Profile:
The Syrian Future Movement (SFM) is a political organization born from the Syrian revolution. It was founded in 2012 and officially registered in the United States on November 13, 2012, at 3:54:18 PM, with the participation of Syrian freedom fighters both inside and outside the country. Its aim is to contribute to achieving the goals of the Syrian revolution and rebuilding a free, unified, and independent Syria.
Syrian Future Movement (SFM): Initially named
It was later registered in several other capitals.
It is considered one of the first civil movements and parties established in the early months of the Syrian revolution.
Article 1:
Name: Syrian Future Movement (SFM)
Article 2:
Location: The Syrian Arab Republic, and all official headquarters inside and outside the country.
Article 3:
The Syrian Future Movement considers itself a gateway encompassing all segments of the Syrian people, regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion, or sect. The Syrian Future Movement strives to protect the Syrian people and their state from all forms of political or religious tyranny and seeks to make Syria a leader in its Arab and Islamic spheres. It works to ensure that the Syria of the future joins the ranks of developed nations. To achieve its goals, it adheres to the principle of consultation (Shura) and the democratic process. Its methodology relies on disseminating sound, moderate, and tolerant religious awareness. It embraces a liberal economic approach that advocates for individual freedom while emphasizing the necessity of preserving and respecting it. It recognizes no minorities within the framework of citizenship, nor any majority outside the bounds of justice and transparency. The Syrian Future Movement is committed to spreading renewed political awareness among all citizens, and especially among its members. It works to solidify a spirit of rational, patriotic, ethical, and value-based collective action to confront all current and future challenges, thereby contributing to the Syrian renaissance. Furthermore, it views women as equal partners to men, on the same legal and moral footing, and supports their leading role in all fields and sectors.
Article 4:
The following conditions must be met by members of the Syrian Future Movement:
1- They must be of Syrian nationality by birth.
2- They must be of good character, conduct, morals, patriotism, and integrity.
3- They must not support violence, terrorism, or any form of tyranny.
4- They must be at least sixteen years old.
5- All members, men and women, are considered equal in terms of rights and duties.
Article 5:
Applicants for membership must submit a written declaration with their application confirming their full commitment to the internal regulations and general political line of the Syrian Future Movement.
Article 6:
Members are obligated to implement the decisions issued by the Syrian Future Movement and to perform the duties assigned to them.
Article 7:
Members of the Syrian Future Movement are not prohibited from joining any other political party, movement, or organization inside or outside Syria (especially those holding dual nationality). However, members are prohibited from joining or affiliating with any armed group inside or outside Syria. Article 8:
Members shall pay the prescribed annual fee.
Article 9:
Membership applications shall be submitted according to the official form available on the Syrian Future Movement website. Applications may be submitted in writing or electronically to any of the main official offices. The application must be accompanied by a written recommendation from a member of the Syrian Future Movement.
Article 10:
Membership applications shall be submitted in all cases to the leadership of the Syrian Future Movement for approval or rejection, with a statement of the reasons. Applicants must be notified in writing of the decision regarding their application. Those whose applications are rejected have the right to appeal to the Syrian Future Movement’s organizational office.
Article 11:
A member holding an official position in one of the offices of the Syrian Future Movement may not hold a leadership position in another office.
Article 12:
Members of the Syrian Future Movement have the following rights and obligations:
Rights:
1- The Syrian Future Movement guarantees the right to express opinions within the movement, the right to know its official positions, the right to progress through leadership positions up to the presidency, and the right to appeal to an arbitration council (in case of grievance) comprised of seven members, with the council having the option to appoint three members.
2- Members are invited to meetings of the office to which they belong (if they are hierarchically affiliated) to participate in decision-making and express their opinions.
3- Members’ religious, cultural, and social choices are respected.
Obligations:
1- Members must abide by the decisions of the Syrian Future Movement issued by majority vote, even if they disagree with their own opinion.
2- The member must be actively involved in the Syrian Future Movement, contributing ideas and developing visions, as well as inviting others to join and become members.
3- The member must work to achieve, disseminate, and explain the principles of the Syrian Future Movement to the community, both inside and outside Syria.
4- The member must pay the required annual membership fee.
Article 13:
Membership terminates in the following cases:
1- Death.
2- Expulsion or withdrawal.
3- Failure to pay the annual membership fee for two years without a valid reason. In this case, the termination decision will be issued one month after the member is notified in writing. Membership will be reinstated if the member pays all outstanding dues.
4- Expulsion: The expulsion decision is issued by the Organizational Office of the Syrian Future Movement after approval by the President, accompanied by a memorandum explaining the reasons for the expulsion.
Article 14:
The Organizational Office is responsible for sending membership applications and for investigating violations committed by members and complaints filed against them.
Article 15:
The organizational office may seek assistance in its work from whomever it deems competent from among the members of the Syrian Future Movement.
Article 16:
The organizational structure of the Syrian Future Movement consists of:
1- The Presidency:
This body is responsible for managing all matters related to the President of the Movement, including organizing official invitations, preparing official congratulations and condolences, drafting presidential articles and speeches, overseeing the issuance of appointment decrees and official documents, documenting the Presidency’s activities, receiving official guests, and organizing the President’s internal and external meetings. In addition, the Presidency follows presidential protocols and ensures the coordination of events and visits in a manner that reflects the Movement’s standing and strategic vision.
2- The Vice President.
3- The Political Bureau:
This body is responsible for setting the Movement’s general policies and guiding its strategic positions according to national and democratic principles. It works on formulating political visions, managing internal and external relations, coordinating positions with national forces, supporting organizational decisions, and enhancing engagement with local and international issues.
4- Media Office:
This office is responsible for managing the movement’s media discourse, formulating its political messages, enhancing its media presence, overseeing media content production, managing media relations, monitoring public opinion, organizing media campaigns, managing digital communication, and ensuring the consistency of its discourse with the movement’s vision and strategic objectives.
5- Economic Office:
This office is concerned with developing economic visions and policies that support stability and development. It analyzes economic conditions, proposes solutions that promote growth and social justice, oversees the preparation of studies on economic reforms, monitors financial and investment issues, and provides consultations that support the movement’s economic decisions in accordance with a sustainable development vision.
6- Scientific Office:
This office is concerned with developing studies and research to support the movement’s political and strategic decisions. It focuses on analyzing national and international issues using a scientific methodology, oversees intellectual education and training, and prepares specialized reports that contribute to formulating public policies and enhancing societal and intellectual awareness.
The Scientific Office represents the intellectual core of the movement, encompassing the Research and Studies Department, which brings together intellectual and cultural elites affiliated with or sympathetic to the movement. It also includes the Capacity Building and Self-Development Department, which sponsors training and educational courses, as well as the Tawad Educational Schools network, the educational backbone for our sons and daughters.
7- The Religious Office:
This office is responsible for defining and formulating religious visions and positions that align with the movement’s values and principles. It oversees the provision of religious guidance to members and the community, and promotes sound religious awareness based on tolerance and coexistence. It also organizes religious activities and events such as lectures, lessons, and seminars, and participates in interfaith dialogue to promote social peace and preserve religious identity.
8- The Family Affairs Office:
This office focuses on supporting family issues and strengthening the family’s role in building society. It develops awareness and social programs that contribute to empowering families, protecting their rights, and supporting women and children. It also oversees initiatives that strengthen family cohesion and provides consultations and guidance that serve family stability, in accordance with the movement’s humanitarian and social vision.
9- The Organizational Office:
This office is responsible for managing and organizing the internal structure of the movement, ensuring that work proceeds according to approved regulations and systems. It oversees the coordination and organization of internal activities, distributes tasks among members in accordance with the movement’s strategies, manages coordination between different branches and offices, works to enhance organizational efficiency, prepares training programs to develop personnel, and ensures the effective implementation of organizational decisions.
10- The Activities and Events Office:
This office is responsible for organizing and managing all official events of the movement, including conferences, seminars, meetings, and celebrations. It oversees logistical planning, coordinates with relevant parties, and prepares detailed programs for each event.
The office also documents events, ensures the achievement of their political and media objectives, and enhances the movement’s presence in the public sphere through events that reflect its vision and orientations.
11- The Grassroots Office:
This office is responsible for organizing the work of individuals not affiliated with any other office, and organizing them within frameworks that suit their professions and specializations in a way that serves the public interest and aligns with the vision of the Syrian Future Movement.
(Other offices may be added later as needed by the movement, and only with the approval of the movement’s
president.)
First: The Head of the Movement
The founding president of the Syrian Future Movement remains its head unless he steps down from the presidency, is removed from office, or dies.
Article 17:
The directors of the main offices shall elect the “President of the Movement” in a special meeting by a two-thirds majority plus the vote of the Vice President. The President shall be elected by direct secret ballot from among the candidates, in the event of the resignation, removal, or death of the incumbent.
Article 18:
The term of office for the President of the Movement is four years, renewable according to the provisions of these bylaws.
Article 19:
The President of the Syrian Future Movement, or their officially designated representative, shall represent the Syrian Future Movement before the judiciary and all governmental and official bodies, both domestically and internationally.
Article 20:
The President of the Syrian Future Movement is the official spokesperson for the Movement and may designate one of the directors or members of the main offices as the official spokesperson.
The President of the Syrian Future Movement is the primary person responsible for all its affairs and, in particular, has the following responsibilities:
1- Chairing the meetings of the main offices.
2- Signing agreements, charters, and covenants concluded by the Syrian Future Movement or to which it is a party, and may delegate this authority to whomever they deem appropriate. 3- Issuing, amending, or deleting organizational decisions of the Syrian Future Movement based on a proposal from the Executive Committee.
4- Formulating the internal, external, organizational, administrative, and other policies of the Syrian Future Movement in cooperation and consultation with the relevant main offices.
5- Appointing, replacing, and dismissing the directors of the main offices of the Syrian Future Movement.
Article 21:
The President of the Syrian Future Movement may delegate some of his powers to his deputy or appoint one of the office directors to act on his behalf. He may also, in cases he deems appropriate, authorize any member of the Movement to issue statements, comment on events, or address any matter requiring the Movement’s opinion.
Article 22:
In the event of the resignation, removal, or death of the President of the Syrian Future Movement, his deputy shall assume temporary oversight of the Movement’s offices until the directors of the main offices convene and elect a new president from among themselves, within a maximum period of three months.
Article 23:
In the event of the President’s absence or illness, the Acting Vice President shall assume his duties.
Article 24:
The elected President of the Syrian Future Movement may be removed upon a proposal from the Executive Committee. This proposal shall be put to a vote at a general conference of all members of the Syrian Future Movement. The decision must obtain a three-quarters majority of the conference; otherwise, it shall be considered null and void after the first vote. The vote shall be by secret ballot.
Article 25:
If the presidency becomes vacant for any reason, the Vice President shall assume the President’s responsibilities and duties until a new president is elected. The Vice President must convene an extraordinary special meeting of the directors of the main offices for discussion and consultation.
Article 26:
The Executive Committee of the Syrian Future Movement consists of the President of the Syrian Future Movement (as Chairman), the Vice President, and the directors of the main offices.
Article 27:
The Executive Committee shall manage all affairs of the Syrian Future Movement. It is responsible for and oversees its organizations and offices, in coordination with the Movement’s President. Specifically, it shall:
1- Develop the Movement’s work plans under the supervision of the Movement’s President or his deputy and monitor their implementation through the various departments and committees it forms, comprised of specialists in all relevant fields, in accordance with the Movement’s general policy.
2- Prepare draft financial and administrative regulations and other decisions necessary for the Movement’s operations, in coordination with the Movement’s President.
3- Prepare the draft budget for the fiscal year for submission to and approval by the Movement’s President.
4- Prepare the annual report on the Syrian Future Movement’s general activities.
5- Approve covenants, charters, and agreements concluded in the name of the Syrian Future Movement.
6- Propose the membership fee.
Article 28:
The Executive Committee of the Syrian Future Movement shall meet at least once a month. The invitation to the meeting shall be issued by the President or their designee at least one day in advance, and shall include the agenda. The meeting must be valid if all members are present. If a quorum is not reached, the meeting shall be postponed to a later date, to be determined within three days, and the absent members shall be notified by any means possible.
The second meeting shall be valid regardless of the number of attendees. Decisions shall be made by an absolute majority of those present and voting, except in cases where the bylaws stipulate a special majority. In the event of a tie, the President’s vote shall prevail, unless the vote is by secret ballot.
Article 29:
The Executive Committee may be convened for an extraordinary meeting at the request of the Head of the Movement or two members of the Executive Committee. The invitation shall be issued in writing by the Head of the Movement, stating the reason for the meeting. In this case, the invitation is not bound by the dates or procedures stipulated in the preceding article. The extraordinary meeting shall be valid if two-thirds of the Committee members are present. Decisions shall be made by an absolute majority of the votes of those present. In the event of a tie, the Head of the Movement shall have a casting vote.
Article 30:
The structure of the main offices shall be as follows:
1- The office shall consist of:
a. The Office Director.
b. The Assistant Office Director.
c. The members.
2- The Directors of the main offices shall be selected and appointed directly by the Head of the Movement, and they must be members of the Syrian Future Movement.
3- In the event that the position of Office Director becomes vacant for any reason, the Assistant Director shall fill the vacancy until the Head of the Movement appoints a replacement. 4. The directors of the main offices collectively assume the role of the Executive Committee of the Syrian Future Movement.
- Each office is free to select its subcommittees within its jurisdiction as it deems appropriate, provided that the head of the movement is informed directly.
- Each office meets weekly to review decisions, submit proposals, and forward them to the head of the movement.
Article 31:
The main offices are responsible for the following:
- Assisting in preparing the agendas for Executive Committee meetings.
- Proposing work plans for each office, according to its specialization, and submitting them to the Executive Committee for approval.
- In urgent and necessary cases, and when the Executive Committee cannot convene, the offices may make the necessary decisions within each office, in coordination with the head of the movement or their deputy. These decisions must be presented at the next Executive Committee meeting.
Article 32:
Each office shall meet at least once a week, either in person or via the movement’s communication channels. A quorum of at least a majority of members is required for a valid meeting. Decisions shall be made by an absolute majority of those present, and in the event of a tie, the director’s vote shall prevail.
Article 33:
Each office shall submit periodic reports on its activities to the Executive Committee of the Syrian Future Movement for review at its scheduled meeting.
Article 34:
The Vice President of the movement shall be elected for a four-year term by secret ballot by the Executive Committee (directors of the main offices + the movement’s president) at a valid meeting, the agenda of which shall include the item for electing the Vice President.
Article 35:
The Vice President’s term is four years, renewable indefinitely.
Article 36:
The Vice President’s duties include general oversight and supervision. They are responsible for all organizational and administrative matters pertaining to the Syrian Future Movement, as well as for the affairs of the movement’s employees and staff, and for reporting to the President on the performance of their duties.
Article 37:
The Vice President is responsible for preparing the agenda for meetings of the Syrian Future Movement in consultation with the President, and for informing the relevant parties of the meeting.
Article 38:
The Vice President is responsible for new departments that support the work of the Syrian Future Movement, such as media, public relations, and similar departments. These departments are proposed to the President of the Movement and then presented to the Executive Committee.
Article 39:
The Vice President represents the Syrian Future Movement in the absence of the President, or if delegated to do so by the President.
Article 40:
The General Conference of the Syrian Future Movement consists of (the President of the Movement, the Vice President, the directors of the main offices and their deputies, the directors of the research and studies departments of the offices, and the accredited members of the main offices).
Article 41:
The General Conference of the Syrian Future Movement shall hold its regular meeting once a year in mid-March. The Vice President shall issue invitations at least one week in advance, and the agenda shall be attached to the invitation.
Article 42:
The regular meeting of the General Conference shall be valid with the attendance of an absolute majority of its members. If a quorum is not reached, the meeting shall be postponed to a later date, to be determined on March 18. The second meeting shall be valid regardless of the number of attendees, provided that the President of the Movement and an absolute majority of the Executive Committee are present.
Article 43:
The regular General Conference shall be responsible for considering the following matters:
1- Discussing the reports and activities of the Executive Committee during the previous period.
2- Discussing and approving the work plan for the new year.
3- Discussing and approving the new draft general budget.
4- Reviewing and studying proposals submitted to the Vice President by the directors of the main offices during the year and making appropriate decisions regarding them.
5- Amending the internal regulations of the Syrian Future Movement, if necessary.
6- Approving and amending the membership fee.
7- Other topics that the Executive Committee or the President of the Syrian Future Movement deems appropriate to present to the General Conference, provided they are included in the agenda.
Article 44:
Resolutions of the Ordinary General Conference are valid by an absolute majority of those present. In the event of a tie, the President’s vote prevails.
Article 45:
The General Conference may be convened for an extraordinary meeting at the request of the President of the Movement or the Executive Committee. The request must specify the reasons for and subject matter of the meeting and be submitted to the Vice President. The Executive Committee shall set the date for the extraordinary meeting, taking into account the importance and urgency of the matter. The Executive Committee shall send invitations to the members after the President of the Movement signs them, in accordance with the procedures established for convening an ordinary meeting. An extraordinary meeting shall only be valid if all members of the Executive Committee are present.
Article 46: The Syrian Future Movement may be merged or dissolved upon a proposal from the Executive Committee as a whole, after approval by the President of the Movement and his deputy, and notification of the members. The dissolution resolution must specify the entity to which the Movement’s assets will be transferred, provided that it is a legally recognized political entity.
Article 47:
The Extraordinary General Conference shall have jurisdiction to consider the following matters:
1- The topics included in the meeting request.
2- Deciding on the resignation request of the head of the movement, or proposing their removal, or appointing a replacement.
3- Annulment of a decision by one of the main offices if it was made unilaterally and contradicts the general interest of the Syrian Future Movement.
4- Signing twinning agreements with political, civil, and social parties and entities.
5- Approving a request from the central authority for cooperation.
6- Proposing a change to the name of the movement, provided that two-thirds of the members of the General Conference approve.
Article 48:
For the decisions of the Extraordinary General Conference to be valid, they must be issued by a three-quarters majority of the members present in all cases. Abstentions are not permitted at the Extraordinary General Conference.
Article 49:
If the topic under discussion at the Ordinary or Extraordinary General Conference pertains to one of its members, that member may not participate in the vote when the decision is made.
Article 50:
No subject not included in the agenda may be presented to the Ordinary or Extraordinary General Conference.
Article 51:
In the absence of the head of the movement, the deputy head shall preside over the General Conference meetings, as designated by the head. The head of the movement may delegate this responsibility to one of the directors of the main offices.
Article 52:
The Executive Committee may, upon the proposal of the head of the movement or the deputy head, form one or more advisory councils comprised of prominent intellectual, scientific, and cultural figures, whether members of the movement or not, to provide advisory opinions relevant to the Syrian Future Movement on specific topics or various general and intellectual matters.
Article 53:
The Syrian Future Movement may establish sub-branches emanating from the main offices, upon the proposal of the Executive Committee and the approval of the head of the movement.
Article 54:
The Executive Committee shall approve draft regulations and resolutions governing the newly established sub-branches and their activities, prior to their issuance.
Article 55:
The financial resources of the Syrian Future Movement consist of:
1- Membership dues.
2- Membership donations.
3- Returns on the movement’s investments in commercial activities conducted under its name.
4- Unconditional governmental and non-governmental aid, subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
5- All other legitimate resources in accordance with applicable laws, including Zakat and Sadaqah funds distributed accordingly.
Article 56:
The funds of the movement may not be spent on anything other than its activities.
Article 57:
The Executive Committee may, upon the President’s recommendation, appoint an auditor to review the movement’s accounts in accordance with established procedures. The auditor must review the final accounts and the draft budget before submitting them to the Executive Committee. The auditor will also prepare a comprehensive annual report on the movement’s financial status, which will be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval or amendment.
Article 58:
All funds of the Syrian Future Movement belong to the movement and are not subject to the rights of any individual member.
Article 59:
The movement shall deposit its funds in a bank designated by the Executive Committee or the movement’s president, which is one of the approved Islamic banks in Syria.
Article 60:
The treasurer or accountant (the “controller”) is not authorized to disburse funds from the organization’s bank accounts unless the organization’s president and vice president exclusively sign the disbursement authorization or check.
Article 61:
The organization’s fiscal year begins on the first day of the first month of the Hijri year and ends on the last day of the last month of the Hijri year.
Article 62:
Articles of these bylaws may be amended, added to, or deleted as needed, based on a proposal from the Executive Committee as a whole. Such amendments must be adopted at the first conference held after the proposal is submitted. These amendments may be implemented temporarily before final approval by the conference if the Executive Committee, by majority vote, deems it beneficial. This temporary implementation requires the approval and signatures of the organization’s president and vice president.
