CONSTITUTION

GDA'S constitution

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GBAN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

BY-LAWS AND CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

We the citizens of Gban Town, located in District Number 8, Nimba County, strategically bonded between 4 Clans: (Bain Clan in the North, Gbannah Clan in the South—to which we are attached, Lao Clan in the West, and Garr Clan in the East). We the people of Gban have come together to establish this development organization with the prime purpose of improving the economic, social, cultural, educational, and developmental opportunities for the people of Gban. This organization is a non-profit and non-political organization established to promote self-help and self-development initiatives for the benefit of our town, district and its people. Our organization is undergirded by love, unity, solidarity, togetherness, oneness of purpose, peace, social harmony, family cohesiveness and clan consanguinity.

We do hereby declare this By-laws and Constitution as a governing document for this Association, “The Gban Development Association” [GDA] Our ultimate goal is to Develop Gban into a Modern City.

ARTICLE I.

NAME

The name of this Association shall be the Gban Development Association. With the Acronym “GDA”.

ARTICLE II.

MOTTO

The Motto of the Gban Development Association shall be: “Gban Mia Kazokakia”

[Translated as “Gban people, Join you hearts together”] Meaning Citizens of Gban, unite, consolidate your efforts for a common cause, common purpose, common goal, and a common commitment.

ARTICLE III.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this Association shall include but not limited to the following:

1. Foster peace, unity, mutual respect, and cooperation among Gban people and also to people who are not from Gban.

2. Let us render assistance to one another especially to students studying in our local schools.

3. We must never forget our Mah heritage, tradition, language, and our cultural values. We must share them with others as well as with our children, grandchildren, our succeeding generations and whosoever will be interested in our way of life.

4. We must initiate all major self-help projects that will enhance capacity building and advance economic, social and financial empowerment for the people of Gban.

5. We must Help each other celebrate marriages, our children’s graduation from kindergarten school, to graduate and post-graduate school. When possible, we must celebrate the birth of newly born babies, Celebrate persons who have had promotion on their jobs or any other achievements in life by any of our members. When there are bad times like death, sickness and other misfortunes, we should support and comfort each other. We want to share good times and difficult times together also.

6. Because our resources are limited, we should prioritize, Choosing the projects that are selected as first and primary for our needs in that order.

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

PRIVILEGES AND BENEFITS

Section 1. Membership Eligibility

Membership shall be opened to all citizens of Gban, their spouses, children and all succeeding generations of Gban citizens. Because of the Globalization of the world now, members of GDA may live anywhere in the world and still be members. Some of our citizens live in Gban, Monrovia, the USA, Europe, Australia, China, Korea and Canada. They are still considered Members of GDA.

Section 2. Privileges of Membership

The privileges of membership shall include but not limited to the following:

(a) participating in all activities of the GDA.

(b) voting

( c) holding office, and reaping other benefits offered by the GDA provided that said member is in good standing with the organization.

Section 3. A Member in Good Standing

A member in "good standing" shall be a person who is a registered member, who has actively participated in the GDA’s activities and has paid all of his or her financial obligations to the association including at least one ad hoc contribution towards an emergency or bereavement assistance. A member in good standing should have no delinquency or arrears in due payments and not indebted to GDA. Any member considered not in “Good Standing” shall be denied all benefits and privileges until such condition is removed. Under such circumstances, the leadership shall reach out to such member to resolve the situation.

Section 4 Benefits of Membership

The benefits of membership shall include:

(a) honoring members for personal achievements in areas such as academic graduation, marriage, child birth, promotion on job, etc.; upon notification to the President or General secretary, the association shall act to show appreciation by visitation, sending a gift or a greeting card of congratulatory messages or any such action as determined by the President to be appropriate for the occasion and shall designate any other officer available in the area to represent the association

(b) making visitation and giving moral support to persons conditioned by protracted illnesses, or by injuries caused by accidents or by such conditions of misfortune which have caused the victim to cease living a normal happier life;

(c) making financial contribution in event of bereavement caused by death of spouse, a child or parent provided that the President shall invoke the powers conferred on him or her by Article IV, Section 4(g) to determine, levy and collect ad hoc financial contributions as donation to the bereaved family;

(d) assisting new members get settled in the united States by assisting them with vital information regarding status, employment and housing.

(e) Death in family--Occurring in the United States

There are many citizens of Gban residing in the USA, but we have not identify all of them yet. We are making tireless efforts to organize a chapter of GDA in the USA. Once that is done, communication will be facilitated.

If and when a registered due-paying member dies or is bereaved, and if the death occurred in the United States of America, each member of the GDA shall be required to pay the minimum of $150.00 towards such bereavement. The President shall present to the due-paying member or to any designated member of that family the total of our collective donations. The bereaved member should be in “Good Standing.” as required in Article IV Section C.

(f) If and when a registered due-paying member’s relative dies outside of the United States of America, members of the GDA shall make voluntary contributions through the leadership. Additional personal contributions can be made to the bereaved family by anyone with special family ties or relationship.

However, each member in Liberia shall pay the minimum of $100 LSD.

(g) Immediate Family and Non Immediate Family. In this constitution, we define immediate family to mean husband, wife, and biological or foster child, father and mother or any dependent(s) living with a registered due-paying member of the GDA. It is the responsibility of the bereaved family to bring to the attention of the association what has happened. We encourage the bereaved family to provide all necessary information about the deceased person so that the information can be posted on our website. Date of birth if known, place where the death occurred, date of death, profession of the deceased, if necessary, level of education of the deceased, if necessary, contact persons and their telephone number, date, time and place of interment and any other information related to a memorial ceremony.

(h) Reporting of death information /Procedure

It is the responsibility of the bereaved family to report any such incidence to the leadership of the association.

The leadership must then quickly inform the GDA community of the situation through email, website announcement and probably calling an emergency meeting. The leadership is responsible to mobilize the GDA community. It is not the responsibility of the bereaved family to mobilize members.

Section 5. Associate Membership

Anyone person or persons who may show interest in or uphold the objectives of GDA shall be qualified for Associate Membership. Associate Members shall hold elected offices except those of the President and Vice President and shall pay the same registration fee as regular members.

Section 6. Membership Obligation

All members of the Gban Development Association shall be required to pay a registration fee to become a member of this organization, pay monthly due, attend all meetings, whether by teleconference, conferences requiring one’s physical presence, participating in discussions, serving on committees and pay ad hoc financial contribution as donation to the bereaved family.

ARTICLE V

REGISTRATION, FEES, DUES AND FUNDS

Section 1. Monthly Dues.

Each member shall pay a monthly due as determined by the membership.

Section 2. Ad hoc Emergency Contribution

Each member shall make ad hoc emergency contribution as determined from time to time in excess of fees and dues.

Section 3. Voluntary Contribution

Voluntary contributions by members in excess of dues, fees and fines shall be welcomed and encouraged.

Section 5. Fundraising Activities

The GDA shall conduct periodic fund raising activities to carry out its development projects.

Section 6. Conference Fee

The administration shall determine the conference fee for every conference once our membership increases to a substantial number.

ARTICLE VI

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND OFFICERS

Section 3. The elected officers of this Association shall consist of President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasure, Chaplain, and Parliamentarian.

Duties of the President:

The President shall

(a) serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and preside at all meetings; he or she shall fully participate in all discussions and voting. If there is a tie in any vote, the president shall break the tie by casting his or her vote;

(b) conduct the affairs of the organization, appoint one standing committee and one ad hoc committee, and he or she shall coordinate the activities of the other executive officers and said committees;

(d) approve vouchers and sign in dual capacity with the Treasurer, all checks drawn on the organization's accounts for the conducting of the business of the organization.

(e) submit written comprehensive annual reports on the operational status of the organization;

(f) determine, levy and solicit ad hoc contributions from members to give financial assistance to a member bereaved by loss of spouse, child or parent;

(g) coordinate the process by which the GDA provides financial assistance to a member in a temporary condition of necessity, who requests the special assistance provided that in the absence of bereavement, funds advanced shall be reimbursed to the organization.

(h) empowered to protect the interest and image of the organization; maintain law and order during all meetings and adjourn any meeting in disruptive and chaotic situations.

Section 4. The Vice-President

The Vice President shall:

(a) assist the President in all the organization's activities;

(b) in the absence of the President, assume the functions and duties in Article VII Section 3 of the By-Laws and Constitution;

(c) be the ideal figure to assist and represent the President in his or her ex-officio membership role on all committees.

(d) in the case of illness, resignation, impeachment or removal from office by death and any other disability of the President, the Vice President shall assume the position of the President for the remaining unexpired term. In such a case, the organization shall schedule an election to elect a Vice President.

(e) The Vice President’s function shall be fully clarified as the President designates various administrative duties and committees within the Organization.

Section 5. The Secretary General

(a) shall be the principal record keeping officer of the organization and shall : -

(b) take minutes at all meetings, record and maintain all such minutes;

(d) develop, update and maintain a regular mailing list of all members, supporters and sympathizers;

(e) mail out annual meeting notices and regular quarterly circulars on the activities of the organization;

(f) serve as public relations officer of the organization and disseminate all pertinent information affecting the organization to all registered members;

(g) sign in dual capacity with the President all checks, in the absence of the Treasurer, drawn on the organization's accounts for the conduct of the business of the organization.

(h) The Secretary General shall send out meeting citations through e-mail, mail or GDA chatroom and Website. He or she shall attend all regular and special meetings, record and compile minutes to be sent to the Webmaster to be posted on the Organization’s website in order that the information will be easily accessible to members. The Secretary General shall perform other duties as may be prescribed by the President of the Organization. Until now, most of our meetings are held on WhatsApp.

Section 6. Financial Secretary.

The Financial Secretary shall keep accurate records of organization’s bank accounts. He or she shall make periodic financial updates and quarterly financial reports and shall be a signatory to the organization’s bank account. The Financial secretary shall make all collected deposits or donations promptly to the GDA’s official bank account and report said amount to the webmaster to also be posted on our website.

(a) design payment notices and submit bills to collect the monthly dues and other delinquencies on a regular monthly basis;

(b) collect funds on behalf of the organization and transfer all such funds immediately to the Treasurer, and subsequently receive receipt thereupon;

(d) submit quarterly and annual reports of the finances of the organization when asked to do so;

(e) keep accurate records of all the names, addresses, fees and dues of members and donations to the Association; and

(f ) mail out quarterly statements of the association’s bank book balance and expenditure activities to all registered members.

Section 7. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be the principal financial custodian of the organization and shall have the requisite knowledge in bookkeeping and accountancy; and shall:

(a) be responsible for depositing within the next three business/working days of all funds into the organization’s bank account;

(b) issue receipts for all funds collected on behalf of the organization;

(d) have signing powers in dual capacity with the President;

(e) serve as the custodian of the organization's bank passbook, checks, and other negotiable instruments;

(f)provide quarterly statements of the organization's bank account reconciliation.

Section 8. Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian shall:

(a) advise the body on the interpretation of its By-Laws and Constitution;

(b) ensure peace and order in meetings by making sure that the body follows parliamentary rules and procedures at all times;

(c) serve as the Sergeant-at-Arm of the executive body by helping all officers of the organization meet their respective performance standards;

(d) ensure that the meeting starts on time.

(e) ensure that all meetings of GDA be conducted in an atmosphere of perfect decorum during deliberations. The Parliamentarian shall levy fine(s) on members during meeting for disturbance and rude behavior.

Section 9. Chaplain

The Chaplain shall:

(a) serve as spiritual adviser to the organization; and

(b) lead prayers at all meetings—open and close all meetings with prayer

Section 10. Social Committee

This committee shall comprise of a Chairperson and members to be appointed by the President. It shall coordinate the planning and execution of all social programs in consultation with the President.

Section 11. Project/Development Committee

Shall consist of subcommittees to spearhead different and specific projects; shall provide status as well as comprehensive reports detailing project location, beneficiaries, costs, start dates, and end dates to the President of GDA for submission to the membership on a regular basis; and shall carry out other duties assigned by the President

ARTICLE VII

THE ELECTION COMMISSION

Section 1.The Election Commission shall, within four months before the elections, notify the members of the organization of the election schedule. The notification shall be posted on the website and the Elections Guidelines shall also be posted on the website.

The Election Guidelines must not conflict with the GDA constitution in any way. The Guidelines should be in accordance with the spirit and letter of the constitution.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Method used for election

All elections shall be by secret ballot and no candidate shall be elected into office in absentia. But before such policy comes into effect after we have grown to the extend where we are able to physically meet and gather together in one hall, most of our elections will be on telephone conference and vote shall be tallied by the count of voices.

Section 2. Place of Election.

Elections shall be conducted at an annual general meeting and new officers shall assume office effective immediately. However, if and when this organization has grown to consist of over a hundred active members and chapters established in the various states and cities, we shall transition to conducting our general election in the various states and cities whereby no member will be disenfranchised because he or she could not attend an annual conference. All members of the organization are entitled to all voting rights and privileges and no one should be denied the right to vote because they did not have money to travel to a voting site. The body shall determine Place, date and time until a standard time of the year is selected.

Section 4. Oath of Office

An oath of office shall be administered to the winners or elected officers right after the election or at the conclusion of the activities that day. A former inauguration shall take place after 90 days—3 months. All resources needed to begin official duties and preparation for inauguration shall be passed onto the new administration immediately within no more than seventy-two hours. Planning for the inauguration should begin right away.

Section 5. Term of Office

Elected officers shall hold office for a period of three (3) years and shall be eligible for re-election.

Section 11. Webmaster.

The Webmaster shall be responsible to maintain and update the association’s website periodically as needed. He or she shall be solely responsible to input information on the website as required. Whoever serves in this capacity must have a fairly good knowledge of the computer, and understands the language of website construction. The Webmaster should have the liberty to act in good faith for the promotion and enhancement of the organization in choosing what is beneficial and appropriate for the site. Webmaster should have a broad latitude of flexibility to use his or her own discretion about the content of the site so long as the input are in good taste and appropriate in the interest of the association without doing any damage or disgrace to the image of the association. Other members of the association shall have the right to suggest ideas for improvement. Outsiders also shall have the right to suggest ideas for improvement. Only major decision such as changing the website host or deleting the website and replacing the Webmaster, shall considered for administrative decisions. The site should be open to the public so that all people can share our valuable rich information resources on the site. No profane language, or obscene images, or X-rated materials should be exhibited on our site. No political campaigns or speeches about Liberian or American government should be posted on the site. We are a development oriented, education seeking, self-help, non-profit, non-political, regional district association, peace loving and law abiding people. That is the image we should present on our website. If any member has a concern about any aspect of the site, that person should have a consultation with the Webmaster first before bringing to the attention of the body. If no mutual agreement is met, the Webmaster can take the matter to the body for their input.

Section 12. Chat Room

The Chat Room Administrator shall be solely responsible for managing the Chat Room. We urge all members of GDA to supply the CRA (Chat Room Administrator) with their email addresses to be included in our database so that when one communication from any member of the organization is sent, it goes to all members. The Chat Room is here to facilitate easy and fast communication. But we are not to abuse the privilege.

A. The Chat Room should be used only when:

(a) there is an important announcement to be made that will benefit all members.

(b) a regular meeting, emergency meeting, need to be announced to all members.

(d) there is a need to inform, instruct, clarify, inquire about issues of interest to the group or to any member of the organization, and when there is a need to promote the achievement of any of our members for his or her achievements.

Anyone using the Chat Room to even scores or insult other members of the organization, will be debarred from using the Chat Room. His or her name will be deleted from the listserv after found guilty of such act by the Grievances Committee.

We must especially be courteous and respectful to our elders and seniors, for that is the African tradition and culture we uphold.

ARTICLE VIII

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The Advisors shall be responsible for the resolution of all disputes within the organization and among its members.

(a) shall oversee all the operations of the organization and provide sound and wise counsel to the organization.

(b) They shall serve as Ex-officio in all meetings, and on all committees.

(c) shall initiate proceedings in a court of law against any member or officer to recover misappropriated funds entrusted to his or her care.

ARTICLE IX.

IMPEACHABLE OFFENSES.

Section 1. The following Behavior and Conduct of Officers shall constitute an impeachable offense:

1. Embezzlement, stealing or misappropriation of GDA money.

2. Negligence or dereliction of duty including desertion, or abandonment of positions and responsibilities.

3. Incompetence, ineptitude, constant rush to judgment and consistent exercise of poor judgment about important decisions or matters.

4. Disrespectful behavior against other members of the organization with impunity and using one’s position as a ploy is a gross violation of the constitution.

5. Lying, falsifying or fabricating and undermining the peace and integrity of GDA or undermining members of the association by instigating conflict, commotion, disruption, disunity and confusion amongst the members of the organization. Such behavior shall constitute a gross violation of our constitution.

Section 2. Removal from Office

Whenever elected officers violate the constitutional stipulations herein, they may be removed from their offices or suspended from their offices. Removal or suspension of an elected officer shall require 2/3 (two thirds) majorities of members present at the removal hearing. Said meeting shall be called at least 30 days in advance with notice to the members and the official concerned according to the aforementioned timeframe. Any member may bring a complaint requesting removal of the officer at the regular meeting. A simple majority of members voting during said meeting shall cause the request to be placed on the agenda for removal action at the meeting to be held with at least 30 days notice.

Section 2. Investigation

Until at such time when our membership has grown to a sizeable number, we shall depend upon the Grievance Committee to do all our investigations. Until then, the president shall appoint an investigation committee to look into matters relating to removal, dismissal, impeachment or reconciliation. The investigation of these matters shall be based entirely on the merit and gravity of the case, as well as the interest of the GDA.

The GDA shall not be liable for the criminal conduct of its individual members or leaders. Any member convicted of criminal conduct in the courts of Liberia shall lose their membership automatically. The leadership may suspend any member of GDA accused of violating the laws of Liberia or involvement in criminal matters until an outcome of such accusation is determined. If such member is found not guilty, he/she shall be re-instated.

ARTICLE X

AUDIT

Section 1. Purposes for Audit

Every GDA administration must justify financial intake and expenditure shortly before the end of that administration. To that end, an internal audit must take place before turning the organization to the succeeding administration or shortly after the new administration takes over.

Section 2. Results of Audit

Any financial discrepancy that is revealed as a result of the internal audit, an investigation must be conducted. If no better outcome, the entire audit should be turned over for external auditor. If any officers or member is found guilty of fraud or financial mismanagement or embezzlement, such person should be made to make full restitution or face prosecution.

ARTICLE XI

Dissolution of the Organization

Upon the dissolution of the organization, all members shall have expressed their consent and agreed upon such process; after satisfying all debts, the remaining assets of the Organization shall be handled by the Board Members and shall be transferred, convey, delivered and paid over, as may be determined by said Board Members or by a court of competent jurisdiction upon application of the Board Members, exclusively to the people and citizens of Gban, District Number 8, Nimba County, Liberia, for whom this organization was established to provide them the needed developmental assistance, or to a charitable, religious, literary or educational institution which would then qualify under the provision of Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or may have been amended.

ARTICLE XII

AMENDMENT

Amendment of these By-Laws and Constitution of the Gban Development Association shall be by two-thirds majority of its members at a general meeting of the members of the organization. All proposals for amendment to this constitution shall be made in writing during meeting. The proposal should be made at least 3 months before the matter is considered.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS

IDEAS

Here are a few of the developmental concerns to reflect upon?

1. Renovating the Dahn Gborwin School Building

2. Establishing a school library at the school

3. Developing a Communication at the school with computers in the computer lab.

4. Develop Science Labs, Chemistry lab, Biology Lab, Physics Lab and General Science Lab

5. Improving the Athletic Department, providing sports uniforms for Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Kickball. Ask the chief for additional land for the children’s playground. Provide equipment, space and uniforms for all 4 sports.

6. Arrange for a Regular School Nurse to the work at the school.

7. Provide Pure drinking water system at the school and a water towel at the school with several toilets, commodes and urinal for the boy and girls.

8. Teachers’ salary support.

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Some of the development options include the following:

Developing a town is about creating a balanced and harmonious environment where residents can live, work, and grow. It is essential to blend innovation with sustainability while respecting the history, culture, and natural surroundings of the area. A town should be a hub of opportunities, connectivity, and comfort, designed to meet the needs of present and future generations. Our focus would be on inclusivity, resilience, and long-term growth, ensuring every individual feels valued and supported.

Steps to Develop a Town

1. Vision and Planning Define the purpose and long-term goals for the town's development. Conduct a needs assessment to understand the social, economic, and environmental requirements of the area. Collaborate with architects, urban planners, engineers, and community stakeholders to create a master plan.

2. Infrastructure Development Build essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water supply, sewage systems, and power grids. Ensure robust internet connectivity and digital infrastructure to support modern needs. Focus on eco-friendly construction practices and renewable energy sources.

3. Housing and Community Spaces Develop diverse housing options to cater to all income levels. Include community spaces like parks, libraries, sports facilities, and cultural centers. Design neighborhoods that encourage social interaction while ensuring privacy.

4. Economic Opportunities Create zones for industries, businesses, and entrepreneurship. Establish educational institutions and training centers to build a skilled workforce. Attract investors and companies to drive economic growth and employment.

5. Transportation and Connectivity Develop efficient public transportation systems like buses, trains, and cycling lanes. Ensure easy connectivity to nearby cities and regions. Promote walkable neighborhoods to reduce reliance on vehicles.

6. Healthcare and Education Build accessible healthcare facilities and promote wellness programs. Establish schools, colleges, and vocational centers with a focus on quality education.

7. Environmental Sustainability Preserve natural landscapes and integrate green spaces within the town. Implement waste management, recycling, and water conservation systems. Encourage sustainable practices like solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and green architecture.

8. Safety and Governance Develop robust law enforcement and emergency response systems. Ensure transparent governance with community involvement in decision-making.

9. Cultural and Social Integration Celebrate the town's culture through festivals, museums, and art installations. Encourage inclusivity by providing equal opportunities for all demographics.

10. Monitoring and Growth Continuously assess the town's progress through feedback and data analysis. Adapt plans to address emerging challenges and future needs. By following these steps, the town will evolve into a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive community that enriches the lives of its residents. Good morning family

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CONSTITUTION

GDA'S constitution

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