WNA Constitution and By-Laws
Article I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the World Neighbors Association (WNA).
Article II
PURPOSE AND GOALS
The mission of this organization is international sharing and caring. The purpose of this organization is to facilitate activities, such as the Host Family Program, that promote intercultural exchange between international students and community residents.
The goals of this organization shall be to provide opportunities for:
A. International students to become a part of the community;
B. Community residents to understand and appreciate the countries and cultures on international students; and
C. Developing friendships between international students and community.
Article III
GOVERNMENT
A. This organization shall be governed by this Constitution and By-Laws.
B. Amendments to this Constitution and By-Laws shall be proposed in writing at least two weeks prior to the time they are to be voted upon.
C. Adoption of amendments and revisions shall be by a quorum of the membership.
Article IV
MEMBERSHIP
A. Membership categories shall be the following:
1. Active membership shall be composed of faculty, international students, staff, and Starkville community residents who are active in programs related to international students and/or their families’ need.
2. Inactive membership shall be composed of families and individuals who were formerly active in the above-mentioned programs.
3. Qualifications for membership:
a. Individuals who subscribe to the mission and goals of the organization.
Article V
OFFICERS
A. The ADVISORY BOARD of the World Neighbors Association shall consist of one representative from each of the cooperating groups in the community that supports the purposes and goals of this organization. Cooperating groups include, but not limited to, the following:
· The Baptist Student Union (BSU)
· East-West Fellowship (Disciples of Christ)
· International Group of St. Joseph Catholic Church
· International Group of First Baptists Church
· Starkville Chamber of Commerce
· Work Area on Missions (First United Methodist Church)
· International Students Association, MSU
· Holmes Cultural Diversity Center- International Program, MSU
· International Education, MSU
· The Learning Center, MSU
B. The duties of the ADVISORY BOARD are to advise the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE about policy matters, events of special interest, programs, and funding sources as they relate to the purposes and goals of the World Neighbors Association. The ADVISORY BOARD is also responsible for nominating candidates to be elected to offices.
C. The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE shall consist of a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The retiring President shall serve as a member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE for one year following his/her term of office.
D. Officers shall be elected for a one-year term by the membership. These officers shall be elected during the spring semester and shall serve a term of one year, beginning May 1st of the year. In the event an office becomes vacant during the term of an elected official, the remaining officers shall appoint another person from the list of candidates submitted by the ADVISORY BOARD.
E. The duties and responsibilities of the President:
· Prepare agenda for meetings of the Executive Committee and the General Membership meetings.
· Preside at meetings of the Advisory Board and the Executive Committee.
· Develop specific goals and objectives for the World Neighbors Association and assists committee members as necessary.
· Help in the overall management of the World Neighbors Association and assign committee members as necessary.
· Inspire action towards goals.
· Periodically evaluate program purposes and goals and determine necessary changes with the help of the Board Officers.
· Assist with recruiting host families
· Assist with fund raising,
F. Duties and responsibilities of the First Vice President:
· In the absence or disability of the President, shall perform the duties and exercise the responsibilities of the president.
· Chair the Fiesta Committee and appoint other members of the planning committee.
G. Duties and responsibilities of the Second Vice President:
· Call on community residents interested in Host Program (and others) coordinated through the World Neighbors Association.
· Assist with application procedure for potential host families;
· Send completed forms to person assigning students and families.
· Maintain a list of community residents in Association-related programs and/or interested in participating at a later date.
· Recruit community residents and civic and professional organizations for future programs via the media and group discussion/meetings.
H. Duties and responsibilities of Secretary:
· Record minutes of the Executive Committee and General Membership meetings.
· Liaison with Recording Secretary to prepare letters, announcements, minutes, etc.
· Maintain a current list of members of the Executive Committee, Advisory Board, and active/inactive members.
I. Duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer:
· Record receipts and disbursement of funds of the Association.
· Prepare an annual record/report of the funds received and disbursed.
J. Duties and responsibilities of the Corresponding Secretary:
· Prepare all correspondence for distribution to members and associated groups.
· Maintain files of all correspondence, minutes, etc. of the Executive and other Committees.
Article VI
MEETINGS
A. The order of business for the World Neighbors Association will follow the general format of:
1. Call to Order
2. Reading, discussion, approval of previous meeting’s minutes
3. Financial Report
4. Old Business
5. New Business
6. Announcements
7. Closure
B. In conducting the Association’s meetings, Roberts Rule of Order will be used.
C. If there is a called meeting, the members of the Association will be notified at least one week in advance of the meeting date.
D. A quorum shall consist of 50%+1 of the membership
Article VII
A. All contributions to the World Neighbors Association are for the sole use of the organization to carry out the purpose and goals as set forth in Article II.
B. Funds for the support of the Association shall be secured from the following:
1. Contributions from cooperating groups;
2. Contributions from individuals;
3. Other sources deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee.
Article VIII
NON-DISCRIMINATORY CLAUSE
A. The World Neighbors Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or handicap.