Universal Liberal Union

Statute of the Universal Liberal Union

Preamble:

Recognizing the inherent interconnectedness of humanity and the arbitrary nature of national borders;
Believing in the paramount importance of individual liberty, reason, and secular governance;
Asserting the need for a unified global framework to address shared challenges and ensure universal progress;
Acknowledging the historical and societal constraints imposed by nationalism and religious dogma;
Guided by the core values of liberty, equality, secularism, globalism, and reason;
Committed to principles of non-discrimination and inclusion;

Therefore, we, the undersigned, hereby establish the Universal Liberal Union (ULU), a non-governmental organization dedicated to the realization of these principles.

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Article I: Name and Headquarters

1.1. The name of the organization shall be the Universal Liberal Union (ULU).
1.2. The headquarters of the ULU shall be located in a place determined by the Governing Council.

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Article II: Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the ULU are:

2.1. To promote and expand the principles of liberalism globally, emphasize individual rights, freedoms, and the rule of law.
2.2. To advocate for the progressive dismantling of national borders and the fostering of a sense of global citizenship.
2.3. To work towards the establishment of a democratic and accountable global governance structure capable of addressing transnational issues.
2.4. To promote a secular worldview based on reason, science, and critical thinking, advocating for the separation of religion and state.
2.5. To critically analyze and denounce the influence of clergy in politics.
2.6. To actively confront and oppose religious fundamentalism, recognizing it as detrimental to individual liberty, reason, and progress.
2.7. To actively counter ideologies of racism, xenophobia, and all forms of exclusionary identity politics.
2.8. To promote universal access to education, healthcare, and other essential services under a global framework.
2.9. To support and collaborate with individuals, organizations, and movements that share similar objectives.
2.10. To conduct research, publish materials, and organize events to raise awareness and promote the ULU’s aims.
2.11. To undertake international campaigns and awareness initiatives to advance the ULU’s objectives on a global scale.

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Article III: Membership

3.1. Membership in the ULU shall be open to individuals who subscribe to the aims and objectives of the organization, regardless of their nationality, origin, or belief.
3.2. The categories of membership and the procedures for application and admission shall be determined by the Governing Council.
3.3. The rights and responsibilities of members shall be defined in the internal regulations of the ULU.
3.4. Affiliate Membership: National or regional political parties or organizations that align with the broad liberal values of the ULU may apply for affiliate membership, subject to criteria and procedures established by the Governing Council. The rights and privileges of affiliate members, including representation and voting rights within the ULU’s structures, shall be defined in the internal regulations.

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Article IV: Structure and Governance

The ULU shall have the following governing bodies:

4.1. The General Assembly: Composed of all members, it shall be the supreme decision-making body of the ULU, meeting periodically to set overall policy and elect the Governing Council.
4.2. The Governing Council: Elected by the General Assembly, it shall be responsible for the strategic direction, management, and daily operations of the ULU. The size, composition, and terms of office of the Governing Council shall be defined in the internal regulations.
4.3. The Executive Committee: Appointed by the Governing Council, it shall be responsible for the implementation of the policies and decisions of the Governing Council.
4.4. Secretariat: Headed by a Secretary-General appointed by the Governing Council, it shall be responsible for the administrative functions of the ULU.

Regional Autonomy within Global Framework: The ULU recognizes the need for regional offices or councils to have a degree of autonomy in adapting global strategies to local contexts and addressing region-specific challenges, within the overall framework and objectives of the ULU. The specific scope of this autonomy shall be defined in the internal regulations. 4.6. Mechanisms for Regional Coordination: The ULU shall establish mechanisms to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and coordination between the global leadership and regional bodies, as well as among the regional bodies themselves. These mechanisms will be detailed in internal regulations. 4.7. Research and Publications Department: The ULU may establish a department dedicated to conducting research, producing policy papers, and publishing materials that support its aims and inform public discourse. The structure and functions of this department shall be defined by the Governing Council. 4.8. Public Events and Forums: The ULU may organize conferences, seminars, and other public events to raise awareness, promote its ideas, and engage with policymakers, experts, and the public. The planning and execution of these events shall be overseen by the relevant bodies within the ULU, as determined by the Governing Council. 4.9. Campaigning and Advocacy Department: The ULU may establish a department responsible for developing and implementing campaigns and advocacy strategies to advance its objectives at the global, regional, and national levels. The structure and functions of this department shall be defined by the Governing Council. Article V: Finances 5.1. The ULU shall be funded through membership fees, donations, grants, and other lawful means. 5.2. The financial management of the ULU shall be transparent and accountable, with regular audits conducted. 5.3. The Governing Council shall establish financial regulations and oversee the allocation of resources. Article VI: Amendments 6.1. Amendments to this Statute may be proposed by the Governing Council or by a specified number of members as defined in the internal regulations. 6.2. Amendments shall be adopted by a supermajority vote of the General Assembly. Article VII: Dissolution 7.1. The dissolution of the ULU may be decided by a supermajority vote of the General Assembly under specific circumstances outlined in the internal regulations. 7.2. In the event of dissolution, the assets of the ULU shall be distributed in accordance with the decisions of the General Assembly, adhering to relevant legal requirements. Article VIII: Internal Regulations 8.1. The Governing Council shall be empowered to adopt internal regulations for the effective functioning of the ULU, consistent with this Statute, including but not limited to details regarding membership, governance structures, financial procedures, and the implementation of the articles outlined herein. Article IX: Against Religious Fundamentalism 9.1. The ULU shall actively confront and oppose religious fundamentalism, recognizing it as detrimental to individual liberty, reason, and progress. The organization will work to promote critical thinking, scientific literacy, and secular values in order to counter the negative influence of these forces. Article X: Grassroots Mobilization Strategies 10.1. The ULU shall develop and implement strategies for engaging and mobilizing individual members and the broader public to support its campaigns and objectives at local, national, and international levels. These strategies may include online activism, community organizing, public demonstrations, and other forms of civic engagement, as determined by the Campaigning and Advocacy Department and approved by the Governing Council. The specifics of these strategies shall be further detailed in the internal regulations and campaign plans. Final Provisions: This Statute shall enter into force upon its adoption by the founding members.