We the citizens and friends of Liberia residing in the northern region of the State of New Jersey in the United States of America:

Recognizing our individual and collective appreciation to the Almighty God for our existence as a free people and sovereign nation-state;

Cognizant of the many vexing problems of our past and present national life, from independence to civil war, we remain one people in spite of our differences of opinion and faith, history and tradition, or ethnic and class background;

Realizing the need to foster friendship and cooperation among ourselves, toward lasting peace and national unity, and increasingly aware and engage in activities promotive of democracy and development at home and within our community abroad;

Committed to fostering the social and economic development of Liberians in North Jersey, New Jersey, United States of America, in particular and Liberians at home and elsewhere, in general;

Do hereby resolve to organize and unite ourselves into a not-for-profit community association;

And, by so doing, establish and proclaim this Constitution and By-laws as the legal instrument for the democratic governance of the Liberian Community Association of North Jersey, Inc.

Article 1.

The name of this Association shall be known and styled as the Liberian Community Association of North Jersey ("The Association").

Article 2.

The Association shall be in regional alliance with the Liberian Community Association of South Jersey. Together, both associations shall constitute a Liberian Community Association of the State of New Jersey representing Liberians residing in the State of New Jersey, United States of America.

Article 3.

The Association shall be in national cooperation with other sister Liberian organizations, throughout North and South Americas, as a member-organization of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA).

Article 4.

The Association shall adopt and uphold democratic principles for good governance, effective and efficient management, and sound policy-making and program implementation.

Article 5.

The Association shall encourage dialogue and activities promotive of peace, reconciliation, unity, and democracy among Liberians everywhere.

Article 6.

The Association shall promote Liberian culture and other aspects of our national history and traditions that contribute to social progress.

Article 7.

The Association shall develop ways and means.to mobilize and provide resources for the social and economic development of Liberians in North Jersey, in particular and all other Liberians elsewhere, in general.

Article 8.

The. Association shall plan and undertake income generating projects to mobilize needed financial, material and human resources of maximum benefit to all members in good standing with the Association, and other Liberians elsewhere, when applicable.

Article 9.

The Association shall encompass eleven counties in the State of New Jersey (Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Idson, Union and Middlesex). It shall not cover the ten counties designated as South Jersey (Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland and Cape May).

Article 10.

A Liberian Community Association of the State of New Jersey when formed shall be a working body. The presidents of the Liberian Community Associations of North Jersey and South Jersey shall coordinate the activities of this working body when such comes into existence. One representative from each Association shall represent Liberian communities in the State of New Jersey on the ULAA Board of Directors.

Article 11.

Membership of the Association shall be open to all citizens of Liberia (born or naturalized), non-Liberian spouses of Liberian citizens, and foreign friends of Liberia residing throughout the region of North Jersey, in the State of New Jersey, United States of America.

Article 12.

A member in good standing with the Association shall be formally registered with the Association, paid an annual membership due, attend meetings of the Association, and support or participate in activities sponsored by the Association.

Article 13.

The Association shall ensure the active participation of its membership in decision-making and implementation by having each and every member sign up as a member of a standing committee during time of application for membership.

Article 14.

The Association shall encourage its membership to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association, the Constitution of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America, and the Constitution and Laws of the Republic of Liberia, when applicable.

Article 15.

The Association shall uphold and protect the rights of its members in the exercise of their freedom of assembly and movement, freedom of speech and thought, freedom of information, and freedom to petition the Association to redress their grievances.

Article 16.

The Association shall reserve the right to suspend or expel anyone of its members as well as suspend, expel or remove from office any one of its officers for the commission of wrong doings detrimental to the Association. The Association shall determine those actions detrimental to the Association and pass rules, regulations, and procedures for the normal and legal disposal or settlement of any wrongdoing(s). A suspect or accused shall have the right of legal counsel, proper hearing and fair appeal with the Association. For the commission of acts against the Association which are beyond the Association's jurisprudence, suspected or accused members or officers shall be turned over to appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Article 17.

The Association shall conduct its business in a safe and secure environment, as well as ensure that its deliberations are held in a tolerant and well-behaved atmosphere bespeaking of civil discourse and public safety, and for the common good of its members and guests.

Article 18.

Eligibility for membership in the Association, and participation in its activities, shall not be determined on the basis of race or ethnicity, beliefs or persuasions, sex or sexuality, and income or class.

Article 19.

The Association shall have the sole prerogative of determining those services, benefits and priviliges to be enjoyed by its members in good standing. The Association shall also have the right to deny its services, benefits and privileges to non-members and members not in good standing. Such denial(s) shall not be the subject of a lawsuit, grievance, hearing or appeal unless the association acts wrongfully in such manner as to warrant criminal review and appeal.

Article 20.

The Association shall develop and respect the powers, authority and functions delegated to its structures for the democratic governance of the Association and the realization of its principles and objects as contained in this Constitution and By-Laws.

Article 21.

The Association shall establish the Community Assembly ("The Assembly") as its highest structure or organ responsible for overall decision-making for the past, present and future good of the Association. The Assembly shall comprise of all registered members in good standing with the Association.

Article 22.

The Assembly shall hold its regular meetings once a month at a date, time and place to be decided by the Assembly at a previous meeting. Special or emergency meetings of the Assembly shall be called when deemed necessary by the President, in consultation with the Executive Committee of the Association.

Article 23.

Any combination of twenty-one members and officers present at a meeting of the Assembly shall constitute a quorum. A simple majority vote shall determine the outcome of regular matters before the Assembly. Records of attendance and deliberations of the Assembly are required to be read at all meetings and corrected, if need be, to form part of the Archives of the Association.

Article 24.

The Association shall establish and develop the Community Representative Council("The Council") as its second highest structure or organ responsible for passing into resolutions all decisions reached by the Assembly for the proper governance of the Association, and to the maximum benefit of its members.

Article 25.

The Council shall be comprised of the elected heads of all not-for-profit Liberian organizations and institutions agreeable to operating in North Jersey as sub-groups of the Liberian Community Association of North Jersey. The Association shall not elect, suspend or remove the head of any group from the leadership of his or her particular group. However, the Association reserves the right to request or cause the suspension or removal from the Council any representative or head of a group whose action(s), while acting in the capacity of a Council member, are determined as being in gross violation of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association.

Article 26.

The Association shall require all heads of local organizations and institutions to meet the following requirements for seating of their organization or institution on the Council:

1. a letter of interest or intent to be represented on the Council
2. a copy of group constitution
3. a copy of group registration/incorporation papers
4. an annual group-on-the-council fee of $100. 00(one hundred dollars), and
5. a roster of group membership.

Article 27.

The Council shall hold its regular meetings once in two months at a date, time and place to be decided at a previous Council meeting. The Council shall elect to its own chairperson, vice chairperson and other officers, but not a secretary. A simple majority present at Council meetings shall constitute a quorum, and a simple majority vote cast shall determine the outcome of all matters before the Council. All other laws, rules, regulations and procedures deemed necessary for the legal conduct of Council business shall be determined and passed into resolution by the Council.

Article 28.

The Council shall be delegated with the powers, authority and functions for the able handling of the legislative matters of the Association. In consultations with the Assembly or in the absence of the Assembly, and upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Council shall make policy decisions and issue directives for the implementation of program activities for the good of the Association.

Article 29.

The Council shall, among its many legislative functions, confirm all presidential nominations for appointive offices, hear appeals, and render judgments on complaints or grievances, hold impeachment proceedings against elected officers, authenticate and confirm results of elections, and make appropriations for the funding of the Association. Council members shall act as goodwill ambassadors or spokespersons for the Association among or within their respective groups.

Article 30.

The Association shall establish and develop the Community Administration("The Administration"). The Administration shall be invested with the powers, authority and functions to ably administer daily affairs and properly manage the resources of the Association.

Article 31.

The Administration shall comprise of all elected officers of the Association who shall also be called the executive officers of the Association. The elected officers of the Association shall be: The President, Vice President for Administrative Services, Vice President for Technical Services, General Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Chaplain, and the two ULAA Representatives.

Article 32.

The President of the Association shall be the head of the Administration and the Chief Executive Officer and Spokesperson of the Association:

1. He or she shall nominate all appointed officers who shall be confirmed by the Council
2. He or she shall be the presiding officer at Assembly meetings
3. He or she shall present the Assembly's decisions or discussions before the Council in the form of recommendations for action
4. He or she shall prepare, at the beginning of the year, an annual budget, an annual activity report of present and future programs, and all fiscal reports for presentation before the Council and the Assembly. At the close of a fiscal year, he or she shall present an address on the State of Community to the Assembly at a special function or call meeting
5. He or she shall supervise, monitor and report to the Council and Assembly on the work performance and public conduct of all elected and appointed officers when necessary
6. He or she shall receive or initiate complaints or grievances against other officers and members of the Association, have same investigated and preliminary heard through the Judiciary Committee, with all findings and recommendations submitted to the Council for adjudication
7. He or she shall represent or choose a proxy to represent the Association at external functions or meetings
8. He or she shall negotiate with public and private interests all contracts, agreements and understandings with the advice and consent of the Council and the approval of the Assembly, and
9. He or she shall perform other lawful functions, duties and responsibilities not mentioned herein, but are required of a chief executive officer of a not-for- profit Association.

Article 33.

The Vice President for Administrative Services shall be the principal executive assistant to the President of the Association, assisting with the discharge of his or her official functions, duties, and responsibilities. He or she shall act as the President of the Association in the absence or disability or removal of the President from office as first in line of succession to the Presidency of the Association.

Article 34.

The Vice President for Administrative Services shall be a member ex-officio of six of the standing committees of the Association: Membership, Public Affairs, Judiciary, Human Services, Sports and Athletics, and Cultural Affairs Committees.

Article 35.

The Vice President for Technical Services shall assist the President of the Association with the discharge of his or her duties, functions and responsibilities that are development-oriented. He or she shall be second in the line of succession to the Presidency of the Association.

Article 36.

The Vice President for Technical Services shall be a member ex-officio of five of the standing committees of the Association: Business/Finance, Fundraising/Social, American Affairs, Pan- African Affairs, and Liberian Affairs Committees.

Article 37.

The General Secretary shall be the recorder and keeper of . all minutes, proceedings, correspondence and other official papers of the Administration, Assembly and the Council. He or she shall keep track of documents prepared and received by the standing committees, including keeping and updating the membership roster of the Association.

Article 38.

The General Secretary shall assist the President and Chairperson of the Council with the preparation of citations, writing of official correspondence, and the release or circulation or distribution of Association documents to the appropriate parties.

Article 39.

The Treasurer shall be the receiver and depositor of all funds belonging to the Association. He or she shall be the chief examiner of funds deposited in a federally-insured financial institution approved by the Association.

Article 40.

Upon the directives of the Council, the Treasurer and President shall be responsible for the safe and profitable investment of the Association's funds for the public good, and not for private gain.

Article 41.

The Financial Secretary shall be the recorder of all fiscal transactions of the Association, covering the collection, deposit and disbursement of all funds.

Article 42.

The Financial Secretary shall supervise and monitor the mobilization and utilization of all resources. He or she shall act in the capacity of a business manager for the proper implementation of the Association's program services and activities.

Article 43.

The Chaplain shall provide spiritual and moral motivations to the Association at all meetings and activities. He or she shall minister to the sick, bereaved and downtrodden members of the Association.

Article 44.

The Chaplain shall not propagate one particular faith or any denomination to the membership as the Association does not have an official religious belief or official church of worship.

Article 45.

The two ULAA Representatives shall be the duly elected officials formally accredited as official representatives of the Association to the National Board of Directors of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA).

Article 46.

The two ULAA Representatives shall articulate the official decisions, views and issues of the Association at ULAA Board meetings. He or she or both shall not serve to promote a viewpoint which does not have the official support of the Assembly.

Article 47.

At the directive of the President, the two ULAA Representatives shall serve as liaison officers of the Administration to help develop or strengthen relations between the Association and other sister Liberian organizations outside the jurisdiction of North Jersey.

Article 48.

The Assembly shall mandate, and the Council shall support, the President in the establishment of a Community Coordination Unit as part of the Administration to assist with membership outreach efforts geared toward the inclusion of all Liberians in North Jersey as part of the Community Association.

Article 49.

With the advice and consent of the Council, the President shall appoint a county coordinator for each of the eleven counties comprising the North Jersey region.

Article 50.

The County Coordinators shall serve at the will and pleasure of the President. They shall assist the President, as members of the Membership Committee, with the recruitment and retention of old and new members, encourage the participation and support of county residents for Association activities, and help provide Association services or distribute Association informationto all within their respective counties.

Article 51.

The Association shall establish and maintain twelve standing committees to assist theAdministration in the implementation of the Association's programs, projects, activities andservices. The following are the standing committees: Executive, Membership, Human Services, Business/Finance, Cultural Affairs, Fundraising/Social, Public Affairs, Sports/Athletics, Judiciary, Liberian Affairs, American Affairs and Pan-African Affairs.

Article 52.

To ensure or assure the fullest or maximum participation and support of individual members, the Association shall encourage or request each and every member to become a member-volunteer on at least one standing committee. The exceptions shall be the Executive Committee, which shall comprise of only the elected officers of the Association, and the Membership Committee, which shall comprise of only the appointed County Coordinators.

Article 53.

The Executive Committee shall comprise of the nine elected administrative officers of the Association. The Committee shall be the principal implementation arm of the Association.

Article 54.

The Membership Committee shall comprise of the eleven appointed county coordinators. TheCommittee shall be charged with the responsibility of recruiting and retaining old and newmembers.

Article 55.

The Human Services Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall coordinate social and other basic services for the general welfare of the members of theAssociation.

Article 56.

The Business/Finance Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall provide fiscal monitoring services(i.e. auditing) and fiscal management services(i.e. fundsinvestment and proper resource utilization) to all institutions of the Association at the request ofthe President, Council or Assembly.

Article 57.

The Cultural Affairs Committee shall be comprised of member-volunteers. The Committee shall develop, preserve and propagate positive aspects of Liberian culture, tradition and history. The Committee shall also coordinate program services to assist Liberians in their re-adjustment or understanding of American culture and history for the benefit of members.

Article 58.

The Fundraising/Social Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall conduct or host approved fundraising activities, be it social or business in nature. The Committeeshall also undertake social activities promotive of friendship and cooperation among members.

Article 59.

The Public Affairs Committee shall comprise -of member-volunteers. The Committee shall propagate the principles and objects of the Association through all medium of communication, including the print and broadcast media. It shall handle all publications, promotions,advertisement and other public awareness presentations of the Association.

Article 60.

The Sports and Athletics Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall be responsible for planning and implementing sports and athletic events for friendship andcooperation, and the health and physical fitness of all members of the Association.

Article 61.

The Judiciary Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall conduct thorough and unbiased investigations, and hold fair and impartial hearings on complaints or grievances or charges filed against any officer or member of the Association. Its investigations and hearings shall be based on accusations or charges or suspicions formally submitted in writing (by an accuser against an accused) for acts committed or about to be committed in contraventionof this Constitution and By-Laws of the Association.

Article 62.

The Liberian Affairs Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall function as a focus group on Liberia to study, observe, review and recommend appropriate actions on prevailing situations and conditions in our homeland. It shall be requested by theAdministration to coordinate specific actions and activities of the Association on national affairs.

Article 63.

The American Affairs Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall function as the intergovernmental relations arm of the Administration with city, county and state offices. It shall also be the vehicle for outreach to various American communities in North Jersey.

Article 64.

The Pan-African Committee shall comprise of member-volunteers. The Committee shall link the Liberian Community to other African Communities in North Jersey, as well as to people of African descent in the Americas, notably African-Americans, West Indians and Black South Americans and their various communities. The Committee shall also conduct activities promotive of the goals and objectives of Pan-Africanism.

Article 65.

Program services and activities of the various standing committees shall at times overlap. This provision allows for the joint coordination of services or activities by two or more committees under the aegis supervision of the President. The specific functions, duties and responsibilities of each and every committee shall be fully defined by resolutions to be passed by the Council.

Article 66.

Each and every standing committee of the Association shall have a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary as officers who shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Council.

Article 67.

The offices of the President, Vice President for Administrative Services, Vice President forTechnical Services, General Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Chaplain and ULAARepresentatives shall be the only offices determined by or filled through community-wideelections.

Article 68.

The nine administrative officers of the Association shall be elected by secret ballot cast by asimple majority of the Assembly.

Article 69.

Only members of the Association in good standing with the Association shall exercise the right tovote. No proxy voting, absentee balloting or other forms of voting not requiring the physicalpresence of a member at elections shall be used or deemed permissible.

Article 70.

All voters shall be a) registered members of the Association, b)18 years of age or older, c) in possession of a valid photo identification and, d) a written instrument establishing proof of residency in North Jersey.

Article 71.

The general criteria for all candidates vying for the nine administrative offices shall be a) Liberian citizenship, birth or naturalization, b) 21 years of age or older, c) member-in good standing with the Association, d) demonstrated leadership or experience in handling the functions, duties andresponsibilities of the respective office(s) sought, e) legal residency in the USA and, f) compliance with other rules, regulations and procedures as may be required by the Elections Commission.

Article 72.

Each and every candidate canvassing for any administrative office shall run on his or her own merit. No political campaign or special interest group shall be formed or recognized as a team, party or organization presenting, canvassing or requesting preferential treatment for running a slate of candidates. This provision shall, however, not debar two or more candidates for different offices from combining their resources for public appearances and public relations purposes.

Article 73.

There shall be debates or other forums held before elections at which candidates shall discuss their programs of action, qualifications and abilities, as well as submit themselves to providing answers to questions raised by members of the Association present at debates.

Article 74.

The Elections Commission shall -reserve the right to request all candidates to present relevant documents and pay fees for processing and certification as official candidates before their names are carried on the ballot. Such documentation and fees assessment shall not be limited to the following: a) a statement of purpose for candidacy, b) a letter of intent to run for a specific office, c) a biographical sketch or resume or curriculum vitae and, d) $50.00 (fifty dollars) in money order or certified check payable to the Association.

Article 75.

The President shall nominate at least five members in good standing with the Association, exceptelected and appointed officers, to become members of the Elections Commission of the Association. Before commencing their duties, each and every nominee shall be heard and confirmed by the Council.

Article 76.

The Commission shall act independently of all candidates and organs of the Association to ensure the holding of free and fair elections devoid of undue influence or illegal or official interventions. Its procedures, activities and conduct must however conform to the provisions contained in this Constitution and By-Laws of the Association.

Article 77.

The Council shall pass a resolution to be known as the Elections Law of the Association. The Commission shall also develop and publish in public view all electoral guidelines or requirements for candidates and voters with schedules no less than 30 days before elections.

Article 78.

The work and conduct of the Elections Commission shall be monitored, supervised and approved by the Council. The Council, and not the Administration, shall appropriate funds for organizingand conducting community-wide elections. The Council, and not the Administration, shall hearappeals made against rulings by the Commission on complaints or grievances filed before and after elections.

Article 79.

Any and all complaints, grievances and other acts deemed unfair to holding democratic elections shall be filed with the Elections Commission by a member(s) or candidate(s) before or afterelections. The Commission shall investigate, hear and issue its rulings only on a written suspicion(s) or charge(s) about election irregularities not more than 24 hours before election or 24 hours after elections. The filing of complaints, grievances and other wrongful acts about the elections must be received by the Commission at least 24 hours before elections and not more than 24 hours after elections. All other time frame not consistent with those set forth herein shall be deemed futile.

Article 80.

The timetable for elections, in an election year, shall not exceed a) the month of October for the establishment of an Elections Commission; b) the month of November for the posting. of electoral guidelines, c) the month of December for the holding of elections, and d) the month of January of the succeeding year for the inauguration of officers. The date, time and place of the electionsshall be set by the Elections Commission, with the advice and consent of the Council.

Article 81.

The term of office of all community-wide elected officers shall be two years. There shall be a term limit of two consecutive terms (four years in office).

Article 82.

The term of service of the Elections Commission shall be two years. There shall be no provisionfor the re-nomination or re-appointment of a commissioner by an incoming president.

Article 83.

Article 83.The Elections Commission shall conduct its ballot-counting exercise in the presence of representatives of contestants officially designated by candidates in writing to the Commission before elections. The Commission shall also announce the results of elections, general or special,not more than 12 hours after the closing of polls.

Article 84.

The Association shall be registered as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of New Jersey, USA. It shall operate under the not-for-profit corporation laws, rules, regulations and procedures established by the State of New Jersey and enacted by the Government of the United States of America.

Article 85.

No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensations for services rendered to the corporation, and to make payments and distribution in furtherance of the purpose set forth herein.

Article 86.

No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The corporation shall not participate in or intervene in ( including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, except as authorized by relevant codes of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Article 87.

The corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended (or corresponding provision of any future United State Internal Revenue law or b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under 179(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law).

Article 88.

Upon dissolution or other termination of the corporation, no part of the property of the corporation or any of the proceeds shall be distributed to or inure to the benefit. of any of the members, trustees, or officers of the corporation. All such property and proceeds, subject to the discharge of valid obligations of the corporation, shall be distributed to any such organization as the board of trustees may direct; provided however, that any transferee organization, at the time of the distribution, shall qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954, as amended (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law).

Article 89.

The Association shall have three official signatories on all of its Accounts. Three officers of the Association (Chairperson of the Council, President and Treasurer) shall be designated as official signatories. Any two of the three official signatories shall together collect, receive and disburse funds from the Association's accounts based on approved requests or appropriations.

Article 90.

The Association shall have the right to levy special taxes, other than membership dues and elections fees, against its members only upon the recommendation of the President, with theadvice and consent of the Council, or the approval of a simple majority of members in goodstanding present and voting at a meeting of the Association.

Article 91.

The Association shall have the right to raise funds by and through any legitimate means allowableunder the statutes of not-for-profit corporation laws at the state and federal levels. These mayinclude, but are not limited to, investments, social functions, voluntary donations or gifts and salesof goods, among others.

Article 92.

The fiscal year of the Administration shall commence January 1 and end December 31 of each year.

Article 93.

The Association shall identify, develop or design, proclaim or display, and use or exhibit slogansor items bearing its motto, seal or logo, colors and flags, among other required or necessaryensigns, as they may be so determined by a simple majority vote of members in good standingpresent and voting at a meeting of the- Association.

Article 94.

The Association shall determine the form and manner to address, dispose or resolve any othermatter before it that is not provided for in this Constitution and By-Laws through a simplemajority vote of members in good standing present and voting at a meeting of the Association.

Article 95.

The Association shall develop, approve and adhere to a public code of conduct for the proper governance of the Association and the good behavior and accountability of its officers andmembers. The code shall contain stipulations to enhance the good image of the Association, with punishments to be meted out for acts of officers and members which are found to be contrary to the provisions in this Constitution and By-Laws.

Article 96.

Any proposed amendment to the Constitution and By-Laws shall first be submitted in writing with the signatures of no less than twenty-one members in good standing with Association. The President shall receive any such proposal, and the General Secretary shall copy and circulate it to all members with comments attached by the President. The Assembly shall vote on any amendment submitted to it no more than thirty days upon receipt.

Article 97.

The Council shall translate the affirmative vote of the Assembly into laws by passing a resolution making any such approved amendment part of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association. The Administration shall accordingly update the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association andhave same available to the Assembly.

Article 98.

No two or more proposed amendments shall be voted upon at the same time. Those that are declined can be re-submitted to the Assembly until they are passed or considered to have no support for passage.

Article 99.

A quorum for the consideration of an amendment to the Constitution and By-laws of the Association shall comprise of at least twenty-one (21) members in good standing present and voting at a meeting of the Association.

Article 100.

The ratification of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association shall require the affirmative votes of two-thirds of the majority of members in good standing present and voting at regular or special meeting.

Article 101.

Upon the ratification of the Constitution and By-Laws, the provisions herein shall commence tobe executed and enforced immediately.

Article 102.

Each member shall be assessed an annual membership dues of twenty-five dollars($25.00)payable in the first month of the fiscal year.

Article 103.

At the time of the general elections, each member shall pay a fee of five dollars ($5.00) before casting his or her vote.

Article 104.

The President shall levy fines of not more :than five dollars ($5.00) against members who engage in disorderly conducts at meetings or events. • Each and every member shall conduct himself or herself in an orderly manner at all meetings and other events sponsored by the Association.

Article 105.

At least five dollars ($5.00) in voluntary contribution shall be collected from a member able and willing to donate towards the death of a close relative (mother, father, son, daughter, brother,sister, aunty or uncle) of a member in good standing with the Association. The deceased shall notbe a resident of the Community.

Article 106.

At least twenty-five dollars ($25.00) in voluntary contribution shall be collected from a member able and willing to donate towards the death of a current resident and member of the Association.Consideration for contributions to the death of a former member residing in or outside theCommunity is left to the discretion of individual members.

Article 107.

At least five dollars ($5.00) in voluntary contribution shall be,, collected from a member able and willing to donate to the benefit of members in good standing with the Association who are a) introuble with the Law, b) in deep financial stress and requests assistance, c) seriously sick orhospitalized, and d) and disabled or have a special need as may be determined.

Article 108.

The Association shall reserve the right to keep no more than 25% of the total amount of funds collected under the Sekou Gomez Act ( provided under Articles105-107) for administrative services rendered in the collection and disbursement of funds or expense relief to bereaved or ailing beneficiaries.

Article 109.

The Association shall develop membership benefit programs, such as a group insurance plans and other services, for its members in good standing when it deems such program feasible, safe and secure.

Article 110.

Each member shall have working familiarity with the Constitution and By-Laws of. the Association in order to be cognizant of his or her rights, duties, obligations, benefits and services as a member in good standing with the Association.

Article 111.

All correspondence and documents of the Association shall be typed. These include, but are not limited to, minutes, annual and project reports, and financial statements. Reasonable fees shall be charged members for all official documents and records of the Association which are at or over five pages.

Article 112.

Copies of the Constitution and By-Laws shall be sold to members at a reasonable price designed to cover cost of printing and distribution.

This Constitution and By-Laws was drafted and completed by Toe Blamo Gbi, Chairperson and sole Member of the Constitution Committee, this 2nd day of October A_D., 1996, at the City of Newark, New Jersey. In testimony, whereof, the officers of the Association have received and caused this document to be as lawful, with same to be submitted to the members of the Liberian Community Association of North Jersey, Inc.

Toe Blamo Gbi, Drafter

Presented by the Community Administration to the members of the Community Association this 8th day of December A.D., 1996 at Newark, New Jersey.

Othello Brandy, President

Discussed, reviewed and ratified by the members of the Liberian Community Association of North Jersey, Inc. this 10" day of June A.D. 1997 at the City of Newark, New Jersey, United States of America.