Oromia Youth Association About Us

Oromia youth Association (OYA)

Mission
We the youth of Oromia in Minnesota strongly committed in full and free exercise of our rights to form a legal association to advance our social and economic development, convinced that by continuing to live with and promoting our rich and proud cultural heritage and thereby contribute to a healthy culturally diversified society in our second country, determined to continue to intellectually and materially support our people in Oromia in their struggle for their rights to self-determination and freedom, Have therefore adopted on -- 31st of August 1998 and modified in October, 2005. This constitution that binds us in a mutual commitment to fulfill the objectives and principles set forth herein.

Article 1 - Name
Name of the association shall be Oromia Youth Association (OYA).

Article 2 - Objectives
1. To promote Oromo culture and language among the Oromo youth, so as not to lose their identity and forget their roots.
2. To bring together and promote solidarity among Oromo youth - support each other in school and contribute to the development of a healthy community.
3. To provide positive role models to Oromo youth.
4. To provide educational assistance to Oromo youth.
5. To help Oromo youth refugees in the United States and elsewhere.
6. To focus on economic development opportunities and initiatives.
7. To contribute to Oromo people's social, economic, educational, technological and political development at large.

Article 4 – Membership

Section 1. Types of membership

Active members
1. Shall include Oromo Youth who are in the age group of 15(13) to 30
2. Those who have accepted OYA's Constitution and the Internal Rules and Regulations and have taken oath to uphold them.

B. Associate members

shall include Oromo youth under the age of 15 years and shall have the same requirements and privileges as active members except the ability to vote or hold office,

C. Life membership is offered to those Oromians who made outstanding contribution to the cause of the Oromo people in general and Oromo community in Minnesota. The Executive Board may confer honorary membership upon individuals who deserve such an honor. They may not vote or hold office.

Section 2. Membership Qualifications:

A. One or both parents must be Oromo or is culturally Oromized (is this an actual word?) and identify him/her self as an Oromo.
B. Shall be in the age group of 15-30 to be an active member. There is no age limit to the other membership categories.
C. Must accept this constitution and the internal rules and regulations and guidelines of the OYA.
D. Detailed criteria of membership, including oath, shall be presented in the Internal Rules and Regulations of the organization.

Section 3. Two members of the organization in good standing shall sponsor application for membership.

Section 4. Membership fees and dues,

A. Membership fee shall be a one time payment of $ 20 - along with application. The first month dues shall be paid at the same time.
B. Monthly dues of $5 or if otherwise determined by the Internal Rules and Regulations shall be made payable to the Treasurer not later than end of each month. After the end of the month $2- penalty shall be imposed if no payment is received.

Section 5. Registration and renewals of membership.

A. Members who resign while still in good standing (dues paid up to date) may re-apply within the period of six months.
B. Re-instatement requires a one time fee of $ 10 and payment of all unpaid dues in arrears.

Section 6. Dropped from membership for non-payment of dues.

A. A member who has not paid monthly dues without sufficient reason for four consecutive months shall be dropped from membership after notification by mail from the Treasurer.
B. A member who has been dropped may re-join the OYA after 6 months as new member and shall forfeit all the benefits older members might enjoy. The Executive Board may impose other penalties.

Section 7. Membership Responsibilities

A. Know the Constitution and Internal Rules and Regulations of the OYA and uphold the principles upon which the OYA is organized.
B. Be loyal, faithful and truthful to the OYA and members.
C. Help translates to work the decision of the membership.
D. Pay membership dues regularly and on time.

Section 8. Rights of Members.

Active members in good standing shall have the right to elect and to be elected for any offices.
Active members in good standing shall have the right to take part in all the meetings of the OYA.
Shall have the right to present constructive criticism on the leadership and other members.

Article 5 - Organizational Structure

Section 1. General Assembly

A. The General Assembly is the highest organ of the OYA.
B. The General Assembly is the meeting of all membership and/or their
Representatives.
C. Powers and duties:
1. Amend the Constitution and Internal Rules and Regulations including criteria of membership.
2. Shall at its annual meetings issue broad policy guidelines to further the objectives of OYA. Without limitations to the foregoing generalities, it shall:
a. Elect members of the Executive Board from among its members at the assembly's annual meeting for a period of one year.
b. Approve annual budget of the Association.
c. Appoint auditors and form standing and ad-hoc committees as deemed necessary.
d. Make decisions on the work programs of the OYA.
e. Listens to the reports of Executive Board and making appropriate decisions.

Section 2. The Executive Board

A. The Board shall consist of the five elected officers.
B. The Executive Board shall handle the regular business of the organization.
C. A quorum for conducting the business of the executive board shall be simple majority.
D. Every outgoing Board must leave in the treasury at least a sum of money equal to the unpaid bills and settle other financial obligations.
The power and responsibilities of the Executive Board.
1. The executive organ of the OYA shall be responsible for the day to day activities of the organization.
2. Shall prepare budget of the organization and put to use after approved.
3. Shall have the power to suspend any official who fails to fulfill his/her obligations and present the person to the Assembly for final decision.
4. May form standing and ad-hoc committees deemed necessary for work of the OYA.
5. May improve on Internal Rules and Regulations from time to time to match the growth of the organization and get the same approved by the Assembly.
6. Shall see to it that the Constitution and the Internal Rules and Regulations adhered to by every member.

Section 3. Members of the Executive Board and their Duties

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Cultural Chair
Political/Public Affairs
Publication Chair

A. The President - shall:
1. Preside over all the meetings of the Executive Board and general assembly.
2. May call special meeting when deemed necessary and chair.
3. Shall serve as the chief executive officer of the OYA.
4. Take necessary measures to safeguard the objectives of the OYA.
5. Co-sign checks and membership cards with the Treasurer.
6. Co-sign contracts with the Secretary.
7. Answerable to the Executive Board.
8. Sees to it that the decisions of the Assembly are implemented.

B. The Vice-President - shall:
1. Act on behalf of the President and perform his duties in case the President is unable to fulfill his/her obligations.
2. Carry out other duties assigned to him/her by the President.

C. Secretary - shall:
1. Take minutes of the Executive Board meetings, prepares agenda.
2. Safeguard the documents and records of the association.
3. Co-sign contracts with the President.
4. Perform other duties assigned to him/her by the President.
5. Handle correspondences of the Executive Board under the direction of the President.
6. Organize panels, conferences and seminars to popularize the objectives of the OYA.
7. Establish systematic information flow to members, community and the public at large through newsletter and other available means.

8. Perform other duties assigned to him/her by the President.

Treasurer - shall:

1. Be in charge of financial matters and responsible for maintaining books of accounts.
2. Co-sign checks and membership cards with the President.
3. Plan and execute fund-raising campaigns.
4. Solicit voluntary contributions from its members and others for the support of OYA programs.
5. Establish accounting system.
6. All books of accounts to be audited as may be required from time to time.
7. Prepare financial reports regularly.
8. Perform other duties assigned to him/her by the President

Cultural Chair

Public Affairs Chair

1. Carries out the political need of OYA
2. Represents OYA among political organization, analyze the political situation and public movement and present it to OYA.
3. Understand and know where OYA stand on any political or public issues

Publication Chair

1. Publicizing on information on behalf of OYA
2. Maintain OYA website

Article 6. Election and Terms of Office

Section 1. Election

A. Shall be by secret ballot.
B. Shall only be open to members.
C. Details of election procedures shall be provided in the Internal Rules and Regulations.

Section 2. Terms of office

Officers shall be elected for a term of one year.
Officers may not be elected to the same post for more than two consecutive terms.
Two officers from previous executive board shall become part of the new executive board for an additional one year term.

Article 7. Meetings

Section 1. Regular meetings

A. The General Assembly shall have a regular meeting once a year during the month of August and emergency meetings as necessary.
B. The Assembly shall, at its annual meetings, designate officers from among its members to conduct the meeting including elections.
C. There shall be meetings of regular members every month.
D. Regular meetings of the executive board shall be held every month.
E. Notice of meetings shall be given at least 30 days for the General Assembly and 10 days for the meeting of regular members in advance of the meeting.

Section 2. Emergency and/or special Meetings

A. Emergency and/or special meetings of the Assembly may be called by the President or at the request of three members of the Board or simple majority of membership at the regular meeting of members.
B. Emergency and/or special meetings of Executive Board may be called by the President or at the request of three members of the Board.

Section 3. Quorum

The presence of simple majority shall form a quorum in all business meetings of the Association excepting the amendment of the Constitution.

Article 10. Internal Rules and Regulations

Based on the principles and spirit of this Constitution the OYA shall have Internal Rules and Regulations to govern its day-to-day activities and to better guide its members.

Article 11. Language of work

Afaan Oromo and English shall be the working languages of the OYA. The Constitution shall be issued in both English and Afaan Oromo. In case of uncertainty in meanings the English version shall prevail.

Article 12. The Insignia and Organ of the OYA

Section 1. The insignia of the OYA shall be...

Section 2. The Organ of the OYA shall be…

Article 13. Amendment

This Constitution may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-third of the General Assembly. Copy of the proposed amendments shall be given to members at least 10 days before the meeting for consideration.

Article 14. Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, after paying off all the OYA obligations, the remaining fund and property shall be donated to the Oromo Community in Minnesota in accordance to the relevant law of the land.
Any remaining fund shall be kept to OYA's bank account for further use. If there some convincing reason, OYA shall donate remaining fund to OCM.