ERITREAN COMMUNITY CENTER SANTA CLARA COUNTY This document, a bylaw, is the basis by which the Eritrean Community Santa Center: Santa Clara County was established in November 2008. It was made possible by a highly participation of many of our members and voluntary work of many good individuals who spare their time to do research, engage in discussions to make this document that we do value and aspire to abide by it. The Eritrean Community Association in Santa Clara County is open to all community members irrespective of their political, religious, ideological or party persuasions. The center is free from all forms of pressures. By embracing their problems and joys together, the Association strives to preserve the culture and to foster the advancement of Eritrean nationals in Santa Clara County and its environs.
Article 3: By-laws Embraces all Eritrean nationals residing in Santa Clara County Conducts itself free from all political, religious, regional, party affiliation or gender based outlook or orientations Assists disadvantaged Eritreans according to its ability and capacity. Possesses its own media outlet Establishes and maintains relationships and cooperation with other associations that share common aims and practice. Article 4: Membership: A. Membership Requirement A person aged 18 and over may become a member (Any Eritrean under 18 may join as an observer) A member is one who believes in the objectives of community cooperation and abides by the rules of the Association. Membership fee is $15.00 and a member who cannot afford to pay may instead provide community service. Fulfils community tasks assigned to him/her Strives to enhance community unity Earnestly implements community decisions and rules Pays monthly fees determined by congress Brings to the attention of the appropriate branch of the association any weaknesses observed or any suggestions A member has the right to: To vote and to be voted for Raise Association related questions Enjoy full rights to present suggestions and criticisms in general association meetings Express his opinion freely
Any member who engages in activities harmful to the association in violation of the basic objectives of the constitution, the Executive branch will, after clarifications and consultations, take measures pursuant to the Association’s constitution. The decision is then conveyed to all community members. The reprimanded member has the right to appeal the decision of the Executive Branch to the Board of Directors.
The congress has more power than two meetings combined The congress stipulates and ratifies bylaws Congress adopts resolutions Congress weighs suggestions brought to its attention Congress elects Association’s leadership Congress convenes once every two years. Members are notified at least two weeks in advance Where necessary, congress may call a general meeting with the approval of 2/3 majority. Article 6: Community (Association) leadership The Executive Body manages the association’s routine business The Board of Directors oversees the activities of the Executive Body Congress elects the Executive Body and he Board of Directors The Executive Body has five members The Board of Directors has five members The Board of Directors acts according to the Association’s bylaws. The Executive Body formulates plans of action on the basis of decisions taken by congress. The Executive Body may create different sub committees and adopt plans of action It performs administrative tasks A meeting is legal where 50%+1 members are present Emergency meeting may be called upon by the Chairperson or by one third (1/3) of membership Amendments (modifications) of existing resolutions are binding when approved by ¾ of members. It promotes (conducts) external relationships and contacts consistent with the objectives of the association Article 7: Duties of the Executive Body Official representative of the Association. Chairs Executive Body meetings. Calls for emergency meetings when necessary. Guides and supervises the Association’s activities and …….. of the association. Presents reports to the Board of Directors every three months B. Secretary Assumes Executive responsibilities when the Chairperson is absent Undertakes the Association’s book-keeping Keeps minutes of meetings Compiles reports of meetings Undertakes the association’s correspondences consistent with the decisions of the Executive Body. C. Treasurer Manages the Association’s property and funds. Keeps financial documents Deposits funds in the bank on behalf of the Association (community) Handles and registers community revenues and expenditures Submits federal and state taxes every six months or every year. Coordinates the routine activities of the Finance Committee Plays his/her role in fundraising activities Presents reports every three months
D. Officer in charge of information, culture and education Plays the role of a chair of a committee in charge of information, culture and education Implements plans underlined and adopted by the Executive Body. E. Chief of Public Relations Undertakes public relations tasks and activities. Manages routine social activities Directs sports related activities Article 8: Activities of Sub Committees Implement plans stipulated by the Executive Body Present activity reports to the Executive Body and other concerned bodies Article 9: Board of Directors The Board of Directors, elected by congress, consists of five members and two standing-ins: It has the following duties: Determines community office location. Monitors and functions in order to enhance the continuance, growth, safety and efficiency of the Association Termination of Board membership is done in writing. This measure is taken when a Board member fails to fulfill his duties and fails to attend meetings. Resignation of a Board member is submitted in writing. Seeks solutions to possible problems that may appear within the Executive Branch. If the Executive branch is a short of quorum, it may obtain substitutes from the members of the Executive Committee. If the Executive Branch fails to carry out a full meeting, the Board of Directors has duty to call for a general meeting and seeks a solution. The Board of Directors prepares and conducts two annual community meetings. Researches plans to enhance community development and establishes a body to implement them. Publishes bylaws amendments. A non-Eritrean may be member of the Board of Directors. Joint meetings occur every three moths. Meeting is presided by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors The Board has responsibility to call general meetings and determine location of meetings In such a meeting the Executive Body led by its chairperson presents important report.
Additional amendment as needed. November 16, 2008 We are governed by the rule of law. Anybody is entitled to his/her opinion if it benefits of our community. |
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