ECAQ Constitution

1.0 NAME
 Eritrean Community Association in Queensland Inc.

2.0 INTRODUCTION
The Eritrean Community Association in Queensland is a non-profit organization. The association was established to maintain a sense of community among Eritreans who live in Queensland by encouraging cooperation among members while the long-term objectives of the organization include supporting new comers, addressing community challenges and preserving Eritrean culture and languages. The association is formed by the free will of members, who are committed to this constitution.

3.0 OBLIGATIONS 
3.1. To foster a sense of unity and self-help among Eritreans in Queensland3.2. To identify and work towards the resolution of challenges facing the Eritrean community.
3.3 Work towards preserving and treasuring Eritrean culture and languages among its members.
3.4 provide support, information and establish services to help new comers.
3.5 Organize cultural and spots events to encourage cooperation among Eritrean youth, and with other Australian youth.
3.6 Establish appropriate networks among service providers, Government agencies and other relevant organizations to meet the social and community welfare needs of the Eritrean community.

4.0 MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Membership is open to all Eritreans, over 18 years of age who has been a resident in Queensland for more than 3 months, membership is also open to under 18 years of age, but they are no eligible to elect or be elected.
4.2 All members regardless of gender, religion and political affiliation should uphold Eritrean unity.
4.3 All members must complete membership forms.
4.4 Membership class is ordinary.
4.5 The number of ordinary members is unlimited.
5.0 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
5.1 Obligation
5.1.1 Members are obliged to abide by community rules and regulations
5.1.2 Pay membership fee regularly
5.1.3 Attend community meetings regularly5.1.4 Members must inform the office at least before 24 hours if they cannot attend a meeting
5.2 Rights
5.2.1 Members have the right to elect and be elected.
5.2.2 Members of the community or the association have the right to appeal to the Secretary against any decision which they think is unfair.
5.2.3 In times of happiness and grief members can receive necessary support and cooperation.

6.0 THIS ASSOCIATION IS NAN PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND FREE FROM POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, THEREFORE:
6.1 If there is any issue, which concerns all Eritreans with regard to our possible relations with the Eritrean government, the role of the community will only be to pass messages to the members.
6.2 The Eritrean governments or other political organizations have a right to meet members and convey their messages by consulting the committee.
6.3 To attend or not to attend such a meeting remains individuals’ right.
6.4 Any expenses incurred for meetings stated in article 6.2 should not be from association funds.
6.5 The association will have its own seal and should be kept in a safe place with the secretary. In the event of transpiration of the seal signature of the two committee members is required.
6.6 The seal is to be used under the direction of the committee and the approval of the chairperson.
7.0 COMMITTEE ELECTION
7.1 Seven member committee will be elected by the annual general assembly. 
7.2 Two of those are to be reserves.7.2 The committee will have the following structure:

  • Chairman
  • Vice-chairman
  • Secretary 
  • Treasurer
  • Social Affairs 

7.3 If any committee member wants to resign she / he must submit their resignation in written before two months to the chairperson.
7.4 Vacant positions are to be filled by reservists

8.0 ELECTION
8.1 Committee members are to be elected by majority votes in the Annual General assembly.
8.2 The committee is elected to serve a one year term
8.3 The elected committee can structure itself according to code 7.1.
8.4 Removing a committee or committee members require ¾ vote of members at a General meeting.

9.0 GENERAL DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE
9.1. Under the objectives of the association it plans its duties.
9.2. Social events.
9.3. Pass resolutions by majority.
9.4. Delegate work to the members and monitor their performance.
9.5. Insure that money and other properties of the organization are only to be used to enhance the objectives of the association and to cover reasonable expenses of the committee to carry out its proper function. 9.6. The committee has the right to delegate sub-committee as required.

10 DUTIES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
10.1. Chairperson
10.1.1. Heads meeting 
10.1.2. provides leadership to the committee and the Association.
10.1.3. Communicate with other associations and government bodies on behalf of the association.
10.1.4. He Signs and verifies the minutes of each committee meetings.
10.2 Vice-Chairperson
10.2.1. Acts as a chairman in the absence of the a chairperson
10.2.2. Work closely with chairperson and assist accordingly.
10.3. Secretary
10.3.1. Files correspondence and other relevant membership records.
10.3.2. Keeps current and past resolutions and reports properly. 
10.3.3. Keeps minutes of the committee and meetings of the association.
10.3.4. Prepares plan of work by consulting with committee.
10.4. Treasurer
10.4.1. Keeps records of all income, expenses and registry of financial affairs.
10.4.2. Collect membership contributions and issues receipts and invoices.10.4.3. Can withdraw money after the cheque is signed by him/her and the chairperson. 
10.5 Social Affairs
10.5.1. Follow up youth affairs closely and make efforts to develop their activities. 
10.5.2. Creates conditions which could develop and foster relations among members of the Association.

11.0. ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
11.1 Annual General or special/emergency meetings will be conducted. 
11.2. To elect new members of a committee.
11.3. To discuss urgent matters that concerns all members; or 
11.4. If ¾ of the members submit a written request to the committee.
11.5. The secretary will send an invitation letter to members before one month of the due date of annual assembly outlining the agenda of the meeting.
11.3. Voting is caste secretly
11.4. Decisions are to be taken on majority bases.

12.0. COMMITTEE MEETING
12.1. In order to facilitate and organize their work, committee members hold their regular meetings every month. The committee calls for a meeting on quarterly bases, in which it will present progress reports to the members of the association.12.2. The secretary will send meeting notices to the members of the association two weeks before the due date.
12.3. The meeting can proceed If ¾ of the committee or General assembly are present.

13.0. MONITORING THE COMMITTEE & ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS 
13.1. The three monthly general meeting is intended to provide the committee with an opportunity to present its reports and financial statements for members the members of the association.
13.2. Internal audit will be elected, in the annual general meeting by the members, to audit financial affairs of the association, once a year at the end of September.

14.0 MEMBERSHIP FEE 
14.1. Monthly is $ 10.00 or $ 120.00 per annum.
14.2. Students will pay $ 40.00 per annum.

15.0. PENALTIES
15.1. Any member who did not attend two consecutive meetings without any permission and a valid reason will pay $ 5.00 fine.
15.2. If he/she rejects to comply and generally did not participate in meetings his/her case will be presented to the committee for farther study.

16.0 MEMBERSHIP CANCELATION 
16.1. Members who do not pay annual membership fee will be expelled after receiving warning.

 

17.0 WINDING-UP
17.1. Winding-up is carried out under the part 10 of the Act 10.
17.2. Any surplus should not be distributed among the members.
17.3 Surplus must be given to another relevant organization. 

18.0. CONCLUSION 
18.1. The above outlined constitution was drafted and approved by the members of Eritrean Community in Queensland and is open for to further improvement and amendments subject to the Association incorporation Act 1981, requiring a special resolution carried at the presence of ¾of members at a general meeting.
18.2. However an amendment, repeal or addition is valid only if it is registered by the chief justice.