GENERAL REGULATIONS
WELCOME ASSOCIATION ITALY (WAI)
These General Regulations govern the internal organization, operation, and procedures of the Welcome Association Italy (WAI), in accordance with the association’s current bylaws.
Art. 1 – Purpose of the Regulations
These Bylaws govern the implementation of the Articles of Incorporation, the organization of the association’s activities, the rights and duties of members, the functioning of the governing bodies, and the administrative management of the WAI.
Art. 2 – Membership in the Association and Admission Review
Membership in the WAI is obtained by completing the membership form—which may also be submitted digitally—and paying the annual membership fee, in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws. The National Secretariat reviews the membership application and verifies compliance with the requirements set forth in the Bylaws within 30 days of receiving the complete documentation and payment of the membership fee. If the application is incomplete, the National Secretariat may request additional documentation or information, setting a deadline for the applicant to provide it. Any rejection of the application must be justified and communicated in writing to the applicant within 40 days of receipt of the complete application and payment of the membership fee. In the absence of notification of rejection within that period, membership is deemed confirmed, effective as of the date of payment of the membership fee.
Art. 3 – Membership Fees
The annual membership fee is set by the National Secretariat, in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws. The membership fee is due in full at the time of enrollment or renewal and cannot be prorated based on the member’s actual period of participation in the association’s activities. The membership fee paid to the WAI is non-refundable, even in the event of withdrawal, exclusion, expulsion, forfeiture of membership, failure to meet eligibility requirements, non-use of association services, or termination of the membership relationship for any other reason. Failure to pay the membership fee by the established deadline results in the suspension of association services and may lead to forfeiture of membership status, subject to a record being made in the Membership Register.
Art. 4 – Withdrawal and Termination of Membership
A Member may withdraw from the Association at any time by sending written notice to the National Secretariat, including via email or any other means that provides proof of receipt. The withdrawal takes effect on the date the National Secretariat receives the notice, without prejudice to any obligations or rights already accrued by or in favor of the Member. In any case, termination of membership does not entitle the Member to a refund, either in full or in part, of the membership fee paid.
Art. 5 – Union Representation
Members who are both employees and self-employed workers in the commerce and tourism sectors may authorize the collection of union dues on their behalf by FAST-Confsal or its affiliated organizations, in accordance with the procedures set forth in current legislation and applicable agreements.
Union representation is valid until revoked and entails the periodic payment of union dues in the amount established by the relevant statutory bodies of FAST-Confsal.
The revocation of union representation must be carried out in accordance with the procedures and timeframes established by law, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the organizational provisions of FAST-Confsal.
The granting, maintenance, or revocation of union representation does not affect the obligation to pay any membership dues owed to the WAI or the continuation of membership, unless otherwise provided for in specific agreements between the organizations concerned.
Art. 6 – Membership Register
The National Secretariat is responsible for maintaining the Membership Register, the Register of National Conventions, and the Register of Meetings and Resolutions of the National General Council, including in digital format, in compliance with personal data protection regulations.
Art. 7 – Members’ Rights
Members who are current with their dues are entitled to participate in the association’s activities, use its services, and take part in the activities organized by the WAI.
Art. 8 – Duties of Members
Members are required to comply with the Bylaws, these Regulations, the Code of Ethics, and the resolutions of the governing bodies. It is prohibited to use the WAI name or logo without authorization.
Art. 9 – Convening of Governing Bodies
Notices of meetings of the National Congress and the National Secretariat may be sent via email, digital platforms, or other appropriate means, specifying the agenda, the date, and the procedures for participation.
Art. 10 – Virtual Meetings
Meetings of corporate bodies may be held remotely, provided that the identification of participants, the opportunity to speak, and the proper recording of the minutes are ensured.
Art. 11 – Internal Elections
Elections for association offices are held by secret ballot, unless otherwise decided by unanimous resolution. The National Secretariat may appoint an Electoral Commission to oversee the voting process.
Art. 12 – Reimbursement of Expenses and Compensation
Holders of association offices may be reimbursed only for documented expenses, in accordance with the General Regulations. An exception is made for the National Secretary, who may receive compensation for the work performed, within the limits and in accordance with the procedures established by the Association’s competent bodies.
Art. 13 – Operational Divisions and Heads
The National Secretariat may establish operational divisions, project areas, or specific assignments—without financial or legal autonomy—and define their tasks and responsibilities.
Art. 14 – Use of the Logo and Distinctive Marks
Use of the WAI name, logo, and distinctive marks is reserved for authorized bodies and entities expressly delegated by the National Secretariat.
Art. 15 – Financial Management
All expenditures must be consistent with the association’s purposes and authorized by the appropriate bodies. Accounting records must be retained in accordance with the law.
Art. 16 – Transparency and Access
Members may request information about the association’s activities and review the documents specified in the Bylaws, in accordance with confidentiality policies.
Art. 17 – Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Measures
A violation of the Bylaws, these Regulations, or the Code of Ethics may result in a written warning, suspension, or expulsion from the Association, subject to a decision by the National Secretariat.
Art. 18 – Privacy, Data Processing, and Updating of Information
The WAI processes Members’ personal data in compliance with national and European data protection laws. Upon signing up, the Member reviews the privacy policy prepared by the Association and provides the data necessary for managing the membership relationship and delivering the requested services. Members are required to promptly notify the Association of any changes to their personal information, contact details, or other information relevant to their membership. The disclosure of data to third parties, affiliated entities, or service providers occurs exclusively to the extent necessary to provide the services requested by the Member and in compliance with applicable laws.
Art. 19 – Final Provisions
In matters not expressly provided for in these Bylaws, the Association’s Articles of Incorporation and applicable laws shall apply.
These General Regulations shall take effect on the date of their approval by the competent bodies of the Welcome Association Italy (WAI).