of Directors. INPIM may charge for services and receive contributions from donors.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors or by a 2/3-majority vote of members responding to a mail or fax ballot sent not less than 30 days before the dates for receipt of the ballots.