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NGV Constitution


Drafted:  June 27, 2008

Article I:  Name

The name of the organization shall be the “Next Generation Voices,” which is a statewide organization for the state of Colorado.

Article II:  Mission Statement

Next Generation Voices serves as the community and towards the community to collectively represent the ideals of Asian Americans today.  Not only as a representing organization for Asian Americans, but also as a network-based infrastructure, Next Generation Voices will facilitate energy in order to fulfill the following missions:

  • To maintain a Council of Representatives that will be comprised of delegates who serves to voice the diverse span of Asian American organizations throughout the state of Colorado.
  • To educate and work for the accurate inclusion of APA culture, history, and issues into society’s cultural conscience/.
  • To program events to give mainstream society a more complete picture of the world outside of Western models.
  • To bridge the schisms found among the various cultures we represent as Asian Pacific Americans in order to work more effectively towards establishing a true community.
  • To be a voice for human rights and social justice. As the “next generation” of young leaders, it is our responsibility and honor to lead our community!

Article III:  Membership and Eligibility

Membership and eligibility shall be free from discrimination on any basis,

including but not limited to: nationality, origin, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or physical disabilities.

Section 1.1:  Executive Committee Membership

  • Membership into the Executive Committee will work directly with and as the Next Generation Voices in order to best fulfill the mission statement while utilizing the abilities to organize and program events.
  • The committee will include the positioned officers and general committee members.
  • The Executive Committee will also meet with the Council of Representatives to address the issues that may arise that affect the APA community.

Section 1.2:  Executive Committee Eligibility

  • Eligibility into the Executive Committee will require invitation or application designated by current committee officers.
  • The application shall be reviewed by current Executive Committee officers.

Section 1.2:  Executive Committee Expulsion

  • An Executive Committee member may be expelled from the committee if he/she fails to fulfill the duties of their position or if he/she shall fail to best represent NGV in a respectable, professional, and honorable manner.
  • Expulsion will require a 2/3 vote by the committee.
  • There is no appealing process.

Section 2.1:  Council of Representatives Membership

  • The Council of Representatives will serve as a networking selection of appointed individuals from Asian American organizations recognized by Next Generation Voices.
  • The council will provide an opportunity for delegates to promote and distribute information regarding their organizations events, programming, or concerns.
  • The council shall also provide as a support system that will aid the community in the response and mobilization in the event of an issue affecting the APA community.

Section 2.2:  Council of Representatives Eligibility

  • Eligibility as a delegate shall be limited to appointed members of NGV recognized organizations.
  • Recognition of an organization by NGV will be approved by the Executive Committee through application or invitation.
  • A school or institute shall also be recognized as an organization.

Section 2.3:  Council of Representatives Expulsion

  • By recognition made by the Communications Chair, and by 2/3 vote of the Executive Committee, an organization may be required to replace their delegate within the Council of Representatives.
  • Expulsion of a delegate will be based upon failure to attend the council meetings on a regular basis, or failure to best represent NGV and/or their organization.
  • Expulsion of a recognized organization will require 2/3 vote of the Executive Committee and classified by actions and missions that contradict the values and missions of NGV.

Article IV:  Executive Committee Officers and Duties

Section 1.1:  Executive Committee

  • The Next Generation Voices Executive Committee Officers shall include

13 seats.  These seats include:  Director, Co-Presidents, Vice-President, Finance Chair, Communications Chair, Public Relations Chair, Technical Networking Chair, Advocacy chair, Development and Outreach Chair, Secretary, Programming and Events Chair(s).

  • The Executive Committee shall also include general committee members who may not occupy any specific office.

Section 1.2:  Executive Committee Officer Duties

Section 1.3:  Elections

  • An officer’s term shall last 2 years and elections will be held bi-annually on the even year. Terms are not limited.
  • Election Process

An individual must be nominated for a specific position available.  He/she must provide a speech to the committee regarding his/her qualifications for the position.  The most qualified individual will be elected by majority vote of the committee.

Votes are cast by secret ballot.

Section 1.4:  Resignation

  • Upon decision to resign, an officer is required to provide a statement to the committee regarding his/her resignation. In the event of resignation, the committee shall open application and establish an election to fill the position.

Article V:  Finances

Section 1.0:  Next Generation Voices Funds

  • Funds of NGV are collected through fundraising, personal and/or corporate sponsorship. There are no required fees for membership/application.

Section 1.1:  Treasury

  • Finances and treasury will be maintained by the Finance Chair and will be reserved in the Next Generation Voices account; financial records and budgeting will be required for this process.
  • Director, Co-Presidents, and the Finance Chair are authorized to delegate funds.
  • Signature from two of these officers is required for all transfer of funds.

Article VI:  Amendments

  • Amendments to the Constitution can be proposed by any member of the NGV.
  • Amendment must be made available to members and officers one meeting before voting.
  • Amendments must be ratified by 2/3 of the voting members.

Article VII:  Committees

  • Committees will be formed when a specific need arises during the course of NGV business/events.
  • Programming and event chairs will oversee, advise, and appoint officers for these committees.