WHEREAS:

We recognize our common ancestry and cultural heritage;

We understand the richness of our culture and traditional Urhobo value orientation;

We recognize the need to pass on to our children the positive aspects of Urhobo culture and values;

We recognize the impact of colonialism and other factors on our culture and values;

Urhoboland in traditional African political organization constitutes a nation of autonomous kingdoms and republics;

We are aware of the economic and political importance of Urhoboland to the modem Nigerian nation-state;

It is imperative to unite Urhobo people abroad and at home for the betterment of Urhoboland;

IN THE BELIEF that Urhobo, people abroad have a sacred responsibility for the development of Urhoboland, and

That The Urhobo National, Association (TUNA), North America. was inaugurated in 1993 in recognition of the above-stated convictions,

NOW, THEREFORE, we Urhobo people resident  in North America do proclaim the following Constitution which is a revision and expansion of the 1993 Constitution:

1.1 The name of the Association shall be The Urhobo National Association (TUNA), North America hereinafter referred to as the Association.

1.2 The Association shall be a non-profit umbrella organization of Urhobo organizations and people resident in North America and shall seek to maintain a tax-exempt status.

1.3 Nothing in Article 1.2 precludes the Association from establishing for-profit subsidiary organizations for the economic benefit of the Association or its members provided that such subsidiaries shall be registered as separate legal entities.

1.4 The Association may cooperate with other organizations at home and abroad with similar interests, or for a common cause.

1.5 This Constitution may be cited as The 1998 Reviewed Constitution of The Urhobo National Association (TUNA), North America and supersedes the 1993 Constitution.

2A To unite people of Urhobo descent and others who identify with Urhobo people and culture abroad and at home for the promotion of Urhobo culture, ideals and development.

2.2 To this end, the motto of the Association in Urhobo language shall be "Okugbe, Egba, Voyan Robaro"  which translates in English as "Unity, Strength, and Progress."

The purpose and objectives of the Association shall be:

3.1 To foster unity among Urhobo people

3.2 To promote the cultural heritage of Urhobo people

3.3 To promote economic, intellectual, and cultural cooperation between Urhobo people

3.4 To promote research into, and publications about Urhobo language, people, history and culture through the use of all available media

3.5 To advance the socio-economic and other interests of Urhobo people

3.6 To promote the development of Urhoboland

3.7 To coordinate the activities of affiliated 'Urhobo organizations in North America

3.8 To identify or develop and coordinate its activities with organizations in Urhoboland for the economic, social and political progress of Urhoboland

3,9 To identify, cultivate and support Urhobo leaders genuinely interested in the development of Urboboland

3.10 To provide material and psychological support for needy Urhobo and non-Urhobo people

3.11 To promote cooperation among Nigerian, African and other organizations in host countries

3.12 To participate in voluntary and charitable activities in host countries and communities

3.13 To encourage its members to abide by the laws of host countries.

Membership of the Association shall be open to all Urhobo people by birth or marriage, or by adoption of Urhobo ethnicity. Membership shall consist of the following categories subject to the following conditions, For the purpose of this constitution, the term "Affiliate Organization" and 'Chapter" shall have the same meaning:

4.1 AFFILIATE ORGANIZATION OR CHAPTER

a) An Affiliate Organization or Chapter shall be an Urhobo organization duly registered in the host state or province and admitted to the Association.

b) An Affiliate Organization shall apply for admission to the Executive Committee of the Association by the submission of an application which shall include a copy of its constitution or bylaws which must not vitiate drastically from the constitution of the Association.

c) The Executive Committee shall review the application and may invite a delegate or delegates of the applying organization for an oral interview.

d) The Executive Committee shall recommend a successful applicant-organization to The Board of Trustees which may ratify or reject the recommendation.

e) Upon admission, an Affiliate Organization with a membership of more than five (5) individuals shall pay a one-time registration fee of five hundred dollars (US$500) to the Association  while an Affiliate Organization with a membership of five (5) or less individuals shall pay a one-time registration fee of two hundred and fifty dollars (US$250).

f) Such registration fee shall be paid in full by an Affiliate Organization within ninety (90) days of admission to the Association falling which its admission shall lapse.

g) The conditions above notwithstanding, only one Affiliate Organization shall be admitted within a 100-mile radius of an existing Affiliate Organization.

4.2 ASSOCIATE MEMBER

a) An Associate Member shall be an individual who is neither Urhobo by birth or marriage but who has voluntarily adopted Urhobo ethnicity and culture.

b) An Associate Member may be admitted following a written application to the Executive Committee and an oral interview before the Executive Committee or members of the Executive Committee mandated by it to conduct such interview.

c) The Executive Committee shall recommend a successful applicant to the Board of Trustees which may ratify or reject the recommendation.

d) Upon admission, an Associate Member shall pay a one-time registration fee of one hundred dollars (US $100).

4.3 a) Upon the admission of an Affiliate Organization, its individual members 21 years or older as well as Associate Members shall be deemed as general members of the Association and shall be entitled to the personal benefits listed elsewhere in this constitution.

b) The names of all such individual(s) shall be filed with the Association along with each quarterly remittance of dues as provided for under Finance and Fiscal Management in this constitution.

c) The foregoing notwithstanding, the Executive Committee upon approval of the Board of Trustees, may fine or suspend or expel an Affiliate Organization or Associate Member or individual member for either failing to meet its/his/her financial and participatory obligations or if its/his/her activities are detrimental to the good name of the Association.

4.4 The benefits of an Affiliate Organization shall include,

a) The right to a copy of the Association's constitution upon admission

b) The right to be represented by its president or chairperson on the Association's Board of Trustees

c) The right to make suggestions and propose projects or actions to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee

d) The right to the weighted number of votes at BOT meetings and in an election according to the schedule under Article 6.5(a)

e) The right to participate in the Association's activities.

4.5 The benefits of an Associate Member shall include:

a) The Tight to a copy of the Association's constitution upon admission

b) The right to make suggestions and propose projects or actions to the  Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee

c) The right to participate in the Association's activities.

4.6 A general member of the Association as defined in Article 4.3(a) shall be entitled to the following personal rights and privileges:

a) The right to be nominated and voted to an office of the Association.

b) The right to make suggestions and propose projects or actions to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee

c) The privilege to attend Board of Trustee and Executive Committee meetings provided that the Board and Executive Committee shall reserve the right to exclude non-members of the Board of Trustees or Executive Committee from certain sessions or meetings for good reason

d) Non-members of the Board of Trustees or Executive Committee attending Board or Executive meetings may speak at such meetings at the pleasure of the Board or Executive Committee but shall not have the right to vote on issues at the meeting.

e) The right and opportunity to participate in investment and/or benefit plans of the Association.

 4.7 a) Articles 4.4 through 4.6 notwithstanding, an Affiliate Organization, an Associate Member or a general member shall be in good standing to exercise any and all of the benefits, privileges and rights

b) An Affiliate Organization in good standing shall mean one whose dues to the Association are paid up to date, and which participates fully in the meetings and activities of the Association,

 c) A general member in good standing shall mean an individual whose dues to the local chapter AND the Association or, in the case of an Associate Member, whose dues to the Association are fully paid to date, AND who fully participates in the activities of the local chapter or the Association.

 d) For the avoidance of doubt, it shall be the responsibility of individual members of an Affiliate Organization to ensure that their local officials forward their dues to the organization promptly to ensure their individual good standing with the Association.

5.1 The supreme authority of the Association shall be vested in the General Membership but shall be delegated to the Board of Trustees which shall be responsible to the General Membership.

 5.2 a) The Board of Trustees shall be made up of the presidents or chairpersons of  Affiliate Organizations, the President-General, the Secretary-General, and the Treasurer.

b) The Board of Trustees shall designate one of its members as Chairperson of the Board provided that it shall not be the President-General, the Secretary-General or the Treasurer.

 c) The Secretary-General shall act as secretary at Board of Trustee meetings.

 d) One third (1/3) of the members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum provided that one of such members shall be a member of the Executive Committee.

e) Voting at Board of Trustees meetings shall be by a simple majority.

 f) The President-General, Secretary-General and the Treasurer may contribute to debates at Board of Trustee meetings but shall have no voting rights.

g) Decisions of the Board of Trustees shall be communicated by the President-General to the full Executive Committee for action.

5.3 The duties of the Board of Trustees shall be:

a) To seek input from the General Membership on policies and projects of the Association

 b) To  formulate general policies and guidelines for implementation by the Executive Committee

c) To inform the General Membership of, and to seek support for policies projects and activities of the Association.

 d) To appoint internal and external auditors to review the accounts of the Association.

e) Conduct the election of the President-General as outlined in Article 6.4.

f) To receive and approve an annual budget from the President-General before ratification by a voice vote by the General Membership at the Annual Convention except that in an election year, the President-General elect shall have no more than ninety (90) days to present a budget for approval at the next meeting of the Board.

 g) The Board of Trustees shall have the powers to investigate, discipline and/or impeach the President-General if found guilty of any offense detrimental to the interests or good name of the Association, Urhoboland, or in violation of the laws of a host country or community.

6.1 a) The daily administration of the Association shall be delegated to an Executive Committee which shall be responsible to the Board of Trustees,

 b) The Executive Committee shall consist of a President-General, a Vice President-General, a Secretary-General, an Assistant Secretary-General, a Treasurer, a Financial Secretary, a Director of Research and Culture, a Director of Membership & Welfare, a Director of Development, a Director of Publicity, a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker, who shall all be the officers of the Association.

6.2 a) The President-General shall be the only elected member of the Executive Committee.

 b) The term of office of the President-General shall be two years provided that no individual shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

6.3 Article 6.2 (b) notwithstanding. the President-General may be removed from office for reasons including, but not limited to, incompetence, abuse of office, corruption, betrayal of the Association's trust, prolonged illness or continuous absence from North America exceeding one hundred and twenty (120) days, subject to the following conditions:

a) A motion to remove the President-General shall be circulated to an Affiliate Organizations at least sixty (60) days before a General Membership or emergency meeting.

b) Such petition shall, be signed by at least fifty percent (50%) of all members of the Board of Trustees, and shall state the grounds for the removal of the President-General.

 c) The petition shall be heard by the General Membership provided that the President-General shall be afforded the opportunity to defend himself/herself in cases other than prolonged illness or absence from North America.

 d) The President-General shall be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) weighted vote of the Affiliate Organizations present as provided for elsewhere in this constitution.

6.4 In accordance with the provision of Article 5.3(c), the Board of Trustees shall conduct the election of the President-General in the following manner:

a) In an election you, nominations for the post of President-General shall be submitted in writing and signed by at least five (5) other general members at least three (3) of whom shall be from a chapter other than the nominee's.

b) The Secretary-General and the Financial Secretary shall verify that nominees and nominators are in good standing with the Association as defined in Article 4.7.

c) Such nomination shall be forwarded to the Secretary-General at least ninety (90) days before the Annual  Convention.

 d) The Secretariat shall circulate the names of such nominees to all Affiliate Organizations at least sixty (60) days before the convention.

 e) The Board of Trustees shall appoint three (3) of its members or three  persons from the General Membership, or a combination to the Electoral Committee at least sixty (60) prior to the convention at which the election would take place, provided that none of such persons shall be a nominee.

6.5 Voting Procedure:

a) For the purpose of voting at a President-General Election and the removal of a President-General, and for those purposes only, each vote shall be based on the number of individuals and weighted in multiples of five (5) thus.

Affiliate Organization with:
1 - 5 Individuals     1
6 - 10 Individuals   2
11 -15 Individuals  3
16-20 Individuals   4
21-25 Individuals   5 and so on.

b) Voting shall be by secret ballot and the President-General shall be elected by a simple majority.

In the event of a tie, nominees shall be given 15 minutes to canvass for votes and then a fresh vote shall be taken until a President-General is elected.

d) In the event that an elected President-General is the president or chairperson of an Affiliate Organization, s/he shall vacate such local office within 60  days of her/his election.

6.6 a) Within thirty (30) days of his/her election, the President-General shall nominate other officers and notify all members of the Board of Trustees in writing of his/her nominees provided that no more than two (2) members of the Executive Committee, excepting the President-General, shall be from one Chapter including the President-General's

b) Any of the PresidentGeneral's nominations shall be voided by a written petition signed by at least fifty percent (50%) of the number of the members of the Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days of the nomination.

c) An Affiliate Organization whose president or chairperson is nominated to the Executive Committee may rescind such nomination by a petition signed by a  simple majority of its membership as registered with the Association which must include the nominee within thirty (30) days of the nomination, upon which the nomination shall be voided.

d) The Board of Trustees shall have 30 days within which to consider any nomination after which the nominee shall be deemed to have been confirmed by the Board of Trustees if no objection has been raised against the nominee.

e) The Executive Committee thus constituted shall assume office on January I of the following year.

f) The term of office of an Executive Committee member shall normally be two (2) years provided that the President-General shall reserve the powers to replace any member of the Executive Committee at any time it in his/her opinion, such an officer is not functioning effectively in his/her position.. Article 6.6(f) notwithstanding, the President-General shall have advised such officer and the Board of Trustees in writing at least once prior to the officer's replacement.

7.1 The President-General shall:

a) Be the chief executive and chief spokesperson of the Association

b) Provide leadership and direction for the Association

c) Preside over all Executive Committee and General Membership meetings except at a meeting summoned for a hearing on the removal of the President-General in which case the chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall preside

d) With the Treasurer, be a signatory to the Association's account(s)

e) With the Treasurer, present an annual budget to the Annual Convention

f) Appoint members of the Executive Committee subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and other provisos of this constitution

g) With the Executive Committee and/or the Board of Trustees, appoint the members of standing and ad hoe committees

h) Be ex-officio, member of all committees except the Election Committee

i) Inform Affiliate Organizations and Associate Members of official actions on behalf of the Association in a timely manner

j) Give a State of the Association report at the Annual Convention

k) Initiate or participate in actions with leaders of other organizations in the interest of the Association, its members or Urhoboland

1) Build a solid base for the Association in Urhoboland.

7.2 The Vice President-General shall:

 a) Assist the President-General in the day-to-day administration of the Association

 b) In his/her absence, perform all the duties of the President-General

C) In the event of the President-General's resignation, incapacitation, death or or absence exceeding one hundred and twenty (120) days, automatically become President-General until the next election.

d) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

7.3 The Secretary-General shall:

a) Be the chief scribe of the Association

b) Maintain all official records and documents of the Association

c) Be responsible for all internal and external correspondences of the Association

d) Record the minutes of all meetings and circulate such minutes to the appropriate group(s) no later than (14) days after the meeting

e) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

7.4 The Assistant Secretary-General shall:

 a) Assist the Secretary-General in the performance of his/her duties

b) In his/her absence, perform all the duties of the Secretary-General

 c) In the event of the Secretary-General's resignation, incapacitation, death,   or absence exceeding one hundred and twenty (120) days, automatically  become Secretary-General unless another individual is nominated by the President-General.

7.5 The Treasurer shall:

a) Be the custodian of the Association's finances and real assets

b) With the President-General, sign all checks drawn on, and disbursements from, the Association's account(s)

c) Provide a quarterly account of the Association's receipts- and disbursements to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee

d) Present a financial report to the Annual Convention

e) With the President-General, present an annual budget to the annual  convention

f) Work with internal and external auditors.

7.6 ne Financial Secretary shall:

 a) Maintain the financial records of the Association

 b) File all necessary tax-related and finance-related forms and documents

 c) Provide an account of the Association's receipts to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Council, on a quarterly basis or when requested to do so

 d) Present a financial report to the Annual Convention

e) Work with internal and external auditors.

7.7 The Director of Research and Culture shall:

a) Coordinate the educational, cultural and social activities of the organization

b) Research and institute ways for promoting and adapting Urhobo culture, customs and practices to a changing world

c) Identify Urhobo scholars and others for the purpose of conducting research into, and publishing materials on Urhobo language, history and culture

d) Document events and facilitate the publication of intellectual materials on Urhobo people, history, culture, and issues through all available media

e) Organize the discussion of issues affecting Urhobo people and Urhoboland especially at conventions.

f) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

7.8 The Director of Publicity shall:

 a) Be responsible for publicizing the activities of the Association through the use of all available media

b) Oversee the production and dissemination of publicity materials such newsletters, brochures, and Website

c) Be the public relations officer of the Association

d) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

7.9 The Director of Membership and Welfare shall:

a) Seek and secure new membership for the Association

 b) Monitor the welfare of individual members of the Association and promptly I alert the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of necessary action

c) Coordinate the external charitable activities of the Association

d) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

 7.10 The Director of Development shall:

 a) Research and plan methods for raising funds for the organization's Programs

b) Apply for grants from foundations, businesses and other organizations and individuals

 c) Seek contributions in cash and in kind for the organization's projects.

7. 11 The Speaker (Otota) shall:

a) Be the traditional speaker of the Association

b) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President-General.

7.12 The Deputy Speaker (Otota r'Ive) shall:

 a) Assist the Speaker in all his/her duties

 b) In his/her absence- perform all the duties of the Speaker

 c) in the event of the Speaker's resignation, incapacitation, death, or absence exceeding one hundred and twenty (120) days, automatically become Speaker unless the President-General nominates another person for the position.

 7.13 Each officer of the Association shall prepare a typed hand-over note, and shall transfer all documents, correspondence, files, and any other property of the Association in his/her possession to his/her successor or to the Association no later than fourteen (14) days of leaving office for  whatever reason.

8.1 The official Secretariat of the Association shall be wherever the Secretary-General  is located and shall be nm by the Secretary-General and the Assistant Secretary General.

8.2 As soon as is feasible, the Association shall establish a permanent Secretariat in New York,

8.3 Article 8.1 notwithstanding, other offices of the Association shall be wherever the incumbent officer is located.

9.4 All Chapters and Associate Members shall be duty informed by the Secretariat of the addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and other pertinent information about such offices for communication purposes.

9.1 The General Membership of the Association shall meet at least once a year at the Annual Convention which shall be held during the U.S. Labor Day weekend.

9.2 a) The venue of the next convention shall be determined at the Annual Convention.

b) Chapters wishing to host the convention shall make their intentions known in writing to the Secretary-General no later than sixty (60) days before the convention at which the issue is to be determined.

c) The Secretary-General shall disseminate the names of such chapters to each  Affiliate Organization and Associate Member no later than thirty (30) days before the convention.

d) Each chapter proposing to host the next convention shall be given the opportunity for a brief presentation before the General Membership following which a determination shall be made by a simple majority vote of equal number of members from each Affiliate Organization, and one vote per Associate Member.

9.3 a). It shall be the responsibility of the Association to fund the Annual Convention and to see to its overall success.

b) The host Chapter shall set up a Convention  Committee no later than January I of the year of the convention

c) The Convention Committee shall work with the Executive Committee  in planning the convention.

d) The duty of the Convention Committee shall be to plan and execute the program of the Annual Convention which shall include implementing the logistics of the convention with regard to venues, hotel and other accommodation, transportation, and the overall program of activities.

9.4 The business of the Annual Convention shall include:

a) A joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee and separate meetings of the Board and Executive if need be

b) A report on the State of the Association by the President-General

c) A report by each Chapter President/Chairperson or his/her designated representative

d) A financial Report by the Treasurer and Financial Secretary

e) A discussion of past, current and projected activities of the Association

f) A budget for the next fiscal year by the President-General in collaboration with the Treasurer

g) The election of the President-General in an election year

h) The swearing-in of the President-General-elect in an election year

i) At ]cast one social activity which shall include a program for children

j) Any other activity to promote  Urhobo self-awareness, empowerment, progress, or culture which the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee and the Convention Committee may decide upon.

9.5 a) The Board of Trustees shall meet no less than two (2) times within a fiscal year at times convenient to its members.

b) Such meetings may be in camera or through the use of available technologies such as teleconferencing.

c) Articles 9.5(a) and (b) notwithstanding, the Board of Trustees shall meet with the Executive Committee  in camera at least once during any fiscal year, apart from their meeting at the Annual Convention.

9-6 a) The Executive Committee shall meet no less than three (3) times within a fiscal year at times convenient to its members.

b) Such meetings may be in camera or through the use of available technologies such as teleconferencing provided that at least one of such meetings shall be in camera.

 c) Its own meetings aside, the Executive Committee shall meet with the Board of trustees  in camera at least once during any fiscal year, apart from their meeting at the Annual Convention.

 9.7 The Secretariat shall notify the appropriate persons of all meetings in camera at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting, and for meetings by teleconferencing, at least fourteen (14) days prior to such teleconference.

9.9 The meetings in Articles 9.1 through 9.7 notwithstanding, the Executive  Committee and/or the Board of Trustees may call a General Membership or emergency meeting at any level if the need arises.

9.9 At General Membership meetings., no less than 20 members from at least one-third (1/3) of the number of chapters or Associate memberships, and the President-General or the Vice President-General, and at least one other officer shall constitute a quorum.

9.10 a) The Association shall strive to organize a convention of the Association and other recognized Urhobo organizations and leaders in Urhoboland every other year during the month of December.

b) The purpose of such convention shall be to discuss matters relating to Urhobo development and interests

o) At such convention, any member of the Association traveling home shall be an accredited delegate of the Association provided that such member shall inform the Executive Committee and be briefed by it,

d) The Association shall provide transportation and other financial support to the President-General or any other officer of the Association for the purpose of the convention.

The Standing Committees of the Association shall be:

10.1 A Publicity Committee which shall be headed by the Director of Publicity and whose duties shall be to assist him/her  in his/her duties

10.2 An Editorial Board which shall be under the Director of Publicity, and whose duties shall be to publish the Association's newsletter and to administer the Association's electronic media

10.3 A Home Projects Committee whose duties shall be to research and implement projects for the development of Urhoboland

10.4 An Economic Development Committee whose duties shall be to research and develop economic projects for the Association and interested members of the Association

10.5 A Fundraising Committee which shall be headed by the Director of Development and whose duties shall be to aggressively seek finding for the Association's projects

10.6 Committee members shall be appointed by the Executive Committee or the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees provided that no individual member except the President-General shall belong to more  than two (2) committees.

10.7 The Standing Committees notwithstanding the Executive Committee and/or the  Board of Trustees may establish ad hoc committees as the needs arise.

10.8 Committee members shall maintain close consultation with one another and may meet in camera, if necessary, to achieve the objectives of the committee.

10.9 A committee member shall serve at the pleasure of the Executive Committee and/or the Board of Trustees.

11.1 The fiscal and administrative year of the Association shall begin on January I and terminate on December 31

112 The Association shall be funded through membership dues, contributions, levies, gifts, grants and other legitimate means.

113 a) Each Affiliate Organization and Associate Member shall pay dues per month to the Association.

b) The amount of such dues shall be based on individuals and shall be determined for the next fiscal year at the joint Board of Trustees and Executive Committee meeting at the Annual Convention and announced to the General Membership at the convention.

c) Such dues shall be remitted to the Financial Secretary on a quarterly basis

d) A penalty of 10% per quarter shall be charged for late remittance of such dues.

e) Article 11.3 (a) and (b) notwithstanding, the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees or the General Membership may levy members for specific projects.

11.4 a) All moneys accruing to the Association shall be forwarded to the Financial Secretary in the first instance for record purposes.

b) The Financial Secretary shall remit all moneys received to the Treasurer within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt.

c) The Treasurer shall deposit all moneys received in the Association's bank account(s) within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt.

d) The Treasurer shall send the Financial Secretary a record of disbursements from the Association's account(s) on a quarterly basis.

e) The financial Secretary and Treasurer shall present financial reports to the  Annual Convention and whenever requested by the Executive Committee or the Board of Trustees.

11.5a) Each office and standing committee shall submit a budget request to the Treasurer at least ninety (90) days before the Annual Convention.

b) An ad hoe committee may submit a budget as soon as it is formed to accomplish a specific task

c) The President-General, in consultation with the Treasurer, shall present a budget for the next fiscal year to the Annual Convention.

12.1 Any proviso of this constitution may be amended at the Annual Convention.

12.2 a) Such amendment shall be proposed in a written petition signed by no less than three (3) Affiliate Organizations in good standing.

b) Such petition shall include the wording of the proposed amendment and shall be forwarded to the Secretary-General at least ninety (90) days before the Annual Convention.

c) The Secretariat shall circulate such petition to all Affiliate Organizations at  least ninety (60) days before the Annual Convention.

d) The amendment shall be debated at the meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Annual Convention.

e) The amendment shall. pass by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members of the Board of Trustees present and such amendment shall be communicated to the General Membership at the Annual Convention.

13.1 In the event of the dissolution of the Association, any assets remaining after the lawful discharge of obligations and debts shall be donated to one or more organizations with similar interests as determined by the Board of Trustees.

13.2 In the event that no such organization is designated, then such asserts shall go to the District of Columbia, USA.