THE CONSTITUTION OF JACOBU YOUTH ASSOCIATION

THE JACOBU YOUTH ASSOCIATION

motto: Together We Build

CONSTITUTION

Vision

The Jacobu Youth Association (JYA) is an organisation of vibrant young people that embodies all the youth groups in town.

Mission

The mission of the JYA is to unify and equip all the youth in town to make a positive difference in our community. In pursuance of this mission, the Association shall strictly remain neutral in partisan matters be it political, religious, traditional and or factional.

The following rules and regulations, conditions and provisions outlined here below shall be referred to as our Constitution.

1.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1.1 To mobilize and foster unity among the youth in and out of town across the District.

1.2 To have a say in the decision making in matters concerning our town and District.

1.3 To promote academic and professional development in Members so as to educate others on pertinent societal issues.

1.4 To assist the law-enforcing agencies in combating against perpetrators of social vices as when necessary.

1.5 To champion the course of development projects in the community.

1.6 To organize and partake in recreational programs for the youth.

2.0 MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION

2.1 The Association is meant for all citizenry of Jacobu within the ages of eighteen (18) and forty five (45) years.

2.2 Membership shall be optional to people above the age of forty five (45) years.

2.3 Non-citizens of Jacobu who have been here for, at least three, (3) years are welcome into the Association if they are interested.

2.4 New entrants shall be required to pay a compulsory registration fee. The amount shall be decided upon by the executive leadership.

3.0 MEETINGS

3.1 General Meetings (GM) shall be held three times in a year.

3.2 Emergency Meetings shall be called at anytime the need arises.

3.3 One-third of the total number of Members shall form a quorum to commence a General Meeting.

3.4 Statements of accounts shall be read at every General Meeting.

4.0 LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 The Executives of the Association shall consist of the following:

      Chairperson

      Vice chairperson

      Secretary

      Financial Secretary

      Treasurer

      Two organizers

4.2 Chairperson shall:

   i) convene meetings whenever necessary in accordance with clauses 3.1 and 3.2 respectively.

  ii) preside over proceedings of meetings be it general or executive.

 iii) be a member of the signatories to the Association's account(s).

4.3 Vice Chairperson shall:

   i) assist the Chairperson in his/her duties.

  ii) in the absence of the chairperson convene and preside over meetings.

4.4 Secretary shall:

   i) take full and impartial records of business of meetings, read minutes of all meetings, conduct all correspondence, at the instruction of the chairperson.

  ii) be one of the signatories to the Association's account(s).

4.5 Financial Secretary shall:

   i) receive all money and payments which must be entered into the Book of Accounts. Such monies must be handed over to the treasurer within forty eight hours.

  ii) keep true record of the Association's and render concise statement(s) of accounts at general and executive meetings.

4.6 Treasurer shall:

   i) pay out monies as authorized by the executive.

  ii) keep an amount not exceeding GHc 20.00 at anytime.

4.7 Organizers shall:

   i) mobilize members before and during meetings.

  ii) run errands on behalf of the Association

5.0 POWERS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE

5.1 Upon a general consensus of the entire membership, the executive leadership has the mandate to exercise all powers and discretion to spearhead the smooth running of this Association.

5.2 The decision of the Executive shall be final and binding on all Members in all matters, questions, queries, and disputes relating to or arising from or connected with the course of the corporate vision of the Jacobu Youth Association.

5.3 The Executive and Members of the Association may at anytime amend or revoke, alter or modify or add to any of the provisions in this Constitution provided that such amendment, revocation, alteration, modification or addition shall have retrospective effect or prejudice the rights of members or conflict with the corporate vision of this Association.

6.0 FINANCE

Sources of funding for the Association shall consist:

6.1 registration fees from all members.

6.2 monthly dues to be paid in full at the end of every month.

6.3 special levy as when the need arises.

6.4 any other income generating ventures.

7.0 SIGNATORIES

The signatories to the Association's account(s) shall include:

7.1 The Chairperson.

7.2 The Secretary.

7.3 The Treasurer.

8.0 ELECTIONS

8.1 Elections shall be held every five(5) years by a three member Electoral Board. The Electoral Board shall be constituted at a General Meeting.

8.2 Winners of elections shall be declared by a simple majority. Every associate has one vote only.

8.3 Elected officers are eligible to stand for re-election in all subsequent elections.

9.0 REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

The Executive as a whole or any Member thereof shall be removed from office at a General Meeting by a simple majority decision of members present if there is sufficient proof of:

9.1 lack of interest in the Association.

9.2 incompetence, willful default, fraud and or evading payment of dues for five(5) consecutive months.

9.3 any act that may bring the name of the Association into disrepute.

10.0 BYE ELECTIONS

In case an executive member resigns, is dismissed or leaves office unexpectedly, a bye-election shall be held to replace him or her.

APRIL 2003