I.NAME AND SEAT OF THE ASSOCIATION

Zurich Storytellers (“ZST”) is a non-profit, politically and religiously neutral Association in accordance with Article 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code having its seat in Herrliberg (ZH) Switzerland.

II. PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Association is dedicated to advancing the art and practice of storytelling, honoring both the diversity and shared humanity of our experiences. Through the power of storytelling, we foster deeper understanding and meaningful connections. By showcasing this timeless artform, through live events and digital platforms, we strive to build a more empathetic world where every individual’s story matters.

The Association fulfills its mission by:

• Building an inclusive community for storytellers and story lovers—Swiss locals, expats, and individuals of all nationalities.
• Producing live and digital storytelling events, including shows, workshops, and other engaging formats.
• Encouraging storytelling participation through inspiring ZST-led initiatives and outreach.
• Collaborating with aligned organizations to expand storytelling’s reach and impact.
• Sharing storytelling content widely, offering both freely accessible and premium experiences.

III. MEMBERS

Membership is open to all who support the art of storytelling and pay the annual membership fee. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Membership automatically renews at the end of each fiscal year unless canceled in writing (via email) by the member.

All members agree to uphold the Association’s Community Standards (Appendix). Violations may result in membership termination or other actions determined by the Board.

Member Benefits

Members in good standing enjoy:

1. Participate and vote at the annual General Assembly (GV) to help shape the Association’s future.
2. Receive exclusive members-only storytelling resources, workshops, and digital content.
3. Attend the annual Community Celebration to connect, share stories, and celebrate together.
4. Vote to select future StorySLAM themes and contribute to creative programming decisions.

Additional benefits may be introduced by the Board to further enrich the member experience.


IV. FUNDING & RESOURCES

The Association sustains its operations and fulfills its mission through the following revenue streams:

1. Membership fees (annual contributions from members)
2. Charitable donations (grants and philanthropic support)
3. Event revenues (ticket sales for shows, workshops, and special events)
4. Product sales (proprietary content and authorized merchandise)
5. Other fundraising activities (initiatives benefiting the Association)

All funds are dedicated to advancing the Association's mission and supporting its storytelling community.

V. ORGANIZATION
The organization of the Association is made up of the ZST membership and its Board of Directors.
The bodies of the association are:

• The General Assembly
• The Board of Directors

IV. GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Meetings & Procedures

• Annual Meeting

Held during the last month each year
Members shall receive written notice (via email) at least 30 days in advance

• Extraordinary Meetings

May be convened at any time with approval from 50%+1 of the Board of Directors
Requires written notification to all members

• Voting Procedures

Decisions made by physical or virtual show of hands
Simple majority of present voting members required for resolutions

• Statute amendments or dissolution require:

✓ Quorum: 50%+1 of Board members present
✓ Simple majority approval of voting members
✓ Presidential tie-breaking vote if needed

• Administration

The President and Secretary are responsible for:
✓ Scheduling meetings
✓ Recording and archiving minutes

Powers & Responsibilities
The General Assembly holds exclusive authority to:

1. Ratify the Association's founding documents
2. Amend the Articles of Association (Statutes)
3. Approve:

• Previous meeting minutes (Secretary's report)
• Annual financial statements (Treasurer's report)

4.Grant annual discharge (décharge) to the Board
5. Adopt the forthcoming year's budget
6. Establish meeting protocols and guidelines
7. Dissolve the Association

Quorum & Voting Rules
For Regular Decisions:

• Majority vote of members present (in-person or virtual)
• No minimum attendance required

For Statute Changes or Dissolution:
Requires:

• At least 3 Board members present (if your Board has 5 members)
• Majority vote of attending members
• President breaks ties

V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Composition & Membership
Structure: 3-6 members comprising:
Core officers (President, Treasurer, Secretary)
Up to 3 at-large members appointed by President and confirmed by Board majority
Eligibility: All Directors must be ZST Association members
Member Representation: Any member may be nominated and elected by Board majority vote
Term: No fixed term length

Meetings & Procedures

• Frequency: Minimum annually, or as needed (President's discretion)
• Protocol:

Advance notice with agenda
Treasurer's report circulated beforehand

• Voting:

Simple majority of attending Directors
Presidential tie-breaking vote

• Records: Minutes available to members upon request

Succession & Resignation
Directors may resign by notifying the Board at the next meeting (recorded in minutes).

Powers & Responsibilities
The Board is authorized to:

1. Manage all operational, financial, and administrative affairs
2. Represent the Association externally
3. Execute General Assembly decisions
4. Prepare for General Assembly approval:

• Annual budget
• Financial statements

5. Administer membership (admissions/exclusions)
6. Manage all assets and resources
7. Hold signature authority for contracts
8. Convene General Assembly meetings
9. Ensure compliance with Swiss law and Association statutes
10. Establish and enforce Community Rules and Code of Conduct (Appendix XI)

VI. FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Fiscal Year & Reporting

Fiscal Period: 01 January - 31 December annually.
Financial Disclosure: The Treasurer shall prepare annual financial statements for presentation at the General Assembly meeting held in the last month of each year.


VII. DISSOLUTION

Termination Procedure

• Authorization: Requires 2/3 majority vote of the Board of Directors present
• Asset Distribution: Remaining assets to be allocated at the Board's discretion in accordance with Swiss law

VIII. FINAL PROVISIONS

These Articles of Association (Statutes) are adopted with immediate effect by the Association membership at the meeting held on _________________ in Zurich, Switzerland.



President: …………………………
Mr. Joel Blom


Treasurer: …………………………………
Ms. Maria Barikhina


Secretary: ………………………….
Ms. Anita Blom


At-Large Board member 1:
Laura Badertscher


At-Large Board member 2:
Daniel Perez Whitaker




APPENDIX

X. MISSION AND VISION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Vision Statement
A world where storytelling bridges divides, nurtures empathy, and illuminates the shared human experience—one story at a time.

Mission Statement
We empower storytellers and audiences alike by fostering the art of storytelling through live events, digital platforms, and community engagement. Our mission is to cultivate connection, amplify diverse voices, and inspire a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.

XI. COMMUNITY RULES AND CODE OF CONDUCT
The Zurich Storytellers Association (ZST) is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space where people feel safe to share personal stories. All members, performers, volunteers, audience members, and Board members are expected to uphold the following principles:

1. Respect for All
We value each person's background, identity, and voice. Discrimination, harassment, or hate speech of any kind will not be tolerated—whether verbal, physical, or online.
2. Storytelling with Integrity
We believe in the power of true, personal storytelling. Stories shared at ZST events should reflect the storyteller’s lived experience. While creativity and interpretation are welcome, fabricated or appropriated stories are not in the spirit of our events.
3. Consent and Sensitivity
Storytellers are encouraged to reflect carefully on how they speak about others—especially those who are identifiable. Consent should be sought when possible, or names and details altered to protect privacy.
4. Mindful of Sensitive Topics
ZST events are public and intergenerational spaces. We ask storytellers to avoid gratuitously graphic content (e.g., detailed violence, explicit sexual descriptions, or hate speech) and to approach topics like trauma, abuse, self-harm, politics, and religion with care, intention, and appropriate content warnings whenever necessary. ZST event organizers reserve the right to stop a performance if necessary to protect the audience.
5. No Unsolicited Promotion
ZST events are for sharing stories—not for selling products, promoting services, or pushing agendas. Promotion is only allowed if it is part of a sponsorship or partnership explicitly approved by the ZST Board or managing team.
6. Friendly Competition
Some ZST events include a competitive format (e.g., StorySLAMs), but our spirit is one of encouragement and mutual support. We cheer for every voice, whether it's a first-time teller or a seasoned performer. Winning is fun, but growth and connection are the real prizes.
7. Accountability
Violations of these rules may lead to appropriate action, including warnings, exclusion from events, or revocation of membership. All decisions will be handled fairly by the Board or managing team, with respect for confidentiality and due process.