All members of LIMAP are encourage to read and comment on the draft constitution a head of the schedule general meeting to held at ACANA.
LIBERIA MANDINGO ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC
PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS.
WE, the members of the Mandingo ethnicity along with our associates hailing from Liberia living in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, holding ever to the values, traditions, and ways of life based on our ethnic affiliation, do hereby formally organize ourselves into a body of to be known to all as the LIBERIA MANDINGO ASSOCIATION IN PENNSYLVANIA (LIMAP), and bound by the constitution and by laws for the governing of ourselves and conducting our affairs as non-political, non-profitable and a charity entity.--> LIBERIA MANDINGO ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC
PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS.
WE, the members of the Mandingo ethnicity along with our associates hailing from Liberia living in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, holding ever to the values, traditions, and ways of life based on our ethnic affiliation, do hereby formally organize ourselves into a body of to be known to all as the LIBERIA MANDINGO ASSOCIATION IN PENNSYLVANIA (LIMAP), and bound by the constitution and by laws for the governing of ourselves and conducting our affairs as non-political, non-profitable and a charity entity.
Article I- Name and Headquarter
Section I The name of this organization shall be the LIBERIA MANDINGO ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA (LIMAP)
Section II The headquarters shall be base in the county of Philadelphia.
Article II Objective
Section I The objectives of this organization shall be but not limited to the following:
· Bringing Liberian Mandingoes in Pennsylvania together irrespective of religious and political affiliation.
· To encourage the development of ourselves into the highest caliber of men and women in accordance with the Mandingo traditions, values and beliefs, making outstanding and noteworthy contributions to our families and communities.
· To create a bridge of intellectual and social exchange between and among our members
· To contribute in every way possible to the direction and growth of our communities.
· To collaborate with other Liberian base organizations.
· To promote peace and engage in conflict resolutions.
· To participate in all Mandingo federations undertakings
Article III- Organizational Structure.
Section I The organizational structure of the association shall consist of:
1. Board of Directors
2. The Executive Leadership Councils
3. The Memberships
Article-V Board of Directors
Section I Responsibility
· The Board of Directors shall be the policy making body of the organization. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to approve all expenditures of the Association that are presented by the president beyond those specified by the constitution. The Board of Directors shall approve the annual budget of the Executive committee; an emergency expenditure outside of the annual budget exceeding US $500.00 must be presented to the Board of Directors for approval. The normal expenditure of the presidency shall not exceed the annual budget.
Decisions made by the board shall also be by a simple majority vote. The Board of Directors shall also serve as an investigative body between the Executive Council and the members of the association.
Section II Eligibility
1. Members of the board must have been active participants in LIMAP activities for at least one year.
2. Members must be in good financial standing within the organization
3. Members must have a good moral background.
Section III Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of five members to be elected by the membership. Election of the Board of Directors shall be held during the election of the Executive Council election.
Section IV: Tenure
All elected members of the Board of Directors shall serve a period of four fiscal years. Board shall have the power to elect its officers and determine rules and procedures for the conduct of its business. The President of the Executive Council shall serve as the Secretary to the board. The fiscal year shall commensurate with the setting of the new administration.
ARTICLE V- The Executive Council
Section I
The Executive Council shall consist of elected officers, who shall carry out the day-to-day activities of the organization. It shall be the responsibility of the council to develop and execute the programs and policies of the organization, with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section II
The elected officers of the Executive council shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary General, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Chaplain.
The Executive Council shall make sure that the following services are available to the members of the association.
1. Credit Card (Secured)
2. Sympathized when there is:
· Death
· Tragedy
· Hospitalization
· Marriage
· Birth etc
ARTICLE VI- Duties of the Elected Officers
Section I
The president- all executive and administrative powers of the organization shall be vested in the president, who shall preside over all meetings of the organization, appoint committee members, enforce the observance of law and order among members, order the withdrawal of money from the treasury for the benefit of the organization in case of emergency in consultation with the executive council, and defend and enforce the By-laws and constitution of the organization. He/she shall deliver an annual report on the state of affairs of the organization to the body, and shall perform all other duties pertinent to that office. He/she shall be vested with the power to convene emergency meetings when necessary. The president shall appoint a representative from all counties with in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The President shall also appoint the parliamentarian and other Committee heads.
Section II
Vice President- it shall be the duty of the vice president to assist the president at all times. All powers of the president shall evolve upon the vice president, in the absence of the president. In the case of resignation, impeachment, inability, or death of the president, the Vice president shall assume the duties of the president and fill the vacancy thus created, pending the forthcoming election of officers of the chapter. He/she shall be chairperson ex-officio of all committees of LIMAP. In the event the Vice President cannot perform the duties of the president effectively and efficiently, the board shall appoint an interim head of the organization and set a date for early elections.
Section III
Secretary General-It shall be the duties of the Secretary General to record and compile accurately all minutes of the meetings, prepare all communications and correspondences on behalf of the organization that may be brought to his/her attention. He/she shall keep accurate account of all communications, and shall keep Photostatic copies of all correspondences made by him/her in the interest of the organization. He/she shall take attendance at all meetings and also cite members to meetings of the organization upon authorization of the president, or the vice president, or interim head during the absence of the president. The Secretary General shall also serve as the head of the web management team. All publications that will be posted on www.limap.org must go through the Secretary General for scrutiny and web worthiness.
Section IV
Financial Secretary-it shall be the duties of the financial secretary to record all financial transactions, and keep all financial records for the organization. He/she shall issue all vouchers in the interest of LIMAP by the order of the president, signed by the financial secretary and countersigned by the president. He/she shall make a financial report bi-annually at LIMAP general meeting, and whenever a report is deemed necessary by the executive council and the board of directors.
Section V
Treasurer- it shall be the duties of the treasurer to receive all funds and valuables on behave of organization (LIMAP), he/she shall deposit all valuables and finances at a bank designated by the executive council, and shall obtain receipts and duplicate copies from the bank, or individuals, and organizations and turn over same to the financial secretary. He/she shall issue checks only upon a voucher prepared by the financial secretary and the president. He/she shall make a financial report bi-annually at LIMAP general meetings and whenever such a report is deemed necessary by the executive council and the board of directors.
Section VI
Chaplain-it shall be the duties of the chaplain to conduct all religious exercises of the organization.
Section VII
The organization representation on the federal level shall be done by the president and a host of members who enjoys the confidence of the president. In the event of delegates’ selection for any electoral process on the federal level, delegates will be chosen based on their commitment to their organization as well as good financial standing with the organization. Those delegates must protect the interest of the organization on the federal levels. The president shall remove any delegate at will for no confidence and replace with any individual of his chosen.
Article V- Membership
Section I Membership of the association shall consist of:
· People of Mandingo origin
· Spouses, associates and admirers of Mandingo people
· Outstanding members of the community who support our cause and make worthy contributions and providing valuable services.
· All persons of goodwill interested and concerned about the association’s goals and objectives shall be accepted as members.
Section II Categories of Membership
· Regular Membership- Are those of Mandingo decent who have declared the intention through a membership form, paying membership regularly and participating in the organization regularly.
· Associates Membership-Are spouses, relatives and friends of regular members that are non-Mandingoes but share the values and traditions of the Mandingo people.
· Honorary –Are those members that the organization deem necessary to confer membership to.
Section III Dues and fees
1. Each member must a pay registration fee of $5.00
2. Each member must pay a yearly fee of US $60.00.
3. Members must attend all meetings.
4. All members must participate in all the activities of the association.
BY LAWS
ARTICLE VI- Elections and installations
Section I
All Election shall be free, fair and equal, and no power shall at anytime interfere to prevent the free exercise of the right of people to vote or be elected. Only due paying members will be eligible to vote during elections.
Section II
All officers of the Executives body of the Liberia Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania shall be elected in November of every other two year. All board of Director of The Liberia Mandingoes Association of Pennsylvania shall be elected in November of every other four years. The election shall be conducted by a secret ballot. The President shall appoint an Elections Commission to supervise the election with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section III
Every member 18 years of age possessing the following qualifications shall entitled to vote at all election subject, however, to such laws requiring and regulating the registration of elector as the election commissions may enact.
1. He/She must have a residence of PA for at least for six months.
2. Must be in good financial standing in LIMAP.
Section IV
An officer shall not be elected for the same position after serving two consecutive terms in that capacity.
Section V
Elected offices are open to all members. However, Individual’s members aspiring to the office of the President of LIMAP must be at least 25 years of age. Any other candidate aspiring to other executives offices must be in good financial standing with LIMAP, must have good moral conduct and must have had excellent track records in leadership. Candidates contesting various positions in LIMAP must show some form of commitment within all the organizations activities within the past year to be eligible to contest.
Section V
There shall be a structured minimum fees assessed each aspiring candidate from time to time that will be decided upon by the elections committee at the time of campaign.
Section VI
Installation of officers shall be held at a time which will be convenient to the elected officers but not to exceed January 15 after election, and shall be conducted in the following manner:
All elected Officers of LIMAP shall be sworn in office with the following oath.
“I, (name of officer to be installed), do solemnly swear that I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully perform the duties of office of (your position) and to defend and uphold the constitution and by-laws of LIMAP INC. so help me God.
ARTICLE II---- Quorum
Section I
Twenty five percent (25%) of the executive council member and the Board of Director members, including the president and/or the vice president along with a board member, shall constitute a quorum for any duly called meeting, in keeping with the constitution and by-laws.
ARTICLE III---Dues and Finances
Section I
Each LIMAP member shall be assessed a fee of sixty dollars ($60.00).
There shall also be a one-time registration fee of five dollars ($5.00) per each member.
Section II
All remittance of LIMAP shall be entrusted to the treasurer. He/she shall be the custodian of all monies and other valuables of the organization and shall disburse funds in accordance with duly authorized vouchers. With the approval of the Board of Directors, the President, in collaboration with the financial secretary and a Board member shall establish a bank account in the United States in the name of LIMAP. The financial Secretary shall submit a report to the executive council a financial summary of receipts and disbursements during the executive council meeting.
Section III Audit
The books of the organization shall be audited by an auditing committee set up by the board of directors and reported to the general memberships. In case of any discrepancies, the organization shall employ the services of an independent auditor.
ARTICLE IV--- REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Section I
An elected officer or member of any elective committee shall be removed from office for incompetence, negligence of duties, embezzlement or other forms of conduct unworthy of the office as well as the Mandingo traditions, values and belief; after an impartial trial is conducted by the special committee set up by the board of directors in collaboration with the executive Leadership council.
To remove an executive committee member a two-third majority vote shall be sought by the board of directors.
To remove a board of director member from office, a two-third majority of the board membership shall be sought.
ARTICLE V---DISSOLUTION OF LIMAP
Section I
Upon the winding or dissolution of LIMAP, the assets remaining after payments of all debt shall be distributed to such corporation, community chest, trust funds, or foundations, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientist, testing for public safety, literacy or education purposes, for the prevention of cruelty to children, etc. which would then qualify under the provision of section 501(c) 3 of the internal revenue code.
Section II
No part of the net earnings of LIMAP shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, and no substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be carried out on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office either in the USA or in Liberia.
ARTICLE VI---Meetings
Section I
There shall be a general meeting schedule the ___________ Saturday of Sunday of every _________________ month; exact dates and place of the meeting will be decided and announced at every general meeting to be followed by citation.
Section II
In case of emergency, the president of vice president shall call an emergency meeting of LIMAP without advance notice; at which time, article VI section I of the By-laws shall be superceded by article VI, section II.
ARTICLE VII-Amendments
Section I
This constitution, or any portion thereof, may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present; provided that the amendment to be acted upon has been officially declared in not less than thirty days prior to the said meeting, to be studied and provided with further clarification after the said amendment has been received by each member of the chapter.
Article I- Name and Headquarter
Section I The name of this organization shall be the LIBERIA MANDINGO ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA (LIMAP)
Section II The headquarters shall be base in the county of Philadelphia.
Article II Objective
Section I The objectives of this organization shall be but not limited to the following:
· Bringing Liberian Mandingoes in Pennsylvania together irrespective of religious and political affiliation.
· To encourage the development of ourselves into the highest caliber of men and women in accordance with the Mandingo traditions, values and beliefs, making outstanding and noteworthy contributions to our families and communities.
· To create a bridge of intellectual and social exchange between and among our members
· To contribute in every way possible to the direction and growth of our communities.
· To collaborate with other Liberian base organizations.
· To promote peace and engage in conflict resolutions.
· To participate in all Mandingo federations undertakings
Article III- Organizational Structure.
Section I The organizational structure of the association shall consist of:
4. Board of Directors
5. The Executive Leadership Councils
6. The Memberships
Article-V Board of Directors
Section I Responsibility
· The Board of Directors shall be the policy making body of the organization. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to approve all expenditures of the Association that are presented by the president beyond those specified by the constitution. The Board of Directors shall approve the annual budget of the Executive committee; an emergency expenditure outside of the annual budget exceeding US $500.00 must be presented to the Board of Directors for approval. The normal expenditure of the presidency shall not exceed the annual budget.
Decisions made by the board shall also be by a simple majority vote. The Board of Directors shall also serve as an investigative body between the Executive Council and the members of the association.
Section II Eligibility
4. Members of the board must have been active participants in LIMAP activities for at least one year.
5. Members must be in good financial standing within the organization
6. Members must have a good moral background.
Section III Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of five members to be elected by the membership. Election of the Board of Directors shall be held during the election of the Executive Council election.
Section IV: Tenure
All elected members of the Board of Directors shall serve a period of four fiscal years. Board shall have the power to elect its officers and determine rules and procedures for the conduct of its business. The President of the Executive Council shall serve as the Secretary to the board. The fiscal year shall commensurate with the setting of the new administration.
ARTICLE V- The Executive Council
Section I
The Executive Council shall consist of elected officers, who shall carry out the day-to-day activities of the organization. It shall be the responsibility of the council to develop and execute the programs and policies of the organization, with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section II
The elected officers of the Executive council shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary General, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Chaplain.
The Executive Council shall make sure that the following services are available to the members of the association.
3. Credit Card (Secured)
4. Sympathized when there is:
· Death
· Tragedy
· Hospitalization
· Marriage
· Birth etc
ARTICLE VI- Duties of the Elected Officers
Section I
The president- all executive and administrative powers of the organization shall be vested in the president, who shall preside over all meetings of the organization, appoint committee members, enforce the observance of law and order among members, order the withdrawal of money from the treasury for the benefit of the organization in case of emergency in consultation with the executive council, and defend and enforce the By-laws and constitution of the organization. He/she shall deliver an annual report on the state of affairs of the organization to the body, and shall perform all other duties pertinent to that office. He/she shall be vested with the power to convene emergency meetings when necessary. The president shall appoint a representative from all counties with in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The President shall also appoint the parliamentarian and other Committee heads.
Section II
Vice President- it shall be the duty of the vice president to assist the president at all times. All powers of the president shall evolve upon the vice president, in the absence of the president. In the case of resignation, impeachment, inability, or death of the president, the Vice president shall assume the duties of the president and fill the vacancy thus created, pending the forthcoming election of officers of the chapter. He/she shall be chairperson ex-officio of all committees of LIMAP. In the event the Vice President cannot perform the duties of the president effectively and efficiently, the board shall appoint an interim head of the organization and set a date for early elections.
Section III
Secretary General-It shall be the duties of the Secretary General to record and compile accurately all minutes of the meetings, prepare all communications and correspondences on behalf of the organization that may be brought to his/her attention. He/she shall keep accurate account of all communications, and shall keep Photostatic copies of all correspondences made by him/her in the interest of the organization. He/she shall take attendance at all meetings and also cite members to meetings of the organization upon authorization of the president, or the vice president, or interim head during the absence of the president. The Secretary General shall also serve as the head of the web management team. All publications that will be posted on www.limap.org must go through the Secretary General for scrutiny and web worthiness.
Section IV
Financial Secretary-it shall be the duties of the financial secretary to record all financial transactions, and keep all financial records for the organization. He/she shall issue all vouchers in the interest of LIMAP by the order of the president, signed by the financial secretary and countersigned by the president. He/she shall make a financial report bi-annually at LIMAP general meeting, and whenever a report is deemed necessary by the executive council and the board of directors.
Section V
Treasurer- it shall be the duties of the treasurer to receive all funds and valuables on behave of organization (LIMAP), he/she shall deposit all valuables and finances at a bank designated by the executive council, and shall obtain receipts and duplicate copies from the bank, or individuals, and organizations and turn over same to the financial secretary. He/she shall issue checks only upon a voucher prepared by the financial secretary and the president. He/she shall make a financial report bi-annually at LIMAP general meetings and whenever such a report is deemed necessary by the executive council and the board of directors.
Section VI
Chaplain-it shall be the duties of the chaplain to conduct all religious exercises of the organization.
Section VII
The organization representation on the federal level shall be done by the president and a host of members who enjoys the confidence of the president. In the event of delegates’ selection for any electoral process on the federal level, delegates will be chosen based on their commitment to their organization as well as good financial standing with the organization. Those delegates must protect the interest of the organization on the federal levels. The president shall remove any delegate at will for no confidence and replace with any individual of his chosen.
Article V- Membership
Section I Membership of the association shall consist of:
· People of Mandingo origin
· Spouses, associates and admirers of Mandingo people
· Outstanding members of the community who support our cause and make worthy contributions and providing valuable services.
· All persons of goodwill interested and concerned about the association’s goals and objectives shall be accepted as members.
Section II Categories of Membership
· Regular Membership- Are those of Mandingo decent who have declared the intention through a membership form, paying membership regularly and participating in the organization regularly.
· Associates Membership-Are spouses, relatives and friends of regular members that are non-Mandingoes but share the values and traditions of the Mandingo people.
· Honorary –Are those members that the organization deem necessary to confer membership to.
Section III Dues and fees
5. Each member must a pay registration fee of $5.00
6. Each member must pay a yearly fee of US $60.00.
7. Members must attend all meetings.
8. All members must participate in all the activities of the association.
BY LAWS
ARTICLE VI- Elections and installations
Section I
All Election shall be free, fair and equal, and no power shall at anytime interfere to prevent the free exercise of the right of people to vote or be elected. Only due paying members will be eligible to vote during elections.
Section II
All officers of the Executives body of the Liberia Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania shall be elected in November of every other two year. All board of Director of The Liberia Mandingoes Association of Pennsylvania shall be elected in November of every other four years. The election shall be conducted by a secret ballot. The President shall appoint an Elections Commission to supervise the election with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section III
Every member 18 years of age possessing the following qualifications shall entitled to vote at all election subject, however, to such laws requiring and regulating the registration of elector as the election commissions may enact.
1. He/She must have a residence of PA for at least for six months.
2. Must be in good financial standing in LIMAP.
Section IV
An officer shall not be elected for the same position after serving two consecutive terms in that capacity.
Section V
Elected offices are open to all members. However, Individual’s members aspiring to the office of the President of LIMAP must be at least 25 years of age. Any other candidate aspiring to other executives offices must be in good financial standing with LIMAP, must have good moral conduct and must have had excellent track records in leadership. Candidates contesting various positions in LIMAP must show some form of commitment within all the organizations activities within the past year to be eligible to contest.
Section V
There shall be a structured minimum fees assessed each aspiring candidate from time to time that will be decided upon by the elections committee at the time of campaign.
Section VI
Installation of officers shall be held at a time which will be convenient to the elected officers but not to exceed January 15 after election, and shall be conducted in the following manner:
All elected Officers of LIMAP shall be sworn in office with the following oath.
“I, (name of officer to be installed), do solemnly swear that I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully perform the duties of office of (your position) and to defend and uphold the constitution and by-laws of LIMAP INC. so help me God.
ARTICLE II---- Quorum
Section I
Twenty five percent (25%) of the executive council member and the Board of Director members, including the president and/or the vice president along with a board member, shall constitute a quorum for any duly called meeting, in keeping with the constitution and by-laws.
ARTICLE III---Dues and Finances
Section I
Each LIMAP member shall be assessed a fee of sixty dollars ($60.00).
There shall also be a one-time registration fee of five dollars ($5.00) per each member.
Section II
All remittance of LIMAP shall be entrusted to the treasurer. He/she shall be the custodian of all monies and other valuables of the organization and shall disburse funds in accordance with duly authorized vouchers. With the approval of the Board of Directors, the President, in collaboration with the financial secretary and a Board member shall establish a bank account in the United States in the name of LIMAP. The financial Secretary shall submit a report to the executive council a financial summary of receipts and disbursements during the executive council meeting.
Section III Audit
The books of the organization shall be audited by an auditing committee set up by the board of directors and reported to the general memberships. In case of any discrepancies, the organization shall employ the services of an independent auditor.
ARTICLE IV--- REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Section I
An elected officer or member of any elective committee shall be removed from office for incompetence, negligence of duties, embezzlement or other forms of conduct unworthy of the office as well as the Mandingo traditions, values and belief; after an impartial trial is conducted by the special committee set up by the board of directors in collaboration with the executive Leadership council.
To remove an executive committee member a two-third majority vote shall be sought by the board of directors.
To remove a board of director member from office, a two-third majority of the board membership shall be sought.
ARTICLE V---DISSOLUTION OF LIMAP
Section I
Upon the winding or dissolution of LIMAP, the assets remaining after payments of all debt shall be distributed to such corporation, community chest, trust funds, or foundations, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientist, testing for public safety, literacy or education purposes, for the prevention of cruelty to children, etc. which would then qualify under the provision of section 501(c) 3 of the internal revenue code.
Section II
No part of the net earnings of LIMAP shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, and no substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be carried out on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office either in the USA or in Liberia.
ARTICLE VI---Meetings
Section I
There shall be a general meeting schedule the ___________ Saturday of Sunday of every _________________ month; exact dates and place of the meeting will be decided and announced at every general meeting to be followed by citation.
Section II
In case of emergency, the president of vice president shall call an emergency meeting of LIMAP without advance notice; at which time, article VI section I of the By-laws shall be superceded by article VI, section II.
ARTICLE VII-Amendments
Section I
This constitution, or any portion thereof, may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present; provided that the amendment to be acted upon has been officially declared in not less than thirty days prior to the said meeting, to be studied and provided with further clarification after the said amendment has been received by each member of the chapter.
