ELSA (The European Law Students' Association) is an international, independent, non-political, non-profit-making organization run by and for students. It is comprised of students and recent graduates who are interested in law and have demonstrated commitment to international issues.
Law students from Austria, Hungary, Poland and West Germany founded ELSA in 1981. ELSA is today the world's largest independent law students association and it is represented in more than 250 law faculties in 35 countries across Europe with membership in excess of 25 000 students and young lawyers.
MEETINGS:
International Council Meetings (ICM)
The International Council Meeting (ICM) is the highest decision-making body of ELSA. It takes place twice a year, in Spring and Autumn.
It is composed of the representatives of the national ELSA groups. The Council decides on the policy and direction that the organisation will follow and discusses the problems faced by ELSA.
During the Council Meetings the participants are grouped up in workshops, depending on the position they hold in their respective National Board. The workshops facilitate debate and discussion to allow more expedient decision-making in plenary. By attending the workshops, the participants can also get the chance to improve their skills in ELSA matters, as well as in professional matters as a result of the offered training.
The Council gathered in the Spring ICM elects the International Board.
International Presidents' Meetings (IPM)
The International Presidents' Meeting (IPM) gathers the presidents of each member and observer group of ELSA, and the President of ELSA International. Each year two IPMs take place, in January and August.
An IPM provides the means to further discussions on topical issues within the association. Taking place half way in between the International Council Meetings, it is an excellent forum to expand and follow up on the discussions that took place during the last ICM, as well as anticipate and find solutions for contentious matters that may arise during the forthcoming ICM.
National Council Meeting (NCM)
The National Council Meeting takes place at least once a year with National Board and the Local Groups in Turkey. The main aim of these meetings is to improve local groups activities. The Local Groups (ELSA Ankara, ELSA Istanbul and ELSA Izmir) are being host of these meetings in order.
ELSA Turkey's National Board elections are takes place every December in Istanbul. The Local Groups board elections are taking place at least 2 months before ELSA Turkey's elections.
