History

How Atlanta Finland Society, Inc. (AFS, Inc.) was incorporated

May 2, 2009 marks the date when merging Atlanta Suomi-Finland Society (ASFS) and Atlanta Suomikoulu (ASK) came to fruition.  The membership meeting took place in conjunction with the Vappu party.  Many members attended and voted for Atlanta Finland Society, Inc. (AFS, Inc) to be formed by merging (ASFS) and (ASK).  Board members and the president were elected in this meeting. 

Atlanta Finland Society, Inc. (AFS, Inc.) has been incorporated and registered with the Secretary of State in Georgia.  By far the most important benefit from the merger and incorporation is that we were able to obtain a non-profit status with the IRS.  This means for example that should we receive donations those would be tax deductible to the donor, which would make us a more attractive charity in seeking monetary contributions from corporations and individuals alike. 

The biggest difference between now (Atlanta Finland Society) and before (Atlanta Suomi Finland Society and Atlanta Suomikoulu as separate organizations) is that we only have one board of trustees and one set of officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer).  This will cut back on time and resources spent on administrative tasks and most importantly will eliminate duplication of work on everyone’s part, including the members.  No need to fill out two different membership forms and pay two different fees etc.