Governance

Summary

Name: The name of the organisation is Office of Displaced Designers, hereafter referred to as "ODD".

Legal Status: ODD is a Nonprofit Association registered in Estonia [MTÜ: 80635020], governed by the laws and regulations of the Republic of Estonia. 

Mission: ODD is dedicated to supporting people who have been displaced and marginalised through the use of design and design education to create equitable and inclusive environments. We also aim to increase understanding of the issues around displacement and marginalisation.

Objectives: as stated in our Articles of Association

  1. Advance sustainability justice (social, environmental, cultural, economic) through responsible design practices and the provision of transformative educational and research activities;

  2. Foster inclusion of displaced and marginalised designers in the creation of sustainably just spaces and places by supporting the development of social capital and advocating for inclusive and equitable policies and initiatives;

  3. Champion trauma-informed design practices to promote psycho-social well-being and healing;

  4. Promote positive narratives of those we work with and challenge common misconceptions of people that have been 'displaced' or 'marginalised';

  5. Engage in campaigns, events, or profit-making initiatives to raise funds for the charitable cause.

Governance Structure:

Board of Directors: ODD is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of four members: Amalia Katopodis, Elizabeth Cunningham, Robert Mull, and Shareen Elnaschie. The directors are also co-founders.

Officers: The Board of Directors are responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the organisation.

Meetings: The Board of Directors will hold regular meetings to discuss organisational matters, make decisions, and oversee the implementation of ODD's mission and objectives. 

Decision-Making: Governance decisions will be made by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Financial Management:

Funding Sources: ODD will seek funding from diverse sources including grants, donations, sponsorships, and fundraising activities. ODD is also permitted under law to undertake commercial activities that further the goals of ODD, with all profits being re-invested in the mission and programs. Decisions on accepting donations are made per our Ethical Fundraising Policy.

Budgeting: The Board of Directors will develop an annual budget outlining expected income and expenditures, ensuring responsible financial management and accountability. 

Financial Reporting: ODD will maintain accurate financial records and provide regular reports to the Board of Directors and any members. Annual accounts will be shared clearly on the website for any interested public.

Decision Making

Projects: The Board of Directors will assess potential projects through the mechanisms of a project charter, risk register, budget and program. These documents combined form the basis of our decision-making, monitoring and evaluation framework for each project.

Amendments: Amendments to this governing document may be proposed by any current member.

Dissolution: In the event of ODD's dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit organisations with similar missions, as determined by the Board of Directors.


Date of Adoption: [5th April 2024]

Date of Next Review: [10th January 2025]