Our organization, ESA-CSULB was formed as a vision of the Eritrean Students Association
of California State University of Long Beach. The mission of ESA-CSULB is to provide
a strong network and resource group that enhances and promotes the professional
development, academic, intellectual, social, and cultural needs of current and
future Eritreans. ESA-CSULB® also commits to forming a union between all Eritreans;
locally, nationally, internationally with an emphasis on our Youth. ESA-CSULB
aims to build a coalition with all "ESA" of Eritrean pride, integrity,
excellence, education and peace. ESA-CSULB® commits to encouraging ERITREANS
to develop and enhance their skills, to be better citizens, to build awareness,
self-esteem and respect for all people. Our objectives also include increasing
the representation of Eritreans in the professional community and researching
what is representative of and relevant to the Eritrean community. We are dedicated
to providing both cultural and academic support to Youth who identify in any way
with Eritrean culture. We accomplish this mainly by building strong foundations
for cultural understanding amongst one another and through mentorship. ESA-CSULB
provides academic and social support. Through this process our community is able
to benefit from academic advancement opportunities, cultural understanding, unity
and economic empowerment.
ESA-CSULB aims to increase the placement of Eritreans in earning associate, bachelors
and advanced degrees. ESA-CSULB will also develop a strong network with the Eritrean
Community. We aim to demonstrate, prove and affirm our loyalty to the of Eritreans
and to our cultural traditions. ESA-CSULB® pledges to support all Eritreans,
through organization, mentorship and cultural enhancement and understanding.
As a surrogate to the families in our community, ESA-CSULB® is a family taking
initiative and responsibility to lighting the tunnel for future engineers, doctors,
scientists, teachers, , artists, athletes, etc.
Mindful of our past and proud of our culture, we will conduct ourselves in a manner
that reflects our noble heritage.
The name of this organization shall be Eritrean Students Association of CSULB.
(hereinafter referred to as the Corporation), a non-profit corporation incorporated
under the Corporate Laws of the State of California.
LOCATION:
The principal office of the Corporation is located in the State of California.
The Board of Directors (advisory) and Officers have the authority to change
the location of the principal office or to create additional offices as long
as they remain within the State of California.
Among the records to be maintained at the principal office shall be the official
Bylaws; all minutes of this Corporation; the financial records and accounting
of the Corporation; and all other official documents of the Corporation as designated
by the Board of Directors (advisory) and Officers.
This organization is a nonprofit public benefit organization and is not organized
for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public
Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. The specific purposes for which
this organization is organized are:
| 1. |
To Establish Eritrean Network in California and further more:
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Between members of ESA-CSULB® |
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With other Eritrean organizations |
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With none ESA-CSULB members |
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| 2. |
To Establish Eritrean Network:
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Eritrean Organizations in the Southern California Area |
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Eritrean Organizations in California and other states |
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Youth Association in Eritrea |
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Eritrean Organizations, Internationally |
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Other African American Communities and any other organizations |
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Friends of Eritrea |
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| 3. |
To Provide Eritreans With the Following Information Needed to Excel Academically,
Socially and Economically:
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Business |
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Education |
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Employment |
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Eritrean Culture |
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Health |
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Legal |
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Arts & Entertainment |
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Real Estate (Housing) |
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Sport |
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| 4. |
To Respond to the Educational, Social and Economical Needs of Eritrean Youth:
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Bridging the gap between American and Eritrean Culture |
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College Education |
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Counseling |
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Eritrean Culture Awareness |
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High School Education |
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Out of School Activities |
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| 5. |
To Respond to the Social and Economical Welfare of Eritrea
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ESA-CSULB® shall be governed by these bylaws. These bylaws and amendments
shall be subject to review by the Board of Directors to ensure that the Bylaws
remains true to the missions of ESA-CSULB®.
| 1. |
Membership Requirements:
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18 years and older |
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Eritrean heritage & friends of Eritrea |
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| 2. |
Duties of Members:
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Attend and participate actively in meetings and events |
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Pay membership dues on time |
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Abide by the rules and regulations of the organization |
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| 3. |
Rights of Members:
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o Vote (if in good standing) |
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Run for office (if in good standing) |
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Express his/her views in meetings |
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Submit written proposals |
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SECTION 1 - Membership
All legislative power shall be vested in the Membership. The Membership shall
set its own rules of procedure. The Membership will have the power to elect
the role of officers who see to the daily affairs of ESA-CSULB®. The membership
(in good standing) is the final authority of ESA-CSULB®.
SECTION 2 - Officers
| 1. |
The officers of ESA-CSULB® shall be a(n) President, Vice-President, Administrative
Director, Financial Director, Social Director, Publicity Director, and Academic
Director.
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| 2. |
The officers for the following term shall be elected in the above order no
later than the end of the current term.
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| 3. |
A vacancy in any other office than President shall be filled by a special
election for the remainder of the term. If the President leaves the office,
then the Vice-President assumes the presidency.
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SECTION 3 -
Officer's Duties & Minimum Qualifications
The President
Duties
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Preside at all meetings of the organization
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Serve as the official representative of the organization or appoint
a proxy as may be necessary
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Compile and prepare the quarterly report of ESA-CSulb® activities
to ESA-CSULB® members
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Maintain a monthly calendar of events and distribute to the group
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Act as liaison with Eritrean organizations and the County of Santa
Clara
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Take charge of revising the Bylaws on the dates prescribed by Article
XI
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Maintain a hard copy and an electronic copy of the Bylaws
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Shall serve as the secretary of the Board of Directors
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Attend at least one meeting per quarter for every standing committee
as an observer
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Organize and lead efforts to set the annual budget with the officers
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Ensure and set a timeline of goals with the officers
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Qualifications
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Must have leadership experience
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Must be a member in good standing with ESA-CSULB® for at least
six month
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Preferably have three written letters of recommendation
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Must be able to articulate orally and in writing
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Must have strong communication skills
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Be able to recognize diverse views and needs
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The Vice President
Duties
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Act as an official liaison to the National Union of Eritrean Youth
and Students
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Act as an official liaison to any organizations that promote Eritrean
students in Santa Clara County
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Act as an official liaison to the Young Eritrean Students of Santa
Clara County
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Perform all duties of the President in his or her absence
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Propose suitable topics that are of relevant importance and concerns
to the Membership
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Prepare for and lead in-meeting discussion of the topic
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Identify and respond to social and economic welfare of Eritrea
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Collect information and propose community service activities to the
Membership
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Organize community service activities for ESA-CSULB as seen fit by
the Membership
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Qualifications
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Must be a member in good standing with ESA-CSULB® for at least
six month
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Must be able to articulate orally and in writing
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Must have strong communication skills
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Must be able to research and collect information
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Must be able to organize community service events
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Must have knowledge of social and economical welfare of Eritrea
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The Administrative Director
Duties
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Keep a record on file of all general meetings of this organization
and make this available to all members
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Take minutes at all general and executive meetings
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Keep a record on file of all officers meetings of this organization
and make this available to officers
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Keep documentation of all CSULB® events
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Keep an updated list of the members and determine who is in good standing
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Receive, review, record and distribute written proposals from members
to appropriate officer and keep members abreast of current proposals
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Ensure summary meeting minutes are updated on the web site, prior to
the following meeting.
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Keep inventory of all ESA-CSULB properties.
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Qualifications
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Must be a member in good standing with ESA-CSULB®
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Must have strong writing skills
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Must be able to demonstrate exceptional organization skills
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Financial Director
Duties
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Receive all funds, and deposit into ESA-CSULB account.
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Pay all bills authorized by the Membership; if over need Presidents
co-signature
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Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements to ESA-CSULB
members, Board of Directors, and to any organization required by law
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Keep exact account records of all receipts and expenditures
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Prepare proper forms for incoming and out going donations, approved
and signed by appropriate parties and distribute to the appropriate organizations
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Identify and write grants and proposals
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Encourage officers to look an apply for grants
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Fund raise for ESA-CSULB
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File state and federal tax
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Qualifications
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Must be a member in good standing with ESA-CSULB
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Must have strong accounting skills
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Must be able to demonstrate exceptional bookkeeping skills
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Must have research skills and grant writing experience
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Social Director
Duties
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Coordinate organized recruitment activities in collaboration with Administrative
Director
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Coordinate organized social and cultural activities
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Research and analyze quality of events and how to improve upon them
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Organize sporting events
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Provide and motivate youth to excel in sports
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Organize team sports for ESA-CSULB
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Represent ESA-CSULB at community sports related meetings such as Eritrean
Soccer Tournament
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Inform members of upcoming sporting events
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Qualifications
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Must be a member in good standing with ESA-CSULB
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Must have the ability to build rapport with others
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Must be organized
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Must have analytical and social skills
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Must have strong communication skills
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Should have interest in sports and the ability to organize sporting
events
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Publicity Director
Duties
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Coordinate and oversee the work flow on the web, editorial and public
relations
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Make sure ESA-CSULB's web site is up-to-date both in content and functionality
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Act as editor-in-chief for ESA-CSULB's official newsletter
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Increase public awareness of events and issues using available media
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Research for better means to improve public relations
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Create and maintain ESA-CSULB's database
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Qualifications
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Must be a member in good standing with ESA-CSULB®
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Must have working experience in the web, print publication and preferably
public relation
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Must have publicity experience
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Must have strong communication and writing skills
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Must have editorial skills
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Academic Director
Duties
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Organize tutorials
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Take inventories and make available a library of academic resources
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Coordinate and assist students with financial resources
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Organize panel discussions
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Organize annual commencement ceremony for high school and college students
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Provide health awareness
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Qualifications
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Must be a member in good standing with ESA-CSULB®
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Must have strong academic achievements
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Must be able to research and collect information
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Must have strong organizational skills
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SECTION 4 -
Election of Officers
Election shall be conducted as follows:
| 1. |
Nomination of candidates for ESA-CSULB® offices shall be made at least
one meeting prior to the Elections Meeting and may continue through an electronic
medium up to the Elections Meeting. Only voting members in good standing who
intend to serve the entire term are eligible to run for office. Candidates are
guaranteed the opportunity to present their views and answer questions.
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| 2. |
Absentee Ballots shall be accepted when accompanied by the absentee's names,
the office in question, the candidate's name being voted to, and signature of
the absentee.
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| 3. |
A simple majority of the quorum as defined by the Bylaws is sufficient and
necessary for election.
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SECTION 5 -
Removal of Officers
The procedure for officer removal shall be as follows:
| 1. |
A petition signed by 30% of the members in good standing must be presented
to the Officers
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| 2. |
Discussion of the removal of the officer shall be placed on the agenda of
the next general meeting occurring at least seven days after the presentation
of the petition
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| 3. |
A 2/3 vote of the voting members is required to remove an officer from office.
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SECTION 1 -
The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall be at leased five and at most eight individuals
voted by the members of ESA-CSULB to fulfill the duties listed below. The President
shall serve as a non voting member and the secretary of Board of Directors.
As members of the community appointed to watch over a public trust the Board
of Directors will be legally and ethically responsible for making sure the organization
remains true to its mission, safeguards its assets, and operates in the publics
interests.
SECTION 2 -
Duties
The duties of the Board are as follows:
| 1. |
Legal and Fiduciary:
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Ensure that the organization meets legal requirements
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Ensure that the organization is operating in accordance with its mission
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Ensure that the organization is operating for the purpose for which it was
granted tax-exemption
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Must provide Duty of Care
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Responsible for safeguarding the organization's assets
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| 2. |
Oversight:
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Ensure that the organization is well run
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Balance to the power of management between officers and members
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Ensure that the officers and members communicate openly and effectively
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Ensure that the officers perform theire goals, duties and objectives in a
timely manner
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| 3. |
Fundraising:
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Ensure that the organization has the money it needs
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From individual contributions
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Organize fund-raising events
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Host benefits
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From other sources
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Serve as an advocate with a foundation, corporation, or government entity
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| 4. |
Representation of Constituencies:
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Shall bring to the board the viewpoints of ESA-CSULB's membership
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Ensure that ESA-CSULB is aware of the Eritrean communities needs
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Ensure the viewpoints of ESA-CSULB is heard by the general communities, organizations,
and government organizations
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SECTION 3 -
Election of Board of Directors
Election shall be conducted as follows:
| 1. |
Nomination of candidates for ESA-CSULB® Board of Directors shall be made
at least one meeting prior to the Elections Meeting and may continue through
an electronic medium up to the Elections Meeting. Any person who meets the requirements
and intends to serve the entire term are eligible to run for office. Candidates
are guaranteed the opportunity to present their views and answer questions.
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| 2. |
Absentee Ballots shall be accepted when accompanied by the absentee's names,
the office in question, the candidate's name being voted to, and signature of
the absentee.
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| 3. |
A simple majority of the quorum as defined by the Bylaws is sufficient and
necessary for election.
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| 4. |
The Board of Directors for the following term shall be elected before the
end of the current term.
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| 5. |
The vacancy in any of the Board of Directors position shall be filled by
a special election for the remainder of the term.
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| 6. |
The term for Board of Directors shall be two years
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SECTION 4 -
Removal of Board of Directors
The procedure for the Board of Director removal shall be as follows:
| 1. |
A petition signed by 30% of the members in good standing must be presented
to the Officers
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| 2. |
Discussion of the removal of the Board of Director shall be placed on the
agenda of the next general meeting occurring at least seven days after the presentation
of the petition
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| 3. |
A 2/3 vote of members in good standing is required to remove a Board of Director
from office.
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SECTION 1 -
Meetings
This organization shall hold general and officers meetings on dates to be determined
on a per term schedule. The officers, led by the President, are responsible
for setting the officer & general meeting agendas
SECTION 2 -
Structure of General Meetings
The structure of the general meeting shall consist of the following agenda:
review of old business, Treasury report, discussion of new business, an issues
discussion , followed by proposal status and the postings of announcements.
The general meetings shall be presided by the President.
Committees shall be established as required to carry out or further the work
of ESA-CSULB® by the officers. The following are the guidelines for the
committees:
| • |
Determine the purpose of the committee in written form and presented
to the general meeting
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All committees shall be led by an officer or appointed member
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The standing committee will serve a full term
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The temporary committees will serve until the project has been completed
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All committees will report their status at general meetings as required
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The officers will propose the budget for approval from the members
at the beginning and middle of the term
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All moneys remaining at the end of the term will roll over to the general
account
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Each committee can spend up to a per project, without submitting a
proposal
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These bylaws must be amended by two-thirds vote of the membership of ESA-CSULB®,
provided the amendment shall have been proposed at least one meeting prior to
the time of voting. After acceptance by the membership, an amendment must be
submitted to the Board of Directors. As portions of the bylaws are amended,
the revision number remains the same, with an amendment number added (exp. Rev.
1 will become Rev 1.1). As the bylaws are amended, the revision and amendment
numbers have to be updated on every page.
The Bylaws of ESA-CSULB® shall be revised by the Officers, presided by the
President, at leased every third year to ensure that the Bylaws remains viable
to the Membership beginning from this year, 2001. A two-thirds vote of the Membership
is required to accept any major revisions. As the bylaws are revised the revision
number has to be updated on every page. After acceptance by the membership,
the revised bylaws must be submitted to the Board of Directors.
Any issue shall be brought before the general body and voted upon by a simple
majority of the quorum.
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