The wise, old members, carrying the weight of their knowledge, gather around the fireplace, their concerns about the world growing evident as they form a circle. Slowly, the oldest among them begins to speak, their voice creaking with age. The conversation flows, blending old and new times together. The WOM is Itiwana’s advisory council but also serves as a confidential council and audit committee.

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As the Advisory Council:
Several times a year, six or seven of Itiwana’s long-time members come together to offer both solicited and unsolicited advice to the organization, which is then passed on through the board. The most crucial of these meetings occurs just before the general assembly concerning the board change, where the future president and the outgoing president are both present. The WOM aims to increase the frequency of meetings with Itiwana’s president. During these meetings, the WOM advises on important matters concerning policies, financial decisions, recurring issues, and specific problems related to the presidency. The board and committees can reach out to the WOM at any time during the year for guidance.

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As a Confidential Council:
The WOM also plays the role of a confidant. Members can approach the WOM for advice or mediation in cases where the board cannot assist, or when the board itself is involved in a matter of confidence within the study association. This can include issues such as complaints, trust-related matters, or functioning problems within the board, between committees and the board, or even between a member and the board.

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As the Audit Committee:
Each year, the WOM forms a statutory audit committee. This committee conducts a biannual audit in April or May and reviews the financial annual report before the general assembly in October. The audit committee must approve the financial report before the board change can take place.

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This Year’s WOM Members:

Igor Boog, Sophie Frankenmolen, Simone de Boer, Bregje Schreuders, Sanne Hogesteeger, Nadia Teunissen, Merel de Schepper, Ruben Reus, Lizet Wesselman, Margot van der Meulen, Janita Sanderse, Tessa Kremer, Jemma Middleton, Eslin Cohen Stuart, Maarten Teunisse, Lenne Michiels, Samoa Greeve, Caroline Auée, Laure Lemeire, Christien van de Pavert, Manon Delhaas, Lena Kwakman, Veronie Rouschop, Amber Tolboom, Charlotte van Straten, Scott Leesberg, Donna van Uffelen, Annika Krüger, Eva van der Boog, Kim Meijer, Marthe Baalbergen, Des van Binnebeke, Eva van der Kooij, Bente Heydelberg, Nóra Pátrovics, Liselot Voordouw, Alexandre Dumez, Iulia Lazăr, Feiyang Li, Ana Garcia-Casillas, Aditree Amin, Kenza el-Mansouri and Yuvan Gupta