Constitution

ARTICLE I. Name and Location

ARTICLE II. Purpose

ARTICLE III. Membership

ARTICLE IV. Registration/Application Fee, Dues and Assessments

ARTICLE V. Officers

ARTICLE VI. Qualification of Officers and Tenure of Office

ARTICLE VII. Election and Appointments

ARTICLE VIII. Meetings and Meetings’ Procedures

ARTICLE IX. Committees and Compositions

ARTICLE X. Community Events and Other Activities

ARTICLE XI. Insurance

ARTICLE XII. Code of Ethics

ARTICLE XIII. Finance

ARTICLE XIV. Loans

ARTICLE XV. Interpretation and Amendment of the Constitution

ARTICLE XVI. Seal of the Association

ARTICLE XVII. Compensation, Limitation on Liabilities and Indemnification

ARTICLE XVIII. Oath of Office

ARTICLE XIX. Dissolution

APPENDIX A. Listing of Amendments

ADOPTION OF THE 2020 CONSTITUTION

Published for its Members by

URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

P.O. BOX 710481

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77271-0481

Copyright © 2020 by Urhobo Progressive Association, P.O. Box 710481, Houston, Texas 77271-0481.

All rights reserved and printed in Houston, Texas. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form by any means (electronic, photocopying,

recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of the publisher.

ARTICLE I

NAME AND LOCATION

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION, as incorporated in 1983 under the laws of the State of Texas.

Section 2: The (a) acronym for URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION shall be “UPA,” and (b) motto of URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION shall be “Culture, Unity and Progress – CUP.”

Section 3: The “Association or “UPA” as used within the “Constitution” shall mean URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION.

Section 4: The location of the Association’s principal office is Houston, Harris County, Texas. The principal office may be changed from time to time by action of a two-thirds (2/3) vote of registered members of the Association.

Section 5: The use of the pronoun his or her shall be gender neutral and denote or have the same meaning. They may be used interchangeably.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

Section l

The Association is an “Ethnic Organization”. Its primary objectives are:

a) To preserve and promote the dignity and uniqueness of The URHOBO nation, culture and language, by encouraging the speaking, reading and writing of the Urhobo language as much as possible. The Association shall support strong family ties because the family is the nucleus and most important unit of cultural transmission and retention. The official language of the association is Urhobo but English is acceptable.

b) To establish structures conducive to the growth and continuity of URHOBO traditions.

c) To support and promote traditional and formal education of all Urhobos through active participation, where possible.

d) To engage in any economic activities necessary for the financial well-being of the association.

e) To support and promote charitable, scientific, literary and educational projects.

f) To provide support to communities devastated by disasters.

g) To eliminate prejudices and discrimination through community interaction, education and sponsored group activities.

h) To support other non-profit organizations and charities whose goals and objectives are based on non-profit support to needy communities.

ARTICLE III

Membership

Section 1

Any Urhobos by birth or marriage is eligible to apply for membership, except existing members before the ratification of this revised constitution.

Admission to membership shall be according to the rules established by the Association and administered by the Membership Committee. The rules may be changed as necessary by a majority vote of registered members but not more than once a year.

A membership application shall go to the membership committee, which recommends persons for admission to the house, a after background check. Upon recommendation by the Membership Committee, the applicant will be admitted if approved by a majority of those present at a regular meeting, and upon the payment of the necessary registration fees, dues and assessments, as may be defined by the Association.

Section 2

Classification: The membership of the association shall consist of the following classes and/or any other class as may be defined by the Association.

Regular: A regular member shall have, on average, an annual minimum attendance record of 50% (six meetings) and shall not be delinquent in the payment of his/her membership dues for more than six months; any monthly dues delinquency over six months shall terminate his or her membership.

Non-Regular: A non-regular member is a member who works on Sundays during regular meeting hours and has an average meeting attendance of below 50%. Said member shall, however, be 100% current in the payment of his or her respective monthly dues at each meeting.

Out-of-City or Out of State: A regular or non-regular member who relocates to more than 50 miles from the Houston City limit, or relocates to another state within the United States shall be treated as an out-of-city or out-of-state member. Said member shall, however, make an annual or quarterly payment of dues for the said member to maintain his/her membership in the Association.

Honorary Member: The president may submit the name(s) of persons to be honored as honorary members(s), based on said person(s) moral and/or financial support of the Association. The name(s) shall be submitted to registered members for approval at any meeting upon recommendation by the Executive Committee.

Patrons and Matrons: The Association may appoint patrons and matrons as it shall deem necessary upon recommendation by the Executive Committee. A majority vote of members at any meeting shall be required for such appointment to be effective.

Section 3

Classification Change: Regular, Non-Regular, Out-of-City or Out-of-State Members may change their class of membership upon oral or written notice to the Association.

Section 4

Attendance at Meetings: Each member shall make a good-faith effort to attend any meetings of the Association irrespective of the member’s class.

Section 5

Termination: If any member fails to pay the required dues, assessments, or other obligations to the Association, the notification of delinquency and/or termination shall be given to such member by the Executive Committee.

Section 6

Removal from Membership:

(a) Any member may be censured, suspended, or expelled from membership of the Association for the violation of the Code of Ethics, Article XII, by the Association, provided that such member shall have been granted an opportunity for hearing before a committee selected for that purpose. The Association shall cause at least 30 days’ notice of hearing to be given in writing, delivered in person or by guaranteed mail, to the member against whom any charges may be levied. A majority vote of the registered members of the Association present at any regular meeting shall be necessary for the censure, suspension or termination of membership, except as elsewhere provided in this Constitution.

(b) A member shall be suspended or expelled from membership without a hearing upon receipt of reliable information by the Association that such member has been convicted of a felony. Any person against whom sanctions are imposed will be notified by guaranteed mail and may request a hearing before the Association or Executive Committee by appealing, in writing, within 60 days following the mailing of notification of sanctions.

(c) A member may not be suspended or expelled from membership of the Association for minor offences such as traffic violations and regulations.

Section 7

Appeal: A member whose membership is suspended or terminated by Sections 5 and 6 of this Article may appeal to the Executive Committee, the Association or the committee established for that purpose, for reinstatement.

The Executive Committee, the Association, or said committee shall determine when reinstatement shall be granted, and if granted, any conditions and/or assessments which shall apply.

Section 8

Reinstatement: A member whose membership has lapsed because of the member’s non-payment of membership dues, assessments or obligation to the Association, or because of Section 5 of this Article, shall pay the outstanding dues and assessments plus a minimum reinstatement fee of $100.00 or any amount set by 2/3 majority of members. The Association shall have the option to increase the fees when said increase is considered to be in the best interest of the Association.

Section 9
Amendment: Any sections of this Article may be amended from time
to time by a 2/3 majority vote of registered members attending any meeting; provided notice of the proposed amendment is given at least 30 days before the amendment is voted on. The said amendment(s), if any, to this Article shall be binding upon all members.

ARTICLE IV

REGISTRATION/APPLICATION FEE, DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

Section l

Registration/Application Fee: Any person who wishes to join the

The association shall pay a one-time registration or application fee established by the Executive Committee following the process outlined in Section 5 of Article IV. Said fee shall not be less than $25.00.

Section 2

Dues: Any members of the Association shall pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual dues, by the rates established by the

Association, and by the process in Section 5 of Article IV. Said dues shall not be less than $25.00 per month.

Section 3

Assessments: Special assessments, such as development funds, building project funds, disaster relief funds or other assessments the Association shall deem necessary from time to time, shall be submitted to the Association for approval. Upon approval by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at the meeting, the special assessment shall be declared effective by the President. It shall become an obligation on all members whether or not they were present at the meeting.

Section 4

Refunds: A member in any class who may resign, relocate, or be suspended or expelled from membership in the Association before the end of the current fiscal year for which dues or assessments may have been paid shall not be entitled to any refund of said dues or assessments. If a member prepays dues for more than the current fiscal year, such due must be refunded.

Section 5
General: The Executive Committee shall no later than three (3) months before the end of any fiscal year, submit to all registered members of the Association at any of its meetings, its recommended registration application fee and dues for the following fiscal year. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all registered members shall be required for approval if the dues exceed $25 per month. Upon approval, the fee, dues and assessments shall become effective the following fiscal year. The fiscal year of the Association shall run from January 1st through December 31st of each year.
Section 6
Dues and Assessment Discount: When a member attains the age of 75 or has been a continuous member for 40 years, his dues and assessments should be reduced by 25%. Any such persons may voluntarily choose to pay 100%.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS
Section 1
President: The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association. The duties or responsibilities are as follows:
(a) To preside over any regular, emergency, and executive committee Meetings of the Association.
(b) To plan, coordinate and implement any activities of the Association to attain its objectives.
(c) To establish structures necessary for the maintenance of unity and love among all registered members.
(d) To submit to all registered members for approval the names of his/her respective Committee members no later than 30 days, before the meeting following the assumption of Office, whichever first occurs.
(e) To submit to all members a plan of operation and budget necessary for the accomplishment of the objectives of the Association no later than sixty (60) days, or the second meeting following the assumption of office, whichever first occurs.

(f) To submit an annual report, including the Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Secretary, and other elected officers’ reports, to all registered members of the association detailing all activities and accomplishments of his/her administration.
(g) To devise a means of contacting all absent members and report the results of such efforts at the next meeting;
(h) To be a signatory to any accounts of the Association.
(i) May delegate any of his/her duties from time to time.
(j) Shall publish an updated list of UPA Membership quarterly: March, June, September and December of each fiscal year. Definitions of membership shall be by Article III, Section 2 of this constitution.
Section 2
Vice President: The Vice President shall perform any duties of the President in the absence of the President, or when delegated to do so.
Section 3
Secretary: The secretary shall be the Chief Correspondent of the Association and shall:
(a) Keep a record of any minutes of the meetings of the Association.
(b) Maintain a register of all registered members of the Association, including their names, addresses, email and telephone numbers.
(c) Maintain a record of members‘ attendance at any meetings of the Association.
(d) Create and/or maintain any other record necessary for the smooth operations of the Association, including records of the Association’s perpetual and annual resolutions. “Perpetual resolutions” are permanent resolutions passed by the House and remain effective until revoked by the House. Annual resolutions are interim resolutions passed by the house that become null and void at the end of the term in which they were passed unless extended by the house to cover subsequent term(s).
(e) Be a signatory to any account(s) of the Association.
Section 4
Assistant Secretary: The Assistant Secretary shall perform any duties of the Secretary in the absence of the Secretary, and/or any specific duties that may be delegated to him by the Secretary, the President, or the Association.
Section 5
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Association and shall:
(a) Deposit any monies of the Association within three working days from the date of receipt of said monies.
(b) Maintain a record of any sum of money received from the Financial Secretary and deposited into the Association’s depository.
(c) Advise the Association of its financial status whenever called upon to do so.
(d) Cooperate with any internal and/or external auditors of the Association promptly.
(e) Be a signatory to any accounts of the Association.
Section 6
Financial Secretary: The Financial Secretary shall be the Chief Collector of the Association and shall:
(a) Collect all monies due and/or owing to the Association from any persons, including members.
(b) Deliver all monies collected on behalf of the Association from any persons to the Treasurer not later than forty-eight (48) hours from the date of collection.
(c) Keep a simple and detailed record of any monies received and/or disbursed on behalf of the Association.
(d) Advise members of their respective financial obligations to the Association from time to time.
(e) Write any checks on the accounts of the Association, but shall not have the power to sign any of said checks written.
(f) Fully cooperate with any internal and/or external auditors of the Association promptly.
Section 7
Social Secretary: The Social Secretary shall:
(a) Be the Social Spokesperson of the Association.
(b) Be the Chairman of the Social Committee.
(c) Disseminate information to members and the general public and project the image of the Association through any medium of communication.
(d) Contact absent members after the end of each meeting.
(e) Be responsible for the planning and organization of any events and activities of the Association.
Section 8
Otota: The Otota, who shall be appointed by the President, shall be the traditional Spokesperson of the Association and shall have a fair knowledge of Urhobo customs and practices.
Section 9
Internal Auditor: The Internal Auditor, who shall be elected during an election year, shall be the chairman of the Audit Committee. The Internal Auditor’s duty and responsibility shall include quarterly (March, June, September and December) audits of any financial activities and records of the Association and shall be directly responsible to the registered members of the Association.

ARTICLE VI
QUALIFICATION OF OFFICERS and TENURE OF OFFICE
Section 1
Qualifications: For a member to be elected and/or appointed to any office, said member shall:
(a) Have been a registered member of the Association for a minimum of twelve months preceding the election day.
(b) Have paid all monthly dues, assessments and/or other obligations to the Association at the termination of the fiscal year before election or appointment.
(c) Have had an attendance record of a minimum of 50% (six meetings) per fiscal year.
(d) Have not violated the Code of Ethics of this Constitution for the past twelve months before election or appointment.
(e) Be conversant with the Constitution.
(f) To be elected to the offices of president and vice president, a candidate must be an Urhobo by birth.
Section 2
Tenure of Office: Each elected office shall be for a two-year term. Except as elsewhere provided in this Constitution:
(a) No President shall remain in office for more than two consecutive terms, at which time said President shall vacate said office for a minimum of one term before seeking reelection to the office of the President, or election to any other office if desired.

(b) No elected and/or appointed member shall remain in the same office for more than three consecutive terms, at which time said member shall vacate said office and seek election or appointment to other offices (s) if desired.
(c) No member shall hold more than three offices, including membership in committees, concurrently during any term whether elected or appointed.

ARTICLE VII
ELECTION AND APPOINTMENTS
Section 1
Election:
(a) Election shall be held on the first Sunday of October of even years, with the elected officers assuming office the first day of January of the odd year following an election year.
(b) An Electoral Committee shall be appointed no later than ninety (90) days before Election Day.
(c) Any member seeking election or re-election shall submit his/her particulars, including name, date of admission to membership, financial clearance certificate, if any, and the office to be sought, to the Electoral Committee sixty (60) days before election day. The member must be qualified following Article VI, Section 1.
(d) Any member may nominate other members for election or re-election within sixty(60) days of the election.
(e) The Secretary shall furnish to the Electoral Committee, 30 days after the establishment of said committee, the attendance register of members of the Association, and, the Financial Secretary shall likewise furnish to said committee at said time the financial register or record of members of the Association.
(f) The Electoral Committee shall publish, orally or in writing, the names of all qualified candidates and their prospective offices not later than 10 days before an election.
(g) No member shall be elected to more than one office.
(h) No member of the Electoral Committee shall be nominated for any office, appointed or voted for during the period of serving as a member of the Electoral Committee.

Section 2
Appointments: The President shall submit to members, 30 days after assuming office or the meeting following assumption of office, whichever first occurs, the proposed names of committee members for approval.

ARTICLE VIII
MEETINGS AND MEETING PROCEDURES
Section I
All meetings of the Association shall commence and end with a prayer.
Section 2
Annual General Meeting:
(a)The Association shall hold its Annual General
Meeting on the first Sunday of January of each year to:
(b)Receive annual report from the President.
(c)Hand over power and records to newly elected officers in January following an election year.
Section 3
Monthly Meetings: The Association shall hold its monthly meetings on the first Sunday of every month, except the same is postponed by a majority vote of members attending the preceding meeting.
Section 4
Location and Time of Meetings: The venue for the monthly meetings shall be the Urhobo Center or any location designated by the Association through its officers. The time of the commencement of each meeting shall be 4:30 p.m. and shall terminate at about 8:00 p.m.
Section 5
Notice of Meetings: The Secretary shall notify members, orally or in writing, of the location and time of any meetings of the Association, at least seven days before the date of each said meeting.
Section 6
Quorum: Thirty-three per cent (33%) of registered members shall form a quorum for any meetings and fifty-one (51%) of the respective members shall form a quorum of all committee meetings, of the Association.
Section 7
Members’ Conduct at Meetings: No member shall:
a) Address the house or meetings unless recognized by the President or the officer presiding,
b) Speak more than twice on an issue at meetings.
c) Nor use abusive or profane words at meetings of the Association.
d) Any member may raise a “Point of Order” as necessary during meetings. A “Point of Order” is an announcement that the rules are not being followed. These rules could be in this constitution or standing resolutions of the house. An example will be the president starting the meeting without opening prayers as stated in this constitution.

ARTICLE IXTICLE IX
COMMITTEE AND COMPOSITIONS
Section 1
The following shall be the standing and ad hoc committees of the Association:
(a) Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall comprise all elected officers of the Association, except the Internal Auditor who is independent to promote checks and balances. Its duty and responsibility shall be the overall management of the Association in the achievement of its objectives.
(b) Social Committee: The Social Committee shall be responsible for any social activities of the Association, including, but not limited to organization of any parties, assignment of individual members for visitation(s) of regular, absent and future members, and visitors.
(c) Electoral Committee: The Electoral Committee, which shall be established no later than 90 days before elections, shall be responsible for the conduct of any elections of the Association and shall follow the election and appointment qualifications in Article VI of this Constitution.

(d) Ethics Committee: The Ethics Committee shall monitor compliance of members with the Code of Ethics, investigate non-compliance and complaints of members and communicate its findings, including recommendations, to the Executive Committee, and shall simultaneously handle any crisis concerning members.
(e) Economic/Investment Committee: The Economic/Investment Committee shall support and/or engage in any economic activities necessary for the financial well-being of the Association and its members, and is authorized to maintain separate accounts for any of these activities if desired. The executives who have check-writing powers must be included in this committee for writing checks. However, no member of the executive may be the chairman of the committee.
(f) Public Affairs Committee: The Public Affairs Committee shall keep the association abreast of developments in our communities that could impact the association.
(g) Audit Committee: The Audit Committee shall monitor the compliance of officers with the rules and regulations applicable to the finances of the Association and shall advise the Executive Committee and/or officers of any exceptions, and communicate its findings and/or recommendations to the members of the Association during any meeting.
(h) Constitution Compliance Committee: The Constitution Compliance Committee will be the watchdog of the Constitution. They should proactively remind the executives of constitutional obligations from time to time. A member of the executive cannot be a member of this committee.
Section 2
The President shall have the discretion to dissolve and/or create any committee considered to be in the best interest of the Association upon a majority vote of registered members.
Section 3
No member or non-member of the association may usurp or act on behalf of any elected or appointed officer or committee member while the officer is present in a meeting or UPA event; except with the officer’s approval.
Section 4
Composition: The composition of any committee shall be a minimum of three members, to be appointed following the appointment qualification in Article VI, except as elsewhere provided in this Constitution.

ARTICLE X
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Section 1
Annual Community Event: The Association:
Shall have an annual community event.
Shall approve the event budget at any of its meetings, but not later than ninety (90) days before the date of the event.
The association shall fund all expenses of said event.
Section 2
Send-Off Recognition: The Association shall show recognition to any of its members relocating to another city, State or country, provided said member(s) shall have joined the association for a minimum of twelve (12) months and in good financial standing.
Section 3
Births: Members of the Association shall visit with any member who shall give birth to any child and give the sum of $50.00 and a gift, provided, said member shall have joined the Association for a minimum of twelve (12) months and consistently paid his or her obligations to the Association.
Section 4
Marriages: Members of the Association shall actively participate in the planning of all marriages of its members when required to do so and shall give the sum of $50.00 and a marriage gift to the couples, provided, however, that said member shall have (i) notified the Association for a minimum of (90) days before the marriage date, (ii) been a member for a minimum of twelve (12) months, and (iii) paid all financial obligations to the Association.
Section 5
Deaths: Upon the death of a member, members of the Association shall:
(a) Fully participate in, and make reasonable and necessary financial contributions to the family. Each member shall donate not less than $100 to supplement the funeral expenses, provided that said member meets membership requirements as outlined in Article III, Section 2, (a), (b), and (c) of this constitution.
(b) Members shall morally and prayerfully support and give the sum of $50.00 to any of its members who shall be bereaved of any of his/her biological parents, child (including legally adopted child) or spouse, and shall be by Urhobo tradition.
Section 6
Other Activities: The Association may organize any other activity, social or otherwise, that it considers expedient for the promotion of its objectives. A written report of all such activities shall be prepared by the chairman of the organizing committee, or his designee, which shall be ready for presentation to the President and the Association no later than two (2) weeks after the conclusion of the activity.

ARTICLE XI

INSURANCE
Section 1
The Association shall have the power to negotiate for any insurance coverage, including, but not limited to, automobile, life, term, group, medical or hospitalization insurance, for and on behalf of its members, with any insurance carrier(s) for a reasonable policy and/or premium.
Section 2
Members shall be encouraged to fully participate in the insurance program of the Association unless they elect otherwise.
Section 3
Any member who elects to not participate in the insurance program of the Association may carry his/her insurance coverage and shall be financially responsible for him or herself in the event of sickness, hospitalization, accident or death.
Section 4
Sections 1, 2, and 3 above notwithstanding, the Association shall not carry any insurance policy on the life of its members nor shall it be required to use its funds to pay any of said insurance policy premiums.
Section 5
Members shall have the option to elect the Association as their beneficiary.
Section 6
The Association, when required to do so by any of its members, may act as trustee for and on behalf of said member, and the guidelines or trust agreement, if any, for the administration of same shall be vested in the Executive Committee or the committee established for this purpose.

ARTICLE XII
CODE OF ETHICS
Section 1
Each member of the Association shall:
a) Conduct themselves in manners consistent with the laws of the United States.
b) Not collaborate or engage in any activity that would violate Federal, State or Local laws of the United States.
c) Not exhibit acts of aberrant behaviour, including, but not limited to, fighting, public intoxication or drunkenness, nuisance, blackmail, gossip, or other practices that may be contrary to this Constitution and Urhobo customs and traditions.
d) Give due respect to elders and elected or appointed officers.
e) The association shall treat each member with equal respect regardless of external titles and accomplishments.
Section 2
All members of the Association are required to deal fairly and in good faith with the Association and with each other, and, shall not, knowingly or unknowingly, undertake or engage in any act intended to defraud or tarnish the credit or moral reputation of the Association or any of its members.
Section 3
Any member who violates any of the preceding sections of this Article shall be fined, suspended and/or expelled by a simple majority vote of registered members at any meeting upon recommendation of 2/3 majority of members present.

ARTICLE XIII
FINANCE
Section 1
Accounts: The Association is authorized at any time to open an account(s) with any bank(s) within the United States.
Section 2
Signatories to Accounts: Any two signatories of member officers authorized to sign any checks of the Association shall be required on all checks drawn on all accounts of the Association, as stated in Article V of the Constitution.
Section 3
Accounting: The Association shall follow the accounting method used by other non-profit associations or organizations in the United States and any amendments thereto.
Section 4
Recordkeeping: The Financial Officers of the Association shall keep proper and adequate records of all financial activities of the Association following Section 3 of this Article, and shall furnish quarterly and annual financial reports to members, by and through the President.
Section 5
Inspection of Books and Records: All members of the Association shall have the right to (a) review and/or inspect their respective ledger accounts and other accounts they may have upon a 24-hour oral or written notice to the custodian of said records; and (b) review and/or inspect the books and records of the Association upon a seven days oral or written notice to the Executive Committee.
Section 6
The Association shall use its funds only to accomplish the objectives and purposes specified, except as elsewhere provided in this Constitution, and no part of said funds shall inure, or be distributed to any member of the Association.
Section 7
The executive and committee members will have the power to spend funds as approved in the budget, excluding miscellaneous line items. Outside the budget, including the miscellaneous line item, up to $100 could be spent by anyone with the approval of the president in an emergency (between meetings). Otherwise, all expenditures outside the budget must be approved by the house.

ARTICLE XIV
LOANS
Section 1
The Association shall not grant loans to anyone.

ARTICLE XV
INTERPRETATI0N AND AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
Section 1
Interpretation: All questions of interpretation of the Constitution shall be decided by the Constitution Compliance Committee.
Section 2
Amendment: This Constitution shall be subject to amendment, provided, however, that (a) a motion to review any Article(s), section(s) and/or subsection(s) of any
Article(s), shall first be introduced and seconded by any member at any meeting at least 60 days before it is voted on and (b) any amendment(s) of any Article, shall be approved by a two-third (2/3) majority vote of current members, upon recommendation of the review committee established for this purpose, except as elsewhere provided in this Constitution. A list of current members shall be made available for the vote.

ARTICLE XVI
SEAL OF THE ASSOCIATION
Section 1
The Executive Committee may select a seal for the Association in such form and design as it may choose. The seal shall bear the name: URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION.

ARTICLE XVII
COMPENSATION, LIMITATION ON LIABILITIES AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1
No officer shall be entitled to any compensation for services rendered for, or on behalf of, the Association.
Section 2
Members of the Association may not be considered partners under any circumstance. No member, officer, agent, or employee, if any, of this Association shall be liable for the acts of any other member, officer, agent, or employee, if any, of the Association. No member, officer, agent, or employee (if any) shall be liable for their acts or failure to act under this Constitution, except for acts or omissions arising out of willful misconduct.
Section 3
Officers of the Association or former officers of the Association shall be reimbursed against the reasonable expenses actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding; in which they or any of them are made parties, or a party, because of having been officers of the Association. Except concerning matters as to which such officers or former officers shall be adjudged in such action, suits, or proceeding to be liable for gross negligence or misconduct in the performance of their duty; and to such matters as shall be settled by agreement predicated on the existence of such liability.
Section 4
The Association, by a 2/3 majority vote of members present at a meeting may bring a lawsuit, on behalf of the Association to protect its interest. The Association in such instance shall be responsible for all legal fees and court costs associated with the lawsuit.

ARTICLE XVIII

OATH OF OFFICE
Section 1
The President and all elected officers of the Association shall take the following oath of office on the first Sunday of January in the year following an election, to be administered by the Chairperson of the Electoral Committee:
“We, as elected officers this term, jointly and severally, in the presence of these members, do pledge to work cooperatively with each other and, with any members of the Association, for the accomplishment of the objectives of the Association;
To support and forever defend the Constitution of URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION, the rights of the Association and of its members, and the rights of the Urhobo Nation.

ARTICLE XIX

DISSOLUTION
Section 1
The Association shall use its funds only to accomplish the objectives and
Purposes specified in this Constitution. No part of said funds shall inure, or be distributed to the members of the Association. On dissolution of the Association, any funds remaining shall be distributed, as directed by the Executive Committee, to one or more regularly organized and qualified ethnic, civic, educational, scientific or philanthropic organizations in any city, state or country, which have a similar purpose as the Association.

APPENDIX A

LISTING OF AMENDMENTS
2020 AMENDMENT.
PREAMBLE:
These Sections of the constitution of the Urhobo Progressive Association, having been reviewed by the general membership and adopted are hereby incorporated into the body of this constitution and shall collectively be referred to as Amendment II; which became effective on the aforementioned date.

1999 AMENDMENT.
PREAMBLE: Whereas, these sections of the Constitution of the Urhobo Progressive Association, having been reviewed by the general membership and adopted on October 3, 1999, and integrated into the body of this constitution; and whereas these sections, collectively referred to as Amendment 1, became effective on the said date; And whereas, by House Resolution, Article VII, Section 1 amending election and assumption of office is held without prejudice to the 1999/2000 Executive Council and Committees, their terms are extended from July 31, 1999, to December 31,
2000, and shall be completed by a supplemental budget or plan of operation.

ARTICLE IV: Section 5. General; Modifies in fiscal year.
ARTICLE V: Section 1, President:(d) – (e); Duties modified – date to submit committee membership and plan of operation; (j) Publication of membership list added
ARTICLE V: Section 2, Secretary; Adds Perpetual/Annual Resolutions record keeping.
ARTICLE V: Section 9, Internal Auditor; Adds quarterly audits and reports
ARTICLE VI: Section 2, Tenure of Office; Modifies term of office from one year to two years.
ARTICLE VII: Section 1, Election: Adds/modifies date to the first Sunday of October of each even year and assumption of office _on the first day of January following year of election.
ARTICLE VII: Section 2, Appointments; Modifies when the President shall submit proposed names of committee members for approval.
ARTICLE VIII: Section 2, Annual General Meeting; Modifies date to each January
Section 4, Time of Meetings; Modifies meeting time from 4:30 p.m. to about 8:00 p.m.
ARTICLE X: Section 5, Deaths; Modifies the Association’s responsibility.
Section 6, Other Activities, Adds/stipulates the time and presentation of a written report on the Association’s activities.
ARTICLE XIV. Section 1 (b), Modifies the request for a loan to be written;
Section 1 (f), Adds adherence to the Association’s Guidelines on Loans.
ARTICLE XVIII. Section 1, modifies when to take oath of office. Oath of Office, modified to apply to two fiscal years.

ADOPTION OF THE 2020 CONSTITUTION

1999 Constitution – AMENDMENT PROCEDURE
ARTICLE XV.
INTERPRETAT10N AND AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
Section 2. Amendment: This Constitution shall be subject to amendment, provided, however, that (a) a motion to review any Article(s), section(s) and/or subsection(s) of any Article(s), shall first be introduced and seconded by any member at any meeting, and (b) any amendment(s) of any Article, shall be approved by a two-third (2/3) vote of all registered members, upon recommendation of the review committee established for this purpose, except as elsewhere provided in this Constitution.

Section 1

Constitution review committee and recommendation to adopt
A constitution review committee was formed per procedure for amending the constitution and the committee members recommended the adoption of this constitution to the House. Below are the members of the constitution review committee:

Akatugba Cletus	Bazunu Ruks	Erigha Eric
Akpotaire Ambrose	Boje Larry	Oruaga Dorothy

Section 2
Vote to adopt
Based on the two-thirds rules for amendment of the 1999 constitution, this amendment of the 1999 constitution is hereby adopted by a vote of 99.17% (119 of 120) of the registered members.
Below are the members that voted to adopt the 2020 constitution:
Affirmatively voted “YES”(85%)
*Voted affirmative because of no protest (14.17%).

1.	Abraka Nora	31.	Edomwande Stella	61.	Itiveh Lincoln	91.	Omerhi Justina
2.	Adegoke Patience	32.	Edun-Mene Elizabeth	62.	Mukoro Bibian	92.	Onemu David
3.	Afabor Roder	33.	Emakpose Kenneth	63.	Numa Florence	93.	Onemu Josephine
4.	Akaighe Chidiebere	34.	Emedo Ese	64.	Numa Matilda	94.	Oniovosa Godspower
5.	Akaighe Nelson	35.	Emedo Innocent	65.	Numa Oghenochuko	95.	Onoriobe Blessing
6.	Akatugba Cletus	36.	Emefiena Felicia	66.	Nwabardi Elizabeth	96.	Onoriobe Omoefe
7.	Akatugba Gloria	37.	Emerhi Akpotu	67.	Obie Margaret*	97.	Oputu Rume
8.	Akingbade Alice	38.	Erhiawarie Michael*	68.	Obukofe-Ogunbiyi Christie	98.	Origho Christy
9.	Akpobome Godwin	39.	Erigha Catherine	69.	Odjadjare Matthew	99.	Oroghere Patience
10.	Akpobome Patience	40.	Erigha Eric	70.	Ofomaja Maxwell	100.	Oruaga Dorothy
11.	Akposheri Rita	41.	Eruvwetere Eunice	71.	Ofomaja Patience*	101.	Oruaga Edward
12.	Akpotaire Ambrose	42.	Eruvwetere Lawrence*	72.	Ofurie Julia	102.	Osakue Faith
13.	Anigboro Doris	43.	Eshareturi Onorie	73.	Ogbevire Odiri	103.	Ottan-Obi Regina
14.	Anigboro Monday	44.	Eyanaku Michael	74.	Ogbojo Taku	104.	Otobele Ezekiel
15.	Asah Isabella	45.	Eyefia Onome	75.	Ojigho Ena	105.	Sodje-Oghomi Josephine
16.	Atatah Catherine	46.	Ezewu Gomez	76.	Ojigho Felicia	106.	Solomon Felicia
17.	Atatah Park	47.	Ezewu Maureen	77.	Okiti Ediri	107.	Ughovwa Ejiro
18.	Atori Omokiniovo	48.	Guillory Jayne	78.	Okiti Silas	108.	Ughovwa Stephanie
19.	Avbenake Igbokwe Rosaline	49.	Ibunor Ochuko	79.	Okiti Tega	109.	Ujeyah Dorcas
20.	Bazunu Ruks	50.	Idi Roseline	80.	Okotie Novolyn	110.	Ukpede Johnson
21.	Bazunu Stephen	51.	Idi Sylvester	81.	Okotie Samson	111.	Ukpede Mudia
22.	Birhiray Gabriel	52.	Idiaghe Aghogho	82.	Okukpe Augustine	112.	Ukwade Michael
23.	Boje Judith	53.	Ijenyo Emuvoke*	83.	Okwololo Florence	113.	Ukwade Philomena
24.	Boje Larry	54.	Ikpesu Augustine	84.	Okwololo James	114.	Umaka Fred
25.	Clark Hosanna	55.	Ikpesu Patience	85.	Olaku Dora	115.	Umaka Funmi
26.	Didikiri Rita	56.	Imarah Susan	86.	Oloko Fred	116.	Umeh Hetty
27.	Disowe Christiana	57.	Inikori Solomon	87.	Oloko Irene	117.	Umukoro Onome
28.	Ebiai Henry	58.	Irhirhi Maria	88.	Olokpa Darocha	118.	Vese Regina
29.	Edogbo Efe	59.	Irhirhi Sunday	89.	Olokpa Fidelia	119.	Wilson Monica
30	Edomwande Monday	60	Isikuru Moses	90.	Olokpa Uvie

Constitution

Table of Contents

Published for its Members by

URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

P.O. BOX 710481

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77271-0481

Copyright © 2020 by Urhobo Progressive Association, P.O. Box 710481, Houston, Texas 77271-0481.

All rights reserved and printed in Houston, Texas. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form by any means (electronic, photocopying,

recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of the publisher.

ARTICLE I

NAME AND LOCATION

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

ARTICLE III

Membership

ARTICLE IV

REGISTRATION/APPLICATION FEE, DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

ARTICLE V

ARTICLE XVIII

ARTICLE XIX

APPENDIX A

About Us

History