Welcome To Okyeman Union of Greater Washington Area, Inc.
PURPOSES
- To build an Organization that shall be a non-profit, non-political, charitable and voluntary organization.
- To organize the Okyeman-Union to assist in the economic, social, and cultural development of members and the community.
- To provide economic, social and cultural services to members of the Organization and the Community, targeting the low-income and the aged. Some of such services include Financial, Social and Cultural workshops, Tax clinic and Legal Aid services.
- To encourage and help promote the well being of members of the Organization, and the Community.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in Okyeman-Union shall be open to those individuals who subscribe to the aims, objectives and are approved for membership and who agree to be governed by the statement of principles, purposes, and objectives as set forth in the constitution and or by-laws.
DUES AND SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Every member shall pay monthly Dues. Pledges and Levies may be requested from members from time to time to support the Association and its members. Other sources of revenue shall be Fundraising and Contributions as well as fees from services performed by the Organization.
OKYEMAN UNION OF GREATER WASHINGTON AREA, INC. BY-LAWS
The following shall be the By-laws and Regulations for the members of the Okyeman Union of Greater Washington Area, Inc. (Okyeman-Union). Members are urged to adhere to these By-Laws and regulations to enable the Organization create the desired atmosphere and medium to carry out its aims and objectives.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The Association shall have an elected executive council.
The executive council will consist of the President/Vice-President, the Treasurer, the Secretary/Assistant Secretary, Welfare officer and other officers of the organization elected by the Executive Council.
1. Term of office will be Four years.
2. Election of executive officers shall be held at the general meeting of the Association by the members.
3. The maximum tenure shall be two consecutive periods for any one office.
4. Removal from office: Officers may be removed for just cause by a Two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Committee and notification of the members.
AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the by-laws may be made at the annual meeting by Two-thirds majority of the active members of the Association and approved by the Executive council.
All members of the Organization shall be informed two (2) weeks prior to voting on an amendment.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
- The President can authorize expenditure, on behalf of the Organization, up to $200.00 in accordance with the constitution.
- The entire executive council can authorize any expenditure which is more than $200.00 but not to exceed $500.00 on behalf of the Organization.
- The executive council shall seek approval from the Organization for any expenditure exceeding $500.00.
- Exceptions shall be made to a, b, c above, in the event of an emergency.
- General meetings shall be held on the second Sunday of each month (phone, video, physical, etc.)
- Emergency meetings may be convened by the President in consultation with the executive council.
- Monthly meetings shall be held from 7.00 p.m. to about 9.00 p.m. beginning and ending with a prayer.
- Meetings shall be conducted in Twi and English.
- Respect to all members at meetings will be strictly enforced. There shall be no cursing during meetings.
- The following shall be grounds for disciplinary action against any member of the Organization:
- Improper and/or inefficient performance, absenteeism, failure to pay dues, etc.
- Misappropriation or embezzlement of funds and/or other assets of the Organization.
- Violation of the Organization’s constitution and bye-laws.
- Publication or dissemination of any verbal information or printed matter which miss-represents the Organization.
- The President shall appoint committees to perform specific assignments on a needed basis.
- A committee shall on a regular basis update the Organization of its activities and inform them immediately upon completion of its assignment.
INTERNAL REVENUE STATUS
Nonprofit status. (Legal considerations)
No part of the net earnings of Okyeman-Union shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the service rendered and make payments and distribution in furtherance of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statement) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for office. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by corporation exempt from the federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code or (b) by a corporation, contribution to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the internal revenue code.
Dissolution clause
In the event of the dissolution of Okyeman-Union, any assets of this organization remaining thereafter shall be conveyed by the members of the governing body of the organization at the time of dissolution to such other organization or organizations as, in the opinion of the members of the governing body, is best fitted to carry on the objectives of this organization or objective closely allied thereto, provided however, that any successor organization shall, at the time of designation, be exempt under section 501 (c)(3)of the internal revenue code as amended or under such successor provision of the code as then may be in effect.