NAFCA ByLaws

Bylaw 1 - Definitions:
In these bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires:
•	"Association" means the Nepalis and Friends Cultural Association
•	"Member" means a member of the Association
•	"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
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Bylaw 2 - Name and Affiliation:
This organization shall be known as:
	Nepalis and Friends Cultural Association and as: "NAFCA" in abbreviated form.
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Bylaw 3 - Mission:
The mission of the Association is:
	to preserve and promote Nepali cultural heritage and foster mutual cooperation among Nepalis and friends of Nepal.
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Bylaw 4 - Objectives:
4.1 The objectives of the Association are as follows:
	1.	to promote and preserve the interests and welfare of the Nepali community,
	2.	to preserve, promote and celebrate Nepali cultural events,
	3.	to familiarize the incoming members with the new environment and culture,
	4.	to provide means for collection, dissemination and exchange of creative ideas and information concerning Nepal and the Nepali community, and
	5.	to engage in such other related activities to the extent that they do not prejudice the tax-exempt status of the Association under section 501 (c) (3) of the Code.

4.2 The Association is formed and shall operate exclusively for educational, charitable and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.
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Bylaw 5 - Membership:
5.1 Any person who takes an active interest in promoting the mission and objectives of NAFCA may enroll as a Member of the Association.

5.2 Annual Membership fees shall be:
	a.	Student, $10.00
	b.	Individuals or Families, $25.00 (a family shall be defined as the primary member, his/her spouse and their children under the age of 18).
	c.	Individual Lifetime Membership, $250 or more
	d.	Patron - anyone contributing $1,000 or more to the Association shall be designated as a Patron of the Association and shall automatically become an Individual Lifetime Member.
	e.	Honorary Member - the Association may also grant an Honorary Membership to person(s) making substantial contribution towards promoting the mission of the Association.

5.3 Annual membership fees are due by the last day of January.

5.4 Each Member age 18 and over shall be entitled to a single vote.
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Bylaw 6 - General Body:
The general body of the Association shall consist of all the Association members in good standing.
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Bylaw 7 - The Executive Committee:
7.1 The executive committee shall be elected by the simple majority of the votes cast by the voting Members of the Association. The executive committee shall consist of 5 Members.

7.2 The first duty of the Executive Committee shall be to select amongst themselves a Chairman, a Treasurer and a Secretary.

7.3 The Executive Committee shall meet at least once every quarter.

7.4 Each Executive Committee Member shall be entitled to a single vote. A simple majority vote shall be taken to determine the decisions of the Executive Committee.

7.5 The Executive Committee shall authorize such temporary subcommittees or boards as deemed necessary and expedient to carry out the objectives of the Association. Upon completion of the task given by the Executive Committee such subcommittees or boards shall be automatically dissolved.

7.6 The Chairman shall:
	a.	supervise all activities of the Association,
	b.	when present, preside over all regular or special meetings of the Association, and when not present to delegate someone from the Executive committee as Chairman,
	c.	serve as the official spokesperson of the Association,
	d.	along with the Treasurer, establish and maintain savings, checking and other accounts with the consent of the committee, and
	e.	assume all other duties not otherwise delegated.

7.7 The Secretary shall:
	a.	act as a custodian of all records and files of the Association,
	b.	be responsible for responding to the Association correspondence and for informing other committee members,
	c.	notify the members in advance of the upcoming events held by the association,
	d.	arrange for the location of committee meetings and periodic get-togethers,
	e.	keep the minutes of the meetings,
	f.	perform any other duties as assigned by the committee.

7.8 The Treasurer shall:
	a.	act as a custodian of all funds, and fiscal files of the Association,
	b.	receive all funds paid to the Association and keep appropriate accounts,
	c.	pay all valid bills of the Association,
	d.	maintain appropriate, accurate and current financial records and report them annually to the general body,
	e.	along with the Chairman, establish and maintain savings, checking and other accounts with the consent of the committee, and
	f.	perform any other duties assigned by the committee.

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Bylaw 8 - Tenure of the Executive Committee:
8.1 One 'Term" as an Executive Committee Member, shall be for 2 years.

8.2 There is no limitation on the total number of years a Member can serve on the Executive Committee. However, an Executive Committee Member shall only serve 2 consecutive terms at one time.

8.3 Every year there will be a vote for either 2 or 3 committee members. On even numbered years 2 Executive Committee Members shall be elected and on odd numbered years 3 Executive Committee Members shall be elected.

8.4 For the 1st elected Executive Committee 2 or 3 Members will serve a 3-year Term so that the aforementioned Bylaw (8.3) can be implemented.

8.5 In the event of any office falling vacant, the Executive Committee shall nominate any suitable member to hold the vacated office for the remainder of the term.
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Bylaw 9 - Funds and Accounts:
9.1 Income -
	The income of the Association shall consist of all incoming funds in relation of the business of the Association.

9.2 Expenditure
	The expenditure of the Association shall consist of all expenditures, which are ordinary and necessary for the business of the Association.

9.3 Fiscal Year
	The fiscal year of the Association shall end on the last day of December each year.
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Bylaw 10 - Statement of Non-Discrimination:
•	This Association shall not discriminate on the basis of age, gender national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, caste, sexual orientation and disability. This policy shall include, but is not limited to: recruiting, membership, organization activities or opportunities to hold office.
•	Any caste discrimination shall not be tolerated by NAFCA.
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Bylaw 11 - Amendments:
11.1 The Bylaws or any part thereof may be amended by a single majority of the votes cast by the voting members of the Association on the recommendation of the Executive Committee.
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Bylaw 12 - The Board of Directors (BOD):

12.1 - Duties of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall be both a support and a check and balance for the Executive Committee

To provide continuity for NAFCA

To monitor NAFCA's programs and services with regards to

i.	Ensuring that the Mission and Objectives of NAFCA are adhered to
ii.	Ensuring that the Bylaws of NAFCA are adhered to

To review the Mission and Objectives periodically for accuracy and validity

Each individual board member should fully understand and support NAFCA's Mission and Objectives

To support and offer administrative guidance to the Executive Committee

To make sure the budget is balanced and funding allocations are properly spent

To review and evaluate the Executive Committee's performance, including relations with the board, leadership in NAFCA, in program planning and implementation, and in management of NAFCA and its personnel

Enhance NAFCA's Public Image

The BOD is one of NAFCA's links to the community, including members, the public, and the media. Clearly articulating NAFCA's Mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public, as well as garnering support from important members of the community, are important elements of a comprehensive public relations strategy.

12.2 - Board of Directors Qualifications:

The Board of Directors (BOD) shall consist of an odd number of Directors, not to exceed a total of 9 Board of Directors

The Executive Committee shall appoint someone to the Board of Directors by a simple majority vote

To serve on the BOD, a Director must have been a NAFCA member for a minimum of 2 years prior to their appointment on the Board and must maintain NAFCA membership while serving on the Board

Board of Directors must have attained 21 years of age

Board of Directors shall serve for 3 years and may automatically serve a total of two consecutive terms, after which time their reappointment must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Executive Committee

A person cannot hold the position of a Director and Executive Committee member at the same time

A Board of Directors may be removed by a vote of "No Confidence" from either the Executive Committee or the general members of NAFCA

i.	A simple majority vote of "No Confidence" by the Executive Committee shall remove a Director from the Board
ii.	A two thirds vote of "No Confidence" by the general members shall remove a Director from the Board

Bylaw 13 - Resignation and Disciplinary Action:

13.1 Resignations:

13.2 - Disciplinary Action:

If any general NAFCA member or Executive Member or Board Director acts or their actions are against the interest of NAFCA, or the authorized members/Directors misuse the funds, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action. In case, the Executive Committee finds any member acting against the interest of NAFCA, it will send him/her a letter of warning requesting to stop acting against NAFCA. Even after receiving a warning letter, if the alleged member does not stop his/her actions against NAFCA, the Executive Committee, by its simple majority vote, will dismiss his/her membership, subject to the approval of the next meeting of the General Assembly

If any Board Director is found guilty of acting against the interest of NAFCA or misusing NAFCA's funds, the Executive Committee, by its simple majority vote, will dismiss the alleged Director, subject to the approval of the next meeting of the General Assembly

If any Executive Committee member is found guilty of acting against the interest of NAFCA or misusing NAFCA's funds, the Board of Directors, by its two-thirds majority vote, will dismiss the alleged Director, subject to the approval of the next meeting of the General Assembly

The alleged person will be required to pay back NAFCA's misused funds unless:

i.	the simple majority of the Executive Committee, in the case of a member, or a Board Director, exempts him/her from repaying
ii.	or a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors in the case of an Executive Committee member, exempts him/her from repaying