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 the United 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 current in their national dues.

SECTION 2: VOTING MEMBERSHIP

Final decision-making will take place within the National Executive board. Executive Board membership shall only be awarded to a member that has previously held a position of leadership within the National ASA whether on the national board, regional board or on a committee at either level.

SECTION 3: DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTIVE POSITIONS AND DUTIES

i.  NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

President

a.)  Be the official spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
b.) Be 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.) Be 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 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.
b.) Taking minutes at Executive and General Assembly meetings.
c.) Act as the voice of the organization to member institutions primarily through online communication.

Director of Finance

a.) Collect and keep track of all dues.
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.) Bring a detailed financial account at each Executive Board meeting.
d.) Establish and chair a Finance committee comprised of Finance Directors within the region.
e.) Arrange and head fund raising efforts.
f.) Ensure that all funds are deposited into the National ASA account within 2 business days of being received.

Director of Public Relations

a.) Handle all publicity and advertising for the organization as well as the events we host.
b.)Work hand in hand with the webmaster to update our website content.
c.) Work with Regional Public Relations Directors to ensure that conference details are publicized efficiently to general regional media.

ii.)REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARDS

The regional executive boards has it’s own leadership positions which is the same as that of the National Board and mirrors the responsibilities of the National ASA Executive Board Members. The Executive Board Positions include:

President
Vice President
Director of Communications
Director of Finance
Director of Public Relations

Regional boards will Primarily focus on:

a.)  Recruitment 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 twice a month as necessary via conference call. Members of the National Executive Board will physically meet twice a year, once during the fall semester and at an executive session during the national conference.

V.) GENERAL MEETINGS

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

VI.) ELECTIONS

Section 1: ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, a candidate must already hold or have held office in their local ASA and have somehow participated in National ASA initiatives.  Students eligible to run for a position must be from a dues-paying school.  Check with your local ASA leadership to ensure eligibility.

Section 2: NOMINATION

Nomination by your local ASA accompanied by signatures from 2/3 of your executive board. Application must be submitted to the National Executive board for review via email.

Section 3: VOTING PROCEDURE

The National Board will first review the applicants and vote by a 2/3 majority on which applicants should move on to the next round.  The candidates who move on to the next round will be contacted for an interview with various members of the National/Regional Exec. Boards.

Section 4: MANDATE

The executive members shall hold office for one year and are each eligible for re-election but are not permitted to hold the same executive office position more than 2 consecutive terms.

VI.) 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 board will then make decisions on a 2/3 majority whether or not an amendment pass.

VII.)REMOVAL OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Lack of attendance at 2 meetings 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.  A 2/3 vote will occur to decide, based on your defense, whether or not to keep you on the board.

VIII.)PROCEDURE FOR FUNDS MANAGEMENT

The President, Vice president and the Director of Finance’s signatures will be necessary to make all money transfers.  All money transfers must have the appropriate documentation and be stored by the Director of Finance.