Middle East and Arab Network Constitution

Transcription

1 Middle East and Arab Network Constitution We, the members of the Middle East and Arab Network, in order to create a safe space for Middle Eastern, North African and Arab students and educate others, do hereby establish this constitution. The Middle East and Arab Network is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in its membership or activities unless permitted by university policy for gender specific organizations. Article I: Name of Organization The name of this organization will be Middle East and Arab Network, henceforth referred to as MEdAN. Article II: Affiliation with other groups Collaboration efforts in the past have occurred with: Students Allied for the Freedom and Equality of Palestine South Asian Awareness Network Arab Students Association Yemeni Students Association Egyptian Students United Asian American Organizations UAAO FOKUS Ann Arbor Muslim Students Association at U M Syrian American Refugee Network (SARN) Article III: Purpose, aims, functions of the organization Section 1: This is the official governing document to organize and guide the Middle East and Arab Network, MEdAN, on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus. The document will navigate how the organization is structured and what guidelines to follow. Section 2: Mission: In today s world, the use of stereotypes and single narratives to define cultures have had a detrimental effect on those in marginalized communities. This organization seeks to combat false misconceptions by educating the public. Further, this organization seeks to create and sustain a sense of community and solidarity among Middle Eastern and North African students and between communities throughout the university. Section 3: Vision: The organization seeks to combat dominant ideologies and create a

2 safe space for those who identify as Middle Eastern, Arab, and/or North African. Article IV: Membership of MEdAN The membership of this organization is exclusive to University of Michigan students, alumni and community members, especially to those who seek to make a difference on campus concerning the treatment and understanding of those whose identity includes origins from the Middle East. A member of MEdAN signs up for their on the MEdAN listserv. Further, there shall be a designated and ordained chair positions that are under the jurisdiction of the organization. Upon joining the organization, all members agree not to undermine the purpose or mission of MEdAN. If a member is found to be undermining the purpose or mission of MEdAN, an executive board member can request from the rest of the executive board that a member be removed. After being presented with evidence of actions that warrant suggested removal, the executive board would have to reach a consensus, with over 50% supporting the act of removal, in order for the request to be approved. Article V: Officers Section 1: Chair positions The responsibilities of a cohesive chair organization and executive is as follows: E Board shall meet weekly to discuss the business of the organization. The general membership meetings will be held bi weekly at a consistent date/time decided on in the beginning of the school year by e board. With the general membership, there must be a functioning chairman organization. The organization MEdAN will execute its mission and vision with the following posts that are designated by the executive and are subject to removal or additional if determined by the concurring chair positions and general membership. Designated Chairman Positions: Co chairs (2): Finance Chair or Co chairs Public Relations Chair Logistics Chair Recruitment Chair

3 Roles of Designated Chairman Positions: Co Chairs: 1) writing weekly meeting agendas 2) facilitating the weekly meetings and taking minutes for the meetings 3) delegating tasks to other e board members and MEdAN members 4) ensure that all members are fulfilling their tasks 5) spearhead and brainstorm various events 6) ensure general upkeep of MEdAN and keep everything running smoothly Finance Chair or Co Chairs: 1) apply for grants 2) apply for CSG and LSASG funding 3) apply for money from various other places including multicultural councils, hall councils, and departments 4) manage all funds in our account 5) call the restaurants to get prices for community dinner food and any items we may sell in Mason Hall Public Relations Chair: 1) create Facebook pages and flyers for all events 2) meet and mingle with other organizations 3) send external s to other organizations with news about MEdAN and upcoming events 4) keep the MEdAN Facebook page updated with media, articles, relevant campus news, etc. Logistics: 1) sending internal s to the general MEdAN membership, such as meeting minutes, weekly meeting reminders, event reminders, etc. 2) book weekly meeting spaces in the UGLI or in Mason Hall 3) book spaces in Mason Hall for sales or flyering 4) update Facebook page with a weekly meeting reminder

4 Recruitment Chair: 1) upkeep of MCommunity and Maize Pages 2) work closely with PR 3) reach out to other organizations for collaborations 4) ensure strong presence at Fall Fest, Winter Fest and the like 5) at MEdAN events be sure to get everyone signed up to the listserv The organization of the chairmanship is to ensure that all duties of the organization are fulfilled. The chair positions will serve for one academic year, starting for new members and ending for old members after selection and acceptance of positions and, more specifically, after the transition meeting has taken place. Potential new chairs will apply for positions, and the new eboard will be picked by the old e board upon the following conditions: A shared, common interest in strict interpretation of the mission and vision. Active participation in the organization throughout the academic year. Section 2: Elections Board or general members can nominate candidates to run for a chair position, or a candidate can nominate oneself for a position. The candidate must fill out the application form and schedule an interview by the designated deadline. Should a candidate fail to do so, yet is still interested in applying for a position, the board must decide with consensus whether or not to allow the candidate to submit a late application and schedule an alternate interview time. The application questions must be decided by the board with consensus. After all interviews have been completed, the board must review interview notes and application responses together and must make chair selections with consensus. Section 3: If an executive board member is found to be violating the MEdAN constitution and its mission, an executive board member can request from the executive board that a member be removed. After being presented with evidence of actions that warrant suggested removal, the executive board would have to reach a consensus, with over 50% supporting the act of removal, in order for the request to be approved. Article VI: Meetings Weekly meetings held by the chairs and executive will be conducted in a timely manner and last 80 minutes but can be shorter if business presented is completed in a shorter time. Weekly meetings are mandatory for executive board members. Regarding general

5 membership meetings, the board will be the sole administrator of the meeting. All weekly board meetings are open to general membership. Under the discretion of the chair system, two chairs can call a meeting when a pressing organization issue must be addressed. Following the formal announcement of a meeting, it must take place within forty eight hours of the two members invoking their privilege. To adopt a measure into the organization, the voting block will consist of a general membership and the committee and chair system. The announcement of a new program or idea that aids to the vision of MEdAN must be presented to the e board, and can pass by consensus. Article VII: Ratification and Amendments To amend the Constitution, the following will command the process of the changes: 1. The constitution is ratified by a majority vote in the executive board 2. The constitution is reviewed annually by executive board members during the a executive board meeting in April of each year. All executive board members must be present in meetings discussing amendments. 3. To amend the Constitution after the April constitutional review meeting, a MEdAN executive board member or general member can motion to make an amendment which would be discussed in the next April constitution review meeting. The E board must reach a consensus for the amendment to be made. 4. Once the motion has been adopted, it will be placed into the Constitution under the title : Amendments to MEdAN.