Governance

At the Sayed Kayan Association, clear structure ensures clear accountability. Our General Assembly of registered members sets the constitutional direction, elects leadership, and approves key plans and reports. A Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and represents SKA publicly, while standing committees drive day-to-day excellence in culture, communications and partnerships, and finance and audit. When helpful, an Advisory Council of subject-matter experts offers non-governing guidance to strengthen our programs, archives, and evaluation. Together, this framework keeps our mission focused, our governance strong, and our impact measurable.

General Assembly
The highest decision-making body, comprising registered members who endorse SKA’s constitution. The Assembly:

• Approves and amends bylaws and policies
• Elects the Board of Directors
• Reviews annual activity and financial reports
• Approves budgets and strategic plans
• Authorizes regional branches and major initiatives

Board of Directors
The permanent executive authority responsible for:

• Strategic leadership and policy implementation
• Establishing and supervising committees
• Stewarding assets and ensuring financial oversight
• Preparing annual reports, financial statements, and regulatory filings
• Representing SKA at cultural, academic, and community forums

Standing Committees

• Cultural Committee: Cultural, literary, and artistic programming; publications; archives; research projects
• Communications & Partnerships Committee: Donor relations, institutional partnerships, media, events, and speaker series
• Finance & Audit Committee: Budgeting, records, internal controls, risk oversight, and support for financial statements

Advisory Council (optional)
A non-governing body of subject-matter experts who provide guidance on culture, education, archives, and impact evaluation.