BYLAWS

These bylaws were amended at the annual meeting of the members on April 25, 2004 and ratified by the board of directors on June 20, 2004.

 ARTICLE I

Name of Organization

The Name of the Organization shall be: Arizona Africa Society, AZAfrica, affiliate of the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, Africa Society.

ARTICLE II

Mission and Purpose

Mission Statement:

 The Arizona Africa Society, AZAfrica, a state affiliate of the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, the Africa Society, is an advocacy and membership organization of individuals, grassroots organizations, non-profit organizations and businesses. It exists to educate the Arizona public about Africa and about US-Africa relations; broaden and strengthen the network of Africa’s supporters in Arizona and the US.

Purpose

The Arizona Africa Society will work with the Parent organization – The Africa Society, in its efforts to engage and educate all Americans about Africa and its peoples; build bridges of understanding and partnership to facilitate the continent’s social development and its ongoing political transition to more open and democratic societies. Efforts in developing education will be geared toward fostering increased awareness of Africa’s significance and its contributions to the civilization of all mankind.

The Arizona Africa Society shall work in tandem with Africa Society to continue developing a constituency in support of a constructive US role vis-à-vis Africa.

The Arizona Africa Society shall work with the Africa Society on National and State levels or within a given sector toward the implementation of the National Policy Plan of Action.

The Arizona Africa Society shall work with the Africa Society on issues relevant to Africans in the US. In taking policy positions with respect to Africa, it is recommended that state affiliates be informed and guided by public policy positions adopted by the Africa Society’s Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III

Membership

Statement of Non-discrimination

No person shall be excluded from participation in the Organization, denied the benefits of the Organization on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religious beliefs, handicap, or sex (pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1984). Arizona Africa Society, AZAfrica, is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all of its activities; a member shall respect the dignity, values, history, religion, and culture of all of its constituents.

Qualifications for Membership

All persons who are interested in the mission and purpose of Arizona Africa Society, complete the application form, and pay the scheduled dues.

Categories Corresponding Fees

Individuals* …………………………..........$25.00

Family ………………………………….......$35.00

Non-governmental Organizations.........**$100.00

Charter***………………………....……....$250.00

Corporations/Foundations..................$1,000.00

* Arizona State members are automatically members of the Parent Organization – The Africa Society

** Includes all small businesses with 50 or less employees

*** This category was available from November 2000 to November 2001.

Member Benefits

Annual Membership Meeting

The annual meeting of all members will be held on the third Sunday of November at such a time and place as may be fixed by the Board of Directors and set forth in the notice of the meeting. Special meetings of the members may be called by at least three Board members, giving at least seven days notice.

ARTICLE IV

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will conduct the affairs of AZAfrica Society. The Board will be comprised of seven persons who shall be elected by the members at the annual meeting.

Term

The term of each Board member shall be two years. The terms of the three incumbent directors shall expire at the time of the 2005 annual meeting of members while that of the remaining four shall expire at the time of the 2006 annual meeting.

Duties of the Board Members

These include but not limited to amending the Bylaws; fundraising; recruiting new members; handling legal matters (where applicable); and guiding the Organization to achieve its mission and objectives.

Meetings of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall have fixed quarterly meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors will be held following the annual meeting of members and on the third Sunday of March, June, and September. Special meetings of the Board may be held from time to time as may be required for the efficient conduct of the Organization’s affairs. Special meetings may be called by the President or by any three members of the Board. Four directors shall constitute a quorum for any meetings.

Cause for removal of a Board Member

Two consecutive unexcused absences. The Board of Directors may appoint a replacement to serve out the term.

Officers of the Board of Directors

The officers of the Board of Directors shall include a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer and shall play a dual role of managing the affairs of the board and the general membership. The Board of Directors shall elect these officers to serve a term of two years. The terms of the incumbent officers will expire at the time of the 2006 annual members’ meeting.

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Organization, presides over all board and the membership meetings and conducts all day-to-day activities of the Organization.

The Secretary shall maintain the minutes of meetings of members and of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall also maintain the membership roll. 

The Treasurer shall maintain the Organization’s financial records and shall render an annual financial report for the Society at the annual membership meetings and shall render interim financial reports to the Board of Directors at their quarterly meetings.

Cause for Removal of an Officer of the Board

Officers shall be subject to removal by the Board of Directors for actions and behaviors that compromise the integrity of the State or National Organization i.e. a willing party to wrongdoing, corruption, bribery, other financial impropriety, or illegal acts in the discharge of duty; conflict of interest according to the State laws; or for causes as determined by the Board of Directors.

Vacated positions shall be filled by appointment of the Board of Directors.

Any board member can initiate the removal of an officer by making a motion to remove the officer at a board meeting. The board member makes a motion, which is seconded and voted upon. 2/3 majority votes determine the decision.

Appeal process

The member submits the appeal in writing 3 days prior to the board meeting. The member requesting the appeal is put on the agenda to speak to the board. Board votes to accept or reject the appeal.

ARTICLE V

Affiliation to the Africa Society

AZAfrica is an independent entity, governed by its own Board of Directors and not controlled by the Africa Society. AZAfrica is affiliated with the Africa Society, and as such, shall abide by the guidelines provided by the Africa Society.

ARTICLE VI

The Organizational Logo

The AZAfrica name and logo shall be present on the front cover of all organizational documents.AZAfrica shall primarily use its insignia/logo and secondarily, the name or logo of the Africa Society. The state and national logos shall not be used for commercial, sales or advertising purposes, in any manner not specifically authorized in writing by AZAfrica or the Africa Society, with the exception of fundraising or for promoting issues relevant to Africa

ARTICLE VII

Finances

The Board of Directors shall receive and review quarterly finance reports to assure appropriate accountability and use of funds.

All membership fees assessed by AZAfrica shall be managed and controlled by AZAfrica No portion of such fees shall be obligated to the National body, the Africa Society.

AZAfrica shall adhere to the fundraising guidelines provided by the Africa Society and use the funds solely for activities and efforts to promote Africa. AZAfrica shall control all fundraising activities conducted on its behalf. All fundraising contracts and agreements shall be in writing.

All lobbying efforts shall be conducted within the limits established for 501 (c) 3 organizations and be geared toward advocating on behalf of the continent of Africa

Arizona Africa Society shall have an annual audited* financial statement, conducted by an independent Certified Public Accountant. The audited financial statement shall comply with generally accepted accounting procedures. The auditors shall present a “management letter” to its governing body

* If less than $100,000 annually, income need not have an independent auditor.

AZAfrica is a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization. Charitable donations are tax deductible.

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Page Updated 12/11/07