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ASU-KIVA: Chaning Lives One Loan at a Time |
| Following is a copy of the ASU-KIVA constitution. Please visit: http://www.kiva.org/lender/asu4kiva Preamble We, the students of Arkansas State University and members of Arkansas State University for Kiva (ASU-KIVA), establish this constitution for the members of our organization with the belief they will carry out its intentions to the best of their ability. Article I - Arkansas State University for Kiva This organization shall be known as Arkansas State University for Kiva (ASU-KIVA). Article II - Purpose The Purpose of ASU-KIVA is to provide the student body and surrounding community with an outlet to effect change where global poverty is concerned, and to promote activism for entrepreneurship through the microloan process. We, as an organization, aim to establish and perpetuate a microloan fund in the name of our organization and Arkansas State University, entrusted to the oversight of Kiva for joint management, for the purpose of counteracting poverty globally. Further, we, as an organization of individual agents, aim to continually educate ourselves and the community about global poverty, always seeking proven and lasting solutions for the betterment of all. Article III – Membership A) Full Membership in ASU-KIVA is open to all members of the student body, both undergraduates and graduates, who have a current GPA of 2.8 or better and who are approved by this organization’s Membership Council and/or Officers. Membership is without regard to race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, national, cultural, or ethnic origin, or marital status. All full members must make an initial donation of at least $10 which will be immediately and fully allocated to the microloan fund and an annual membership fee of $10 dollars, beginning after one year and due on the first day following the anniversary of the individual’s membership. Membership fees will be used for administrative costs for this organization including, but not limited to, promotion, education, fundraisers, and events. Members are encouraged, but not required to attend organizational meetings and events intended to celebrate and/or facilitate individual agency as it relates to this organization’s purpose. Members in good standing enjoy the privilege to take part in the administration of this organization through the voting process outlined in this constitution. There is no limit regarding the number of members for the organization, and visitors are welcome to attend open meetings or any other event that is previously designated as "open." B) Honorary Membership in ASU-KIVA is open to all members of the community who are not Arkansas State University students and who are approved by this organization's Membership Council and/or Officers. Membership is without regard to race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, national, cultural, or ethnic origin, or marital status. All honorary members must make an initial donation of $10 which will be immediately and fully allocated to the microloan fund. Honorary Members are not required to pay an annual membership fee, but are encouraged to continue support of the Kiva system beyond the initial donation. Honorary Members may not take part in the voting process, but are encouraged to attend organizational meetings and events intended to celebrate and/or facilitate individual agency as it relates to this organization’s purpose. There is no limit regarding the number of Honorary Members for the organization, and all members are encouraged to bring guests to open meetings or any other event that is previously designated as "open." Article IV - Officers All officers must be currently enrolled ASU students with a GPA of 2.8 or better and have sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate class standing. Officers may be elected from any academic discipline; however, it is strongly suggested that members be mindful of the passionate nature necessary for leadership in this organization and only nominate/elect individuals who demonstrate a high level of dedication to ASU-KIVA, Kiva, Arkansas State University, and the microloan process. In addition, at least one member of the staff needs to have experience maintaining and updating a web site and/or online community presence. The titles and duties of offices are as follows: A. The President's duties: • act as official spokesperson • preside over regular meetings • organize the agenda for each meeting • serve as advisor member of all committees • recommend committees as deemed necessary • recommend appointments as deemed necessary B. The Vice President's duties: • execute the duties of the President in the President's absence • assist, when necessary, in fulfilling the duties of other officers • joint-supervise the nomination and election process • serve as advisor member of all committees • approve committees as deemed necessary • approve appointments as deemed necessary • act as spokesperson C. The Secretary's duties: • Keep record of each meeting • distribute necessary paperwork or information to appropriate parties • maintain all non-financial records • act as spokesperson • other duties as deemed necessary D. The Treasurer's duties: • ensure accurate financial records are maintained • verify and present financial actions to the Council for approval • execute approved financial actions promptly • act as spokesperson • other duties as deemed necessary E. The Executive Representative's duties • serve in an advisory capacity to all other officers • plan and see to the execution of regular events • joint-supervise the nomination and election process • approve committees as deemed necessary • act as spokesperson • other duties as deemed necessary In the event of gross negligence of responsibilities, an officer or member of the staff may be removed from their position with the unanimous approval of the other officers, staff, and the faculty advisor. Article V - Elections A) Elections for staff and officers shall be held each April for the following school year. All full members in good standing are eligible to take part in the nomination and election process. The election meeting may be the final meeting of the year for ASU-KIVA. Final decisions and elections must be approved by the officers, the faculty advisor, and any other parties deemed to have interest. B) Nominations will be accepted at various times during the spring semester. Nominees must be sophomore status or higher, be Full Members in good standing, and be suggested by no less than two Full Members. Nominees may be subject to interview by current officers, staff, and/or the faculty advisor. C) In the event that nominations are not made for a specific office, the individual currently holding said office shall remain in that position. If at any time any individual chooses to step down or is unable to fulfill the duties of their position, the other officers and/or faculty advisor should make appointments or redistribute duties at their discretion. Article VI – Disbandment / Suspension Through the election and appointment process, longevity and continuity of this organization is strongly supported. However, in the event that unforeseen events demand the disbandment of this organization or the suspension of this organization’s rights, oversight, authority, or operations, a special meeting shall be held to decide the final or temporary allocation of all funds. This decision shall be left up to the discretion of those in positions of leadership in the organization at such time, but must fulfill the following guidelines and standards: • Any decision regarding reallocation of funds due to eminent disbandment or suspension of activity must be unanimously agreed on by all responsible members and the faculty advisor. • At no time shall sole responsibility and/or oversight of funds be handed over or entrusted to any single individual. • At no time shall funds be distributed to any member or non-member for the use or apparent use of personal gain. Such action will be viewed as gross negligence and offence, resulting in immediate removal of membership, and may be subject to criminal charges. • In the case of suspension of activity, with the understanding that activity will likely resume, it is recommended that funds be secured and frozen until such time as activities are resumed. It is recommended that a special council of no less than 3 full members in good standing as well as the faculty advisor be charged with the responsibility of oversight of funds for the duration of suspension. • In the case of disbandment, it is recommended that funds be immediately and fully allocated directly to Kiva or other approved charity for operational costs. It is the desire of ASU-KIVA that this organization continues and grows long after its founding or current members have moved on. Each member should take every step to insure this desire is realized. However, knowing that events may take place that are beyond our control, we embrace our responsibility to take final action and hereby agree that such final action shall be, to whatever extent possible, within the realm of our stated purpose. Article VII - Committees If the need for an additional committee arises for any reason, the existing officers will select new committee members and determine its existence. Article VIII - Meetings ASU-KIVA will meet at least monthly. Any officer or the faculty advisor has the ability to call and schedule a meeting with sufficient notice. In the case of an emergency meeting, members will be notified through every available medium. To make any group, organizational, or administrative decision, a majority of the officers and the faculty advisor must be present or give consent after being briefed by those present. Article IX - Amendments Amendments can and will be specified at any meeting. All articles are subject to change. Any changes must be approved by the officers and the faculty advisor. Article X - Founding Member Approval We, the founding members of ASU-KIVA hereby agree to and approve the standards put forth in this document. Further, we approve all future actions that may be taken, provided they fall within the realm of our stated purpose. We hereby pledge to dedicate ourselves to the establishment and growth of this organization. |
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