THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NIGERIA EVANGELICAL MISSIONS ASSOCIATION (NEMA)

Transcription

1 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NIGERIA EVANGELICAL MISSIONS ASSOCIATION (NEMA) Published NOVEMBER 2015 Nigeria Evangelical Missions Association (NEMA) NEMA National Secretariat: Nigeria Centre for Global Harvest, No. 91 Rayfield Road P O Box 5878, Jos Plateau State Nigeria Tel nemahq@gmail.com Website: 1

2 1. PREAMBLE In this Constitution missions means the sending of Christians to do evangelism and Church planting in cross-cultural settings within and beyond Nigeria s borders, using all available means to the church to ensure that the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached in all nations before the return of Christ. 1.1 NAME NIGERIA EVANGELICAL MISSIONS ASSOCIATION hereinafter referred to as (NEMA) 1.2 OFFICIAL ADDRESS The Headquarters of the Association shall be located in Nigeria. 1.3 DEFINITION NEMA is a Networking Association and Fellowship Forum for Missions Movement in Nigeria comprising Missions Agencies, Organizations and Churches who come together under one umbrella to foster the work of Missions in Nigeria and beyond 1.4 OUR VISION STATEMENT To see a completed Great Commission through the active involvement of the Nigerian Church and Missions Movement IN ALL THE UNREACHED NATIONS OF THE WORLD. 1.5 OUR MISSION To be a fellowship and networking platform for the Nigerian Church and Missions Movement towards completing the Great Commission 2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES a) To provide a sustainable common front for the Church in Nigeria to carry out her missionary work so as to accelerate the pioneering and fruitfulness of the missionary thrusts in and from Nigeria to the rest of the world. b) To motivate and encourage the establishment of more indigenous Mission Agencies from among the evangelicals where none exists. c) To increase the level of mission awareness and participation of the Nigerian Church towards accelerating the completion of World Evangelization. d) To promote sound relationship and cooperation between various mission groups. e) To provide an avenue where information on Missions can be collected and disseminated among members and other Christian Agencies. f) To help one another create a forum for sharing new ideas on missions so as to stimulate, encourage and improve the outreach work of each member body. g) To establish institutions for research and missionary training and organize missions conferences, seminars and workshops to raise the level of mission awareness in the country. 2

3 h) To assist in leadership and manpower development of member bodies so as to facilitate the empowerment of members for qualitative missionary thrusts from Nigeria. h) To liaise with and maintain good working relations with other international ministries or with similar aims and objectives for world evangelization. i) To cooperate and work with other national missions movements in other parts of the world. 3. STATEMENT OF FAITH a) The Holy Bible, which is the fully and uniquely inspired word of God, is the only infallible, sufficient and authoritative Act of faith and rule of practice. (2 Tim. 3:16 17; 2 Peter 1:21) b) One God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14; Matt. 28:19). c) The Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth and His sinless life. His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, burial, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, His mediation and intercession, His personal return in power and glory. He is the Saviour of mankind (Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 3:18; Luke 24:6,51; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Acts 24:15). d) The salvation of lost and sinful Man through regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is by grace through faith (John 1:12-13; John 3:16; Romans 3:24-26; Acts 13:39). e) The indwelling of the believer by the Holy Spirit enabling the Christian to live a godly life. (John 14:17; Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 1:2; John 17:17). f) The resurrection of both the saved and the lost: they that are saved unto the resurrection of eternal life and the lost unto eternal damnation. (1 Thess. 4:16-17; Acts 4:16-17; Acts 24:15; Matt. 25:1-46; John 5:29) g) The spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ who comprise the Church which is the Body of Christ and the purity of the Church which precludes compromise with theological liberalism. (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Rom. 12:1-2). h) The personal existence of Satan, fallen angels and demons whose intent is to supplant God and frustrate His purpose, and whose ultimate end is confinement to eternal punishment. (Matt. 4:3-11; Rev. 20:10). i) The doctrine of Missions. It is incumbent upon every believer to do his utmost to win the lost. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 15:16; Luke 24:47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 2:9). 4. MEMBERSHIP 4.1 Membership of NEMA shall be open to corporate bodies like Churches and Agencies that are directly involved in missions or mission related programmes or projects. The following groups shall be eligible for membership of the Association: a) Non-Denominational or Interdenominational Mission Agencies or Societies. b) Denominations, Churches and Ministries with well defined missionary programme. 3

4 c) Mission Boards/Committees of Local Churches of Denominations with a distinct missionary thrust. d) Para-Church Agencies working on mission related programmes or projects. 4.2 MEMBERSHIP: Registration and Procedure a) Prospective members shall apply in writing for information and for application forms from the National Secretariat or designated zones of the Association. b) Completed application forms and other required documents shall be received by the Executive Secretary and will be reviewed by the National Executive Committee of the Association who shall invite for and conduct formal interview with the applicant leadership. c) Full acceptance shall be by the General Assembly, and with the payment of the prescribed registration fees. 4.3 Membership of the Association shall fall into the following categories: A. Full Membership A Full Member is any member who meets the membership definition as in 4 (1) above and fulfils the following: a) Be in complete agreement with the Association s statement of faith and its core value of membership code of conduct or quality control, and be willing to sign it. b) Subscribe to the aims, objectives and activities of the Association by signing the prescribed form. c) Have at least ten missionaries in a cross-cultural setting. d) Submit a copy of their constitution to the Association s office. e) Have a well-organized Board or Committee, which regulates and controls their entire Missions activities. f) Have a leadership and financial support that is mostly indigenous. g) Fulfil their financial obligations to the Association. h) Have a well-accepted reputation among other Evangelical Mission Agencies. i) Have no political affiliation. j) Be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. B. Associate Membership An Associate Member is any member who meets the membership definition as in 4 (1) above and fulfils the following: a) Be in complete agreement with the Association s statement of faith and its core value of membership code of conduct or quality control, and be willing to sign it. b) Have at least four missionaries in a cross-cultural setting. c) Submit a copy of their constitution to the Association s office. d) Be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission or be in the process of being registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. e) Have a well-organized Board or a Committee, which regulates and controls their entire Missions activities. f) Have a leadership and financial support that is mostly indigenous. g) Subscribe to the aims, objectives and activities of the Association by completing and signing the prescribed form. h) Fulfil their financial obligations to the Association. 4

5 i) Have a well-accepted reputation among other Evangelical Mission Agencies. j) Have no political affiliation. N.B. An Associate Member may be upgraded to full membership at any stage if it satisfies the criteria for full membership. C. Special Membership Special Membership shall be granted to the following: (a) Foreign Missionary groups, working within Nigeria. (b) Missions Departments or Faculty of Theological Institutions or other specialized groups, which are performing services or duties that are supportive of missionary endeavours in Nigeria. (c) The following conditions shall apply for Special Members: i. Be in complete agreement with the Association s statement of faith and its core value of membership code of conduct or quality control, and be willing to sign it. ii. Submit evidence of their involvement in missions and/or their activities that are supportive of mission endeavours within Nigeria. iii. Submit a copy of their constitution to the Association s office. iv. Have a well-organized Board or a Committee and an Administrative structure/leadership which regulates and controls all their missions activities. v. Subscribe to the aims, objectives and activities of the Association by signing the prescribed form. vi. Fulfil their financial obligation to the Association. vii. Have a well-accepted reputation among other Evangelical Mission Agencies. viii. Have no political affiliation. 4.4 Membership Responsibilities: 1) Each Category of members shall pay annual membership or subscription fees as determined by the Association. 2) Upon admission to the Association, a member shall be deemed to have agreed to abide by the constitution and rules of the Association. 3) Each member may be called upon at any time to contribute to a project or function of interest to the Association. 4) It is required that every registered member shall be represented adequately at every General Assembly according to its current category of membership. 4.5 Membership Privileges 1) Members shall be entitled to attend conferences, seminars, trainings etc organized by or in collaboration with NEMA locally or overseas. 2) Members shall also receive minutes of meetings, newsletters, other materials issued by NEMA and have access to NEMA resource materials and relevant mission information, e.g. Basic Research findings etc. 5

6 3) Full members shall be entitled to three official/accredited delegates at National Annual General Assembly while Associates shall be entitled to two, and Special Members shall have one. 4) Members shall be entitled to reasonable subsidies where applicable, for NEMA conferences, seminars, consultations and other professional services. 5) Members shall be entitled to a recommendation by NEMA for Internal or External aid when the need arises. 4.6 Termination of Membership 1) At least ninety days notice shall be given in writing to the National Executive Committee by any member agency intending to withdraw its membership of the Association giving the reasons thereof. 2) The Association shall not terminate the membership of a member agency without giving at least ninety days notice. 3) In the event that a member agency persistently violates the constitution of the Association, or disregards its code of conduct, the General Assembly shall dismiss such a member in line with the stated procedure under discipline in this constitution and Bye laws of the Association. 5. GENERAL ASSEMBLY The General Assembly (GA) shall be the highest policy making body of NEMA. 5.1 Composition The General Assembly (GA) shall be composed of all members of NEMA as defined in Section 4.5(3) above. 5.2 Frequency of Meeting: 1) GA shall meet at least once a year 2) GA shall be deemed properly constituted if two third of the member agencies are in attendance. 5.3 The Functions: 1) It shall approve the Constitution and any amendment to the Constitution. It shall give the final interpretation of the Constitution when the need arises. 2) It shall receive recommendation for and ratify the appointment or replacement of the Executive Secretary. 3) It shall elect the National Executive Committee and approve the replacement and appointment of the members of the Board of Trustees. 4) It shall receive the annual reports of the Association. 5) It shall approve the Budget of the Association. 6) The GA shall appoint auditors, receive and approve the Audited Accounts of the Association. 7) It shall exercise the final authority on matters of discipline. 8) It shall solicit or raise funds for the operations of the Association. 6

7 6. THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 6.1 Composition: The National Executive Committee (NEC) shall be composed of the following: a) The National Chairman b) The Vice Chairman c) The Executive Secretary d) The Treasurer/Financial Secretary e) The Immediate Past National Chairman (Ex-Officio) f) The immediate Past Executive Secretary (Ex-Officio) g) The Elected Zonal Chairmen h) Prayer Co-ordinator i) Students/Youths representative j) Denominational Representative 6.2 Functions: 1) The NEC shall receive applications for the post of the Executive Secretary through the Chairman. The NEC shall interview candidates and recommend the successful one to the General Assembly for appointment. 2) It shall ratify the employment of other full time staff of the Association as provided for in the constitution of the Association and determine their conditions of service. 3) It shall deal with all matters necessary to fulfil the aims, objectives and smooth functioning of the Association. 4) It shall be responsible for implementing the decisions of the GA. 5) It shall present the Annual Reports of the Association to the GA. 6) It shall receive the annual budget, the audited accounts, year plans and other Executive or policy proposals from the Executive Secretary and the Treasurer/Financial Secretary shall cause same to be presented to the GA for consideration and approval. 7) It shall set up sub committees as the need arises and receive the reports of the Zones, Departments and sub committees for consideration. 8) It shall ensure that the annual demands of the Corporate Affairs Commission on the Association are met and the records of the Association with the Commission are current. 9) It shall recommend to the GA the appointment of External Auditor, Legal Adviser or any other professional Service providers for the overall good of the Association. 10) It shall receive and consider the notices of withdrawal of member agencies from the Association. 11) It shall receive on behalf of the GA reports of misconduct of any member and recommend necessary disciplinary action/s to the G.A. for implementation. 12) It shall solicit and raise funds for the operations of the Association. 6.3 Frequency of Meetings The NEC shall meet at least twice in a year. 7

8 7. OFFICERS The Officers of the Association shall be: the National Chairman, Vice Chairman, Executive Secretary, Treasurer/Financial Secretary, The Zonal Chairmen and other Principal Officers of designated NEMA Projects on the employment of the Association. 7.1 The Chairman 1) He shall be elected by the General Assembly. 2) He shall have adequate experience of not less than five years as a Missions Leader and be the serving Chief Executive Officer of a full member body of NEMA. 3) He should have demonstrated commitment and interest in the affairs of NEMA as a functional delegate in the General Assembly for a minimum period of three years. 4) He shall provide policy leadership direction for the Association. 5) He shall preside over the General Assembly. 6) He shall preside over the National Executive Committee meetings. 7) He shall uphold the Constitution of NEMA. 8) He shall be a non-permanent member of NEMA Board of Trustees. 9) He shall perform other functions as assigned to him by the GA. 10) He shall be the leader of a full member body in good financial standing with the Association. 7.2 The Vice Chairman 1) He shall be elected by the General Assembly. 2) He should have adequate experience of not less than five years as a Mission Leader and be the serving Chief Executive Officer of a full member body. 3) He should have demonstrated commitment and interest in the affairs of NEMA as a functional delegate in the General Assembly for a minimum period of three years. 4) He shall assist the Chairman in all his constitutional duties and deputize for him in his absence. 5) He shall perform other duties assigned to him by the Chairman or the GA. 6) He shall be the leader of a full member body in good financial standing with the Association. 7.3 The Executive Secretary 1) He shall be appointed by the GA for a term of four years in the first instance and may be re-appointed for a second term only subject to appraisal and recommendation 2) He shall be responsible for the overall management and administration of the Association in accordance with the constitution of NEMA. 3) He shall oversee the effective planning and execution of all NEMA national programmes. 8

9 4) He shall be responsible for the supervision of all NEMA ministries/departments and promote and develop their operations to ensure effectiveness and networking. 5) He shall uphold the Statement of Faith of NEMA and ensure that other members of NEMA comply accordingly. 6) He shall promote NEMA s goals and objectives to ensure good relationship and partnership between NEMA and other similar organizations. 7) He shall serve as the official representative of NEMA in both national and international affiliates as approved by NEC. 8) He shall maintain the Association s contacts with Government and nongovernmental organizations and other Christian Organizations in and outside the country to promote its aims and objectives. 9) He shall be responsible for the supervision of the Zones and will promote and develop the Zonal operations. 10) He shall serve as the Secretary of the GA and NEC and in consultation with the Chairman shall issue notices of meetings of the GA and the NEC. 11) He shall serve as the Chief Accounting officer of the Association. 12) He shall in consultation with the Treasurer/Financial Secretary prepare a financial report/budget for the Association, which the NEC shall present to the GA. 13 He shall present the annual report of the Association to the GA after its due consideration by the NEC. 14) He shall serve as the recording secretary to the NEMA Board of Trustees in its meetings. 15) He shall be the custodian of NEMA s official seal and all legal documents of the Association. 16) He shall be responsible to the Chairman and shall perform other duties assigned to him by the Executive Committee, the Chairman or the GA. 7.4 The Treasurer/Financial Secretary 1) He shall be elected by the General Assembly. 2) He shall be a serving Chief Executive Officer of a member agency. 3) He shall have adequate experience in Leadership and show commitment to the goals of NEMA as a functional delegate in the General Assembly for a minimum period of three years. 4) He shall ensure the preparation of financial report and the budget of the Association and present same to NEC and GA. 5) He shall liaise with the Executive Secretary in the preparation and implementation of NEMA Annual Budget. 6) He shall be responsible for collecting all membership contributions and remitting same to the Association s Secretariat. 7) He shall be involved in mobilizing fund for the Association s activities. 8) He shall be responsible for the recording, tracking and reporting of the state of the Association s finances. 10) He shall be responsible to the Chairman and the NEC. 11) He shall be the leader of a full member body in good financial standing with the Association. 9

10 7.5 Zonal Chairman 1) He shall be elected by the General Assembly. 2) He shall be a serving Chief Executive Officer of a member agency within the Zone. 3) He shall have adequate experience in Leadership and show commitment to the goals of NEMA as a functional delegate to the General Assembly for a minimum period of three years. 4) He shall be responsible to NEC for the smooth running of the Association s affairs in the Zone 7.6 Other Principal Officers The duties of each Principal Officer of the Association responsible for specific projects shall be determined by the NEC. 8. ELECTION: i. All elective posts shall be for a period of three years and are re-electable for a further term of three years, after which there shall be a resting period of at least one term. ii. No one shall be eligible to stand for election into any of the offices of the NEC if he is not a serving Chief Executive Officer of his agency in a good membership standing with the Association. iii. An elected officer into any of the above offices shall cease to hold such an office if he ceases to be a part of the delegates to the General Assembly. iv. Election notice shall be served at the GA preceding the GA of the election year. 9. TRUSTEES 9.1 The Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Evangelical Missions Association for the purpose of the Companies and Allied Matters Act shall be appointed by the General Assembly. 9.2 Such Board of Trustees (hereinafter referred to as THE TRUSTEES ) shall not be less than three and not more the seven and shall be known as THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE NIGERIA EVANGELICAL MISSIONS ASSOCIATION (NEMA) and shall be headed by a Chairman appointed by the General Assembly. 9.3 Qualification Any Chief Executive Officer of a Member Agency in good standing with the Association can be appointed a trustee provided he meets the following conditions: a) He is a person of high integrity, honest and a respectable Christian. b) He must be of sound mind. c) He shall not be less than 35 years of age at the time of appointment. 9.4 The appointment of Trustees shall be based on Full membership category. 10

11 9.5 Upon a vacancy occurring in the number of the Board of Trustees, the GA at its next meeting shall appoint a replacement. 9.6 Duties of Trustees 1) The Trustees shall apply to the Corporate Affairs Commission for a Certificate of Incorporation under the Companies and Allied Matters Decree of ) The Trustees shall have power to accept and hold in trust all land and assets belonging to the Association and to acquire land on behalf of the Association, subject to such conditions as the Corporate Affairs Commission may impose. 3) The Trustees shall meet at least once in two years to review the progress of the Association. Such meeting shall have in attendance, the current National Chairman and the Executive Secretary of the Association. 4) The Incorporated Trustees shall have power to sell, lease, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of the assets or property of the Association in compliance with resolutions of the General Assembly. 5) The Trustees shall act in accordance with the Constitution of the Association. 9.7 Common Seal: 1) The Trustees shall have a common seal. 2) Such common seal shall be kept in the custody of the Executive Secretary of the Association who shall produce it when required for use by the Trustees. 3) All documents to be executed by the Trustees shall be signed by at least three of the members of the Board of Trustees and sealed with the common seal. 9.8 Tenure of Office and Removal: 1) A Trustee shall cease to hold office if he:- a) Resigns his appointment. b) Ceases to be a member of the Association s member agency on whose platform he was considered eligible for appointment. c) Becomes of unsound mind. d) Is declared bankrupt by a Court of Law e) Is convicted of criminal offence by a Court of Law f) Is recommended for removal from office by a majority vote of members present at a meeting of the General Assembly. g) Ceases to reside in Nigeria h) Is deceased. i) The trustees of NEMA shall serve for a period of ten years. The National Executive committee shall recommend to the Annual General Assembly (AGA) new members for appointments as Trustees. 10. NEMA DEPARTMENTS AND ZONES 10.1 For effective execution of its mission, the Association shall create and run functional ministry departments as deemed necessary The heads of such departments shall be appointed by the NEC upon the recommendation of the Executive Secretary. 11

12 The heads of such departments shall become members of the Management Team and shall report to the Executive Secretary NEMA may appoint governing or supervisory boards for the operations of any of such ministry departments where deemed necessary Such ministry departments shall include those of Training, Research, and Mobilization as approved by the NEC The Management Team The Management Team shall comprise departmental heads and shall oversee the day to day running of the Association under the leadership of the Executive Secretary Functions of the Management Team: i) The Team shall meet at least once a month to review the progress and challenges of the Association. ii) It shall through the Executive Secretary make recommendations to the NEC. iii) Any member of the Management Team may sit in the NEC meeting at the discretion of the Executive Secretary. iv) It shall appoint its own secretary. v) It shall employ other needed staff as may be deemed necessary and as approved by NEC ZONES The Association shall be structured into Zones for greater effectiveness. The number of Zones and creation of new Zones will be determined by the General Assembly. 1) A Zone shall comprise all member agencies within the designated region or States. 2) A Zone shall be headed by a Zonal Chairman who shall be elected at the General Assembly as a member of the NEC. 3) Zones shall implement the plans and programs of the Association as agreed by the GA in adequate consultation with the National Headquarters. 4) Zones shall plan and run their own programs as they deem fit in line with the aims and objectives of the Association. 5) A Zone shall hold a Zonal General Meeting once a year and Convention at least once a year. 6) The Zonal General Meeting shall have the power to elect the Zonal Executive Committee apart from the Zonal Chairman. 7) The Zonal General Meeting shall comprise the Zonal Executive Committee and two representatives of registered member agencies. 8) Zones may create presence and execute common functions in the states within their Zones in order to strengthen the Association functions and presence ZONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 12

13 There shall be a Zonal Executive Committee from NEMA Registered members to fill the following positions: 1) Zonal Chairman 2) Assist. Zonal Chairman 3) Zonal Secretary 4) Zonal Treasurer/Financial Secretary 5) One Representative from each State of the Zone 6) NEMA Zonal Co-ordinator (Representative of the E.S) 12. FINANCE 12.1 The funding of the Association shall be from the following sources: a) Membership registration fees and annual subscription fees from members. b) Grants, offerings, donations, and any other legitimate means deemed fit by the NEC. c) Receipts from the sale of periodicals, publications and other resources of the Association. d) Receipts from activities organized by the Association All moneys accruing to the Association shall be utilized for the realization of the objectives of the Association in the manner prescribed by the GA All moneys collected shall be paid into NEMA Bank Account. The NEC shall appoint the Association s Bankers. Every Banking and Financial transaction of the Association shall be as stipulated in the Financial Guidelines in the Byelaws The signatories to the Bank Account of the Association shall be the Chairman, the Executive Secretary, the Treasurer/Financial Secretary and any other Officer as may be determined by the NEC. The signatures of any two of them shall be sufficient and valid for any Banking transaction on behalf of the Association and in line with the Association s financial guidelines The NEC shall present Annual Budget and Statements of Accounts to the General Assembly. The accounts of the Association shall be audited annually by a qualified external auditor as appointed by NEC The Zones shall reserve the right to open bank accounts for their financial operations. 13. DISCIPLINE The basis of discipline shall aim at recovering erring members in the spirit of meekness in accordance with scriptural principles The GA may discipline any registered members of the Association if it is reported to have consistently violated the constitution of the Association or its bylaws and core values quality control or code of conduct for members When the GA receives a report of such constitutional or byelaw violations, an adhoc disciplinary committee shall be set up to investigate the allegation. The NEC shall 13

14 consider the report of the adhoc Committee and recommend to the G.A. necessary disciplinary action to take The GA may deny admission to, and discipline any delegate member to the Association s General Assembly who is found guilty of gross misconduct. The word gross misconduct shall include the following: i) Embezzlement and/or mis-appropriation of funds, ii) Unresolved Inter-body conflicts, iii) Obvious unresolved internal agency conflicts, iv) Confirmed cases of dishonesty, v) Denial of the faith Any organization shall be disciplined in the following ways: i) Written warning. ii) Suspension or withdrawal of membership privileges during the period of investigation. iii) If the Member Agency is found guilty, it shall be suspended or its membership terminated. 14. AMENDMENT It shall be lawful for the Association at any time or times, by a resolution passed by a two-third majority of all member bodies present at either the GA or a special meeting convened for the purpose, to review, revoke, add to, or amend the constitution to meet the growing needs of NEMA in accordance with its doctrinal statements, aims and objectives. Any proposed amendment of the constitution shall be circulated by the Executive Secretary at the instance of the National Executive Committee at least six months before the GA where the amendment shall be decided. 15. SPECIAL CLAUSE a. The income and property of the Association, however derived, shall be applied solely toward the promotion of the objectives of the Association as set forth in the Constitution. No part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividends, bonus, profits or otherwise to any member of the Association. This shall not prevent the payment, in good faith, of reasonable and proper remuneration to any officer or staff of the Association returns for services actually rendered to the Association or repayment of out-of-pocket expenses or rent for premises or property let or demised to the Association by a member. b. If on the dissolution/winding up of the Association there remains, after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall not be parted to or distributed among the members of the Association, but shall be distributed by the Trustees to charitable Associations or groups with similar aims and objectives so long as such are not member agencies of NEMA. 16. SIGNATURE