Foundation of the World Muscle Society
THE ORIGINAL WORLD MUSCLE SOCIETY WMS CHARTER
Article 1: FOUNDATION AND NAME
This organization was founded in London, UK, on 4th June 1995, with a meeting of founding Members (See Annex 1). It shall be known as the World Muscle Society (WMS).
Article 2: OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE
Section 1
The activities of WMS shall be open to all professionals working in the neuromuscular field, irrespective of nationality, race and political opinion. It shall be a multidisciplinary Society, reflecting in particular the different disciplines involved in the study of neuromuscular disorders and the management of patients with those disorders.
Section 2
It shall be the Aims of the WMS:
a) to provide a multidisciplinary scientific forum to advance and disseminate knowledge in neuromuscular field for the benefit of patients.
b) to stimulate, encourage and help to develop programs for professionals working in the neuromuscular field
c) to encourage multidisciplinary collaboration
d) to provide opportunities for young investigators in the neuromuscular field
e) to promote the achievement of standards in clinical practice
Section 3
The means for achieving these aims shall be:
a) the organization of regular meetings to exchange scientific information
b) the organization of teaching courses
c) the promotion of international collaborative research and training
d) the publication of reports
Article 3: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Category of members
There shall be one category of members: active members. All active members shall have the right to vote and to hold office.
Section 2: Eligibility
All professionals actively working in the neuromuscular field, irrespective of discipline, are eligible for membership (See Article 2.1). The Executive Board will decide on individual eligibility.
Section 3: Application
Request for membership shall be submitted by written application to the Executive Board.
Section 4: Membership fees
The Executive Board will establish the annual membership fee for active members.
Section 5: Tenure of membership
Membership will continue subject to paying the annual dues. The Executive Board has the right to terminate membership under special circumstances.
Article 4: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1
The Executive Board of the WMS shall be: a President a Secretary a Treasurer the Editor-in-Chief of Neuromuscular Disorder at least six additional members
A Nominations Committee will be appointed by the President from the Advisory Board. Members may propose nominations for the Executive Board to the Nominations Committee. The Executive Board will vote on nominations put forward by the Nominations Committee. The membership will vote on the election of officers.
Section 2
The officers shall each serve a term of 2 years. They are eligible for re-election for a second term.
Section 3
Any vacancy during the tenure of the Board shall be filled by an individual selected by the Board to complete the unexpired term.
Article 5: DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1
The Executive Board shall meet not less than once every year.
Section 2
The Executive Board shall consider proposals relating to future meetings.
Section 3
The President may establish ad hoc committees to further the aims of the Society.
Section 4
The Secretary will maintain a list of active members and prepare an annual report of WMS activities.
Section 5
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection and disbursement of funds.
Article 6: ADVISORY BOARD
In addition to the Executive Board an Advisory Board will be established which is broadly representative of the different disciplines within the neuromuscular field. This Board will advise the Executive Board in relation to all matters of relevance in connection with the activities of the Society.
Article 7: FINANCES
Section 1
The WMS shall be ruled as a non-profit organization.
Section 2
The WMS shall be financed by membership fees. Additional support may be sought from other sources to meet special needs, e.g. the organization of conferences.
Article 8: OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY
The Journal, Neuromuscular Disorders, will be the official Journal of the WMS. The Editor-in-Chief will be a member of the Executive Board.
Article 9: HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD
An Honorary Advisory Board will be establish of representatives from other associations with an interest in neuromuscular disorders.
Article 10: AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER
These articles may be amended, altered or repealed by the vote of at least two-thirds of the voting members, who shall be given at least one (1) month notice of any such changes.
Article 11: OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language of the Society will be English.
Annexe 1
WORLD MUSCLE SOCIETY List of the Attendees at the Foundation
Meeting Ciba Foundation, London Sunday 4th June 1995
Corrado Angelini
Victor Dubowitz
Laszlo Dux Lars
Edstrom Robert
Griggs Hyam Isaacs
Jean-Claude Kaplan
Luciano Merlini
Giovanni Nigro Eijiro
Ozawa Georges
Serratrice Hideo
Sugita Michael
Swash Fernando
Tome Gerta Vrbova
WORLD MUSCLE SOCIETY List of the Foundation Members
Angelini C, Arahata K, Askanas V, Ben Hamida M, Bobrow M, Brooke M, Brown R, Buckingham M, Campbell K, Cooper B, Danieli GA, Davies K, DiMauro S, Dubowitz V, Dux L, Edsrom L, Edwards R, Emery A, Engel WK, Engel A, Fardeau, M, Fonatine B, Fukuyama Y, Goebel H, Griggs R, Harding A, Harris J, Haussmanowa-Petrusewicz I, Henricksson KG, Hoffman E, Isaacs H, Kakulas B, Kaplan J-C, Karpati G, Kunkel L, Melki J, Mendell J, Merlini L, Monaco T, Munnich A, Nigro G, Nonaka I, Osawa E, Osawa M, Rowland L, Rudel R, Sarnat H, Scarlato G, Schwartz K, Serratrice G, Siegel I, Somer H, Sugita H, Swash M, Voit T, Thomas PK, Tome F, Van Ommen G, Vrbova G, Walton J, Worton R, Yaffe D, Zatz M.
The original WMS Charter document can be download as PDF from here.