IABIN Council

IABIN operates through a membership council called "IABIN Council." The Council is policy focused. It has the authority to make decisions and take action on behalf of IABIN.

IABIN will operate through a membership council called the IABIN Council.

Responsibilities of the Council

The Council is policy focused. It has the authority to make decisions and take action on behalf of IABIN. The main functions of the Council will be to:

1. Provide the vision and strategic direction for IABIN;
2. Develop policy for IABIN;
3. Make any necessary recommendations for coordination or action to the OAS;
4. Provide oversight of IABIN projects and progress;
5. Approve members to the Executive Committee;
6. Approve non-focal point membership to the Council;
7. Annually review the activities of the other IABIN governance bodies (Executive Committee, Council Committees, Technical Working Groups, etc.) to ensure the activities conform to IABIN objectives and address the needs of members; and
8. Approve annually a Budget and Program of Work for IABIN.

Membership in the IABIN Council

Membership in the IABIN Council differs from technical participation in IABIN through the Working Groups and projects. Membership on the Council comprises:

1. Officially designated National Focal Points;
2. Representatives from approved organizations, centers, institutions or initiatives of hemispheric or international scope which meet established criteria; and
3. A representative of the Diplomatic host organization.
4. The size of the Council will, for practical purposes, not exceed 50 members.

Voting Rights

Each Member of the Council shall have voice and vote.

Committees of the Council

The Council Chair may establish standing or ad hoc committees to support the work of the Council.

Officers of the Council

The Council will have a Chair and a Vice Chair.

The Chair shall preside over the Council and is responsible for the overall direction of IABIN and the proper implementation of these Rules of Procedure.

The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair as requested and shall act for the Chair in his/her absence at Council meetings.
Officers are elected for three-year terms by a 2/3 vote of the voting Council members.

Council Meetings

The Council should meet once a year and more frequently if needed at the discretion of the Chair, or by request of 6 members and approval by the Executive Committee. A minimum of 60 days' notice shall be given for Council meetings.

Minutes of each Council meeting shall be taken by a rapporteur appointed by the Chair for that meeting.