12.1.1 To reflect the need, aspiration and changes that occur in the working of the organization amendments of the constitution can be undertaken as and when necessary.
12.1.2 Proposal to amend the constitution can be floored at the annual general meeting by any member of the organization in a written form.
12.1.3 Proposed amendments are to be put to vote to the registered voting members of the organization.
12.1.4 In order for the amendments to be approved a 66.66% vote for the amendments needs to be obtained.
End of Constitution
First Amendment:
Article 1.1
In the event of any position of the member of executive becomes vacant, the president shall fill the vacant position by nominating a member from the registered voters. If there is no willing candidate amongst the registered voters, he shall nominate a member from the General Body. If the vacant position happens to be that of office bearer other than a member of executive board, the president shall nominate a member of Executive body to fill the vacant position. If there is no willing candidate, he shall fill the vacant position by nominating a member from registered voters.
Article 2.1
All Registered Voting Members of the Organization will be required to pay an annual Registered Voter’s Membership Fee. The fee shall be determined by the Executive Committee.
The Second Amendment to THE CONSTITUTION of Newah Organization of America
Article 2.1: Provision for Newah Organization of America (NOA) Chapters
2.1.1 NOA Chapters:
NOA shall encourage the formation of local Chapters as and when needed by the local Newah community within and outside of the United States of America as per the aims and objectives of Article 2 of THE CONSTITUTION of NOA. The Chapters shall abide by all tenants of THE CONSTITUTION.
2.1.2 Formation
The Chapter of NOA shall be named as “Newah Organization of America, – <city_name>, (<country>),Chapter
The Chapter shall formulate it’s own Chapter Charter and Bylaws within the spirit of THE CONSTITUTION of NOA and submitted to the parent Organization for approval.
2.1.3 Organization
The Chapter activities and responsibilities will be guided by the Chapter Executive Committee. The formation of the Chapter Executive Committee shall be according to Article 2.1.4
The offices of the elected Chapter Executive Committee members are:
Chapter Chairperson
Chapter Co-Chairperson
Chapter Secretary
Chapter Treasurer
Chapter Members (minimum 3)
Total number of officers shall be in odd numbers.
The roles and responsibilities of the Chapter Executive Committee members defined in the Chapter Charter.
The Chapter shall require all its members to be members of the parent organization (NOA). Membership dues (general membership or Life membership dues) are to be paid to the parent organization. An agreed portion of the membership dues received by the parent organization shall be returned to the Chapters. No member shall be charged twice for his/her membership. Member shall be registered to the local chapter he/she belongs.
2.1.4 Functioning of the Chapter
The Chapter shall initiate activities that contribute to the overall aims and objectives of the NOA and the Chapter Charter.
The election process regulation of the Chapter shall be inline with NOA as per Article 9: Election Process and Article 8: Voting Validity.
2.1.5 Funding of the Chapter
A Chapter shall create a Fund to finance various activities of the Chapter. Donations and contribution can be collected from various members, well-wishers and benefactors of the Chapter for funding its activities.
The Chapter shall have full financial independence and shall be fully responsible for its own financial needs. A complete Income/Expense record must be kept, and once a year the record submitted to the parent organization for annual IRS reporting and approval for 501( c) 3 Tax-Exempt benefits of the parent Organization.
Article 2.2: Provision of Chapter Formation
2.2.1 Petition for Chapter Formation
A local area group of individuals of the community shall initiate the process of forming a NOA Chapter by submitting a written request to the Executive Committee of NOA for consent to initiate the Chapter forming process.
The group shall form an “Ad-hoc committee” of at least five individuals to draft and submit its own local Charter and By-Laws and submit a petition, (see Petition form), to the NOA Executive Committee.
The NOA Executive Committee shall make a decision after review of the Charter and By-laws within <one> month of submission of all documents.
The President of NOA in consultation with interested local Newah community can also appoint a capable individual to initiate the formation of a Chapter.
2.2.2 Responsibilities of the Chapter
The Chapter at all times shall abide by the overall aims and objectives of THE CONSTITUTION, Newah Organization of America.
The Chapter shall submit its annual financial report to the NOA Executive Committee within <two> months of year end (End of February).
The Chapter shall submit its annual draft activity report to the NOA Executive Committee within <two> months of year end (End of February).
2.2.3 Amendments
Any members of the Chapter can propose amendment to its local Chapter Charter and Bylaws within the spirit of the NOA Constitution. With two-third votes the amendments shall be adopted by the Chapter. The adopted amendments shall be submitted to the parent organization for verification and compliance. The NOA Executive Committee will make decision on the amendment within one month of the submission.
The NOA President at anytime can provide guidance and directives to the Chapter.
2.2.4 Annulment of the Chapter
The President of NOA in consultation with NOA Executive Committee can at anytime annul NOA Chapter status of the Chapter if its activities are against the aims and objectives of THE CONSTITUTION, the Newah Organization of America, and detrimental to the progress of Newah community as a whole.
