Table of Contents

Article

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 1

ARTICLE IX. Committees and Compositions

ARTICLE X. Social and Other Activities

ARTICLE XI. Insurance

ARTICLE XII. Code of Ethics

ARTICLE XIII. Finance
ARTICLE XIV. Short-Term 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
Description Page

Published for its Members by
URHOBO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 710481
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77271-0481

Copyright © 1999 by Urhobo Progressive Association, P.O. Box 710481, Houston, Texas 77271-0481. All rights reserved. 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 principal office of the Association is Houston, Harris County, Texas. The principal office may be changed from time to time by action of a two third (2/3) vote of registered members of the Association.

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, and, the family being the nucleus and most important unit of cultural transmission and retention, the Association shall support strong family ties.
(b) to establish structures conducive to the growth and continuity of URHOBO traditions
members.
Section 2. The secondary objectives of the Association are:
(a) to support and promote traditional and formal education of all Urhobos through active participation, where possible.
(b) to engage in any and all economic activities necessary for the financial freedom of its members in particular, and all Urhobos in general, from time to time. (c) to support, promote, and/or participate in any and all political activities necessary for the economic/political benefits and/or survival of the Urhobo Nation.

Section 5. Admission: Admission to membership shall be according to the rules established by the Association and included in the Eligibility Rules.
Section 6. Termination: If any member shall fail to pay the required dues, assessments, or other obligation to the Association, the notification of delinquency and/or termination shall be given such member by the Financial Secretary.
Section 7. Removal from Membership: (a) Any member may be censured, suspended, or expelled from membership for the violation of the Code of Ethics 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 by the Association of proper notice that judgment of conviction has been imposed on the member for 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 for violations of traffic rules and regulations.
Section 8. Appeal: A member whose membership shall have been suspended or terminated in accordance with Sections 6 and 7 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 9. Reinstatement: A member whose membership shall have lapsed because of the member’s conduct for non-payment of membership dues, assessments or obligation to the Association, or because of Section 6 of this Article, shall pay a minimum reinstatement fee of $50.00, and, the President shall have the option to increase, but not decrease, the reinstatement fee, when said increase is considered to be in the best interest of the Association.
Section 10. Amendment: Any and all sections of this Article may be amended from time to time by a majority vote of registered members attending any meeting without the formal procedure necessary to review and/or amend this Constitution. 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 Association shall pay a one-time registration or application fee established by the Executive Committee and approved by a simple majority vote of registered members, but said fee shall not be less than $10.00. Section 2. Dues: Any and all members of the Association shall pay a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual dues, in accordance with the rates established by the Association, but said dues shall not be less than $5.00 per month.
Section 3. Assessments: Special assessments, such as Annual party, send-off, or other assessments the Association shall deem necessary from time to time, approved by two-third (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee, shall be submitted to all members of the Association for their vote. If approved by two-third (2/3) of the members voting, a special assessment shall be declared effective by the President and shall be an obligation of each and all members whether or not any of said member or members shall participate in any of said activities.
Section 4. Refunds: A member in any class who may resign, relocate, or be suspended or expelled from membership in the Association prior to the termination of any fiscal year for which dues or assessments may have been paid shall not be entitled to any refund of said dues or assessments.
Section 5. General: The Executive Committee, no later than three (3) months prior to the termination of any fiscal year, shall submit to all registered members of the Association at any of its meetings, its recommended registration application fee, dues, and assessments for the following fiscal year. A two-third (2/3) vote of all registered members shall be required for approval, and, upon approval, shall become effective at the following the fiscal year. The fiscal year of the Association shall run from January 1 through December 31“ of each year.

ARTICLE V.

OFFICERS

Section 1. President: The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association. The duty or responsibility of the President is as follows:
(a) To preside over any and all regular, emergency, and executive committee meetings of the Association.(b) To plan, coordinate and implement any and all activities of the Association in order 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, or the meeting following assumption of office, whichever first occurs.
(e) To submit to all members a plan of operation necessary for the accomplishment of the objectives of the Association no later than sixty'(§) days, or the meeting following 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 initiate and make a personal telephone call to, or visit, each member at least once every other month.
(h) To be a signatory to any and all accounts of the Association.
(i) May delegate a
y of his/her duties from time to time.
(j) Shall publish an updated list of UPA Membership in March and November of each fiscal year. Definitions of membership shall be in accordance with Article III,Section 2, (a), (b), and (c) of this constitution.
Section 2. Vice President: The Vice President shall perform any and all 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 record of any and all minutes of the meetings of the Association; (b) maintain a register of all registered members of the Association, including their names, addresses, and telephone numbers; (c) maintain a record of members’ attendance at any and all 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 being defined as permanent resolutions passed by the house and remains effective until revoked by the house while annual resolutions are interim resolutions passed by the house that becomes null and void at the end of the term in which it was passed, unless extended  by the house to cover subsequent term(s); and (e) be a signatory to any and all account(s) of the Association.
Section 4. Assistant Secretary: The Assistant Secretary shall perform any and all 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 and all moneys of the Association within three working days from the date of receipt of said moneys; (b) maintain record of any and all moneys received from the Financial Secretary and deposited into the Association’s depository; (c) advice the Association of its financial status whenever called upon to do so; (d) cooperate with any and all internal and/or external auditors of the Association in a timely manner; (e) be a signatory to any and all 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 and all persons, including members; (b) deliver all monies collected on behalf of the Association from any and all persons to the Treasurer not later than forty-eight (48) hours from the date of collection; (c) keep a simple but adequate record of any and all monies received and/or disbursed on behalf of the Association; (d) advice members of their respective financial obligations to the Association from time to time; (e) write any and all checks on the accounts of the Association, but shall not have the power to sign any of said checks written; and (f) fully cooperate with any and all internal and/or external auditors of the Association in a timely manner.
Section 7. Publicity/Secretary: The Publicity 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) assign members before the close of each meeting to visit or call absent members and shall ensure that said assignments are carried out; (e) call each member every month to remind them of monthly meetings; and (f) be responsible for the planning and organization of any and all social activities of the Association, including, but not limited to, annual party, send-off party and visitations to members.
Section 8. Otota: The Otota, who shall be appointed by the President, shall be the traditional Chief Spokesperson of the Association and shall have a fair knowledge of Urhobo custom and practices.
Section 9. Internal Auditor: The Internal Auditor, who shall be elected during election year, shall be the chairman of the Audit Committee. The Internal Auditor’s duty and responsibility shall include quarterly audit of any and all financial activities and records of the Association and shall be directly responsible to the registered members of the Association.

 


Section 7. Members’ Conduct at Meetings: No member shall:
(a) speak publicly at meetings unless recognized by the President or the officer presiding, _
(b) speak more than twice on an issue at meetings, and
(c) use abusive or profane words at meetings of the Association.

ARTICLE IX.
COMMITTEE AND COMPOSITIONS

Section l. The following shall be the standing and temporary committees of the Association:
(a) Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall comprise of all elected officers of the Association. 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 and all social
activities of the Association, including, but not limited, to organization of any and all
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 prior to elections, shall be responsible for the conduct of any and all elections of the Association and shall follow the election and appointments rules 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 and all crisis concerning members.
(e) Economic/Investment Committee:- The Economic/Investment Committee shall support and/or engage in any and all economic activities necessary for the survival and economic freedom of the Association and its members, and are authorized to maintain separate accounts and have its own signatory to said accounts, for any and all of these activities, if desired.
(f) Political Committee: The Political Committee shall support and/or engage in any and all political activities for and on behalf of the Association to ensure the continued political survival of the Association, its members, and The Urhobo Nation.
(g) Audit Committee: The Audit Committee shall monitor compliance of officers with the rules and regulations applicable to the finances of the Association, shall advise the Executive Committee and/or officers of any exceptions, and shall communicate its findings and/or recommendations to the members of the Association during any meeting.

parents, parents-in-law, brother, sister, child or spouse, and shall be in accordance with Urhobo tradition.
Section 6. Other Activities: The Association may organize any other activity, social or otherwise, it considers expedient for its benefit and/or the benefit ot its members from time to time. 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 of 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 and all 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 required to fully participate in the insurance program of the Association, unless they elect otherwise. A
Section 3: Any member who elect to not participate in the insurance program of the Association may carry his/her own insurance coverage, and shall be financially responsible for himself 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 respective 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.

with Section 3 of this Article, and shall provide quarterly and annual financial reports to members, by and through the President.
Section 5. Inspection of Books and Records: Any and 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 hours 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.

ARTICLE XIV.
SHORT-TERM LOANS

Section 1. The Association may grant short-term loans to any of its needy member(s),
upon approval by the Executive Committee or the committee established for that purpose, provided, however, that:
(a) there is sufficient fund in the coffers of the Association;
(b) the member shall make a written request to the Executive Committee or the committee responsible for this activity;
(c) the member shall have provided adequate security to secure said loan or provided a member guarantor to guarantee said loan;
(d) the member shall have paid all obligations to the Association consistently; and
(e) the member shall be found to be financially capable to repay said loan.
(f) The Executive Committee, ‘in’ addition to the above provisions follows‘ the Association’s guidelines on loans.
Section 2. The Association, by and through its Executive Committee, may not grant loans to its members in excess of six (6) months, nor shall said loan amount exceed the sum of $500.00.

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 our presence, and in the presence of each and every member, do pledge to work cooperatively with each other, and, with any and all 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 similar purpose as the Association.

APENDIX A
LISTING OF AMENDMENTS
AMENDMENT 1.
PREAMBLE:
Whereas, these sections of the Constitution of 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 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 q election.
ARTICLE VII: Section 2, Appointments; Modifies when President shall submit P 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 to 4:30 o’clock p.m. to about 8:00 o’clock p.m.
ARTICLE X: Section 5, Deaths; Modifies the Association’s responsibility.

Section 6, Other Activities, Adds/stipulates time and presentation of a written report on Association’s activities.
ARTICLE XIV. Section 1 (b), Modifies the request for 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.
APPENDIX A: Adds Appendix A to the Association’s constitution