OKVETO

OKVETO MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT AND PARTICIPATION TERMS

Version 2.0 | Effective Date: 19.05.2025

INTRODUCTION: A FRAMEWORK FOR COLLECTIVE IMPACT

This agreement is more than a legal contract—it is a shared framework for action and purpose. OKVETO brings together students, professionals, and changemakers in a collaborative environment where ideas evolve into impactful projects. As a global community, our mission is to build a fair, innovative, and engaged society through inclusive participation.

Traditional models of youth organization no longer meet the needs of today’s dynamic and digitally connected generation. OKVETO offers an adaptive, federated structure that prioritizes agility, transparency, and collective intelligence. Our central platform, okveto.org, serves as both an operational base and a collaborative space for our members.

By submitting a membership application, individuals affirm that they understand and accept the responsibilities and principles set out in this document. OKVETO is legally established in Türkiye as a non-profit association, with affiliate operations and representation in other countries.

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITIONS AND FRAMEWORK

Organization: Refers to “Öğrenci Kulüpleri ve Toplulukları Derneği” (OKVETO), a legally registered non-profit association based in Yalova, Türkiye, operating with a global scope.

Platform: Includes all digital services provided under the domain okveto.org and related subdomains, mobile applications, and online tools officially managed by OKVETO.

Member: An individual whose membership application has been approved by the Board of Directors, who agrees to abide by this agreement and the OKVETO Charter, and who is granted access to community benefits and responsibilities.

Charter: The primary internal legal document of OKVETO, in line with Turkish civil law, defining its organizational structure, operations, and decision-making processes.

Intellectual Property: Original content including articles, designs, code, media, and similar materials created and published by Members on the Platform.

Code of Conduct: A set of behavioral and ethical standards required of all Members to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive community environment.

ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY AND STRUCTURE

2.1 Global Membership Approach:
This Agreement serves as a core legal document prepared under Turkish law, with the intent to be recognized across multiple jurisdictions. In cases where local law conflicts with a provision in this Agreement, only that provision shall be interpreted according to local law, and the remaining terms shall remain enforceable. Membership fees and procedures may vary based on country-specific conditions.

2.2 Application and Approval:
Membership applications must be submitted via the official Platform. The Board of Directors will evaluate applications within 30 (thirty) days, considering only alignment with OKVETO’s goals and ethical standards. Discriminatory criteria are not permitted. Approved Members are issued a digital identification credential and added to the membership registry.

2.3 Membership Categories:

• Full Member: Eligible to vote and be elected, with all rights and duties outlined in the Charter, including payment of dues.
• Honorary Member: Granted by the Board in recognition of significant contributions to OKVETO or broader society; honorary members have no voting rights or dues obligation.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBER RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Upon admission, Members receive the following benefits:

• Participation in Governance: Including voting rights and eligibility for leadership positions.
• Event Access: Priority access to member-only events, training programs, and international collaboration opportunities.
• Member Perks (OKVETO+): Discounts, scholarship opportunities, and professional partnerships through our affiliate network.
• Publishing Rights: Members may submit original content to be featured on okveto.org.
• Project Support: Opportunities for mentorship, funding, and collaboration in member-led initiatives.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBER DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS

Members are expected to:

• Uphold Organizational Values: Follow the principles outlined in the Charter, this Agreement, and the Code of Conduct.
• Pay Dues Promptly: A registration fee of 20 TL and annual dues as determined by the General Assembly are mandatory for Full Members.
• License Intellectual Property: Content published by Members remains their property; however, OKVETO is granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use such content for non-commercial purposes.
• Maintain Conduct Standards: Members must contribute to a respectful and inclusive community environment and avoid harassment or harmful behavior.

ARTICLE 5: DIGITAL GOVERNANCE

OKVETO adopts digital tools to modernize its governance model, incorporating practices such as secure online voting, digital notifications, and transparent decision-making systems. Members agree to participate in and support ongoing innovation in administrative processes.

ARTICLE 6: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Voluntary Resignation: Members may withdraw by written notice or via the Platform. Any unpaid dues up to the date of resignation remain the responsibility of the resigning Member.

Termination by the Board: Membership may be revoked for cause after notice and an opportunity to respond, including:

• Repeated or serious violation of this Agreement or the Code of Conduct;
• Intentional harm to OKVETO’s mission or reputation;
• Non-payment of dues for more than ten months;
• Loss of legal eligibility.

Effect of Termination: The Member’s name will be removed from the registry, and no claims may be made over organizational assets.

ARTICLE 7: PRIVACY, LIABILITY, AND DISPUTES

Data Protection: OKVETO complies with the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Members’ data is used solely for purposes related to their participation. The full Privacy Policy is available at www.okveto.org/privacy.

Limited Organizational Liability: OKVETO is not responsible for actions, statements, or disputes between Members or with third parties.

Legal Jurisdiction: All legal disputes arising from this Agreement shall be governed by Turkish law. Jurisdiction is assigned exclusively to the courts and enforcement offices in Yalova, Türkiye.

CLOSING STATEMENT: A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

By accepting this Agreement, you commit not only to a community but to a shared mission. Together, we advance our individual potential and our collective future.

The OKVETO Board of Directors