KONO UNION USA Inc.

Constitution and By Laws

Preamble

WE THE MEMBERS OF THE KONO UNION USA in order to form a harmonious organization of the Kono People have agreed to form a union to maintain peace, stability and to promote development.

To accomplish the above, we shall endeavor to:

* Secure the rights and privileges of the Kono Union Members at home and abroad.
* Promote understanding among the Kono Union Members and the general public.
* Determine to promote the general welfare of the membership, and the Kono people everywhere.

In order to achieve the above, we have agreed to the following Articles to form a general frame of reference:

ARTICLE I: Name
Section 1. The organization shall be called "Kono Union USA, Inc."
Section 2. The Kono Union USA, Inc. shall be referred to as Kuedondweh representing the Kono heritage of unity and harmony.

ARTICLE II: Principal Office and Activities
Section 1. The Union shall be registered in Maryland and is registered as a nonprofit organization and has an active 501 (c) 3 tax exempt status.
Section 2. It will have the right to conduct its activities in the Greater Metropolitan Area of The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) and any other jurisdiction in the United States.

ARTICLE III: Objectives
The Union shall have the following objectives:
Section 1. To achieve peace and harmony among membership and the general public at home and abroad.
Section 2. To practice and promote the great heritage of the Kono people and instill her heritage in succeeding generations of her children.
Section 3. To contribute to the Development and the General Welfare of the Membership, Kono District, Sierra Leone and the United States through:

Section 4. To obtain equity and fair play for our members locally and globally through our representatives and pressure groups.
Section 5. To secure the Rights and Privileges of membership in accordance with the existing constitution and Common Laws of The United States and the Republic of Sierra Leone.

ARTICLE IV: Legal Status of The Union.
Section 1. The Union is organized as a nonprofit association within the meaning of charitable, religious, and educational purpose, pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provisions of any future United States Code); including distribution organizations that qualify as a tax exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or as amended).
Section 2. It shall conduct its business in accordance with Federal, State and Municipal Law covering Nonprofit Organizations.

ARTICLE V: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Union shall have a Board of Directors consisting of seven members, five members elected by the General Assembly and two members elected by the Executive Committee. Members of the Board of Directors will each serve three-year term that are renewable upon re-election.

ARTICLE VI: PRINCIPLES AND DUTIES OF MEMBERSHIP
The Members of the Kono Union, in pursuit of the Objectives stated in Article III, solemnly affirm and declare their adherence to the following:
Principles and Duties:
Section 1: They shall adopt, honor and obey the Constitution & Bylaws as a Covenant and Condition of their membership;
Section 2: They shall pay their monthly membership dues, or any fees required by the Constitution and Bylaws;
Section 3: They shall cultivate a sense of patriotism, loyalty and commitment to the USA, Kono District and the Republic of Sierra Leone;
Section 4: They shall support and dedicate themselves to the OBJECTIVES of the Union stated in Article III, by making positive and useful contributions to the progress and well-being of the MEMBERSHIP;
Section 5: They shall respect and honor each other and subscribe to peace and harmony among each other and with others in the Community;
Section 6: They shall strive to settle their disputes by mediation and reconciliation and agree to be bound by and respect the resolution recommended by the Dispute & Mediation Committee or the decision of an Appeal to the Constitution & Rules Committee or any other Committee of the Union. In like manner, all disputes between the Union and member will be treated in the same manner as that between individual members. In the case of disputes between the Union and a member; if all attempts to resolve the dispute within the union fails, the union will resort to legal action.
All attempts to resolve disputes must be documented and shared with all parties.

ARTICLE VII: REGISTRATION & DUES
Section 1: Registration for Regular members is $50, $30 for Associate members, $15 for Student members and $10 for Youth members,
Section 2: Annual Dues is currently $120 for regular membership and $60 for Associate membership.
Section 3: Registration and Annual Dues are subject to change every two years by recommendation of the Executive Committee to the General Assembly for approval.

ARTICLE VIII: MEMBERSHIP STATUS
Section 1: Bona fide membership - is attained upon registration in the qualified class of membership in Article VII following payment of the correct amount scheduled in Article VI, Section 1.
Section 2: Good Standing Membership- Is predicated upon current monthly payment dues of $10.00 and 50% attendance of yearly general body meetings. A member owing any amount of his/her annual dues is NOT in good standing and cannot enjoy the rights, privileges and benefits reserved for good standing members.
Section 3: Lapsed membership- Is the condition of a member who has fallen more than 50% behind payment of annual dues and meeting 50% attendance of general body meetings. Lapsed members are barred from enjoying the rights, privileges and benefits of the Union.

ARTICLE IX: CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP
Any person, of good moral character, of the descendants of Kono District by birth on the soil, the beget of Kono parents and by established adoption of Kono land regardless of tribal and ethnic heritage, who is interested in the objectives of the Union, may be admitted to her membership as follows:
Section 1: Bona Fide Membership- Is predicated on registration, payment of annual dues, and a minimum of 50% attendance at general body meetings.
Section 2: Regular Membership- Shall be open to all Konos, their families, and other Sierra Leoneans who accepts this Constitution & Bylaws. Membership under this Clause shall be attained by payment of Registration Fees of $50.00 and such members shall be classified as Bona Fide Members by paying annual dues of $120.00,
Section 3: Associate Membership- Shall be open to all other Sierra Leoneans and any person, who accepts this Constitution & Bylaws. Membership under this Section shall be attained by payment of Registration Fees of $30.00 and such members shall be classified as Bono Fide Members by paying annual dues of $60. Associate members are not entitled to stand for the office of President.
Section 4: Youth Membership (18-22)- Applicants with satisfactory evidence that they are enrolled as students in an institution of learning such a college, university, vocational, trade or paraprofessional school, shall be considered members in this class when they pay their registration of $15.00. Their membership status shall be evaluated from time to time until they graduate and become eligible for regular membership. Upon that event, they shall enroll by paying the additional $35 registration fees from the current registration of $50.00. Student members are exempt from paying annual dues. A youth is further described as a lad or lass still in primary or high school and under parental care for his/her basic needs. Membership under this Section shall be attained by payment of Registration Fees of $10.00. Membership in this class shall be evaluated from time to time until they graduate and become eligible for regular membership. Upon that event, they shall enroll by paying $40 registration fees, the difference of their original $10.00, youth registration fees from the 'current registration of $50.00. Members in this class shall pay no annual dues.
Section 5: Honorary Membership Any individual who donate any amount substantially larger than the aggregate of annual dues and registration fees to the Treasury of the Union for the interests of its purposes, shall be granted the status of honorary membership.

ARTICLE X: RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
Section 1: Rights - In the context of the Union, a right is a cognizable privilege to which a member is entitled as a member in good standing. A member's such right, is protected by this Constitution & Bylaws when he or she makes a demand for it.
Section 2: Privileges - A member has a privilege at the discretion of other Union members to endow him/her with voluntary gifts, financial donations and any other material resources which the Union members can afford a desiring member.

ARTICLE XI: TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS
Section 1: Bona fide members in good standing shall be entitled to all rights and reasonable privileges enumerated in the Constitution & Bylaws,
Section 2: Bona fide members in good standing shall be eligible to contest election or occupy any position vacant in the Union. Bone fide members may also be eligible for appointments in the Executive Committee, Standing Committees, Select or ad hoc committees and any other ancillary positions ordered by this Constitution & Bylaws.
Section 3: Bona fide members in good standing shall enjoy the right to engage in floor discussions on Union matters and issues, vote on a motion, or become an elector in the balloting for the election of President or any special elections.
Section 4: Union Rights are reserved for members. A visitor at any meeting of the Executive Committee, General Assembly, Standing Committee or another Forum of the Union where the business of the Union is being legally transacted, and which would be binding on the Union shall not participate or vote on any matter or issue canvassed in those forums.

ARTICLE XII: MEETINGS OF THE UNION
The Union shall convene meetings of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee and Standing Committee on the regular Calendar as follows:
Section 1: The Secretary General shall give notice of all meetings to members except Standing Committee meetings. He or she shall state the objectives and reasons why he or she summons the members to convene.
Section 2: The General Assembly Standing Meeting Order - The General Assembly shall meet at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the last Sunday of every month, unless postponed due to inclement weather or other contingencies.
Section 3: Special Meetings - When the business of the Union necessitates a special meeting, such a meeting shall be summoned.

ARTICLE XIII: QUORUM
A quorum thus shall constitute a two third majority of the Bona Fide registered members present at the General Assembly, Executive Committee or Ad Hoc Committees to transact the business of the Union.

ARTICLE XIV: ORDER OF BUSINESS & AGENDA
The order of business and agenda shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE XV: PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
The Union aims at conducting meetings in an atmosphere of decorum in which members conduct themselves in accordance with Parliamentary Procedure.
Section 1: Decorum in Debate - Members shall follow the Parliamentary Procedure while in attendance at all meetings of the Kono Union. Debate or discussion of issues shall be polite and decorous. Members shall conduct themselves in a respectable manner by referring to the previous speaker as honorable member.
Section 2: Indecorous debaters-Such members will first be warned to cease and desist from their misconduct. The second warning will be followed by a request to leave the meeting otherwise the authorities will be informed. It shall be intolerable to use profanity against other members.
Section 3: Obtaining the Floor - A member desiring to speak on an issue or wanting to speak on a POINT OF ORDER must obtain the floor from the Presiding Officer.
Section 4: The role of Presiding Officer - The Presiding Officer shall NOT participate in the debate on any question until the debate is completed. The Presiding Officer shall refrain from commenting on the issues in debate or canvassing issues with the last speaker in debate. He shall always be a detached and neutral Officer whose role is to decide disputing issues in accordance with Parliamentary Procedure. The Presiding Officer shall NOT vote on any issue unless the vote is SECRET. The Presiding Officer shall recognize members on a first come, first served basis; and from a list of members in good standing to speak on issues or matters on the floor.
Section 5: The Role of Parliamentarian - The Parliamentarian shall assist the Presiding Officer in maintaining decorum and order at all meetings of the Union, he or she shall take the responsibility of mastering the Parliamentary Procedure and ensuring that members adhere to it. He shall be fair in applying the rules of order without exception to any member, executive or chairman of a standing committee.
Section 6: Motions - Members desiring to frame a motion must submit the same in writing to the Secretary General in advance of the meeting or shortly after the meeting has commenced. All motions must be seconded or fail.
Section 7: Opening Debate - The Presiding Officer opens debate by calling on the mover to take five minutes to state his motion and discuss it. Supporters of a motion shall have three minutes to state their reasons. The Presiding Officer shall call for opposing or other motions which shall in turn be debated for five Minutes. Supporters of the main opposing motions shall be given THREE minutes to state their reasons. Debate is open to all members who have germane reasons and have canvassed their reasons with the proponents or his opponents.
Section 8: Avoiding protraction of debate - Although debate is open to all members, irrelevant and immaterial discussion will be discouraged. Unless a member has a valid point of debate, it behooves him to hold his peace. No member shall speak twice on the same issue when the issue is still being discussed. Nor shall any member speak out of turn on the question of debate, unless the question is still open and proponents request more time for the proponents and opponents.
Section 9 Breaking the Tie - If there is a tie, the Presiding Officer breaks it by voting on the issue.

ARTICLE XVI: DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
Membership of the Union shall be predicated on obeying the spirit and letter of the Constitution. Reference Article XV section 2. Additionally, membership must also adhere to the following regulations of conduct befitting good behavior or shall suffer discipline as stated below:
Section 1: Warning for Breach of Constitution & Bylaws - Any officer or member ~, breaching the Constitution and Bylaws shall be given a written warning by the Constitution & Rules Committee upon a complaint by another member or on the motion of the General Assembly.
Section 2: Suspension for Misconduct - Any officer or member who violates the Constitution & Bylaws after he or she has been given a formal warning shall be suspended unless he shows by good cause that he is not guilty for extenuating circumstances.
Section 3: Expulsion from the Union - Any officer or member who intentionally violates the Constitution & Bylaws after he has been suspended and whose repeated misconduct is injurious to other members shall be expelled from the Union and shall forfeit all privileges.
Section 4: Rehabilitation and re-application for membership - An expelled member shall be permitted to return to the ranks of the Union membership following payment of all outstanding dues. Additionally, the Membership committee shall monitor the conduct of such member for ninety days.

ARTICLE XVII: IMPEACHMENT & REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Officers of the Union shall aspire to the highest professional and ethical conduct in performance of their duties as mandated below. In the event they suffer disciplinary action for failure to adhere to their sworn duties or for misconduct, the following rules shall apply to the process:
Section 1: What is an Impeachment? - It is a formal accusation and removal of the President or an Officer of the Union that has committed a grievous offense against the Union or against the membership.
Section 2: What is an Impeachable Offense? - It is a grievous offense against the Union, in which the President or a Member of the Executive Committee has abused power or authority or disobeyed or violated the spirit and letter of the Constitution and Bylaws; or violated a member's constitutional rights; or misappropriated or embezzled Union funds, or attempted to destroy the objects and purposes of the Union or aided and abetted others to do so. It shall also be an impeachable offense for other conduct or impropriety descriptive of the enumerated offenses above. It is an impeachable offense for the President or any member of his or her executive to connive or commingle or defraud Union Funds.
Section 3: How to start impeachment - Any member who has good cause to believe that there is abuse of power or financial impropriety or a grievous offense may file a petition with the Board of Directors.
Section 4: Investigation of allegations - The Board of Directors then investigates the matter for probable cause. When the investigation is complete, the Board of Director will then report its findings to the General Assembly to impeach or absolve the official accused of the alleged misconduct. The accused could appeal the case in 24hrs to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall adjudicate the case based on the findings of the Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 5: Vote to Remove President or Officer - If there is a finding of misconduct by the board of directors it then recommends the findings to the general assembly for the final vote to remove the President or Officer from office by a simple majority.
Section 6: Power to ask Officers to resign - Upon probable cause by the President and the Executive Committee that an Officer of the Union has abandoned or is grossly incompetent in performing his [her] Constitutional duties, the president shall refer the matter to the board of directors in writing for independent investigation. Gross incompetence is where an officer of the Union is incapable of performing the functions of the office or has undertaken the duties and performed them very badly.

ARTICLE XVIII: RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
Section 1: Tender - The President or Officer or member who wishes to resign may do so by letter to the Secretary General.
Section 2: Filling vacancy - when an officer resigns for whatever reason, the President shall nominate his successor within two weeks of his resignation. The nominee's name is submitted for approval to the General Assembly at the next meeting.

ARTICLE XIX: REVENUE, BUDGET & FINANCE REGULATIONS
Section 1: Revenue - shall be derived from all lawful means and sources including registration fees, annual dues, fundraising projects, donations, grants and awards from grant-making institutions.
Section 2: Annual Budget - The expenditures of the Union shall be drawn from the Checking Account and controlled by the annual budget adopted by the Constitution and BYLAWS. General Assembly. The Budget & Finance Committee in consultation with the Executive Committee shall propose on annual budget for approval by the General Assembly.
Section 3: Checking Account - Union funds shall be kept in an interest-bearing Checking Account. The annual budget shall entail a percentage of the balance served for total expenditure.
Section 4: Capricious invasions of reserved funds: Any officer of the Union shall capriciously withdraw No portion of the investment or from the Checking Accounts. Any officer liable for such conduct shall be requested to return the withdrawn funds to the respective accounts within one week or suffer the censure of impeachment and removal from office.
Section 5: Extra-Budgetary Expenditures - No portion of the checking and saving accounts shall be withdrawn that was not previously allotted from the annual budget. An officer liable for such conduct shall be requested to return the withdrawn funds to the respective accounts or suffer the censure of impeachment and removal from office.
Section 6: Accommodating Parties - The President and Vice President shall be accommodating Parties on all Commercial Purchase order together with the Financial Secretary for approved expenditures of the Union. Accommodating parties shall not collude for illegal withdrawal of Union funds; illegal collusion to withdraw Union funds shall be censured by impeachment and removal from office.
Section 7: Limits on Expenditure -The Accommodating Parties on any Union Commercial Paper shall use their discretion to spend on behalf of the union checking and saving accounts Funds for LESS than $300. Repetitive withdrawal is an impeachable offense. The Executive Committee shall make recommendations on budgetary expenses above $300.00 to the General Assembly for approval. If approved, a note of disbursement of said funds shall be issued by the President pro temp to the Financial Secretary. A copy of said note shall be kept into the permanent records of the Union. The misconduct of withdrawing Union funds above the spending limit shall be censured by a request for reimbursement preceded by a request for the return of the excess funds to the coffers of the Union.
Section 8: Audits of Financial Transactions – Three qualified auditors shall be nominated and elected by the General Assembly. The chairman of the Auditors shall be appointed by the general assembly. The Auditors shall conduct quarterly audits of the financial transactions of the Union and pertinent books and records and such an audit shall be reported to the Union. Copies of said audits shall be given to the President and Financial Secretary. They shall also be required to conduct an audit after each Union function. An annual audit of the same transactions shall be conducted by a certified public accountant, at the expense of the Union. Annual audits are required for non-profit organizations such as the Kono Union to qualify for grants. The auditors shall be responsible to the Union.
Section 9: Misconduct and Prosecution - The President or any officer of the Union, acting alone or in conspiracy with others to commit a fraud, embezzlement, and form of stealing public funds shall result in impeachment, removal from office, and the reimbursement of the stolen funds. In the event the accused officer fails to pay the stolen funds, the Union shall reserve the right to sue the offending officer for restitution or if the offending officer reneges on restitution, the Union may prefer criminal charges for the underlined crimes.

ARTICLE XX: ELECTIONS
In accordance with the spirit and letter of democratic practice, the Union shall hold elections every two years. No incumbent President shall continue or delay in office for any excuse. To that end, the following are standing rules governing elections.
Section 1: Electoral Commission Appointed by General Assembly - To ensure neutrality and a detached administration of Union elections, the incumbent President shall not appoint the Chairman or any member of member of the Commission. The Commission shall be nominated by the membership and approved by the General Assembly.
Section 2: Free & Fair Election Culture - Free & fair election requires that commissioners be independent, competent and perceived as completely fair by all the candidates. Moreover, to avoid conflict of interest in Union elections, no member of the Executive Committee shall be nominated by the General Assembly to serve as Electoral Committee in any election.
Section 3: Standing Nomination Notice - It shall be a standing regulation of the Union that Election Nominations be held the last Sunday of the month in the approaching expiry of the two-year term of the reigning President and Executive' Committee. Unless there is an act of God or another such superseding event, the Nominations shall not be postponed.
Section 4: Standing Election Notice: It shall be a standing regulation that Union elections will be held the first Sunday of month after the expiry of the two-year term of the reigning President and Executive Committee. Unless there is an act of God or another such superseding event, scheduled elections shall not be postponed.
Section 5: Election Fees - Presidential candidates shall be required to pay the Sum of $300.00 to be eligible, to stand in elections and Vice-presidential Candidates, running as mates of Presidential candidates shall be required to pay the sum of $150.00. Election fees are subject to change by motion of the Commission to the General Assembly. All changes in fees shall be by increase only.
Section 6: Term Limitation - No member shall contest elections for President who has-already served two terms or four years in the Presidency.
Section 7: Proof of Bona Fides of a Kono Man I Woman - An eligible elector must prove to the Electoral Commission and the representatives of Candidates that he or she is a citizen of Kono District as defined Article IX: A man or woman by birth in Kono District or descent from Kono parents or otherwise a legal resident of Kono District who has made the District his home by adoption. The rule applies to the spouse and adult children of bona fide Konos.
Section 8: Registration is Proof of Bona fide membership - Prospective candidates and electors MUST be registered members of the Kono Union.
Section 9: An Elector must be in good standing: A bona fide member who intends to be an elector must prove that he is a member in good standing by the fact that he has paid all his dues and has attended sixteen (12) of the 24 Meetings of the General Assembly. Accordingly, the standard applies to BOTH dues & attendance: Full payment of dues without the satisfactory attendance is a disqualification.
Section 10: Geographical Delimitation to Vote - An elector must reside within Washington DC Metropolitan of the States of the United States. The Commission shall issue the geographical area of delimitation to the General Assembly.
Section 11: Members of other Kono Union Chapters whether or not within the geographical delimitation area are excluded from participating in the elections of this Region.
Section 12: Age of Electors - All electors planning to cast ballots in any Kono Union Election MUST be 18 years older. The electors age may verify by passport or driver's license.
Section 13: Final Register of Voters - The Final Register of electors shall be concluded and reviewed by the Commission and representatives of the Candidates on the Friday Eve of Election Day.
Section 14: Election Monitoring - Each certified candidate shall recommend two representatives to the Commission to monitor balloting and take care of its election business.
Section 15: Secret Ballot - All elections in the Union shall be by secret ballot. Balloting shall be done in separate candidate boxes with photographs and the names of candidates affixed on them in a manner that clearly identifies them for the electors. Ballots shall be preprinted with serial numbers in digits that begin and end up to the total number of electors on the approved Register of Electors.
Section 16: Pre-Election Challenges to Electors on the final register of Electors shall be done on the Friday Eve of the Election during the Review of names in it. Upon its approval, no additional names would be included or excluded unless the age of an elector or compelling factor proves a disqualification on Election Day.
Section 17: Election Dispute Adjudication - During balloting, Election challenges shall be reported in writing to the Chairman of the Electoral Commission. Whether or not a compelling reason has been given to challenge an elector, balloting must proceed as scheduled. Representatives of the Complaining Candidate and the Opposing Candidate will meet with Committee of Chairman of the Electoral Committee to investigate the complaint.
Section 18: The threshold to win elections - A successful candidate must poll by a simple majority of all valid ballots cast.
Section 19: Run-off Election - In the event there are clear winners in the just concluded, the Commission shall call for a Ruff-off Election within one week of the first round balloting to ensure that the second round election is not held to disrupt the standing order of elections into another month.

ARTICLE XXI: NOMINATION OF OFFICERS OF THE UNION
Section 1: In two weeks following the elections, the President-Elect Shall submit a list of nominees to the board of directors to be vetted to be subsequently approved by the general.
Section 2: The Board of Directors' review shall be returned to the president elect within a week to be presented to the General Assembly Consent & Approval.

ARTICLE XXII: GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONSENT & APPROVAL OF OFFICERS
Section 1: After the Constitution & Rules Committee reviews, the bona fides of the President's nominees to the Executive Committee, he/she must submit the list in advance of the next General Assembly to members for review and opportunity to prepare for any challenges or other reasons to approve or disapprove. Secondly, in the next General Assembly following the election, the president shall nominate members of his executive committee for.
Section 2: Unless there is a reasonable challenge to a nominee to the Executive Committee, the President-elect shall raise a motion to consent and approve his nominees by voice vote or roll call.
Section 3: If a nominee is disapproved, the President must nominate someone else in the next General Assembly for consent and approval.

ARTICLE XXIII: OATHS OF OFFICE
At the General Assembly immediately following the election, the President and the Executive Committee, shall be administered the following respective Constitutional Oaths of Office by the Parliamentarian.
Section 1: Religious Symbol - The President, the Officers of the Union may choose a religious symbol to hold when administering the Oath of Office.
Section 2: Oaths of the President and Vice President "I, solemnly swear and affirm the trust of the members of the Union, that I'll faithfully execute the duties of the office of President / Vice President, uphold the sacred honor of the Constitution & Bylaws of the Kono Union, So Help Me God."
Section 3: Oaths of Officers of the Union "I, solemnly swear and affirm the trust of the members of the Union, that I'll faithfully execute the duties of the office of I uphold the sacred honor of the Constitution & Bylaws of the Kono Union, So Help Me, God."
Section 4: Oaths of the Electoral Commissioners "I, solemnly swear and affirm the trust of the members of the Union, that I'll faithfully execute the duties of the office of Commissioner of Elections, fairly without bias to any candidate in accordance with the Constitution & Bylaws of the Kono Union, So Help Me, God." Note Define the criterium of an electoral officer???

ARTICLE XXIV: INSTALLATION AND INAUGURATION OF OFFICERS
Installation - Following the Consent & Approval process and Oaths of Office, the President and Officers of the Union will be inaugurated and given copies of the Constitution & Bylaws, and other relevant Kono Union documents immediately.

ARTICLE XXV: OFFICERS & THEIR DUTIES
The Officers of the Union shall constitute the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Parliamentarian, and Auditor General, Official Spokesman of the Union. The president can designate an official spoke person if necessary.

Section 1: THE PRESIDENT

Section 2: THE VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President is very important in the line of succession to the leadership of the Union. He or She is a breath away from leading the Union when the President cannot perform his or her duties. Thus, the Vice President shall not only be able to follow the functions of the president, but he/she shall ably function as follows:

Section 3: PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE (Chosen for the time being)
The objective of the President Pro tempore is to facilitate the business of the Union by a competent member of the Executive Committee or an outstanding member of the general body in the event that the President and the Vice President are indisposed by the following: pending impeachment, collusion, conduct unbecoming of a president or other acts of God. He shall be employed as follows:

Section 4: THE SECRETARY GENERAL
Secretary General shall serve as the Chief of Staff and administrative assistant to the Executive Committee and the General assembly function as follows:

Section 5: THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL
The Assistant Secretary General shall be the deputy to the Secretary General and shall function as follows: In the absence of the secretary General, the Assistant Secretary shall deputize all the functions of the Secretary General itemized above.

Section 6: THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY
The Financial Secretary shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Union with all the professional responsibilities pertaining there to:

Section 7: THE TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be a qualified person in bookkeeping and possess the tenacity to collect Union dues and balance the books.

Section 9: THE OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN
The Official Spokesperson shall be the voice of the administration and serves the objective of public relations and advocating its objects and reasons in domestic and foreign agenda. In doing so, he/she must achieve the following:

Section 10: THE AUDITOR GENERAL
The Auditor General shall be an independent agent of the union, but shall be responsible to the Union as follows:

ARTICLE XXVI: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE [EC)??
The Executive Committee shall constitute the President, Officers of the Union, and Chairmen of various Standing Committees, In addition to the individual functions of the members of the EC, they shall be responsible to the Union as follows:
Section 1: Administrative Forum - The EC shall be the administration forum of the Union which shall meet once a month to discuss and assess the state of the Union, for that purpose, the President must select able officers who shall constitute his administration to achieve the index of the Union affairs.
Section 2: Duty to perform - The President, Vice President and other officers of the EC are required to perform their respective Constitutional duties quite well to achieve the purpose of the Union. It is then vital that a wise President select men and women with ability and experience to perform the work of the Union in the various departments to accomplish those goals.
Section 3: Failure in Duty - When the President the Vice President Chairman of a Standing Committee or another member of the EC is proving to be unproductive, a motion by a member of the EC shall bring to the attention of that officer his or her failure in constitutional duty. If the failure persists, the EC may ask that officer to resign after a good faith effort to urge him/her to turn to productive ways have failed.
Section 4: Fiscal Responsibility - The EC shall have authority to raise revenue for the Union through lawful means. The EC shall maintain fiscal responsibility by managing the funds of the Union in accordance with the Constitution and bylaws.
Section 5: Policy initiation The EC shall initiate policy and recommend the same to the General Assembly for approval.
Section 6: Delegation of authority - The EC may delegate its authority to a Standing, Ad Hoc or Special Committee to study any issue and report the same.
Section 7: Annual Calendar of Union Events - The EC shall present a Calendar of Union Events within a month of assuming office and in the first month of the second year of its two-year term to the General Assembly.
Section 8: Quarterly & Annual Reports - the EC shall give quarterly report the Progress of the Union including membership registration, dues collection, financial status and other issues deserving the attention of the members.
Section 9: Presidents Annual Progress Report - The EC shall report progress of the Union at the end of each year. This report shall include achievements, challenges and recommendations.
Section 10: Major undertakings - The EC shall recommend all major undertakings of the Union to the General Assembly for approval. Major undertakings would include fund-raising projects, donations, awards to be funded by the Union to the Kono People, third parties etc. The EC shall clearly define all major undertakings of the Union by cost-benefit analysis to the General Assembly.
Section 11: Budget requirements for spending - The EC shall propose an annual budget to the General Assembly for approval within a month of assuming office and at the commencement (of the first month of the second year of its term).
Section 12: Extra-budgetary spending - No portion of the Union funds shall be spent by the EC, except allowed by Resolution of the General Assembly for extraordinary circumstances and by motion of the EC to the sum.

ARTICLE XXVII: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA)
Section 1: Constitution of the General Assembly - A meeting of the Executive Committee and the General Membership shall constitute the General Assembly.
Section 2: Power to legislate & make policy - The GA shall be invested with the power to legislate and make policy.
Section 3: Power to make awards, grants and donations – The award committee shall approve all awards, grants or donations to the Kono People or third-party beneficiaries by motion of the Executive Committee or by a member in good standing.
Section 4: Monthly Meeting- The GA shall meet once every month on the Calendar, unless a Special Session is convened to deal with extraordinary circumstances.
Section 5: Special Session- of the GA shall be convened by the Executive Committee to deal with extraordinary circumstances.
Section 6: Extraordinary Circumstances- Shall entail unusual events or situations, which cannot wait for the ordinary scheduled meetings for routine business at the GA's monthly meeting.
Section 7: Power to Consent & Approve Nominees – The GA shall have power to consent and approve the Presidents nominations to the Executive Committee.
Section 8: Power to Approve Annual Budget - The GA shall have power to approve the Executive Committee's proposed Annual Budget by a simple majority.
Section 9: Power to set spending limits - The GA shall ensure fiscal responsibility by discouraging extra-budgetary spending and setting spending limits in the interest of the Union.
Section 10: Power to Amend and Ratify Constitution - The GA shall have authority to amend and ratify the existing Constitution.
Section 11: Power to Impeach President and Members of the Executive Committee- The GA shall have power to impeach, try and remove the President or any member of the Executive Committee for impeachable offenses as defined by this Constitution & Bylaws. Reference????

ARTICLE XXIX: THE STANDING COMMITTEES
The Standing Committees of the Union shall be organized in the best interest of the Union. They shall be nominated by the president and must be approved by GA. All committee chairpersons shall report to the president and subsequently to the to the GA within two weeks. To that end, the Committees shall have scope and authority to reach those goals.

The respective committees shall choose their committee Chairperson. He/she shall be nominated and approved by the GA members. Each Committee shall have obligation to report its findings to the General Assembly for adoption. The following shall be the Standing Committees of the Union.

Section 1: THE BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
This Committee shall assist the Union in budget planning and appropriation of Funds to various divisions of the Union to ensure proper management of the Treasury; It shall have the following authority and scope:

Section 2: THE FUND-RAISING COMMITIEE
PURPOSE: To develop means and ways of augmenting the Union Treasury through lawful means of solicitation, organizing and staging fund-raising projects approved by the Union General Assembly. Its duties & scope of authority shall be:

Section 3: THE MEDIATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
PURPOSE: To mediate personal disputes between or among members whose subject of dispute is within the jurisdiction of the Union's authority to make peace and encourage harmony among the members and their families. Its duties & scope of authority shall entail the following clauses:

Section 4: THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
PURPOSE: To conduct and administer all general and special elections in accordance with the provisions in the Constitution. Its duties and scopes of authority shall be as follows:

Section 5: THE CONSTITUTIONAL & RULES COMMITTEE
PURPOSE: To alter the Constitution by the conditions provided in the Constitution. Its duties and scope of authority shall entail the following sections:

Section 6: THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
PURPOSE: To develop plans, in obtaining educational needs and fostering high standards for the students and pupils of Kono District. Its scope and duties shall be:
The Committee shall encourage high standards for the education of the students and pupils of Kono District through competition for scholarships, books and other educational materials where necessary.

Section 7: THE CULTURAL & HERITAGE COMMITTEE
shall educate the membership on the culture and heritage of the Kono, including: Marriage, Naming ceremonies and funeral rites etc., as defined in the Kono tradition and culture. The committee shall be responsible to administer the activities of various cultural events as stated above. The Committee shall be responsible to the Union as follows:

Section 9: THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
PURPOSE: This Committee shall minister to the union members in the enjoyment of rights, privileges and responsibilities as follows:

ARTICLE XXX: AD HOC COMMITIEES
The Executive Committee may ask the General Assembly to appoint an Ad Hoc Committee after that no other can effectively execute the functions of the aa hoc committee; the function of which is not delegated to existing standing committees. The Executive Committee shall ensure that the Standing Committees would be unable/conflict of interest to perform the duties of the proposed Ad Hoc Committee before making the recommendation of forming a new committee.
Section 1: AD HOC Committees - shall by their nature be only constituted when the need arises to operate "Ad Hoc or for the time being.
Section 2: Special or Select Committees - shall be appointed for special circumstances.

ARTICLE XXXI: PUBLICATIONS & FORUMS OF THE UNION
The Union shall publish information regarding its purposes or matters relating to the Kono people. Such information may be published under the following headings
Section 1: Newsletter shall be quarterly published by the Office of the Official Spokesman; its contents shall include reports on the progress of the Union.
Section 2: Membership Directory: shall be published every two (2) years by the Membership Committee in concert with a Select Committee of qualified members for that purpose. The Directory shall be sold for a price estimated by the Select Committee,
Section 3: Annual Report shall be published in January. It shall entail the progress of- the expiring year including reports from every department and the financial standing of the Union.
Section 4: Internet Forums - The Union shall establish a website and other social engineering forums to advance the agenda of the union and the development of the members.
Section 5: Seminars, Symposia and Colloquia - From time to time, the Union may organize a seminar, symposium or colloquium to advocate, promote the purposes of the Union under the auspices of the Culture and Heritage Committee. The cost of such an undertaking shall be provided for in the annual budget of that Committee.

ARTICLE XXXII: EFFECTIVE DATE OF ENFORCEMENT
This Constitution & Bylaws shall come into force retroactively and have immediate effect in all departments of the Union as follows:
Section 1: All Departments of the Union shall readjust their functions in accordance with 1he provisions of the enacted Constitution & Bylaws.

ARTICLE XXXIII: AMENDMENT & RATIFICATION
A motion with a seconder to recommend an amendment to the Constitution & Bylaws shall commence the process of amendment. The recommendation shall be forwarded to the Constitution & Bylaws committee for consideration.
Section 1: The Committee then reviews and deliberates on the proposed amendment and recommends the amendment to the General Assembly for satification.
Section 2: A two-thirds majority of the active membership must vote to ratify the amendment of the present constitution.
Section 3: The amendments shall state the number and year of alteration of the Constitution & Bylaws.

ARTICLE XXXIV: INTERPRETATION
Section 1: Interpretation of this Constitution - shall entail the plain meaning rule. That is, the spirit of the interpretation shall be understood from the plain text of the Constitution & Bylaws.
Section 2: Authority to Interpret Constitution - In the event there is doubt about text or contextual meaning, the General Assembly shall request on interpretation from the Constitution & Rules Committee for final determination.