ARTICLE 1: IDENTITY | .3
ARTICLE 2: MISSION | .3
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP | .4
ARTICLE 4: MEETING | 5
ARTICLE 5: ELECTIONS | 5
ARTICLE 6: OFFICERS | 6
ARTICLE 7: DUTIES OF OFFICERS | .7
ARTICLE 8: BOARD OF TRUSTEES | 9
ARTICLE 9: COMPLETION OF TERMS | 11
ARTICLE 10: TRANSFER OF POWER | 11
ARTICLE 11: BY-LAWS | 11
ARTICLE 12: STANDING COMMITTEE | 14
ARTICLE 13: AMMENDMENTS | 14
ARTICLE 14: ADOPTIONS | 15
ARTICLE 15: RIGHTS, BENEFITS, AND DISCIPLINE | …15
ARTICLE 16: CODE OF CONDUCTS | 16
APPENDIX A: DECLARATION OF MEMBERSHIP | 17
1.1 The name of this organization shall be “United Yoruba of Tulsa”
1.2 The organization logo shall be “Sekere” or any other Yoruba symbol agreed by a simple majority of the House.
1.3 All the organization documents shall be written in English. However, members shall have the right to speak in English or Yoruba language during any meetings of the organization.
2.1 Purpose: United Yoruba of Tulsa is organized exclusively for charitable, social, and educational purposes as a non-profit organization. This organization is set up as exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law. Our mission shall include following:
2.1.1 To embark on programs that will create and promote unity among all Yoruba in Tulsa area.
2.1.2 To promote the economic, education, social and political development of Yoruba land and the general welfare of the Yoruba members of the Association in Tulsa.
2.1.3 To act and support collectively in time of need and emergency on affairs that affect our members in good standing and community.
2.1.4 To promote, educate and maintain good names, image and culture of Yoruba people.
2.1.5 To disseminate relevant information received from Yoruba land to its members in Tulsa area.
2.1.6 To engage in other activities in support of charitable organization or affiliated cultural group and act in issuing opinion of issues that affect Yoruba people.
2.1.7 To engage in programs that demonstrate our group as role model by sponsoring one or more of the followings: scholarship programs, social amenities, hospitals either in the US or Nigeria.
The association shall carry out, at a minimum, the following activities on yearly basis to support our mission:
2.2.1 Yearly picnic for all members, family and friends.
2.2.2 Yearly cultural event, including fundraising.
2.2.3 Yearly event or program to support or promote Yoruba culture, people, place and our name in the US and Nigeria.
2.2.4 The president shall present to the general members within the first two meetings of the year a list of other events that he/she would like to accomplish for the year.
3.1 Full membership of this Organization shall be open to all Yorubas in Tulsa metro and it environ, including their spouses and children, who will be prepared to serve and comply with the rules and regulations of the Organization.
3.2 Qualification for admittance to this organization: All people of Yoruba descent, including their spouses and children, are welcome regardless of age, sex, social or economic status.
3.3 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.
3.4 A member is entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of membership in the Organization, only when he/she is in good standing as defined in Article 3, Section 3.
3.5: The executive committee may consider membership for potential membership a person with close relationship to Yoruba either as a full or associate member. Such request must be brought and voted by the members at a general meeting.
3.6: All members shall be required to sign a “Declaration of Membership” statement as shown in “Appendix A”.
3.7: Any member that moves to a different location or city or country may continue their membership provided they pay their monthly dues.
3.8: Yorubas in neighboring cities to Tulsa shall be allowed to join the organization provided he or she complies with all requirements set forth for other members.
4.1 The Organization shall convene every two years for a special meeting at which the membership 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 has been completed or a motion for adjournment has been passed by a majority vote.
4.2: Membership meetings shall be called as provided in Article 11, Section 1- Frequency of Meetings”.
4.3: During the membership meeting, the members have the power to levy fees, collect monies and appropriate funds to pay debts of the Organization and to provide for the general welfare of the Organization.
4.4: All legislative matters to be considered by the Organization shall be placed on the Agenda for the annual membership meeting.
A nominating and election committee consisting of a chairperson and at least, two members shall be appointed no later than three (3) months prior to the regular elections by the President to conduct the elections according to the procedures set up.
5.1.1 Report of the Nominations and Election Committee shall be made immediately after the voting.
5.1.2 Other candidates can be nominated from the floor by, and of any member in good standing, if the nomination is seconded.
5.1.3 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, six (6) months.
5.1.4 Election shall be by secret ballot voting
5.1.5 Voting Privilege: Each member has one vote. A married couple shall have two (2) separate votes. Voting is allowed to eligible members in good standing only.
5.1.6 Absentia Voting: Members can be voted for in absentia under these circumstances:
5.1.6.1 Sick and unable to attend meeting.
5.1.6.2 Serious family situation and unable to attend.
5.1.6.3 Work related excuses that are unavoidable.
5.1.7 To be elected to an office, a simple majority of members present is required.
5.1.8 Absentee voting: Any member in good standing can send in his/her vote prior to, or on the Election Day, to the chairperson of the election committee by any method prescribed by the election committee.
5.1.9 Upon the ratification of the election results, the Nominations and Election Committee shall seize to be in operation.
6.1 The officers of the Organization, which constitute the executive committee, shall consist of the following:
6.1.1 President
6.1.2 Vice President
6.1.3 General Secretary
6.1.4 Treasurer
6.1.5 Financial Secretary
6.1.6 Public Relation Officer
6.1.7 Chairman, Board of Trustees
6.1.8 Former Presidents
6.2 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.
6.3 All officers shall serve for a period of not more than two consecutive terms of two (2) years each for the same position.
6.4 If the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall automatically become Acting President. The executive officers may appoint the Vice President temporarily for three 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.
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Organization and shall preside over all 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 appoint the chairman and members of each committee of the Organization and may appoint special assistants as may be deemed necessary and appropriate. The President shall have the responsibility to submit a yearly budget to the members and have the budget approved by February 28 of each year. Previous year income and expense must also be presented to the members at the beginning of new fiscal year. The President shall be a signatory to the accounts of the association unless otherwise so designated by the President. The President shall serve on the Board.
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: Oversee and coordinate the activities and reports of the Organization. Assist in the development of programs. Ensure the implementation and consistent application of policies as established by the constitution. Maintain a liaison with other organizations that perform similarly related activities in the US and Nigeria.
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 Treasurer shall receive and supervise the safekeeping and expenditure of the funds and investments of the Organization. The Treasurer shall be a signatory to accounts of the Association. The Treasurer shall make expenditures only upon written authorization of 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 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 Treasurer’s term of office, the treasurer shall deliver to the successor all books, money, and properties of the Organization.
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. The Financial Secretary shall be required to serve on the Board along with President. Financial Secretary shall be a signatory to the accounts of the Association.
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. He or She shall work closely with other officers. The PRO shall be responsible for developing and monitoring social media activities.
The president, subject to approval by the simple majority vote of the executive members, shall appoint the Chairman. He/she shall serve as an active member of the executive committee. His/her term shall expire with that of the appointing President. The Chairman of the board has the responsibility of steering the organization towards achieving its vision. The Chairman, in his capacity, may be given leeway by the organization if his or her contribution outweighs monthly attendance.
The Ex-Presidents shall be the past presidents of the Organization. He/she shall serve as an active member of the executive committee to ensure continuity of the organization mission. His/her presence shall not impede the performance of the current President. His/her term shall expire when a new President is elected, unless if the new President is an incumbent. In this case, he or she may voluntarily decide to resign.
The Board of Trustees shall consist of six (6) people, nominated by the executive committee, and approved by a majority vote of the members. Members shall have the right to suggest to the president and executive members names of prospective board members subject to final votes. The chairman of the Board shall be nominated by the president and approved by a majority vote of the members. Member of the board may be someone outside Yoruba but must have genuine interest in Yoruba culture, and mission of the organization. He or she must demonstrate passion to advance the organization goals. Only the President and Financial Secretary of the executive committee may serve on the board.
8.1.1 Identify sources where the organization can solicit contribution/fund and make appropriate contact.
8.1.2 Identify and advise the executive branch of the needs of members and Yoruba people for which available funds can be distributed.
8.1.3 Develop a systemic approach to safeguarding any property donated to the Organization.
8.1.4 Identify and advise the executive of the programs that can promote the welfare of the Yoruba people.
8.1.5 The board shall present a report of recommendations at the general meeting of the Organization.
8.1.6 The board shall report annually to executive and general members of the Organization.
8.1.7 Identify, initiate and advise the executive members on fundraising initiatives and programs.
Each member of the Board of Trustees, upon approval by the members may serve for two years and may be re-elected to the board as long as it is approved by the members by voting.
8.3.1 Initially, board members shall be nominated and be voted on by the members. Anyone, including the executive members, may nominate members of the board. Upon approval, Board of Trustees shall take office as soon as the executive ratifies their appointment.
8.3.2 Should a board position become vacant; a new person shall be elected following the procedures on Section 8.3.1. The newly elected member shall serve in his or her position as stated in Section 8.2 above.
The qualifications for becoming and remaining a trustee of the Association shall include, but not limited to a demonstrated understanding of the goals and objectives and potential contributions to the Association.
Apart from the Chairman who would be nominated by the President with approval by a majority vote of the members, the following officers of the board shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the board members at the first meeting after selection and serve until their successors have been duly appointed and assumed office: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary.
8.6.1 Impede or prejudice the exercise of the powers of the president.
8.6.2 Endanger any asset or investment, if any, of the United Yoruba of Tulsa.
8.6.3 Endanger the continuance of the United Yoruba of Tulsa.
8.7 Removal of a member of the Board of Trustees from his/her position will be by a majority vote of the general members particularly if any of his/her action is in conflict with the goals and objectives of the Organization. The President shall establish or appoint a committee to investigate and report to the general members any allegation of wrongdoing by any member of the Board.
8.8 Absences. Absence without just cause from two consecutive regular meetings of the Board by a trustee may be considered adequate cause for the executives to declare that trustee’s seat vacant and appoint a replacement.
8.9 Compensation. Board of Trustees shall, subject to approval of the executive committee, be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. No board members shall be paid salary or wages.
8.10 Resignation. A member of the Board of Trustees may resign from his/her position by submitting a letter of resignation to the Chairman of the Board, thirty (30) days before the effective date of the resignation. The letter shall be submitted to the executive, for approval, through the President of the Organization.
9.1 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.
9.2 The president shall relinquish all official records and pertinent information of the Organization within thirty (30) days of the completion of his/her term of office.
10.1 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.
By-laws consistent with the provisions of this Constitution may be adopted or amended only at the monthly meeting if necessary, at an adopted 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 has been completed or a motion for adjournment has been passed by majority vote.
11.1.1 The general meetings of the Organization shall be on the third Sunday of every month. Members hosting may choose a different day or time with the approval of the executive.
11.1.2 The Board shall meet once in a quarter.
11.1.3 The President can, at any time between the dates of the regular meetings, summon an emergency meeting.
11.1.4 Time: Meetings shall be held at such time as the President shall fix.
11.1.5 Place: Meetings shall be held at such place as shall be fixed by the President. The President shall reserve the rights to employ the use of technology such as Zoom, Skype, GoTo Meeting, WebEx, and others to conduct a meeting.
11.1.6 Notification: E-mail/telephone/WhatsApp/Facebook invitation/text to members shall be required for regular or annual meetings for which time and place have been previously established.
Fifty percent of the members present shall constitute a quorum. The presence of at least two third executive members may also 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 meeting to occur or not.
11.3.1 The fiscal period of the Organization shall be January 1 to December 31 of each year.
11.3.2 The organization shall derive revenue from the following:
11.3.2.1 Enrollment fee is $25.00 per person or couple if both joins at the same time. First year of the association is open. Starting August 1, 2014, enrollment fee shall apply to new members. The President has occasional discretion to waive enrollment fee for someone who may likely perform special services for the organization.
11.3.2.2 Monthly dues $15.00 single and $20.00 per couple. Monthly dues may be paid in cash, check or credit card or electronic transfer. The organization is not responsible for the charges associated with credit card and electronic transfer. Monthly dues or any money paid to the association is non-refundable.
Exception: Organization has the powers to authorize increase in membership dues so long as such item agenda is tendered, debated, and agreed upon by the House at the general meeting. Voting for approval shall be by a simple majority.
11.3.2.3 Special levies if necessary
11.3.2.4 Fund raising both internal/external and voluntary donations
11.3.3 The accounts of the Organization shall be audited annually by an auditor who shall be appointed by the President.
Any officer’s rights could be terminated by two-third majority votes of the whole house. The President shall establish a committee to investigate and report to the members any allegation of wrongdoing by any member of the executive. However, if the President is under investigation, the executive members shall appoint the investigative committee.
United Yoruba of Tulsa shall use its funds only to accomplish the objectives and missions specified in the constitution and no part of said funds shall be distributed to the executive members, board of Trustees, or member, except for reasonable Organization expenses without proper authorization.
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.
United Yoruba of Tulsa shall operate as a secular body and shall, on no occasion, adopt any religion as a dominant religion. Members are free to practice religion of their choice. No member shall inflict his or her religion on others. All members of United Yoruba of Tulsa must co-exist in harmony regardless of member’s religious belief.
Committees shall be composed of members in good standing and chaired by a member appointed by the President subject to majority vote of the members. Membership in any committee expires at the end of the calendar year. Members can be re-elected to another term but may not serve more than three consecutive years.
Membership/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 problem 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 an executive member or any member appointed by the President. This committee has the responsibility of driving memberships and formulating the benefits plan that can be executed by the association. Committee must consist of at least three members.
Members of this committee, consisting of at least three members and PRO shall be responsible for executing all plans related to social activities of the association. At the discretion of the President, the Financial Secretary may be appointed to chair this committee for the purpose for maintaining financial controls within the group.
The Outreach/Project Committee shall be charged with the responsibility of coordinating the Association’s project or activities outside of the organization. The President has the discretion of assigning the projects based on his plan for the Association.
13.1 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 fifteen (15) working days prior to the meeting. The executive members and/or Board of Trustees may propose amendments, but such amendments must be approved by the members.
13.2 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 11 &13.
Adopted by all members present at the general meeting.
13.3 The President, and upon request by any member, shall have the right to set up a Constitutional Review Committee on a yearly basis to adopt or amend any part of this constitution as necessary.
To receive benefits: one must be an active member for at least four (4) months, attend two third of meetings, and in good financial standing in monthly dues and levies. Such benefit shall be calculated from 12 calendar months preceding the time of the incident.
14.1 Death in the family: Such as mother, father, spouse or legal child shall be given $250 with additional voluntary donations from members.
14.2 Hardship: Members suffering from serious financial hardship will be presented with up to $400.00. The executive officers shall define the level of hardship on a case by case basis.
14.3 Support: The organization may support other Yoruba organization, but the amount of financial supports may not exceed $250.00 unless approved by the general members prior.
14.4 General: All members in good standing shall receive a picture ID, proving their membership, which can be presented to obtain discounts with local merchants. Other benefits shall be compiled by the membership committee and submitted to the members for approval.
15.1 Lateness $1.00
15.2 Disorderly conducts $200. The president shall appoint a temporary committee to investigate the alleged allegation. If a member is fined for this incident, payment shall be made as soon as possible.
15.3 All members are required to maintain good character in the community. Member who falls below acceptable standards as defined by the code of conducts will be investigated by a disciplinary committee. Fine may be accessed or termination from membership may occur.
15.4 Any member who abuse, misuse, or steal United Yoruba of Tulsa funds and properties shall face legal proceedings to the full capacity of the law as deemed fit by the organization.
15.5 Disciplinary committee shall be set up by the President to decide the penalties for other issues such as falsification, sexual harassment, and disorderly conducts.
All members shall abide by the following code of conducts.
16.1 All members at all-time shall abide by the constitution and the by-laws, including any amendments, of the United Yoruba of Tulsa.
16.2 No members shall do anything detrimental to the interest of the association.
16.3 All members, during any meeting of the association, shall not disrespect others during the meeting. Members shall always follow democratic procedures during meeting.
16.4 All members, when called upon by the officers, shall support the goal of the association in any way necessary.
16.5 All members shall obey all city, county and state laws in the community that they live.
16.6 All members shall obey all Federal laws, US and Nigeria.
16.7 All members shall respect the privacy of each other. No member shall disseminate other member’s information, including telephone, address, or financial information, to anyone to harm them.
I, __________________________________ do hereby solemnly declare that I would like to be a member of United Yoruba of Tulsa, in pursuant to Article 3 of the constitution.
I, __________________________________ have read the constitution of the United Yoruba of Tulsa and promise to abide by its contents and amendments, thereon, policies and procedures of the Organization. This declaration is made voluntarily and out of my own free will, and I append my signature below to confirm the same. So help me God.
Signature __________________________ Date ______________
Address: _____________________________________________
Telephone #’s ________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________________
Zoom/Skype: __________________________________________
Birthday: Month __________ Day __________
Profession or College major: ___________________________
Attested to by: President ____________________ Date ______________
