Constitution

I.) NAME OF ORGANIZATION

This organization shall be known as the National African Students’ Association hereinafter referred to as National A.S.A.

II.) PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

To unify African student groups in universities across theUnited States.

To be a centralized body for the support of our Member Universities.

To embark upon national projects for the advancement of the African continent.

To empower ourselves by creating networking opportunities and promoting educational achievement.

To equip young African men and women with the tools necessary for them to become forces of change.

To partner with like-minded businesses, organizations and individuals in our communities.

III.)MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

General membership shall be awarded to any undergraduate or graduate student registered and enrolled at any of our membership institutions and associated with an African student group on their campus. In order to maintain eligibility for membership, said university has to be have a current or renewed charter and individual students should be current with national dues.

SECTION 2: DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTIVE POSITIONS AND DUTIES

i.  NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

President

a.) Serve as the official spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
b.) Serve as the presiding officer over executive board and general body meetings.
c.) Set the agenda for executive board and general body meetings.
d.) Take on and delegate projects as needed.

Vice President

a.) Serve as the presiding officer over executive board and general body meetings in the President’s absence.
b.) Take over the duties of the president as necessary.
c.) Run National Delegate (School Representatives) meetings.
d.) Responsible for spearheading the National Community Service and Outreach Projects that the National ASA undertakes.

Director of Communications

a.) Maintaining lines of communication within the organization and keeping member student groups informed of developments within the National ASA, primarily through online communication.
b.) Recording Meeting Minutes at Executive and General Assembly meetings and distributing them to Boards in a timely fashion.
c.) Act as the voice of the organization to member institutions, companies, and organizations.
d.) Support and manage recruitment efforts for the National ASA.

Director of Community Outreach

a.) Initiating and overseeing programs focused on the ‘Progress’ aspect of the National ASA’s vision in conjunction with the Vice President.
b.) Collaboration with community and business partners to further the goals of the National ASA.
c.) Increasing the visibility and presence of the National ASA within communities and community organizations.

Director of Finance

a.) Collect and maintain record of all funds, including dues, registration fees, booth fees, and other sources of income.  Funds should be deposited within 2 business days of being received.
b.) Keep a detailed record of all financial transactions of the National ASA and submit a written financial report based on these records to the General Body at the end of each semester and at any meeting when requested by the General Body.
c.) Present an overview of the financial standing of the organization at each Executive Board meeting.
e.) Initiate and head fund raising efforts for the organization, with approval of the board.

Director of Public Relations

a.) Handle publicity and advertising for the organization as well as its national and regional events.
b.) Work with the Webmaster to update website content.
c.) Work with Regional Public Relations Directors to create a Publicity/Marketing Strategy.
d.) Oversee Newsletter development and distribution.
e.) Support and manage recruitment efforts for the National ASA.

Webmaster

a.) Maintain the National ASA website and collaborate with the National Board to display approved content online.

ii.)REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARDS

The Regional Executive Boards have their own leadership positions which mirror that of the National Board and the responsibilities within National Board positions. The Executive Board Positions include:

President
Vice President
Director of Communications
Director of Community Outreach
 Director of Public Relations

Regional boards will Primarily focus on:

a.) Recruitment and Support of Member Institutions
b.) Seeking Funding/Financial Support
c.) Promotion and Oversight of National Programs
d.) Furthering the development functions of National ASA
e.) Ensuring that student groups within the Region are in contact and supporting one another’s efforts

*Questions concerning the Regional duties and responsibilities can be directed toward the respective regional board email address.

IV.) EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS

Members of the national and regional executive boards will meet at least twice a month as necessary via conference call. Members of the National Executive Board will physically meet at least once a year during the national conference.  Other face to face meetings may take place as necessary.

V.) GENERAL MEETINGS

General meetings will held at the yearly national conference with the representatives from all member institutions.

VI.) SELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS

SECTION 1: ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, we recommend that a candidate should already hold or have held office in their local ASA and have somehow participated in National ASA initiatives such as the National Conference.

SECTION 2: SELECTION PROCEDURE

Executive Board membership shall only be awarded to a member that has previously held a position of leadership whether on the national board or regional boards of the National ASA, National ASA committees, or on executive boards of local student groups.  Exception to this will be made on a case by case basis for those who have other experiences of leadership.

The National Board will first review the applicants and decide which applicants should be interviewed.  Once interviewed, a decision will be made by 2/3 majority vote on whether the individual should be selected for a position.

Section 3: MANDATE

The executive members shall hold office for one year and are each eligible for re-selection but are not permitted to hold the same executive office position more than 2 consecutive terms.  The term begins June 1^st and ends May 31^st of the following year unless otherwise stated.

VII.) AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION

Amendments may be suggested only by a dues-paying member of National ASA or a member of the National ASA regional or national boards. The National Executive and voting members of the Advisory Boards will then make decisions on a 2/3 majority whether or not an amendment pass.

VIII.) REMOVAL OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

The National ASA expects each executive board member to make a commitment and deliver on this commitment during their term.  Lack of attendance at 2 meetings or general disengagement with the organization in a semester will result in an official warning. Missing 50% of the conference calls within one semester will result in a letter from the National Executive Board inviting you to defend you absence.  If this behavior continues, a 2/3 vote will occur to decide, based on your case, whether or not to keep you on the board.

IX.) PROCEDURE FOR FUNDS MANAGEMENT

All money transfers must have the appropriate documentation and be stored by the Director of Finance.  Regional Board requests for money must be approved by Regional President and then approved by the National Board.  Prior to financial transactions from the National ASA accounts, there must be approval from voting members of the Advisory Board.  No Board member can, at any time or under any circumstance, reimburse or send themselves funds from any National ASA accounts.