In July 2003 an
attempt was initiated to try and bring all Africans
living in Colorado, people of African descent and
supporters of African people together. The purpose
of this effort was to foster greater unity among us,
to increase the level of our participation in the
activities of the society we live in and to help
open opportunities to our people. It was an exciting
moment for all of us. The association created was
called the Center For African Affairs (CFAA). Most
of us put lots of energy and time to try and realize
our noble goals and in the process we have made some
progress. However, recent self-centered actions and
statements made by the director of the CFAA, made it
impossible for us to continue this work. We do not
think it will be in the best interest of the people
we represent to continue to serve and remain in the
CFAA. We have therefore dissociated ourselves from
the CFAA. But we have not given up on the idea of
forming an African organization that will be
inclusive, democratic and one that will belong to
all of us. This process has started and we now have
a newly formed organization, called "Colorado
African Organization" (CAO) which we have the
honor to introduce to you. CAO is an organization
for African unity in Colorado. Although it was
initiated by a group of dedicated African
professionals, it belongs to all Africans, people of
African decent and all friends of Africa. The
objectives of the CAO are:
(a) to help bring
unity among our people,
(b) to help our people integrate and participate
positively in the broader American society,
(c) to help open doors of opportunity to our people
so that they could improve their standards of living
and,
(d) to contribute towards the development of our
continent, Africa, and her people.
We would like to ask
all Africans, people of African descent, and friends
of Africa for your commitment to ensuring that the
noble objectives of the CAO are continued and
strengthened. We look forward to working with all
Africans and their associations for the long run to
make our dreams for a genuine and selfless
organization for African unity in Colorado come
true. Thank you.
Colorado's
genuine and selfless African organization, the
Colorado African Organization (CAO) is now official
CAO
bases itself on the principle that human development
is a universal, indivisible, interdependent and
interrelated phenomenon. CAO is therefore
committed to promoting the realization of the right
to development and to strengthening a rights-based
approach to development.
This opens an opportunity for all Africans and
African associations to join our united family of
Africans in Colorado. Also friends of Africa that
have an interest in developments in our African
community are encouraged to join and be a full
member of CAO.
To
cover administrative cost, the general assembly of
CAO may introduce a small membership fee in the
future. However, until now CAO is run without any
financial support from its members.
For your For
your Free CAO membership, you may download
the attached form and fill it out.
CAO has also launched its newsletter called the CAO
Bulletin you may read from here or request
for a hard copy to be mailed to you.
If you have any questions or concerns do not
hesitate to contact any of the executive members
listed.
Thanks for your support.
CAO
Executive Officers
Dr. Bakary Sonko, President:
,
Pastor Jeneth Davis, Vice President:
Jean-Pierre Yoboue, Treasurer:
Samba N’diaye, Secretary:
Andrew Wamukoya, Alternate Secretary:
Alioune Sogue, Projects Coordinator:
Kenday Samuel Kamara, Public Relations
Coordinator:
Tabitha Njeri Ndiho, Social Affairs
Coordinator:
Anna Manega, Ex-Officio Member:
Join
CAO Today!
Join our Family of Africans!
For
your CAO membership, you may download the attached
form, fill it out and mail to:
CAO Public Relations
Services
P.O. Box 471111
Aurora, CO 80047
Tel: 720-351-5520 Fax: 303-937-3798
Email: managementafrica@aol.com
I.
CONSTITUTION
OF
THE
COLORADO
AFRICAN
ORGANIZATION
(CAO)
DENVER
,
USA
.
Approved
and Adopted
PREAMBLE:
We,
the Peoples of African descent resident in Colorado,
United States of America, with the sole purpose of
promoting unity, intellectual discourse, social,
educational, and cultural welfare of Africans resident
within the state of Colorado, United States of
America, through the proper and effective exercise of
the extensive powers of self-determination delegated
to us, do hereby ordain and establish this
constitution and by-laws as a governing rule of this
organization.
NOW,
THEREFORE, we the
people of African descent resident in
Colorado
, the
United States of America
, do proclaim the following Constitution:
SECTION
I
NAME AND STATUS
1.1
The name of the Organization shall be The Colorado
African organization, CAO, referred to as the
Organization.
1.2
The Organization shall be a non-profit umbrella
organization of African organizations and people
resident in
Colorado
and shall seek official registration in the state of
Colorado
and to maintain a tax-exempt status.
1.3
Nothing in Article 1.2 precludes the Organization from
raising funds for the economic benefit of the
Organization.
1.4
The Organization may freely cooperate with other
organizations in the
USA
and abroad with similar interests, or for a common
cause.
SECTION
2
MISSION
STATEMENT
The
CAO is a representative of, and sensitive to, the
racial and cultural diversity of our African
Community. The CAO shall promote the unity of Africans
in
Colorado
, collaboration between Africans and the free exchange
of ideas in an open, caring community. The CAO shall
encourage continual development of our individual
talents and recognizes the critical importance of each
person to the achievement of our common purpose.
The
aims and purpose of the CAO shall be:
2.1
The unity of people of African descent and others who
identify with African people and culture.
2.2
To help promote African culture, ideals and
development.
2.3
In the stated objective of making this a reality, the
motto of the CAO shall be : Africans in
Colorado
working together to achieve "Unity,
Tolerance, and Progress."
SECTION
3
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The
purpose and objectives of the Colorado Organization
shall be:
3.1
To promote unity among the African people and people
of African descent in
Colorado
.
3.2
To promote economic, intellectual, and cultural
cooperation between African peoples in
Colorado
and beyond.
3.3
To promote the cultural heritage of African people
3.4
To advance the socio-economic and other interests of
African people
3.5
To liaise with other ancillary African organizations
in
North America
3.6
To identify, cultivate and support African community
leaders in
Colorado
genuinely interested in the broader development and
expansion of the CAO.
3.7
To help assist with material and psychological support
for needy African people in
Colorado
. This assistance shall be dependent on available
resources.
3.8
To promote cooperation between African and other
organizations in
Colorado
3.9
To participate in voluntary and charitable activities
within the
Colorado
communities
3.10
To encourage its members to abide by the laws of
Colorado
and the
USA
.
3.11
To represent the best interests of the African
Community in
Colorado
.
3.12
To promote a positive public image and to enhance the
stature of the African community.
3.13
All members shall behave in a dignified and proper
manner regarding every aspect of Colorado African
Organization activities.
The privacy of members shall be respected and
inter-personal grievances shall not interfere with the
organization’s objectives.
SECTION
4
MEMBERSHIP
Membership
of the Association shall be open to all African people
by virtue of birth or marriage, or by adoption of
African ethnicity. The CAO is an all encompassing
African organization that does not discriminate based
on race, color, creed, tribe or religious affiliation.
Membership shall consist of the following categories
subject to the following conditions, For the purpose
of this constitution; the term "Affiliate or
Associate Organization" shall have the
same meaning:
4.1
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS OR ASSOCIATE ORGANIZATIONS
a)
An Affiliate Organization or Associate Organization
shall be initially an African organization within the
state of
Colorado
and admitted within the structures of the CAO. The
organization shall fall under the umbrella of the CAO
and adopt its constitution.
b)
An Affiliate Organization shall apply for admission to
the CAO by the submission of an application
which shall include a copy of its constitution or by
laws which must not deviate drastically from the
constitution of the CAO.
c)
The CAO Executive Board shall review the application
and if need be, may invite a delegate or delegates of
the applying organization for cordial discussions.
d)
The CAO Executive Board
may ratify or reject the applications.
4.2
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
a)
An Associate Member shall be an individual who is
either African by birth or marriage but who has
voluntarily adopted African culture and its customs.
b)
An Associate Member may be admitted following an
application to the CAO Executive Board.
c)
The CAO Executive Board shall notify the potential
applicant regarding the status of an application.
4.3
a) Upon admission, Associate Members shall be deemed
as general members of the organization and shall be
entitled to the personal benefits listed
elsewhere in this constitution.
b)
The names of all such individual(s) shall be filed
with the Organization.
c)
The foregoing notwithstanding, the CAO Executive
Board, may fine or suspend or expel an Affiliate
Organization or Associate Member or individual member
for either failing to meet his/her participatory
obligations within the CAO or if
his/her activities are not in conformance to
the objectives of the Organization.
4.4
The benefits of an Affiliate Organization shall
include,
a)
The right to a copy of the Organization's constitution
upon admission
b)
The right to be represented by its Director, Chairman
or President within the CAO.
c)
The right to make suggestions and propose projects or
actions to the CAO Executive Board
d)
The right to a vote at meetings and in an election
according to the schedule under Section 6.
e)
The right to participate in the Organization’s
activities.
4.5
The benefits of an Associate Member shall
include:
a)
The Right to a copy of the Organization's constitution
upon admission
b)
The right to make suggestions and propose projects or
actions to the CAO Executive Advisory Board.
c)
The right to participate in the Organization's
activities.
4.6
A general member of the Organization as defined
in the initial paragraph of Section 4 shall be
entitled to the following personal rights and
privileges:
a)
The right to be nominated and voted to an office of
the Organization.
b)
The right to make suggestions and propose projects or
actions to the CAO Executive Board.
c)
General Members of the CAO have a right to meet with
the CAO Executive Board concerning any issues of
relevance to the CAO.
d)
The right and opportunity to participate in investment
and/or benefit plans of the Organization.
4.7
a) Articles 4.4 through 4.6 notwithstanding, an
Affiliate Organization, an Associate Member or a
general member shall be in good standing to exercise
any and all of the benefits, privileges and rights of
the CAO.
b)
An Affiliate Organization in good standing shall mean
one which fulfills fully all its obligations to
the organization.
c)
A general member in good standing shall
mean an individual whose dues to the CAO are fully
paid to date, and who fully participates in the
activities of the CAO.
4.8
Honorary Members
a)
Honorary members shall be recommended by the CAO
Executive Board.
b)
They are entitled to make use of any of the facilities
of the CAO from time to time.
c)
They shall be entitled to attend General Meetings of
the CAO as observers without the right to vote.
d)
They shall not be eligible to vote in any CAO
elections or referenda.
SECTION
5
BRANCHES AND OFFICERS OF THE CAO
5.0
The CAO shall have a PRESIDENT, approved and
appointed by the CAO Executive Board. The President
shall oversee the general functions of the branches
and officers of the CAO.
5.1
The CAO shall be made up of two distinct entities: The
CAO Executive Board AND THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP.
The CAO
Executive Board is charged with providing direction
and Constitutional adherence in achieving the
objectives of the CAO.
5.2
The supreme authority of the CAO shall be vested in
the General Membership but shall be
delegated to the CAO
Executive Advisory Board.
a)
The CAO Executive Board shall elect a PRESIDENT,
Vice-PRESIDENT, a Secretary, a Treasurer,
PROJECT COORDINATOR, SOCIAL AFFAIRS OFFICER and a Public
Relations OFFICER to guide the CAO with respect to
adherence to the written constitution.
d)
One third (1/3) of the members of the CAO Executive
Board shall constitute a quorum.
e)
Voting at CAO Executive Board meetings shall be
carried by a simple majority.
g)
Decisions of the CAO Executive Board shall be
communicated by the President of the CAO to the
General Members for action.
5.4
The Duties of the CAO Executive Board shall be:
a)
To seek input from the General Membership through and
the President on policies and projects of the
Organization
b)
To formulate general policies and
guidelines for implementation.
c)
To appoint internal and external auditors to review
the accounts of the Organization.
d)
To receive and approve an annual budget from the
Treasurer and President before ratification by a voice
vote by the CAO Executive Board.
e)
The Executive Board shall have the authority to
investigate, discipline and impeach any officers found
to have abused their power or neglect of
responsibilities within the CAO.
f)
The administration of the Association shall be
delegated to the President of the CAO
and The Executive Board.
SECTION
6
ELECTIONS:
The
President, Vice-President, Secretary, the Public
Relations Officer, Project Coordinator, Social Affairs
Officer and Treasurer shall be elected officers within
the CAO.
6.1
The term of office of the elected officers shall be
two years provided that no individual shall serve more
than two (2) consecutive terms.
6.2
Subsection 6.1 notwithstanding the elected officers
may be removed from office for reasons including, but
not limited to, incompetence, abuse of office,
corruption, betrayal of the Organization's trust,
prolonged illness or continuous absence from Colorado
exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) days, subject
to the following conditions:
a)
Such petition shall, be signed by at least fifty
percent (50%) of all members of the CAO Executive
Board and shall state the grounds for the removal of
the Officers.
c)
The petition shall be heard by the CAO Executive Board
and the Leadership Council provided that the elected
officer shall be afforded the opportunity to defend
himself/herself in cases other than prolonged illness
or absence from
Colorado
.
d)
The elected officers shall be removed from office by a
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the CAO
Executive Board.
In
accordance with the provision of Section 6.1, the CAO
Executive Board shall conduct elections in the
following manner:
6.3
a) In an election year, nominations for the elected
officers shall be submitted in writing.
b)
The President, Secretary and the Treasurer shall
verify that nominees and nominators are in good
standing with the Organization as defined in Section
4.7.
c)
Such nomination shall be forwarded to the President
and other members of the Executive Board.
6.4
Voting Procedure:
a)
For the purpose of voting for elected officers or the
removal of elected officers and for those
purposes only, each elected officer shall be voted or
removed from office based on the number of majority
votes received for or against the particular officer.
b)
Voting shall be by secret ballot and the officers
shall be elected by a simple majority.
In
the event of a tie, nominees shall be given 15 minutes
to canvass for votes and then a fresh vote shall be
taken until officers are elected.
c)
The term of office of an elected officer member shall
normally be two (2) years provided that the President
shall reserve the right to replace any member of the
Executive Board at any time that in his/her opinion,
such an officer is not functioning effectively in
his/her position. Prior to the replacement of the said
official, several procedures will need to be
undertaken. A verbal warning will initially be issued
to the said official by the President. A continued
violation will then result in a signed written warning
from the President. After the third violation, The
President shall suspend and replace the said official.
The official shall be notified of the suspension in
writing by the President and a copy of the letter
shall be distributed to members of the Executive
Board.
6.5
Subsection 6.4 (c) notwithstanding the elected
officers may be removed from office for reasons
including, but not limited to, incompetence, abuse of
office, corruption, betrayal of the Organization's
trust, incapacitation due to prolonged illness/injury
or continuous absence from Colorado exceeding one
hundred and eighty (180) days.
SECTION
7
OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
7.0 The PRESIDENT
shall:
a)
Be the Chief Executive Officer of the
CAO.
b)
Work toward the attainment of goals and
objectives of the CAO together with the CAO Executive
Board.
c)
Be part of an annual budget review
committee and make recommendations and modifications
to any budget proposals.
d)
With the Treasurer, be a signatory to
the Association's account(s).
e)
Be obligated to attend all meetings of
the various CAO Committees and General Membership
Meetings.
f)
Shall attend, preside and have a vote on
any proposals involving the removal of any elected
officers due to violations of the constitution of the
CAO.
g)
Be the chief liaison officer for the CAO
Executive Board. Shall assist in the resolution of any
disputes within CAO.
h)
Be the chief officer spearheading future
funding activities for the CAO by outsourcing grants
and donations from the community at large as well as
from the governmental sector.
i)
Build a solid base for the Organization
in
Colorado
.
j)
Be the leader of the CAO Executive Board and
chief spokesperson of the CAO.
k)
Preside over all Committee and General
Membership meetings except at a meeting summoned for a
hearing on the removal of the President in which case
the Secretary of the CAO shall preside.
l)
With
the Treasurer present an annual budget to an annual
general meeting of the CAO.
m)
Appoint
members of the Executive Board subject to the approval
of the full CAO Executive Board, and according to the
provisions of this constitution.
n)
Give a State of the Organization
report at the Annual Meeting/Convention
o)
Initiate or participate in actions with
leaders of other organizations in the interest of the
CAO.
7.2
The Vice-PRESIDENT
shall:
a)
Assist the President in the day-to-day
administration of the Organization
b)
In the absence of the Chairperson,
perform all the duties of the Chairperson of the CAO.
c)
In the event of the President’s
resignation, incapacitation, death or absence
exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) days,
automatically become President until the next
election.
d)
Perform other duties as may be assigned
by the President.
7.3
The Secretary
of the CAO shall:
a)
Be the chief scribe of the CAO.
b)
Maintain all official records and
documents of the CAO
c)
Be responsible for all internal and
external correspondences of the CAO
d)
Record the minutes of all meetings and
circulate such minutes to the appropriate group(s) no
later than (14) days after the meeting
e)
Perform other duties as may be assigned
by the President.
7.4
The Treasurer
shall:
a)
Be the custodian of the Organization’s
finances and real assets.
b)
With the President and Secretary, sign
all checks drawn on, and disbursements from, the
Organization's account(s)
c)
Provide a quarterly account of the
Organization's receipts and disbursements to the
Executive Board.
d)
Present a financial report to annual
meetings.
e)
With the President, present an annual
budget to the annual/meeting convention
f)
Work with any internal and external
auditors appointed to check on the finances of the CAO.
7.8
The Publicity
Relations Officer shall:
a)
Be responsible for publicizing the
activities of the Organization through the use of all
available media
b)
Oversee the production and dissemination
of publicity materials such as newsletters, brochures,
and the development of a Website.
c)
Perform other duties as may be assigned
by the President.
7.9
THE PROJECT COORDINATOR
7.10
THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS OFFICER
SECTION
8
MEETINGS
8.1
The General Membership of the CAO shall meet at least
once a year at a suitable venue chosen and agreed to
by the Executive Board.
a)
The CAO Executive Board shall schedule meetings when
it deems it necessary at any time, at least one
meeting every month. Minutes of any meetings shall be
distributed to individuals concerned within a period
of no more than 14 days by the Secretary of the CAO.
8.2
a) It shall be the responsibility of the CAO to fund
the proposed Annual Meeting and to oversee its overall
success.
8.3
The Business of the Annual Meeting shall include:
a)
A meeting of The Executive Advisory
Board.
b)
A report on the State of the CAO by the
President.
c)
A financial Report by the Treasurer.
d)
A discussion of past, current and
projected activities of the CAO
e)
A budget for the next fiscal year by the
President in collaboration with the Treasurer.
f)
The election of elected officers in an
election year.
g)
The swearing-in of the elected officers
in an election year by the President of the Executive
Board.
h)
At
least one social activity which shall include a
program for youth.
i)
Any other activity to encourage
African self-awareness, empowerment, progress,
or culture which The Executive Board may decide upon.
SECTION
9
COMMITTEES
The
Standing Committees of the CAO shall be:
9.1
A Publicity
Committee which shall be headed by the
Public Relations Officer of the CAO and whose duties
shall be to assist him/her in his/her duties.
9.2
An Immigration
Committee which shall be under the
directorship of the Vice-President to provide advise
on immigration issues to Africans in
Colorado
. The committee chair shall have access to immigration
attorney as well at least one
US
congress representative to help in immigration issues.
9.3
A Bereavement
Committee which shall be under the
supervision of the Social Affairs Officer. This
committee shall direct and assist in instances whereby
a member or relative of the CAO passes away in
Colorado
. The committee shall be charged with the sole purpose
of mobilizing funds which will be used to achieve a
decent burial for a fellow African here in
Colorado
.
9.4
An Economic
Development Committee whose duties shall be
to research and locate economic/employment
opportunities for Africans within
Colorado
- to be headed by the Treasurer of the CAO.
9.5
A Fundraising
Committee which shall be headed by the
Vice-President and Project Coordinator of the CAO and
whose duties shall be to aggressively seek funding for
the Organization's projects, etc.
9.6
A Finance
Committee which shall be headed by the
Treasurer in consultations with the rest of the CAO
Executive Board.
SECTION
10
FINANCE AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT
A
recurring expenditure to be incurred by the CAO
involves the rental of an office space in order to
have a fixed official address. Rental payments for the
office space will be from funds raised by way of dues,
donation, etc to the CAO.
10.1
The fiscal and administrative year of the Organization
shall begin on January I and terminate on December 31
10.2
The Organization shall be funded through membership
dues, contributions, levies, gifts, grants, fund
raising activities and other legitimate means. The
ultimate objective of the CAO would be to eventually
achieve financial self-sufficiency in the long run.
10.3
a) Each individual African Association shall pay
monthly dues to the CAO. General members or Associate
Members of the CAO who are not affiliated to any
African Associations shall pay monthly individual dues
to the CAO.
b)
Each affiliate association shall pay $30 per month.
Individuals not affiliated with any association shall
pay $5.00 per month.
c)
All dues are payable to the Treasurer.
c)
Dues payable to the CAO are non-refundable under any
circumstances.
10.4
a) All moneys accruing to the Organization shall be
forwarded to the Treasurer in the first instance for
record purposes.
b)
Treasurer shall deposit all moneys received in the
Organization's bank account(s) within seventy-two (72)
hours of receipt.
c)
The Treasurer shall send The CAO Executive Board
record(s) of disbursements from the Association's
account(s) on a quarterly basis.
d)
The Treasurer shall present financial reports to the Annual
Meetings and whenever requested by The Executive
Board.
10.5
a) Each office and standing committee shall submit a
budget request to the Treasurer at least ninety (90)
days before the Annual Meeting.
b)
An ad-hoc committee may submit a budget as soon as it
is formed to accomplish a specific task.
c)
The Treasurer in consultation with the President shall
present a budget for the next fiscal year to the
Annual Meeting.
SECTION
11
AMENDMENT AND AMENDMENT PROCEDURE
11.1
Any provision of this constitution may be amended at
any Annual Meeting.
11.2
a) Such amendment(s) shall be proposed in a written
petition and presented through The Executive Board.
b)
Such petition shall include the wording of the
proposed amendment(s) and shall be forwarded to the
President at least ninety (90) days before the Annual
Meetings.
c)
The Secretary shall circulate such petition to all
Affiliate Organizations, Associate Members, etc. at least
ninety (60) days before the Annual Meeting.
d)
The amendment(s) shall be debated The Executive Board
at Annual Meetings.
e)
The amendment(s) shall pass by a two-thirds (2/3)
majority vote by both members of the Executive Board
present and such amendment shall be communicated to
the General Membership at the Annual Meeting.
SECTION
12
DISSOLUTION
12.1
Upon dissolution of the CAO, there shall be a
cooling-off period of approximately 4 weeks before the
disposal of the Organization’s assets.
12.2
Any debts owed to creditors attributable to the
activities of the CAO shall be paid off first and
foremost.
12.3
In the event of the dissolution of the Organization,
any assets remaining after the lawful discharge of
obligations and debts shall be donated to one or more
organizations with similar interests as determined by
The Executive Board. The Executive Board shall put
proposals to the General body relating to the method
or methods of disposal of assets, after all
liabilities of the Organization have been settled.
12.4
In the event that no such organization is designated,
then such assets shall go to the State of
Colorado
,
USA
.
DISCLAIMER
Payment
of contributions to the center and or signature of a
representative on this document indicates acceptance
of this constitution in its entirety. No Officer,
General Member, Affiliate Member, Associate Member or
Honorary Member may take legal action to sue the
non-profit organization known as the Colorado African
Organization (CAO), or otherwise for any reason
whatsoever.
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