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CONSTITUTION OF O.O.J. FRIENDS OF PEACE

PREAMBLE

IN THE NAME OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD

WE, THE MEMBERS OF O.O.J FRIENDS OF PEACE,

IN EXERCISE of our natural and moral right to associate,

HAVING SOLEMNLY RESOLVED:

• To live in unity, peace, and justice;
• To promote the welfare of all members through mutual support among ourselves;
• To defend the values of democracy, transparency, and accountability;
• To protect the rights and freedoms of every member;
• And to establish a just and enduring framework for leadership and service;

AND IN SOLEMN DECLARATION AND AFFIRMATION of our commitment to these principles,

DO HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT, AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION as the SUPREME LAW of the Organization,

TO GUIDE us in all matters of governance, administration, and fellowship,

AND TO BIND our present and future members forever.

SO HELP US GOD.

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND SLOGAN

1.1 The name of this Organization shall be "O.O.J. Friends of Peace."

1.2 The slogan of the Organization shall be: "Together We Build."

ARTICLE 2: SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION

2.1 This Constitution is the supreme governing document of the Organization. Any rule, regulation, decision, or action inconsistent with this Constitution shall be null and void to the extent of such inconsistency.

2.2 All members, executives, officers, departments, committees, and boards are bound by this Constitution.

CHAPTER II AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

ARTICLE 3: OBJECTIVES

The aims and objectives of the Organization shall be:

3.1 To promote peace, unity, and cooperation among members and in society;

3.2 To undertake outreach programs to support communities and vulnerable groups;

3.3 To provide a platform for empowerment, mutual support, and self-help;

3.4 To ensure discipline, accountability, and integrity in leadership and membership;

3.5 To collaborate with stakeholders to advance peace and development;

3.6 To promote members' welfare through solidarity, financial schemes, and interventions.

CHAPTER III MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE 4: ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION

4.1 Membership is open to any person who accepts the aims and objectives of the Organization.

4.2 A person becomes a member upon:

(a) Completing the official registration process;

(b) Receiving a valid membership card;

(c) Paying the required dues and contributions as prescribed;

(d) Providing a personal photograph for official records.

ARTICLE 5: RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

5.1 Every member has the right to participate in all organizational activities and elections, provided they are a Member in Good Standing.

5.2 Every member has the right to be protected from harassment, discrimination, or victimization;

5.3 Every member has the right to appeal to the Judiciary against any decision adversely affecting their rights.

ARTICLE 6: DUTIES OF MEMBERS

6.1 Every member shall uphold peace, respect, and inclusivity;

6.2 Every member shall pay dues regularly and participate actively;

6.3 Member in Good Standing Defined: A member is considered "in good standing" if they have paid at least 80% of all prescribed dues and have attended at least 50% of meetings in the preceding six (6) months. A member may petition the Executive Board in writing to be considered in good standing if they fail to meet these thresholds due to documented exceptional circumstances (e.g., illness, travel).

CHAPTER IV GOVERNANCE ORGANS

ARTICLE 7: ORGANS OF GOVERNANCE

The governance of the Organization shall be exercised through the following organs:

7.1 The Executive Board
7.2 The Management Board
7.3 The Financial Board
7.4 The Electoral Commission
7.5 The Judiciary
7.6 The General Group

CHAPTER V THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

ARTICLE 8: COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENT

8.1 The Executive Board shall consist of seven (7) officers:

(a) Chairperson (elected)
(b) General Secretary (elected)
(c) Program Coordinator (elected)
(d) Vice Chairperson (appointed by Chairperson, confirmed by Management Board)
(e) Executive Secretary (appointed by Chairperson, confirmed by Management Board)
(f) Public Relations Officer (appointed by Chairperson, confirmed by Management Board)
(g) Organizer (appointed by Chairperson, confirmed by Management Board)

8.2 Appointment Procedure:

1. Nomination: The Chairperson shall nominate candidates for the positions under Article 8.1(d)-(g) and submit the nominations in writing to the Management Board.

2. Vetting and Approval:

(a) The Management Board shall conduct a thorough vetting of each nominee.

(b) As part of this vetting, the Management Board shall publish the names of nominees to the General Group and invite written, substantiated concerns from members within Five (5) days.

(c) The Management Board shall vote to either approve or reject each nomination. A simple majority vote of the Management Board is required for approval.

3. Appointment: Upon receipt of approval from the Management Board, the Chairperson shall formally appoint the approved nominee to the office. The Chairperson shall not appoint any nominee who has been rejected by the Management Board.

8.3 Deemed Confirmation: The Management Board must complete its vetting and vote on nominations within fourteen (14) days of receipt. If no decision is communicated to the Chairperson within this period, the appointment shall be deemed confirmed.

ARTICLE 9: FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

9.1 The Executive Board is the primary executive organ responsible for day-to-day administration.

9.2 CHAIRPERSON: Provides overall leadership, presides over meetings, and is one of the mandatory signatories to organizational accounts as specified in Article 14.2.

9.3 GENERAL SECRETARY: Keeps all records, manages correspondence, and serves as the chief administrative officer.

9.4 PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Plans and oversees all organizational programs.

9.5 VICE CHAIRPERSON: Assists the Chairperson and acts in their absence.

9.6 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: Official spokesperson and communications manager.

9.7 ORGANIZER: Mobilizes members for events and programs.

9.8 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: Coordinates day-to-day administrative activities of the Board.

ARTICLE 10: EXECUTIVE BOARD RULES AND CONDUCT

10.1 The Executive Board may make rules for administration, provided they are ratified by the General Group.

10.2 Emergency Spending: The Executive Board shall be granted a monthly Imprest (Petty Cash) for minor operational costs without requiring prior board-level approval. The amount shall be fixed in the Financial Regulations.

CHAPTER VI THE MANAGEMENT BOARD

ARTICLE 11: COMPOSITION AND INDEPENDENCE

11.1 The Management Board shall consist of nine (9) seats as follows:

(a) Three (3) Past Officers (Appointed by General Group for 2 years).

(b) Five (5) Elected Representatives (Elected by General Group for 1 year).

(c) The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (Ex-Officio, non-voting).

11.2 Leadership and Tie-Breaking:

(a) At its first meeting, the Management Board shall elect a Management Chairperson and a Management Secretary from among the five (5) elected representatives.

(b) Casting Vote: In the event of an equality of votes (a tie) among the eight voting members, the Management Chairperson shall have a casting (second) vote to resolve the deadlock and ensure a decision is reached.

11.3 Independence: No current member of the Executive Board or the Financial Board may serve on the Management Board.

ARTICLE 12: FUNCTIONS

12.1 Serves as the primary advisory and supervisory body to the Executive Board.

12.2 Evaluates projects, ensures Constitutional compliance, and vets candidates for appointed positions.

CHAPTER VII THE FINANCIAL BOARD

ARTICLE 13: COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENT

13.1 The Financial Board shall consist of:

(a) The Finance Chairperson, nominated by the Executive Board and confirmed by the Management Board;

(b) The Treasurer, appointed by the confirmed Finance Chairperson and confirmed by the Management Board;

(c) Three (3) members appointed by the Management Board for their financial expertise.

13.2 The 'Deemed Confirmation' procedure established in Article 8.3 shall apply to all confirmation processes required by this Constitution, unless otherwise expressly stated.

ARTICLE 14: FUNCTIONS AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS

14.1 Financial Management: Manages all funds, dues collection, and record-keeping.

14.2 Banking Signatories: All withdrawals or transfers must be authorized by two out of the three following officers:

(a) The Chairperson (Mandatory Signatory);

(b) The Treasurer;

(c) The General Secretary (Alternative).

14.3 Accountability: Any misuse of funds shall lead to immediate suspension and referral to the Judiciary.

14.4 Budgetary Authority: The Financial Board shall prepare the annual budget and present it to the General Group for approval by a simple majority vote. No expenditure shall be made outside the approved budget except as provided for in Article 10.2 (Emergency Spending/Petty Cash) and Article 14.5 (Authority Limits).

Important: Any other expenditure fundamentally outside the scope of the approved budget requires the authorization of a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the General Group.

14.5 Authority Limits: The Financial Board may approve single, unbudgeted expenses up to a value of five percent (5%) of the previous year's total income. Any single expense above this threshold, or any expenditure fundamentally outside the scope of the approved budget, requires the authorization of the General Group as per Article 14.4.

CHAPTER VIII THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

ARTICLE 15: COMPOSITION AND INDEPENDENCE

15.1 Five members nominated by the Management Board and confirmed by a 2/3 majority of the General Group.

15.2 The Commission shall be completely independent and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other officer or organ.

ARTICLE 16: FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

16.1 The Electoral Commission shall have the sole authority to:

(a) Conduct and Supervise: Organize and oversee all elections and referenda within the Organization.

(b) Vetting: Screen all candidates to ensure they meet the strict eligibility criteria.

(c) Voters' Register: Compile, verify, and publish the official list of members in good standing eligible to vote.

(d) Constitutional Instrument (C.I.): Issue and enforce Electoral Regulations (C.I.) to provide the detailed ground rules for every election cycle.

(e) Final Declaration: The EC Chairperson holds the exclusive power to declare the official winner of an election.

CHAPTER IX ELECTIONS

ARTICLE 17: ELIGIBILITY

17.1 Only Members in Good Standing (as defined in Article 6.3) may vote.

17.2 Only cardholding members active for at least six (6) months may contest for office.

ARTICLE 18: SUPREMACY OF THE ELECTORAL REGULATIONS (C.I.)

18.1 The Electoral Regulations (C.I.) adopted pursuant to Chapter VIII shall be the governing rules for all elections.

18.2 Any candidate, member, or officer who violates the C.I. shall be subject to disqualification or disciplinary action by the Judiciary.

CHAPTER X TERMS AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

ARTICLE 19: TERM OF OFFICE

19.1 Elected officers serve a term of one (1) year, renewable for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

ARTICLE 20: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

20.1 Removal requires a formal petition by 1/3 of the General Group, investigation by the Judiciary, and final 2/3 approval by the General Group.

CHAPTER XI THE GENERAL GROUP

ARTICLE 21: COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS

21.1 The supreme authority consisting of all registered active members.

21.2 Quorum: Meetings require one-third (1/3) of members in good standing to be valid. For Constitutional Amendments or Elections, the quorum is one-half (1/2).

CHAPTER XII THE JUDICIARY

ARTICLE 22: COMPOSITION

22.1 Consists of a Chief Justice and two Associate Justices (2-year terms).

ARTICLE 23: JURISDICTION AND AUTHORITY

23.1 Final Authority: Interprets this Constitution authoritatively and resolves all internal disputes.

23.2 Due Process: Ensures "Natural Justice" in all disciplinary proceedings.

23.3 Finality: Decisions are binding unless set aside by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the General Group for gross procedural error.

23.4 The Judiciary shall reach its decisions by a majority of its sitting members. A quorum for sittings shall be all three (3) members.

CHAPTER XIII FINANCE AND AUDIT

ARTICLE 24: SOURCES OF FUNDS

24.1 Funds shall come from membership dues, donations, grants, and proceeds from projects.

ARTICLE 25: ACCOUNTABILITY

25.1 The Treasurer shall maintain proper financial records.

25.2 Quarterly financial reports shall be submitted to the Management Board and General Group.

25.3 An annual independent audit shall be conducted and presented to the General Group.

CHAPTER XIV COMMITTEES AND PARTNERSHIPS

ARTICLE 26: COMMITTEES

26.1 The Executive Board shall establish Standing Committees such as Welfare, Projects, and Membership, to advance the Organization's objectives.

26.2 Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the Executive Board and report on their activities quarterly.

ARTICLE 27: PARTNERSHIPS

27.1 The Organization may enter partnerships with entities sharing its values.

27.2 All partnerships require due diligence by the Management Board and approval by a simple majority of the General Group.

CHAPTER XV AMENDMENTS AND DISSOLUTION

ARTICLE 28: AMENDMENTS

28.1 This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present and voting at a General Group meeting called for that purpose, provided the quorum requirements in Article 21.2 are met.

28.2 Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the General Secretary and circulated to all members at least thirty (30) days before voting.

ARTICLE 29: DISSOLUTION

29.1 The Organization may be dissolved only by a resolution supported by three-fourths (3/4) of all registered members at two consecutive General Group meetings spaced at least 30 days apart.

29.2 Upon dissolution, all debts shall be settled first, and remaining assets shall be distributed to a registered charitable organization with similar objectives.

CHAPTER XVI TRANSITIONAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

ARTICLE 30: OFFICIAL SEAL AND LANGUAGE

30.1 The Organization shall have an official seal for the authentication of documents.

30.2 The official language shall be English.

30.3 Definitions: In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Simple Majority" means more than half of the members present and voting at a duly convened meeting.

(b) "Two-thirds (2/3) Majority" or "Three-fourths (3/4) Majority" means at least two-thirds or three-fourths, respectively, of the members present and voting at a duly convened meeting.

(c) "Member in Good Standing" has the meaning given in Article 6.3.

ARTICLE 31: ASSETS AND RECORDS

31.1 All assets and records belong to the Organization, not individuals.

31.2 Officers handing over shall submit all organizational property to their successors within 14 days of leaving office.

ARTICLE 32: INTERPRETATION AND DEFENSE

32.1 The power to interpret this Constitution rests solely with the Judiciary.

32.2 Every member and officer has a duty to defend and uphold this Constitution.

ARTICLE 33: SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS AND RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY

33.1 Authority to Draft Regulations:

(a) The Electoral Commission shall have the power to draft, issue, and amend Electoral Regulations (Constitutional Instrument) governing the conduct of all elections and referenda.

(b) The Financial Board shall have the power to draft, issue, and amend Financial Regulations governing all matters of dues, budgets, spending, audits, and financial controls.

(c) The Management Board shall have the power to draft, issue, and amend general Administrative Regulations and a Code of Conduct, and to coordinate the consolidation of all Subsidiary Regulations.

33.2 Review and Ratification Process:

(a) All draft Regulations from any organ must be submitted to the Management Board.

(b) The Management Board shall review them for consistency with this Constitution and with other Regulations, and may suggest non-binding amendments for technical or conflict resolution purposes.

(c) Within thirty (30) days of receipt, the Management Board shall present the finalized draft Regulations to the General Group for ratification by a simple majority vote.

33.3 Supremacy and Consistency:

(a) No Regulation shall take effect unless ratified by the General Group.

(b) All Regulations must be consistent with this Constitution. In any conflict, the Constitution prevails.

(c) Each organ is responsible for enforcing the Regulations within its domain, subject to the judicial review of the Judiciary.

ARTICLE 34: INITIAL SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS

34.1 Formal Adoption: The document titled "Important Notice to All Members: General Rules & Regulations" (consisting of 21 rules, herein attached as Schedule 1) is hereby formally adopted, ratified, and given full legal force as the initial Subsidiary Regulations of the Organization, pursuant to Article 33.

34.2 Classification: For implementation and future amendment, these initial regulations are classified as follows:

(a) Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Procedure (Rules 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 15);

(b) Membership Regulations (Rules 6, 8, 9, 10, 13);

(c) Financial Regulations (Rules 3, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20).

34.3 Constitutional Alignment: All provisions within Schedule 1 shall be interpreted and enforced in a manner consistent with this Constitution. Specifically:

(a) All disciplinary actions (warnings, suspensions, removals) initiated under these regulations must respect the principles of Natural Justice (Article 23.2) and are subject to appeal to the Judiciary (Article 5.3).

(b) References to "Executives" shall mean the Executive Board. References to "Financial Board" or "Main Group" shall mean the Financial Board and General Group, respectively.

(c) The "enforcement by Judicial bodies" stated in Rule 21 is affirmed as the exclusive jurisdiction of the Judiciary established under Chapter XII.

34.4 Future Amendment: These initial Subsidiary Regulations (Schedule 1) may be amended, added to, or replaced according to the process outlined in Article 33.

ARTICLE 35: TRANSITION TO THIS CONSTITUTION

35.1 This Constitution takes effect immediately upon ratification by the General Group.

35.2 Grandfathering of Existing Rules: All existing rules, regulations, and policies of the Organization shall remain provisionally in effect for a period not exceeding one hundred and twenty (120) days from ratification, provided they do not directly contradict this Constitution. The Management Board is charged with reviewing said rules and presenting consolidated Subsidiary Regulations for ratification within this period.

35.3 Current officers shall serve until the next elections under this Constitution.

35.4 Within 60 days of ratification:

(a) A Transition Committee of 5 respected former officers shall be appointed to oversee implementation;

(b) The new Electoral Commission shall be constituted;

(c) Elections for all offices under this Constitution shall be held under the new system, utilizing the newly adopted Electoral Regulations.

35.5 The Transition Committee shall dissolve after the first elections under this Constitution.

ARTICLE 36: FINALITY AND COMMENCEMENT

36.1 This Constitution, inclusive of the adopted Subsidiary Regulations in Schedule 1, represents the complete and supreme governing law of O.O.J. Friends of Peace.

36.2 Any previous constitutional documents, bylaws, or rules are hereby expressly repealed and replaced in their entirety by this instrument.

36.3 This Constitution shall come into full force and effect immediately upon its ratification by the General Group as certified below.

ARTICLE 37: SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Constitution or its Subsidiary Regulations is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by the Judiciary, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.

SCHEDULE 1 INITIAL SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS

Important Notice to All Members

These rules and regulations have been established to maintain peace, unity, and order within our organization. All members are required to read, understand, and adhere to these guidelines. Together, we build a stronger, more harmonious community.

General Rules & Regulations

  1. 1. Unity Above Personal Interests: All members should uphold the love and unity of the group above all personal interests.
  2. 2. Respectful Behavior: Any member who attacks another personally or engages in insults, confrontation, or fighting will be suspended for three (3) days. If the behavior continues, the member may be recommended for permanent removal by the Executive Board, subject to a hearing and confirmation by the Judiciary.
  3. 3. Contributions and Dues Enforcement: Every member shall partake in contributions or dues approved by the General Group. Payments are due within 30 days. Failure results in a debt to the Organization, which must be cleared before receiving future benefits. After three consecutive refusals without a valid reason, a member may lose privileges until payment is made.
  4. 4. No Personal Chats During Programs: No personal chats during official programs. First offense: warning. Second offense: removal for the duration of the program.
  5. 5. Good Faith in Communication: Comments and jokes must be taken in good faith. Members who feel offended should report privately to the Executive Board.
  6. 6. Dress Code and Attendance: Members shall adhere to the group's dress code and attendance requirements for events. Non-compliance may result in a warning, fine, or suspension.
  7. 7. No Fake News or Political Content: Posting fake news, political content, or engaging in divisive discussions shall result in a three (3) day suspension.
  8. 8. Active Participation: Members should contribute ideas and feedback. Consistent refusal to participate may result in loss of roles or privileges.
  9. 9. New Member Requirements: New members must send a clear picture within 12 hours of joining. Inactivity for more than three (3) days after joining shall result in removal unless the new member has communicated a valid reason for absence to the Executive Secretary.
  10. 10. Reporting Personal Issues: Personal issues affecting a member should be reported to the Executive Board. Serious matters will be referred to the General Group.
  11. 11. Leaving the Group: Members must not leave without first informing the Executive Board. Leaving without notice attracts a three-day suspension for the first offense. Members who leave the group without prior notice to the Executive Board may be required to reapply for membership if they wish to rejoin, and may forfeit any unclaimed contributions.
  12. 12. Attendance and Threat Assessment: Members who refuse Executive Board invitations or show clear disinterest may be removed. Any member proven to be a threat to the group's peace may also be removed following due process.
  13. 13. New Member Financial Requirements: New members must pay the approved Registration Fee and three months' dues. After three months of active membership, the member becomes eligible to receive group contributions.
  14. 14. Debt Management: Members who refuse to pay a contribution will owe the amount as a debt. After three (3) consecutive refusals, the member will be suspended until all arrears are paid.
  15. 15. Relationships Within the Group: Relationships and marriages are permitted, provided they do not disrupt peace or unity.
  16. 16. Eligibility for Contributions: A member is eligible to collect contributions for: death of immediate family, marriage, serious illness/accident, or if the member has previously contributed to others' support. All benefits require verification by the Financial and Executive Boards.
  17. 17. Automatic Deduction Clause: If a member owing arrears qualifies for a benefit, the amount owed shall be automatically deducted.
  18. 18. Public Notice Clause: Persistent refusal to pay dues may be announced by the Financial Board to ensure transparency.
  19. 19. Replacement Clause: Members who continually fail obligations may be replaced with more active members after consultation with the Management Board.
  20. 20. Exemption Clause: Members facing genuine hardship may apply for a temporary exemption through the Financial Board, subject to verification.
  21. 21. Enforcement: All rules shall be binding and enforced by the Executive Board and the Judiciary in accordance with this Constitution.

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O.O.J. Friends of Peace - United in Service, Bound by Constitution

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