Our Constitution
The founding document that guides everything we do.
PEACE · UNITY · PROGRESS“We the Mankon people in America do resolve to create an association that binds us together, fosters our cultural ideals, and contributes to the development of Mankon.”
COMMUNITY
To create an association that binds together Mankon people in America.
CULTURE
To create a social, academic, and cultural forum fostering the ideals and virtues of our common ancestry.
DEVELOPMENT
To influence and contribute towards the socioeconomic and cultural development of Mankon.
Constitution at a Glance
Name & Identity
- MANKON CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
- Non-profit, non-governmental organization
- "Motto: Peace, Unity and Progress"
Aims & Objectives
- Unite all Mankon people in America
- Foster oneness and cooperation
- Participate in development projects
- ...and 4 more
Membership & Revocation
- Mankon by birth, marriage, or association
- Age requirement: 23 years and above
- Yearly dues required for continuity
- Auto-revoked after 3 years non-payment
The 5 Organs
- General Assembly
- National Executive
- Chapters, Standing Committees
- Board of Directors
General Assembly & Convention
- GA is the supreme body, meets annually
- GA elects the National Executive and Endowment Fund members
- ANC: first weekend of August, hosted by chapters on rotation
- Proceeds split: 40% National / 40% Host Chapter / 20% Endowment
- Sunday activities coordinated by local chapter, limited to BBQ
Board of Directors
- 7 directors including President, immediate ex-President, Endowment chair
- 4-year term renewable once, then 2-year hiatus
- Must release a statement after each quarterly board meeting
- BOD Chairperson and Secretary chosen from directors (President excluded)
National Executive
- 7 elected positions
- 2-year and 3-year terms
- All renewable once in same position
- Secretary for Culture & Development is a 2-member team
Endowment Fund
- Receives 20% of convention proceeds for investment
- 5 members: 3 elected + Investment Officer + Financial Secretary
- Chairman is a standing BOD member
- Investment Officer exempt from term limits
- 4-year term renewable once, elected by GA
Committees
- Constitutional Committee: 5 members, elected by GA, BOD conducts elections
- Project Committee: VP chairs, 4 members + VP, nominations via chapters
- Leadership Team: convened by President, meets Jan & June
- Ad Hoc Committees: created as needed, disbanded upon completion
Electoral Process
- Constitution Committee runs elections (BOD runs their election)
- Eligibility: 3 years dues paid + 2 of last 5 conventions attended
- Online or in-person voting
- Election calendar published 60 days prior
Financial Sources
- Annual dues and donations
- Social/cultural event proceeds
- Publications, bequests, special levies
- Any source conforming to non-profit status
Appreciation & Recognition
- Only for members and their children
- Limited to outstanding service to MACUDA-A and Mankon
- Maximum 3 recognitions per year at convention
- Donors may set criteria but cannot handpick recipients
Amendment & Dissolution
- Amendment: 60 days notice, 2/3 vote, no voting by proxy
- Dissolution: 3/4 vote required
- TAC formed: President, Secretary General, Treasurer + 2 members
- Assets to MACUDA-A or charitable institution per 501(c)(3)
The Five Organs of MACUDA-A
Leadership Positions
National President
Chief Executive, signatory to all resolutions, standing member of the BOD.
Vice President
Assists President, chairs Project Committee, moderates GA meetings.
General Secretary
Day-to-day administration, chapter liaison, takes minutes at meetings.
Financial Secretary
Co-signatory, collects and records all finances, standing member of Endowment Fund.
Treasurer
Banks funds, co-signatory, maintains checkbook.
Public Relations Officer
Publicity and all announcements through all available media.
Secretary for Culture & Development
Cultural events, new member welcome contact, cultural conference calls.
All terms renewable once in the same position.
The Constitutional Committee
Responsible for updating, interpreting, and safeguarding the constitution.
Sardis Azongha
Committee Member
Edwin Awasom
Committee Member
Pryde Ndingwan, Esq.
Legal CounselDr. Mabel Che-Tuma
Committee Member
Stella Angwafo, Esq.
Legal CounselAd Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc Committees are created and members appointed as needs arise, and stand disbanded upon completion of their mandate. Examples include Outreach & Fundraising, Education & Publication, and Health. The BOD, National Executive, or General Assembly may create an Ad Hoc Committee.
Who Can Become a Member
Membership is contingent upon the payment of yearly dues.
Revocation of Membership
Membership auto-revoked after 3 consecutive years of non-payment (unless paid in full).
Revoked if member conducts themselves contrary to the objectives of MACUDA-A.
Revoked if member's actions place the Association in jeopardy or negative light.
Revocation upon recommendation by the Constitutional Committee.
Download the Full Constitution
Read the complete MACUDA-A Constitution - all 23 Articles.
MACUDA_A_Constitution.pdf · 15 pages
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