Melkoniantsi International FAQ: 

Q: What is Melkoniantsi International???

A: Melkoniantsi International (in short MI) is the confederation of Independent Alumni Associations.  It was jump-started in Reading-UK on February 29, 2004 by the 3 individuals who have initiated SaveMelkonian.org

Q: Why establish MI now?

A: The pressing urgency of the situation demands a framework within which Bold and Decisive steps are taken Swiftly.  Furthermore, Unified efforts and resources always have more impact.  We have managed to achieve a lot by ourselves, but now united into MI we will be able to achieve even more.

Q: What is the purpose of MI?

A: The purpose of MI as quoted from the MI Constitution is “ (1) To ensure and safeguard the existence of the MEI, its properties, its traditions and activities as an Armenian, a Boarding and a Charitable school at its present location.  (2) To continue the legacy and the mission of the Benefactors, Krikor and Garabed Melkonian, to ensure education of Armenians and within an Armenian cultural environment. (3) To bond the worldwide alumni by creating a framework within which the Independent Alumni Associations can cooperate to achieve their global purposes.”

Q: What is the structure of MI?

A: Currently the MI has 2 permanent bodies:

(a)   the General Assembly (GA), which is the main body and which consists of representatives of respective Alumni Associations (the representatives here are not necessarily the chairpersons of the respective alumni associations), and

(b)   the Coordinating Committee (CC), which is responsible for day-to-day administration of MI and which for time being consists of the 3 founding members.

(c)   There have been considerations of establishment of a third body Student Council, which is what the 1996 student rebellion in MEI was about.  This body would consist of current students at MEI who would voice their demands and concerns.  But this will not be established until the time when MI gets closer to administering the MEI and/or until the resolution of the Emergency situation that we find ourselves in.

(d)    There will also be additional temporary function-specific committees for various purposes such as Fundraising, Legal Audits and other activities.

Q: Who are the current members of the General Assembly (GA) of MI?

A: You can see the list of member Associations and their respective Reps below.  As new members join in every day and as new Alumni Associations get formed, we would advise that you check the list periodically.

Q: Is MI a Charity organisation?

A: Obviously, our aims are Charitable.  Furthermore, we are applying to Charity Commission to be officially registered as a Charity in the UK.

Q: Does MI have its own Fund?

A: Yes.  For now it is based in the UK.  If you want to contribute or find out more see here.

Q: Who are the Leaders?

A: Nobody and Everybody.  As mentioned above General Assembly (GA) is the decision making body.  They decide on who takes which action and how.  The purpose of Coordinating Committee (CC) is to assist with the administration of MI.

Q: How does MI make decisions?

A: GA discusses various issues and makes declarations by 2/3 majority, and acts accordingly thereafter.  All joining members already agree to the proposal for Alternative resolution.  You can also see the MI Declarations and other documents below.

Due to the Emergency there are several temporary arrangements to insure Bold and Swift decision making OVERNIGHT – these will be suspended when the crisis is resolved.

Q: Are there membership criteria?

A: At this very moment there are none, but in the future the GA may decide to have various regulatory criteria, such as non-affiliation to AGBU or on frequency of meeting within the specific association etc.

Q: Do the member Associations need a constitution?

A: Not necessarily, but it would be preferable if there was some sort of Platform, Manifesto, Mission Statement or a Declaration of some sort.  If you need tips on how to form an independent Alumni Associations read the Action Guidelines.

Q: Does MI have a Constitution?

A: Yes. See below.  But we would like to think of it as a temporary constitution.  When the crisis is resolved the GA may adopt amendments to it.