CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR QUALITY-OF-LIFE STUDIES
(A Virginia Non-Profit, Non-Stock Corporation)
ARTICLE I - NAME, DEFINITION, MISSION, FUNCTIONS AND VALUES
Name: The name of the Corporation is the "International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies". The Corporation may be referred to as "ISQOLS" or as the "Society". The Society's motto is "exploring well-being and happiness".
Definition of Quality-of-Life (QOL) Studies: encompasses multidisciplinary research, education, and practice devoted to understanding and improving individual and collective quality of life and well-being.
QOL studies integrate insights from various disciplines, including the social, psychological, economic, environmental, health, managerial, and policy sciences, to explore how life conditions, values, and environments affect human flourishing.
ISQOLS promotes approaches that bridge objective measures and subjective experiences of well-being, linking empirical research to actionable insights that enhance quality of life for individuals, communities, and societies worldwide.
Purpose: ISQOLS is an international, non-profit, and scientific organization that provides a professional home for scholars, educators, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to advancing the study and improvement of quality of life and human well-being.
The Society is a global, inclusive organization that promotes cultural and disciplinary diversity across all its activities.
Mission and Objectives:
ISQOLS advances its mission through three interrelated pillars: Reach, Serve, and Influence.
Reach: To expand the Society's global presence and connect scholars, professionals, and organizations from diverse disciplines and regions in a collaborative community devoted to well-being and quality-of-life research.
Serve: To support the professional growth of members by offering educational resources, conferences, and collaborative opportunities that enhance research, teaching, and practical applications in quality-of-life studies.
Influence: To shape societal progress by promoting the integration of well-being science into public policy, organizational decision-making, and community development across the world.
Functions:
To achieve its mission, ISQOLS shall engage in the following functions:
Conferences and Workshops
Organize international and regional conferences, workshops, and webinars that provide global platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Publications and Research Dissemination
Publish and promote high-quality research on well-being, happiness, social indicators, and related methodologies through journals, book series, newsletters, and digital platforms.
Research Collaboration and Innovation
Encourage cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations, promote innovative research tools, and facilitate partnerships that translate findings into practical strategies for improving quality of life.
Education and Capacity Building
Offer educational programs, mentorship, and training opportunities for students, researchers, and practitioners to enhance skills, methodologies, and applied understanding of QOL research.
Policy Engagement
Dissemination of evidence-based research to inform policy discussions, for example, urban planning, healthcare, education, and other sectors that influence human well-being, without endorsing political positions.
Community and Global Engagement
Support the creation of regional and thematic networks to ensure inclusive participation and amplify diverse voices in the global dialogue on well-being.
Values
ISQOLS operates under the guiding values of integrity, inclusiveness, scientific excellence, collaboration, and societal impact, ensuring that all activities promote respectful dialogue, equity, and global participation in the pursuit of human flourishing.
ARTICLE II - OFFICES
The principal office of the Society shall be located at the office of the Executive Director of the Society, unless otherwise specified.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERS
General: Membership in the Society shall be open to all individuals interested in QOL/well-being/happiness studies and in furthering the conduct, creation, diffusion, and/or utilization of QOL/well-being/happiness research (knowledge) in socially responsible ways.
Designation of Classes of Members:
There shall be six (6) classes of Members of the Society, which are designated as follows:
Regular Members. Individuals who support the purposes of the Society. Regular membership is annual and requires payment of applicable dues, if any.
Student Members. Individuals enrolled in a graduate-level program who support the purposes of the Society. Student membership is annual, with dues set at a significantly reduced rate, if any.
Developing Country Member. Individuals must be current residents of a developing country as defined by the World Bank. Membership is annual, with dues set at a significantly reduced rate, if any.
Emeritus Members. Individuals who have held Regular Membership for at least three years and are now retired, in poor health, or otherwise unable to participate fully in Society activities. Emeritus membership is annual and offered at a significantly reduced rate, if any.
Charter Members. Individuals (Regular, Student, or Emeritus) who choose lifetime membership in support of the Society's purposes. Charter membership dues (if any) are significantly higher than regular membership dues, given that regular membership is annual but charter membership is lifetime.
Institutional Members. Public or private organizations that support the Society's purposes. Institutional membership dues are significantly higher than regular membership dues, as institutional membership provides benefits to multiple individuals within the member organization.
Voting Rights: Voting rights shall be granted to Members who have maintained continuous membership for a minimum of three years. Voting will be conducted as a single voting class or voting group, referred to in these Bylaws as the "general membership".
Dues: The dues, if any, for Members shall be established by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors of the directors voting (with at least 25%). If a two-thirds majority cannot be established, the dues will remain the same for the following year. Only those who have paid the applicable dues, if any, for the current year are considered Members of the Society. There will be an option to renew membership dues automatically.
Main Meeting: The Members' main meeting shall be held annually. The time and place of the main conference will be determined by the Conference Host Selection Committee, which the President will appoint in collaboration with the Executive Director.
ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
General Powers: The Board of Directors shall have the power to amend the Society's bylaws. Any Director can propose amendments, and all amendments must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote (with at least 25% of the Directors voting). The vote may be conducted by electronic means (e.g., e-mail, e-poll).
Number, Tenure, and Qualifications: The number of Board of Directors may vary from a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 25. In the event that a member cannot complete their term (due to illness, death, or resignation), the President will nominate an individual from the Society's general membership, and a two-thirds majority vote of the entire Board must ratify the nomination.
The President shall appoint the Board of Directors for a term of three years.
Regular Meetings: The Board of Directors shall meet at the Members' main meeting. The purpose of the regular meeting shall be to conduct such business as indicated on an agenda prepared by either the President or the Executive Director.
Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the President or any five Directors entitled to vote at such meetings. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix the time and place for holding any special meetings of the Directors called by them. Notice of a special meeting shall be announced to all Directors at least 7 days in advance of the meeting and shall state the purpose of the meeting. The meeting can be conducted electronically.
Removal: An individual member of the Board of Directors may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Directors whenever, in their judgment, it is in the best interests of the Society.
ARTICLE V -OFFICERS
Definitions of Governance Actions
For the purposes of these Bylaws:
Election refers to a vote in which Members select among two or more candidates.
Appointment refers to the designation of a single candidate by an authorized officer.
Ratification refers to an up-or-down approval vote on an appointment, without alternative candidates.
The Core Leadership Team
The Core Leadership Team (CLT) shall serve as the principal leadership and coordination body of the ISQOLS. It replaces the former Executive Committee and is responsible for the operational, strategic, and programmatic oversight of the Society in alignment with its mission, bylaws, and strategic plan.
The CLT shall ensure continuity in governance, foster collaboration across functional areas, and support the implementation of initiatives approved by the Board of Directors and the membership.
Composition
The CLT shall consist of the following officers and appointed positions:
President
Past President
President-Elect
Executive Director (staff position)
Vice President of Finance & Development
Vice President of Membership & Regional Affairs
Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications
Vice President of Programs & Events
Vice President of Publications & Research
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Strategic Initiatives Director
Directors of Special Programs (appointed as needed, e.g., Mentorship, Member Retention, Young Scholarship, etc.)
All officers shall serve three-year terms, except the Executive Director, who serves in a professional appointment.
The President, in collaboration with the Past President and the Executive Director, shall appoint the members of the CLT (positions 5-12 above), subject to ratification by the Board of Directors, where applicable. This process ensures continuity of leadership, diversity of representation, and alignment with the Society's ongoing mission and strategic priorities.
Powers and Responsibilities
The CLT shall:
Implement the strategic direction and policies approved by the Board of Directors;
Oversee annual plans, budgets, and major initiatives;
Coordinate conferences, publications, education, and outreach programs;
Promote collaboration among members, regions, and partners;
Maintain transparency and accountability in Society operations;
Support leadership succession and continuity;
Represent ISQOLS globally as a unified leadership body.
The CLT may establish subcommittees or working groups to advance specific initiatives, subject to the President's approval. It shall dissolve automatically at the conclusion of the three-year leadership term unless renewed.
Roles and Responsibilities
President and Past President
The President serves as ISQOLS's chief ambassador, providing vision, leadership, and oversight of governance. This role represents ISQOLS in external partnerships, strategic collaborations, and public engagements. The President works with the Executive Director, the CLT, and the Board of Directors to ensure ISQOLS' long-term sustainability. The President shall be nominated by the Board of Directors or a Nominating Committee and shall be elected by a majority vote of the General Membership. The Past-President serves as an advisor to the President, ensuring continuity.
Key Responsibilities:
Set the strategic plan and priorities for ISQOLS.
Represent ISQOLS at key academic and professional conferences.
Provide oversight and guidance to all Vice Presidents and committees.
Ensure smooth leadership transitions.
President-Elect
The President-Elect, who will be elected during the second year of the President's term, collaborates with the President, the Board of Directors and the CLT to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and assumes the presidency upon completion of the President's term.
Executive Director (Staff Role)
The Executive Director serves as the Society's chief administrative officer, overseeing its daily operations, finances, membership services, communications, and event logistics. The Executive Director ensures that all activities align with the Board of Directors' directives and the Core Leadership Team (CLT) strategic objectives. This is a professional staff position and a compensated role within ISQOLS. The Executive Director is an employee of the Society, not a term-limited or renewable appointment. The position is staffed and supervised by the President, with appointment subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director participates in all CLT and Board meetings but does not hold voting privileges. The Executive Director maintains the Society's official membership list, manages all Society elections, and performs other duties as may be assigned by the President or the members of the CLT. An important function of the Executive Director is to maintain and update the Society's website and digital systems, as well as to ensure the smooth coordination of ISQOLS events, communications, and partnerships. The Executive Director must possess strong professional management skills, experience in non-profit administration, and familiarity with U.S. tax laws and financial practices.
Given that ISQOLS is a U.S.-chartered non-profit organization, it is most efficient and effective for the Society to be managed by a professional based in the United States, working in coordination with a U.S.-based accounting firm.
Staffing Authority: The Executive Director shall have the authority to hire, supervise, and terminate additional staff or contractors as required to support the Society's operations, within budgetary constraints approved by the President and VP of Finance & Development.
Removal of the Executive Director: The Executive Director may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of a review committee led by the Past President, President, and President-Elect.
Vice President of Finance & Development
The VP of Finance & Development is directly appointed by the President. The VP of Finance & Development oversees ISQOLS' budget, financial reporting, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives. The role ensures fiscal responsibility and secures financial sustainability for ISQOLS' programs and events.
Key Responsibilities:
Work with the Executive Director to develop and manage annual budgets.
Ensure completion of financial audits and compliance reporting.
Establish and oversee a sub-committee to secure grants, corporate sponsorships, and funding partnerships.
Collaborate with the Board and Executive Director to ensure financial stability.
Vice President of Membership & Regional Affairs
The President shall appoint the Vice President or Vice Presidents of Membership & Regional Affairs. One or two individuals may be appointed to serve in this role. The Vice President(s) of Membership & Regional Affairs focus on recruiting, retaining, and engaging members globally. This role oversees regional membership committees and ensures ISQOLS maintains a strong international presence.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop membership recruitment and retention strategies.
Support and oversee regional membership committees.
Work with the VP of Public Affairs to enhance membership visibility.
Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications
The President shall appoint the Vice President or Vice Presidents of Public Affairs & Communications. One or two individuals may be appointed to serve in this role. The Vice President(s) of Public Affairs & Communications are responsible for managing ISQOLS' external branding, public relations, and outreach efforts. This role promotes ISQOLS through media, social platforms, and advocacy.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop marketing strategies for ISQOLS programs and events.
Manage press releases, media relations, and public engagement.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop a social media marketing strategy.
Vice President of Programs & Events
The President shall appoint the Vice President or Vice Presidents of Programs & Events. One or two individuals may be appointed to serve in this role. The Vice President(s) of Programs & Events are responsible for overseeing the virtual winter conference, webinars and certification programs. This role ensures ISQOLS delivers high-quality academic and professional events.
Key Responsibilities:
Plan and execute the ISQOLS virtual winter conference and any speciality conferences.
Develop webinars, workshop programming and new initiatives such as podcasts and training.
Working in conjunction with the sub-committee (Finance & Development) to ensure effective event sponsorship and financial sustainability.
Vice President of Publications & Research
The President shall appoint the Vice President or Vice Presidents of Publications & Research. One or two individuals may be appointed to serve in this role. The Vice President(s) of Publications & Research oversee ISQOLS' journals, books, newsletters, and research dissemination efforts. This role ensures high academic standards and promotes open-access research.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage ISQOLS' book series, journals, and newsletters (along with the Executive Director).
Collaborate with publishers (alongside the President and Executive Director) and academic institutions to sustain ISQOLS' publishing presence.
Ensure quality control of the ISQOLS Working Paper Series, including soliciting potential submissions.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
The President shall appoint the Vice President or Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs. One or two individuals may be appointed to serve in this role. The Vice President(s) of Academic Affairs support doctoral student engagement and, as needed, liaise with the person in charge of Mentorship Programs if this position was created for a specific term.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead ISQOLS Dissertation Contest and student engagement programs.
Strategic Initiatives Director
The Strategic Initiatives Director is appointed directly by the President as needed to lead high-level projects and develop strategy. The Strategic Initiatives Director will serve as the point person and advisor for Ad Hoc committees.
Key Responsibilities:
Providing Strategic Input: Joining ad hoc committees to advise on key initiatives, such as event planning, membership growth, or new research priorities.
Project Management: Overseeing specific one-off projects or recurring activities, such as drafting reports, coordinating special events, or spearheading a new initiative.
Mentorship and Guidance: Supporting newer members or committees by offering insights and expertise, which can strengthen the overall capacity of ISQOLS.
Quality Assurance: Reviewing key documents, reports, or proposals to ensure alignment with ISQOLS' mission and goals.
Cross-functional support: Acting as a liaison between committees or groups to facilitate collaboration and communication.
Directors of Special Programs
Appointed by the President or Vice Presidents in collaboration with the Executive Director, as needed, to lead specific initiatives such as mentorship, membership retention, or young scholar engagement.
Director (or Co-Directors) of Investment
The Director of Investment, or Co-Directors of Investment, shall be appointed by the President and ratified by the Vice President of Finance & Development.
The Director(s) of Investment shall manage and oversee all investment funds of the Society to ensure prudent, transparent, and sustainable financial stewardship. The Director(s) may form a small advisory committee to assist in these responsibilities.
The Director(s) report directly to the Vice President of Finance & Development and work in close coordination with the President and Executive Director on all investment and endowment activities. Because this is an appointed position, the Director(s) of Investment do not possess voting privileges.
All investment decisions must be jointly reviewed and approved by the President and the Vice President of Finance & Development. The Director(s) of Investment, in consultation with both officers, may act expeditiously when market conditions require prompt action.
Removal: Any member of the CLT may be removed if the President submits the member's name for removal and the Board approves such removal by a two-thirds majority vote, upon a determination that the member is not fulfilling their responsibilities or that removal is in the best interests of the Society.
Vacancies: A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by Members of the Society as appointed by the President. If the President cannot take on this task (e.g., death, illness, or resignation of the President), the President-Elect shall assume this responsibility in collaboration with the Immediate-Past President. If these three individuals are all unavailable, the task will fall to the Executive Director.
Compensation: Officers shall not receive any compensation for their services as officers. However, the President and Vice President of Finance & Development may, by resolution, authorize reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. However, the Executive Director position shall be compensated. The terms of the compensation must be formalized by the President and ratified by the Vice President of Finance & Development.
ARTICLE VI - CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS
Contracts: The President, together with the Vice President of Finance & Development, may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, based on a pre-approved annual budget, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Society, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. The Executive Director must seek approval for all expenses from the President or Vice President of Finance & Development.
Loans: No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Society, and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name.
Checks, Drafts, etc.: All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the Society shall be signed only by either the Executive Director or the President, based on a pre-approved annual budget. If expenses are incurred that are not part of the pre-approved budget, the Executive Director or the President must get approval from the Vice President of Finance & Development.
Deposits: All funds of the Society not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Society in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Director of Investment, President, Executive Director, and Vice-President for Finance & Development may select.
Acceptance of Gifts: The Board of Directors or any officer or officers or agent or agents of the Society to whom the President may delegate such authority, may accept on behalf of the Society any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the general purposes or of any special purpose of the Society.
ARTICLE VII - FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on the 31st day of December in each year.
ARTICLE VIII - SEAL
The Society may have a seal in the appropriate form, which seal, if one is required, shall be kept by the Executive Director and which may be affixed to formal documents executed in the name of the Society to which, by law or custom, the corporate seal is required to be affixed or is customarily affixed.
ARTICLE IX - INDEMNIFICATION
The Society shall indemnify its Board of Directors and officers in the manner, against the matters, and to the full extent provided and permitted by Article 9, Chapter 10 of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended.
ARTICLE X - NON-DISCRIMINATION, NEUTRALITY, AND INCLUSION
ISQOLS is an independent, apolitical, and non-partisan scholarly organization committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and intellectually open community.
The Society shall not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, nationality, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, or any other personal characteristic in any of its programs, membership decisions, employment, or activities.
ISQOLS shall remain neutral in all political, ideological, and military conflicts, and shall not endorse or promote any government, political party, or movement. The Society's mission is to advance scientific inquiry and the exchange of ideas on quality of life, well-being, and happiness studies—free from political influence or partisanship.
All ISQOLS activities, publications, and events shall be conducted in a manner that upholds academic freedom, mutual respect, and diversity of perspectives, ensuring that the Society remains a trusted and impartial global forum for the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge.
ARTICLE XI - RELATIONS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
To achieve its objectives, the Society is encouraged to form cooperative relationships with other professional societies that involve managerial (policy), behavioural, social, medical, and environmental sciences, which have a vested interest in QOL/well-being/happiness research.
ARTICLE XII – HONORS AND AWARDS
Young Scholar Award in QOL/Well-being/Happiness Research: Up to three scholars may receive this award at the main conference in any given year; however, the award need not be conferred annually if suitable candidates are not identified. Eligibility requires evidence of a substantial contribution to QOL/well-being/happiness research and completion of doctoral studies within the previous seven years. Current (dues-paid) ISQOLS Members may submit nominations for the Young Scholar Award. All nominations shall be reviewed by the relevant Awards Subcommittee or Vice President, which may forward up to three recommended recipients, or fewer as deemed appropriate, to the Board of Directors. The designation of Young Scholar of ISQOLS shall be determined by ratification through a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors, with at least 25% of Directors participating in the vote.
Fellow Award in QOL/Well-being/Happiness Research: Up to three scholars may receive this award at the main conference in any given year; however, the award need not be conferred annually if suitable candidates are not identified. Eligibility requires evidence of a substantial and sustained contribution to QOL/well-being/happiness research. Current (dues-paid) ISQOLS Members may submit nominations for the Fellow Award. All nominations shall be reviewed by the relevant Awards Subcommittee or Vice President, which may forward up to three recommended recipients, or fewer as deemed appropriate, to the Board of Directors. The designation of Fellow of ISQOLS shall be determined by ratification through a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors, with at least 25% of Directors participating in the vote.
Distinguished QOL Researcher Award: No more than one individual may receive this award at the main conference in any given year; however, the award need not be conferred annually if suitable candidates are not identified. Eligibility requires evidence of a lifetime and substantial contribution to QOL/well-being/happiness research. Current (dues-paid) ISQOLS Members may submit nominations for the Distinguished QOL Researcher Award. All nominations shall be reviewed by the relevant Awards Subcommittee or Vice President, which may forward one recommended recipient, or none, to the Board of Directors. The designation of Distinguished QOL Researcher of ISQOLS shall be determined by ratification through a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors, with at least 25% of Directors participating in the vote.
Distinguished Service Award: Up to three individuals may receive this award at the main conference in any given year; however, the award need not be conferred annually if suitable candidates are not identified. Eligibility requires outstanding service to ISQOLS in an official capacity, such as service as an officer, Director, or committee chair. Current (dues-paid) ISQOLS Members may submit nominations for the Distinguished Service Award. All nominations shall be reviewed by the relevant Awards Subcommittee or Vice President, which may forward up to three recommended recipients, or fewer as deemed appropriate, to the Board of Directors. The designation of recipients shall be determined by ratification through a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors, with at least 25% of Directors participating in the vote.
Award for the Betterment of the Human Condition: No more than one organization may receive this award at the main conference in any given year; however, the award need not be conferred annually if a suitable candidate is not identified. Eligibility requires a significant and demonstrable contribution by an organization in the development or application of QOL/well-being/happiness measures in service of its constituency. Current (dues-paid) ISQOLS Members may submit nominations for this award. All nominations shall be reviewed by the relevant Awards Subcommittee or Vice President, which may forward one recommended recipient, or none, to the Board of Directors. The designation of the recipient organization shall be determined by ratification through a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors, with at least 25% of Directors participating in the vote.
Best Annual Applied Research in Quality of Life (ARQOL) Paper Award: The basic requirement for eligibility for the Best ARQOL Paper Award is the selection of the best paper in the last year of ARQOL. This process is determined by requesting that the ARQOL Editor-in-Chief (in consultation with the ARQOL Editorial Review Board) nominate one potential paper for the award. The nomination has to be approved by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors (with at least 25% of the Directors voting).
Best Annual Dissertation Award: TheVice President(s) of Academic Affairs oversee this award and select three dissertations to be reviewed by the ISQOLS Best Dissertation Awards Review Committee. The winner must have completed their dissertation within the past two years on some aspect of QOL/well-being/happiness theory, research, or practice. The winner has to be approved by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors (with at least 25% of the Directors voting).
Additional Honors and Awards: The Society may, at its discretion, confer additional honors or awards from time to time. The nomination of such awards, though, must be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors (with at least 25% of the Directors voting).
ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended at any time by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors (with at least 25% of the members voting). The vote is to be conducted by mail (or other appropriate means, such as e-polling) under conditions that ensure anonymity. Any Director can propose an amendment at any time.
The International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS)
Address:
ISQOLS
P.O. Box 118
Gilbert, Arizona, 85299, USA
