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CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
OF
LIBERIANS UNITED FOR NATIONAL REFORMS [LUNAR]
Preamble
Whereas, we, the citizens of the Republic of Liberia residing in the Diaspora, recognizing the incessant need for:
- The establishment of a political action organization that will encourage and support the development of viable political parties in Liberia;
- The stimulation and encouragement of political, educational, cultural, social and economic endeavors amongst Liberians;
- The creation of a political movement that would initiate, promote, and influence, in an organized manner, issues relevant to the welfare of the Liberian people; and
- The development of a conducive governance environment which would empower Liberian civil society and other non-governmental groups to help guide against the return to the status quo , and thereby chart a new direction for an equitable and prosperous future;
Now, do hereby resolve and constitute ourselves into an organization to be named and styled as Liberians United for National Reforms, hereafter referred to as LUNAR.
Article I: Name, Motto, Logo, Headquarters, Jurisdiction, and Colors
Section I: Name
The name of the organization shall be Liberians United for National Reforms hereafter referred to as LUNAR.
Section II: Motto
The motto of LUNAR shall be “Empowering Liberians to promote participation and integrity in Public Service.”
Section III: Logo
The logo for LUNAR is a map of Liberia with a torch in the center.
Section IV: Headquarters
The official headquarters of LUNAR shall be in or near the Washington, DC metro-plex and the Administrative headquarters shall be defined as the resident state of the sitting President.
Section V: Jurisdiction
LUNAR is organized to encourage and support national reforms and a politically competitive democratic environment in Liberia. However, its area of operation shall include Liberia and anywhere else Liberians live.
Section VI: Colors
The official colors of LUNAR shall be Green and Gold. The Green symbolizes the birth of new ideas and vision for Liberia and the Gold represents the richness of the Nation and its potential for greatness.
Article II: Purpose
LUNAR shall serve as a political action organization that will encourage and support the development of viable political parties in Liberia. It seeks to stimulate and encourage political, educational, cultural, and economic endeavors among Liberians as well as initiate, advance, promote and influence, in an organized manner, issues relevant to the welfare of the Liberian people. Additionally, LUNAR seeks to empower Liberian civil society and other non-governmental groups to help guide against the return to the status quo by charting a new direction for an equitable and prosperous future.
Article III: Membership
Section I: Categories of Membership
Membership in LUNAR shall fall within the following categories:
A. Full Membership
B. Honorary Membership
C. Good Standing Membership
Section II: Full Membership
Full Membership in LUNAR shall be open to Liberians and anyone of Liberian descent, their spouses and offspring who have attained at least 18 years of age. Each Full Member shall pay all dues levied and be in good standing (See Article III, Section IV for good standing) to exercise the right of Full Membership.
Section III: Honorary Membership
Honorary Membership shall consist of all LUNAR benefactors (Liberians and non-Liberians). Honorary Membership may be bestowed upon an individual whose distinguished support and services to LUNAR or a Liberian community are worthy of recognition. Honorary Membership shall only be granted by the National Conference (See Article IV, Section II for National Conference) upon recommendation of a Full Member. Honorary members can neither vote nor hold office in LUNAR, but may participate in discussions and/or appointed to serve on Committees.
Section IV: Good Standing Membership
A member of LUNAR shall enjoy good standing if that member has paid all dues and other levies and is not unlawfully withholding any property of LUNAR, including reports, records, etc.
Article IV. Structure
Section I: Bodies
The structure of LUNAR shall consist of the following bodies:
A. National Conference
B. Regional Groupings
C. Branches
D. Special Monitoring Committee
E. Executive Council
F. Standing Committees
G. Women Auxiliary
H. Youth League
Section II: National Conference
The supreme power of LUNAR is vested in the National Conference which shall comprise of all Full Membership in good standing. The powers of the National Conference shall include but not limited to the following:
A. Approve all programs of LUNAR;
B. Elect all officers and members of elective committees;
C. Impeach any officer and remove any member of any National Committee for a cause
D. Approve all laws and regulations which will govern LUNAR
E. Amend the Constitution
Section III: Regional Groupings
LUNAR Branches (See Article IV, Section IV) located in the same geographical region shall organize themselves into regional groupings. Regional groupings shall include (See Appendix for makeup of each region):
A. United States and Canada
1. Eastern Region
2. Southern Region
3. Midwestern Region
4. Western Region
B. Liberia
1. Northern Region
2. Western Region
3. Southeastern Region
C. International
1. European Region
2. Asian Region
3. Central American Region
4. South American Region
D. Africa (Excluding Liberia)
1. East African Region
2. North African Region
3. Southern African Region
4. West African Region
Each region shall elect two representatives to serve on the National Executive Committee (See Article IV, Section VI for National Executive Committee).
Section IV: Branches
LUNAR shall establish branches on a state-wide basis for the conduct of its affairs
Section V: Special Monitoring Committee
The Special Monitoring Committee shall consist of five members elected by the National Conference to serve a period of four years. This committee shall serve as the oversight body when the National Conference is not in session.
Section VI: National Executive Council
The day to day operations of LUNAR shall be managed by the Executive Council which shall consist of the following five Executive officers:
A. President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary
D Treasurer
E. Chaplain
F. Regional Representatives
Section VII: Standing Committees
LUNAR shall have the following eight (8) standing committees:
A. Ways and Means Committee
B. Legal Affairs Committee
C. Auditing Committee
D. Finance Committee
E. Membership and Publicity Committee
F. Education Committee
G. Archives
H. Convention Committee
A. Ways and Means: The Ways and Means Committee shall have the responsibility of advising the organization as to the investment of Association’s funds, and means of raising revenues for LUNAR‘s programs. The Committee shall also exercise broad oversight authority to solicit in-kind donations for various projects and programs of LUNAR.
B. Legal Affairs Committee: The Legal Affairs Committee shall handle all LUNAR legal matters, including those of its various organs. The committee shall, among other things, discuss emerging legal issues and advise the Executive Council; provide expert legal assistance if LUNAR is sued or seeks legal action against an individual or an institution; or advise in case of legal impact of public policy.
C. Auditing Committee: The Auditing Committee shall assist the Special Monitoring Committee in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and reporting practices of LUNAR and such other duties as directed by the National Conference. The Audit Committee shall maintain free and open communication with the independent accountants and the Executive Council. In discharging this oversight role, the Audit Committee is empowered to investigate any financial matter brought to its attention, with full power to retain external auditors, outside counsel or other experts for this purpose. LUNAR shall make adequate provisions for the payment of all fees and other compensation approved by the Audit Committee to the independent accountants in connection with the issuance of their audit report or to any consultants or experts employed by the Audit Committee. At the conclusion of the fiscal year, the committee shall inspect the financial records of the Treasurer. The committee shall certify the accuracy of the financial statements prepared by the treasurer and shall report the results of the audit to the National Conference. The committee shall meet at least once each year to prepare a written report to be submitted at the National Conference.
D.Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall be comprised of three or more members as determined and appointed annually, each of whom shall be free from any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the Committee. The Committee shall:
1. Consult with the President on LUNAR’s annual budget process;
2. Review and make recommendations on the annual budget submitted by the President; and
3. Develop and recommend long range financial objectives for LUNAR.
E.Membership and Publicity Committee: The Membership and Publicity Committee shall have the responsibility for developing ways and means of promoting LUNAR. The committee shall create brochures and other publications to be used for publicity and membership promotion. The committee shall explore ways to expand the association’s membership, including creating a data base of potential members, holding informational/recruitment meetings and conferences, and working with the local committees for the execution of the National Conference. The committee shall also maintain a data base of all LUNAR members and advise the Executive Council of each member’s status.
F. Education Committee: The Education Committee shall have cognizance of all matters relating to education matters, scholarships, fellowships, historical and cultural activities. The Committee shall be responsible for scrutinizing proposed national legislation, messages, petitions, memorials and other matters relating to the following subjects:
Education generally.
2. Schools and secondary education.
3. School employees, including administrators, teachers, bus drivers and others.
Colleges and universities, including their employees.
5. Vocational/technical institutions, including employees of those institutions.
College or university agricultural extension service.
Adult education.
School lunch program.
9. Schools for the Blind/Deaf
10. Educational television
11. State and public libraries
G. Archives Committee: The Archives Committee shall develop the methods and instruments (conventional/digital) for the proper documentation of all LUNAR’S proceedings and transactions. All documents and instruments compiled by the organization during any Administration shall be considered properties of LUNAR and maintained by the Archives Committee. All members may request copies of any documents and upon payment of a processing fee the Archives Committee shall make copies available to the person making the request.
H. Convention Committee: The Convention Committee shall have the responsibility for organizing and managing the annual conventions and to coordinate the various convention committee chairs and members. Convention sites for the succeeding year shall be selected by delegates at the preceding convention. The sites shall be selected to accrue maximize benefits to LUNAR and to promote equal sacrifice amongst LUNAR members.
Section VIII: Women Auxiliary
The Women Auxiliary shall consist of all female members of LUNAR and shall be dedicated to encouraging and supporting the participation of the female population in the body politic of Liberia.
Section IX: Youth League
The Youth League shall consist of all male members of LUNAR 25 years and younger and shall be dedicated to encouraging and supporting the participation of the youths of Liberia in the body politic of Liberia.
Article V. Qualifications, Tenure of and Duties of Officers
Section I: Qualifications of Officers
The qualifications for all officers of LUNAR shall be:
A. Continual residency within LUNAR’s jurisdiction during the two calendar years immediately preceding the election year;
B. Attendance of at least one half of the scheduled general LUNAR meetings during the year immediately preceding the election year;
C. Full membership in LUNAR in good standing
Section II. Duties of Officers
A. Duties of the President: The President shall be the head, principal spokesperson and chief executive officer of LUNAR and therefore accountable for the overall direction of LUNAR and the conduct of its business. He/she shall supervise, coordinate and direct all activities of the other officers of LUNAR. Specifically the duties of the President shall be:
1. Preside over all regular and special meetings of LUNA
2. Call emergency meetings as needed
3. Prepare the annual program and activities
4. Approve all vouchers for funds and countersign all checks drawn on LUNAR’s account(s)
5. Appoint all non-elective members on Committees and serve as member Ex- officio on said committees;
6. Perform all functions, ceremonial or substantive consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws of LUNAR
B. Duties of the Vice President: The Vice President shall be the principal assistant to the president in matters of overall leadership and shall perform those duties that may be assigned by the President. He/she shall succeed the President to finish an unexpired term upon the resignation or impeachment of the president.
C. Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary shall record and keep all proceedings of the Body and make same available upon request. He/she shall also perform the following duties:
1. Maintain the roster of LUNAR comprising of Full and Honorary Membership
2. In consultation with the Treasurer, advise the body of the eligibility of any candidate for office or vote in any election or deliberation
3. Draft all correspondence for the approval of the President.
4. Send out citations for regular and special meetings.
5. Perform other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the president, provided such duties are consistent with these by-laws.
D. Duties of the Treasurer: The treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of all monetary contributions, dues and donations and make prompt deposit into LUNAR’s bank account(s). He/she shall maintain records of all sources of monies received and countersign all withdrawal of funds for the settlement of financial obligations The Treasurer shall also:
1. Advise on how LUNAR shall invest its funds and supervise those investment portfolios (FUNCTION OF WAYS OF MEANS?)
2. Make monthly reports to the president as to the overall financial status of LUNAR
3. Prepare the annual budget for approval of the National Conference
4. Make financial reports to the National Conference.
5. Prepare all financial and tax statements.
6. Maintain records and receipts of all financial transactions.
E. Duties of the Chaplain: The Chaplain shall be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the membership and conduct prayers at meetings and other functions of LUNAR.
Article VI. Activities of LUNAR
The activities of LUNAR shall be for carrying out the philosophical tenets expressed in the Preamble of these By-Laws. LUNAR believes viable, credible political parties are the foundation upon which stable democracies are built. In democracies that work, there is the need to keep a balance between the governed and the governors. This balance sustains peace and good governance. Action steps for initiating, advancing and sustaining viable political parties in Liberia will assist in increasing political participation and democratic governance.
Article VII. Election and Term of officers
Section I: Time of Election
The General Election for all officers and members of the Special Monitoring Committee shall be held every two years during the National Conference. Elections cannot be postponed except by a two-third majority vote of the Full Membership of LUNAR. This decision must be reached at least eight weeks before the scheduled election. Justification for postponement must be communicated to the Full Membership and voted upon in the Regions prior to the granting of the postponement.
Section II: Election Committee
The President shall appoint a five member Election Committee (one of which shall be a member of the Special Monitoring Committee). No member of the Election Committee shall be a candidate for office. The Committee shall be appointed no later than 90 days before the scheduled election. The Committee shall:
A. Promulgate rules and procedures for the smooth conduct of the elections
B. Certify all candidates and eligible voters based on the requirements and provisions of these By-Laws;
C. Publish the list of candidates and voters roll at least six weeks prior to the elections
D. Designate the place and time when all candidates can express their views and platforms for seeking the positions
E. Supervise the voting, counting of ballots, certify results and announce winners. Results shall be announced no later than four hours after the close of the polls.
Section III. Term of Office
A. Each elected officer shall serve as a two-year term at the end of which he/she may seek re-election for a second term. No officer shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
B. The term of office of all elective officers shall begin upon being duly inaugurated. The inaugural ceremonies shall be held no later than three months after the General Election.
C. The outgoing leadership shall continue to administer the affairs of LUNAR in lose consultation with the in-coming administration until the commencement of the term of the new leadership team.
D. The term of the five members of the Special Monitoring Committee shall be staggered 2-3 for continuity. During the second election after these By- Laws come into effect; only the two members of the Special Monitoring Committee who received the least votes during the previous election (the bottom two) shall be up for reelection. The remaining three shall be up for reelection the following election.
Section IV. Turning Over
The outgoing administration shall turn over all LUNAR records and documents including its legal and financial records to the incoming administration no later than three months following an election.
Article V: Financial Matters
Section I: Sources of Funding
The activities of LUNAR shall be financed by membership dues, donations and special fund-raising projects.
Section II: Dues
Each member of LUNAR shall pay a one time membership registration fee and thereafter pay an annual membership due. The membership due shall be paid during the first six months of the calendar year. These amounts shall be determined from time to time by the Executive Committee subject to approval of the National Conference.
Section III: Bank Account(s)
All LUNAR’s monies shall be kept at a recognized bank. In the United States, the bank shall be insured by FDIC, in other countries, the bank shall be duly registered and insured as may be required by the law of the individual countries. The bank account(s) shall carry the signatures of the President, Vice President and Treasurer. Two signatures, primarily the President and Treasurer, shall be required for any withdrawal of funds.
Section IV. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be January 1 to December 31.
Article VIII. Dissolution of LUNAR
LUNAR shall be dissolved by a two third vote of the Full Membership of the organization. Upon dissolution, organization’s assets shall be donated in such a manner as to support LUNAR’s mission. The beneficiaries shall be determined by the Leadership subject to two-thirds vote of the Full Membership. A special meeting of the Full Membership shall be held to oversee the dissolution process.
Article IX. Rules
Section I: Meetings
The National Conference shall be held in August of each year at a venue to be voted upon at the preceding National Conference.
Section II: Quorum
A quorum shall be 10% of the Full Members in good standing. A quorum shall be required at all general meetings in order to transact any business that will have a binding effect on the membership of LUNAR, or authorize a program or any action.
Section III: Impeachment
An impeachment proceeding shall be handled by an Ad Hoc Committee appointed by the Special Monitoring Committee. The charges shall be investigated by the Committee and recommendations made to the Special Monitoring Committee. In order for said recommendation to be enforceable it must be approved by two thirds of the Full Membership in good standing. The Special Monitoring Committee may suspend the elected officer or officers until the next National Conference when new officer(s) can be elected.
Section IV: Impeachable Offences
The National Conference shall determine the basis for the impeachment of an elected officer. In general, an officer may be impeached for commission of acts inimical to the preamble, purposes and mission of LUNAR; misappropriation of funds of LUNAR; violation of the Constitution and By-laws of LUNAR; or for the abuse of power.
Section V: Individual decorum
Any individual who displays and/or advocates improper decorum during meetings shall be given a warning for the first offense. If repeated, he/she may be suspended from the meeting. A third offense may lead to one year’s suspension from LUNAR.
Section VI: Record Keeping and Debt Settlement
The Secretary shall keep all records of the organization. The organization shall record and keep accurate records at its official or administrative headquarters.
Section VII. Legal Action
In case of any legal action brought against LUNAR, or if LUNAR is to take a legal action against any party, the President shall obtain an Attorney to represent the organization. In the event the action is taken against the President or any elected officer, the Special Monitoring Committee shall obtain an attorney to represent LUNAR. If an action is taken against the Chairman of the Special Monitoring Committee, then the Co-Chairman will convene the meeting of the Special Monitoring Committee.
Article VIII: Amendments
The Constitution and By-Laws of LUNAR shall be amended by two thirds of the Full Membership in good standing. The proposed amendment(s) shall be communicated to the membership by the secretary at least one month before said amendment can be voted upon at the National Conference.
Article XI: Ratification
The Constitution and By-Laws shall come into effect after being ratified by a two third vote of the Full Membership in good standing.
Drafted this _______day of December 2006 in the States of California and Maryland, USA and adopted on this-----day of January 2007
Constitution Drafting Committee
James Kaye …………….…Chairman
E.Himie Neufville…………Member
Mydea Reeves-Karpeh…….Member
Sampson Toe………………Member
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Last Updated ( Monday, 07 July 2008 )
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