1. The name of the Society is: The Society of Albanian-American Writers
2. The members of the Society are Albanian writers who reside in the U.S.A.

Article I
Goals

1. The Society is in the service of all Albanian-American writers
2. The Society is not a profit-making organization. It does not have a political orientation, but nevertheless takes a stand when in considers that such activity serves the vital interests of the country.
3. The Society prepares, publishes and distributes its organ, Pena, and an information page on the Internet.
4. The Society introduces works by its members and organizes contests to stimulate talent.
5. The Society facilitates meetings and strengthens contacts among Albanian-American writers.

Article II
Means of achieving the Society's goals

The intangible or non-material means are:
1. Meetings, conferences, competitions, the internet page, and promotions of new books.
The material means are:
2. Membership dues, income from sales of the review, and donations from sponsors.

Article III
Types of membership

By "members," we mean both regular members and honorary members.
1. Regular members are all those who work together in matters pertaining to the Society, and pay their annual membership dues regularly.
2. Honorary members are all persons, whether physical or juridical, who contribute in singular or special ways toward the realization of the goals of the Society.

Article IV
Membership requirements

1. All persons of Albanian nationality, whether physical or juridical, can become regular members of the Society, provided they have written or published at least one book (such as fiction, criticism, history of literature, biography).
2. Any person, whether physical or juridical, can become an honorary member, without regard to nationality.
3. Approval of the application for membership is made by the Directorate. The application may be rejected by the Directorate, on grounds that it is not in harmony with the professional, legal and moral standards of the Society.
4. The status of honorary member is granted on the strength of a proposal made by a member of the Directorate, and is decided upon in a general meeting.
5. Membership is denied to persons who have committed crimes or engaged in terrorist acts.
6. The members do not have the right to present themselves as representatives of the Society, or to speak in its name, without the consent in writing, or other forms of communication, by the Directorate.
7. The members, acting as individuals, have the right to make proposals to the Directorate, but do not have the right to invite in its name different persons from Albanian regions, or to publish different writings in its name.

Article V
Loss of Membership

1. Membership terminates as a result of personal resignation, or by expulsion, or death. The decision regarding loss of membership is the prerogative of the Directorate.
2. Membership is terminated if the member fails to meet his or her financial obligation, after receiving two warning notices from the Directorate.
3. Membership is terminated if a member conducts himself or herself in an improper and uncivil manner, and commits public offenses.
4. Membership terminates when a member violates the rules of the Society, sows discord among members, or works against the Society.
5. Membership terminates when a member loses contact with the Society beyond a reasonable period of time.
6. With regard to honorary members, membership terminates if the general meeting so decides, upon the recommendation of the Directorate.

Article VI
Rights and obligations of members

1. The members have the right to participate in the meetings and activities organized by the Society.
2. The members have the right to vote.
3. The members in good standing are obliged to pay on time dues owed to the Society.
4. The members in good standing have the right to run for offices held by the Directors.

Article VII
Entities of the Society

The operative organs of the Society are:

1. The General Meeting
2. The Directorate

The General Meeting:

1. The General Meeting is held at least once every two years, upon the discretion of the Directorate.
2. The members of the Society are notified at least three weeks in advance of the meeting.
3. Changes in the Statute and election of a new Directorate require an absolute majority of the votes.
4. The moderator of the meeting is the chairman or permanent President of the Society.

At the General Meeting:

1. Decisions are made on various matters affecting the welfare of the Society.
2. Action is taken on nominations, election or expulsion from office of members of the Directorate.
3. A decision is taken on the amount of the annual membership dues.
4. A decision is taken concerning the choice of an "Honorary Member."
5. The decision is taken to dissolve the Society.

The Directorate

1. The Directorate consists of three persons: The President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary, who also assumes the duties of the Treasurer.
2. The Directorate is chosen for a two-year term.
3. The President can only run once for re-election to the office of the Presidency.
4. The Directorate convenes after being notified by the President in writing or orally.
5. The agenda of the meeting of the Society is announced to the members at least two weeks in advance (so as to enable them to pose problems and make motions for discussion and approval).
6. The decisions of the meeting are accessible to any member of the Society immediately after the conclusion of the meeting.
7. If the Directorate loses a member, it has the right to select another in his or her place.
8. The Directorate ceases its functions following new elections.

Duties of the Directorate

1. The President presides over the General Meeting, as well as over the Directorate.
2. The President represents the Society in relation to other organizations, the U.S. government, and the state of Albania.
3. The Vice-President assists the President, in order that the operations of the Society run smoothly, and substitutes for the President in case he or she is absent for a period of time, becomes ill or dies.
4. The Secretary is responsible for handling the publicity of the Society with regard to the members, managing finances, and assisting the President in his efforts to lead the Society. He is responsible for the financial operations of the Society, including affixing signatures and making payments.
5. The members of the Directorate may spend funds of the Society, only after scrutiny and approval by the President.
6. Declarations in the name of the Society, may be made after they are inspected by the Directorate and authenticated with the signature of the President and the Secretary.
7. The Directorate alone decides on matters of collaboration with other cultural societies.

Dissolution of the Society

1. The Society can be dissolved only by an absolute majority of the members.
2. If the Society ceases to function, the Directorate is obliged to notify the appropriate organs of the American government; this task can be discharged only by the permanent President of the Society.