The constitution of Ijebu Indigenes organization of DFW Inc

ARTICLE 1: NAME

The name of this organization shall be The IJEBU INDIGENES ORGANIZATION DFW  UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ARTICLE 2: MISSION

The Ijebu Indigenes Organization DFW of The United States of America is organized exclusively for charitable, social and educational purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described from under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or e corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Such purposes also include but are not limited to the following:

  • To embark on programs that will create and promote unity among all people of Ijebu descendants.
  • To promote progress and harmony among all people of Ijebu Origin and descents.
  • Through constructive engagement, to promote social interaction among Ijebu people everywhere.
  • To disseminate relevant information received from Ijebu land to its members (The Ijebu Indigenes Organizations DFW of the United States of America).
  • To pay all costs, charges and expenses, preliminary and incidental to the promotion, formation, establishment and incorporation of The Ijebu Indigenes Organization DFW of the United States of America.
  • To engage in any and all other activities, which will directly or indirectly improve the welfare and economic conditions of the Ijebu people in the DFW area.
  • To engage in other activities that are incidental or conducive in the opinion of the majority of the members to the attainment of any or all of the above objectives
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1

Full membership of this Organization shall be open to all Ijebus, 21 years and over in The DFW area of the United States of America, including their spouses and children, who will be prepared to serve and comply with the rules and regulations of the Organization.

Section 2

Qualification for admittance to this organization: All people of Ijebu descent, including their spouses and children, are welcome regardless of sexual orientation, social or economic status.

Section 2B

New member application with a fee of $100, shall be submitted to the General Secretary starting from January 2016.

Section 3

A member shall be deemed to be in good standing, if he/she is up to-date in the payment of membership dues and any other special levies determined by the membership and attended, at least, two-thirds of the monthly meetings yearly.

Section 3B

Any non-indigenous person e.g spouse of an Ijebu member is considered “Associate Member” with limitation such as:- He or she shall be eligible for elected offices EXCEPT for the position of the President, Vice President, General Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 4

An active member is entitled to the rights/privileges of membership in the Organization, only when he/she is in good standing as defined in article 3, section 3. A member shall be regarded as inactive if he/she fail to meet the above stated requirements for active membership. A member, having failed to pay or attend meetings receives a warning at the third month (3rd month) of violation and is dismissed at the sixth month (6th month). To be reinstated, the member must reapply and pay the application fees of $100. The welfare committee will contact them to inquire about their welfare on the 3rd month. Even if you pay the whole year you still have to attend to be considered a member for at least 6 months.

Section 5

All members shall be required to sign a Declaration of Membership” statement as shown in “Appendix A”.

ARTICLE 4: MEETING
Section 1

The Organization shall convene every two years for a special meeting at which the members shall elect the officers, formulate overall policy and direction and, if necessary, amend the by-laws and/or Constitution of the Organization. The Organization shall remain assembled until all business shall have been completed or a motion for adjournment shall have been passed*** and seconded.

Section 1B

There shall be three types of meetings of the general house as specified below:

  1. Monthly Meetings
  2. Executive Meetings (to be conducted a week prior to the regular meetings)
  3. Annual/End of the Year Meeting
Section 2

Membership meetings shall be called as provided in Article 10, Section 1“Frequency of Meetings”.

Section 3

During the monthly of the organization and also to provide for the general welfare of the organization.

Section 3B

A members can be levied or fined for tardiness, unexcused absences, and other misconducts while the meeting is in progress or any other time before and after the meeting is over.

Section 4

All legislative matters to be considered by the Organization shall be placed on the Agenda for the monthly membership meeting.

Section 4B

The hard copies/or emails/text messages of the monthly minutes shall be brought by the General Secretary and distributed to all members present at the monthly meetings.

ARTICLE 5: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Nominations & Election Committee

A nominating and election committee consisting of a chairperson and two members shall be appointed at the time of regular elections by the Executive Members. The appointees will conduct the elections according to the procedures set up in the constitution and the result will be brought back to the general house for final approval.

Section 1.1

Report of the Nominations and Election Committee shall be made immediately after the voting.

Section 1.1B

An electoral committee member shall not contest for election due to a conflict of interest.

Section 1.2

Members who are in good financial standing but do not meet the two-third attendance requirement, (with verifiable valid reason of absences) can vote during the election but are not able to run for any office.

Section 1.2B

In event there is an unfilled position, other candidates can be nominated from the floor by, and of any member in good standing, as long as the nomination is seconded.

Section 1.3

To be eligible for nomination, a candidate must have been a member in good standing, as stated in Article 3, Section 3, for, at least, twelve (12) months.

Section1.4

Election shall be by secret ballot voting.

Section 1.5 Voting Privilege

Each member has one vote. Voting is allowed to eligible members in good standing. Eligible member must be, at least, twenty-one (21) years of age.

Section 1.6 Absentia Voting

Members can be voted for in absentia under these
circumstances;

  1. Sick and unable to attend
  2. Serious family situation and unable to attend. (Under either circumstance, the member must endeavor to contact the electoral committee chair person or its members.)
Section 1.7

To be elected to an office, a simple majority is required.

Section 1.8 Absentee voting 

Any member in good standing is allowed to send in his/her vote prior to, or on the election day, to the chairperson of the election committee.

Section 1.9

Upon the ratification of the election results, the Nominations and Election Committee shall seize to be in operation.

ARTICLE 6: OFFICERS
Section 1.1

The officers of the Organization shall consist of the following:

  1. President
  2. Vice President
  3. General Secretary
  4. Assistant General Secretary
  5. Treasurer
  6. Financial Secretary
  7. Social Secretary
  8. Assistant Social Secretary
  9. Public Relation Officer
  10. Chief Whip/Welfare Officer
  11. Ex-Officio
Section 1.2

Each officer must be a member in “good standing” in the Organization at all times and must have attended, at least, two-thirds of the monthly meetings yearly to keep this status.

Section 1.3

All officers shall serve for a period of not more than two consecutive terms and must run for re-election at the end of the first term (every 2 years).

Section 1.4

If the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall Automatically become the President. The executive officers will appoint a temporary Vice President temporarily for one month until the members elect an eligible candidate to fill the office for the unexpired term. Service in an office for the unexpired term shall not make the officer ineligible for nomination or election to that office or any other office.

ARTICLE 7: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1: The President

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Organization and shall preside over meetings of the Organization. The President shall be the spokesperson of the Organization unless otherwise so designated by the President. The President shall cast the deciding vote whenever there is tie. The President is vested with the authority to summon executive meetings as appropriate. The President shall delegate the executive members to appoint a chairperson for committees relating to matters under their department. The President shall appoint special assistants if deemed necessary and appropriate. The president shall be a signatory to the Organization’s account.

Section 2: Vice President

The Vice President shall perform such duties as the President may assign and act for the President in his/her absence. The Vice President shall be required to perform the following duties:

  1. Oversee and coordinate the activities and reports of the Organization.
  2. Assist in the development of programs.
  3. Ensure the implementation and consistent application of policies as established by the constitution.
  4. Make frequent calls to members that are absent from meetings.
  5. Maintain a liaison with other organizations, which perform similarly related activities.
  6. The VP shall head all appointed committees and be in communication with the chairperson of each committee.
Section 3: General Secretary

The Secretary shall keep accurate and complete minutes of all meetings of the Organization. The Secretary shall read and present the minutes for adoption. The Secretary shall be the custodian of all records, files and documents of the Organization.
The Secretary shall be responsible for the general correspondence of the Organization, and shall keep a record of all proposals for membership. The Secretary shall keep records of all new members and roster of membership of the Organization. The secretary shall have further powers and duties as may be prescribed.The Secretary shall be a signatory to the Organization’s account.

Section 3.1 Assistant General Secretary

The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in the discharge of his or her duties. In the absence of the Secretary, the assistant Secretary shall act as the Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall notify members of the meeting dates and time, if notices were not sent out in a timely manner.

Section 4: Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive and supervise the safekeeping and expenditure of the funds and investments of the Organization. The Treasurer shall make expenditures only upon written authorization by a majority the President and the Organization. The Treasurer shall deposit all monies paid in the name of the Organization to the bank within three (3) working days of their receipt. The treasurer shall pay all obligations and bills by check drawn by him/her and countersigned by the signatories. The Treasurer shall report on the financial condition of the Organization at all meetings and other times when called upon by the President. The treasurer shall be a signatory to the Organizations, account. The Treasurer shall bring all account books, checks and register of the Organization to all meetings. The Treasurer shall make the financial books and records of the Organization available to the auditor on demand and provide all necessary assistance to make the auditor’s work efficient. At the expiration of the term of office, the treasurer shall deliver to the successor, all books, monies and properties of the Organization.

Section 4B

The treasurer shall make expenditures only upon authorization by the organization and through a majority vote of two-thirds.

Section 5: Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall collect dues from members and keep an accurate record of all money collected. The Financial Secretary shall hand over all money collected to the Treasurer within 48 hours or otherwise to the General Secretary in the absence of the Treasurer. The Financial Secretary shall be the collector of all donations, membership dues and levies, and submit financial report every three months to the Organization.

Section 6: Social Secretary

The Social Secretary shall take charge of all social activities of the Organization and shall also head the Welfare Committee.

Section 6.1: Assistant Social Secretary

The Assistant Social Secretary shall assist the social secretary in the discharge of his/her duties.

Section 7: Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.)

The Public Relations Officer shall be responsible for the publicity of all activities of the Organization. The PRO shall be in charge of the Organization’s Publications.

Section 8: Chief Whip/Disciplinary Committee

The chief whip duties shall include maintaining orderliness during the meetings and whenever there is a gathering of the Organization members and Executives. The Chief Whip is also the head of the Disciplinary Committee.

Section 9: Ex-Officio

The Ex-Officio shall be the immediate past president of the Organization. He/she shall serve as an active member of the executive committee. His/her term shall expire when a new President is elected, unless if the new President is an incumbent.

Section 10: Executive Board
Section 1 Powers or Responsibilities:

All real property of the Ijebu Indigenes Organization DFW of the United States of America shall be managed, directed and controlled, through supervision and advisement of the executives. They shall be charged with the following responsibilities:

  1. Identify sources where the organization can solicit contribution/fund and make appropriate contact.
  2. Identify the needs of members and Ijebu people for which available funds can be disbursed if deemed necessary.
  3. Develop a systemic approach to safeguarding any property donated to the Organization.
  4. Identify programs that can promote the welfare of the Ijebu people.
  5. The executives shall present a report of recommendations at the general meeting of the Organization upon the approval of the house.
  6. The executives shall report annually to house members of the Organization.
  7. Identify, initiate and advise the house members on fundraising initiatives and programs.
ARTICLE 8: COMPLETION OF TERMS

All officers shall relinquish all official records and pertinent information of the Organization to the President within thirty (30) days prior to the completion of their terms.

ARTICLE 9: TRANSFER OF POWER
  1. All officers shall assume their respective positions for the ensuing Organization year upon adjournment of the annual meeting at which they were elected, by swearing to an oath of office.
  2. The President and Executives shall relinquish all official records and pertinent information of the Organization within ***thirty (30) days of the completion of his/her term of office ***in November.
  3. During the transitional period, the outgoing executives and incoming officers shall work together.
  4. The incoming officials shall be sworn in at the end of year party of the election year.
ARTICLE 10: BY-LAWS

By-laws consistent with the provisions of this Constitution may be adopted or amended only at the monthly meeting and if deemed necessary, at an appointed date by a majority of the members present and voting in preliminary session upon the following conditions:

All proposed amendments to the By- laws shall be received by the general secretary no later than thirty (30) days prior to the monthly meeting at an adopted date if necessary, and the proposed amendments shall be mailed or circulated to each member of the Organization at least fifteen (15) days prior to the monthly meeting. In the event that the Secretary shall fail or neglect to mail or circulate to the members of the Organization, the proposed amendments as provided may be submitted at the adopted date provided that a majority of the members present agree to waive the notice requirements and act thereon. The Organization shall remain assembled until all business have been completed or a motion for adjournment have been passed by majority vote.

Section 1 Frequency of Meetings:
  1. The general meetings of the Organization shall be on the third Sunday of every month.
  2. The President can, at anytime between the dates of the regular meetings, summon an emergency meeting.
  3. Time : Meetings shall be held from 4PM to 7PM to include a 30 minute “Social Time” or Grace Period at the onset of the meeting.
  4. Place: Meetings shall be held at such place as shall be fixed by the member hosting as pre-determined by the year calendar.
  5. Telephone Calls: E-mail/telephone calls to members shall be required for monthly or annual meetings for which time and place have been previously established and announced through written notices duly mailed out to members in a timely manner via text and e-mail.
Section 2 Quorum

Majority of the members present shall constitute a quorum. The presence of at least two third members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at general meetings for the transaction of any business. If however, such quorum shall not be present, the presiding officer shall have the power to delay or adjourn the meeting in reasonable amount of time, until a quorum shall be present. Otherwise, members present can, by a majority vote, waive the quorum requirement, to allow the transaction of business to occur or not.

Section 3 Finance
  1. The fiscal period of the Organization shall be January 1 to December 31 of each year. The organization shall derive revenue from the following:
    1. Application and a $100 fee
      Monthly dues shall be $20.00 per month per member for 12 months ($240) with couples paying $40 each ($480) for the year.
    2. Special levies may be warranted under special circumstances or when deemed necessary by a majority of the house voting.
    3. Fund raising both internal/external and voluntary donations shall be accepted
  2. The accounts of the Organization shall be audited quarterly (every 3 months) by a General Auditor appointed by the Executives with recommendation of the finance committee, who shall then report back to the whole house.
Section 4 Removal from Office

Any officer’s rights could be terminated by two-third majority votes of the whole house. The President shall establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate and report to the executive any allegation of wrongdoing by any member of the executive. However, if the President is under investigation, the executive members shall appoint the investigation committee.

Section 5 Dissolution or Discontinuance

The Ijebu Indigenes Organization DFW of the United States of America shall use its funds only to accomplish the objectives and missions specified in the by- laws and no part of said funds shall incur or be distributed to the executive members, or member, except for reasonable Organization expenses. On the dissolution or discontinuation of the Organization, any funds remaining shall be distributed to one or more regularly  organized and qualified charitable, educational, scientific or philanthropic organizations to be selected by the executive members. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located , exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Section 6 Prohibition of Religion

The Ijebu Indigenes Organization DFW of the U.S.A. shall operate as a secular body and shall, on no occasion, adopt any religion as a dominant religion.

ARTICLE 11 Disciplinary AND STANDING COMMITTEES

Committees shall be composed of members in good standing and chaired by a member appointed by the President subject to majority vote of the executive members. All committees formed by the executive members shall function solely in accordance with such directives as the executive members may, by resolution, lawfully approve and shall at all times be responsible to the executive members to insure that policies of the Organization are complied with.

Section 1 Executive Committee

The committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, and other officers as outlined in Article 6, Section 1.1. The President of the Organization shall serve as the chairperson of the executive committee.

Section 2 Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee shall advise the Organization on the financial status of the Organization. The committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer and consist of at least three (3) members of the Association. The committee shall assist the President in preparing an annual budget. The committee shall be responsible for developing the financial procedures of the Association and thus headed by the Treasurer and Financial Secretary.

Section 3 Liaison Committee

A Liaison Committee shall be established to coordinate and be responsible for the public affairs and public relations of the Organization, particularly with respect to interacting with other Organization/Associations promoting cooperation in providing benefits to Nigerians in the DFW metroplex/across America and other places around the world. The committee shall be chaired by the Public Relations officer and consist of at least three members.

Section 4 Constitution Committee

A policy committee shall be established to prepare policy statements, including the revision of membership criteria and amendments to the Organization documents including the creation or termination of any committee function. Their responsibilities also include determination of the membership dues and procuring professional services for the Association, as required.

Section 5 Welfare Committee

A Welfare Committee shall be established to oversee the well-being of members of the Organization. The committee shall be required to make periodic telephone calls to members who are either absent from meetings, or have some other problems brought to the attention of the Organization. The committee shall make recommendations on appropriate assistance the Organization may provide to alleviate any problems the member may be experiencing. The committee shall be chaired by the Social Secretary and consist of at least three members.

ARTICLE 12 AMENDMENTS

These by- laws shall be amended, repealed or a new by law adopted, by a vote of two thirds of the members in good standings, but only at a meeting in which written notice of the substance of the proposed amendments was given ten (10) working days prior to the meeting. The executive members and/or Board of Trustees may propose amendments, on its own initiatives.

ARTICLE 13 ADOPTION

These by- laws shall become effective when adopted by the members and shall remain effective until amended by the membership in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article 10 & 12.

ARTICLE 14: RIGHTS, BENEFITS AND DISCIPLINES CRITERIA

Any member entitled to the above stated right, benefits or discipline, must be an active member, attend two-third of meetings and in good financial standing in both payment of monthly dues and levies.

  1. Death in the family: Such as mother, father, spouse or child shall be $250.00 and voluntary, donation by individual members.
  2. Graduation: The graduates shall be presented with a congratulatory plaque from the organization and cost not to exceed $50.00.
  3. Scholarships shall be awarded annually to children of members in good standing. The students must meet honor roll qualifications and be randomly selected in his or her category.
  4. Scholarship/ Education Committee will conduct and investigate that qualified candidates are competing and that the current $1,000 is disbursed fairly.
  5. Members birthdays shall be recognized with one cake for the all members celebrating that month and a $25.00 gift card given to members in good standing.
DISCIPLINE:
  1. Lateness of 30 minutes or more shall incur a fine of $5.00.
  2. Any physical altercation or abusive language will incur a fee of $100.

If a member is fined for any of the above offense, payment shall be made Immediately. This section of the constitution is open and we will continue add to it.

MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS/ORGANIZATIONAL PROPERTIES:

Any member who abuses, misuses, or steals organizational funds and properties shall face legal proceedings to the full extent of the law as deemed fit by the organization. A disciplinary committee shall be set up and along with the Executive body, decide the penalties for issues such as falsification, sexual harassment or fighting.