SECTION 1: Preamble
1.1. PURPOSE OF INTERNAL RULES & REGULATIONS.
Serving as the organization's Bylaws, these Internal Rules & Regulations are crucial for its smooth and proper operation. They delineate guidelines for upholding the organization's mission, ensuring a supportive relationship between the leadership (board) and its constituents (representatives), clarifying procedures, facilitating daily activities, and improving the leadership's management capabilities.
The Internal Rules & Regulations function as a living document, subject to review and revision by the organization's officers, presidents of associations, and representatives. Adherence to these regulations is mandatory for all association members. Na We We Support associations and individual members will have access to the Internal Rules & Regulations through the designated website or via electronic mail.
SECTION 2: The Name
2.1. THE NAME WE CALL OURSELVES
The official name of the Organization is “Na We We Support Group”. People refer to the organization as “Na We We”.
SECTION 3: Mission Statement and Organizational Objectives
3.1. THE MISSION
The mission of Na We We Support is to cultivate a robust network among Cameroonians residing in the United States of America ("US"), with the express purpose of providing financial relief to families within the community facing the bereavement-related costs associated with the loss of a loved one.
3.2. THE ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Na We We Support's organizational objectives encompass:
- The establishment of an electronic database cataloging various Cameroonian associations situated throughout the US.
- The facilitation of repatriation services for the remains of individuals affiliated with current member associations, whose demise occurs within the US or other foreign nations.
- The coordination of burial services for individuals from "current member associations" who have passed away within the United States.
- The dissemination of death notifications to all member associations, communicated through their respective presidents and representatives, upon the passing of an individual member.
- The systematic collection of financial contributions from each Na We We Support member association.
The transfer of accumulated contributions to the designated funeral home, with any residual balance, following the deduction of administrative costs, being remitted to the specified beneficiary.
SECTION 4: Executive Officers
4.1. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive leadership of Na We We Support, designated as the Board of Directors, shall include a President, Vice President(s), Secretary-General(s), Treasurer, and an Auditor. Additional officer positions may be established and appointed by the Board. Officers whose authorities and responsibilities are not stipulated within these Bylaws shall exercise such authority and execute such duties as periodically prescribed by the Board of Directors. All officers serving within the Na We We Support are initially nominated by the organization's Founders and subsequently require ratification by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5: General Assembly Convocation
5.1. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly shall be convoked at the discretion of the Na We We Support Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the precise location and timing of the General Assembly meetings. Presidents and representatives representing each constituent association are required to attend the General Assembly.
SECTION 6: Regular Board Meetings
6.1. REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
The Na We We Support Board conducts at least three annual meetings to review operations and ensure alignment with the organization's mission and objectives. The President holds the authority to call emergency meetings.
SECTION 7: Emergency Board Response
7.1. EMERGENCY BOARD RESPONSE
Upon notification of the death of an individual belonging to a Na We We Support member association, an extraordinary Board meeting will be held within 48 hours. This meeting will officially announce the death, validate necessary documentation, and prepare the contribution for member associations.
SECTION 8: Membership Criteria
8.1. MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
Membership in Na We We Support is voluntary and free, exclusively for associations. Prospective member associations must agree to adhere to Na We We Support’s Internal Rules and Regulations. Assistance with death contributions is contingent upon member associations remaining in good standing, which includes meeting administrative and matriculation fee obligations and other specified requirements.
8.2. MEMBERSHIP MINIMUM
Membership is restricted to associations or groups with a minimum of ten (10) individuals, and no association's individual membership may drop below eight (08) at any point. Individuals are members of the member associations, not directly of Na We We Support. Therefore, individuals cannot lodge claims or issues against Na We We Support regarding its operation or fund management; this right is reserved for Na We We Support member associations in good standing.
8.3. MEMBERSHIP "Active" AND "Non Active" STATUS
A Na We We Support membership is "Active" upon the assignment and email notification of a matriculation number. Na We We Support retains the discretion to accept or decline association membership. Conversely, the admission of individuals into Na We We Support Member Associations is at the sole discretion of those associations. Member associations may voluntarily withdraw by submitting a letter or email to the Board. Na We We Support also reserves the right to terminate any membership (individual or association) exhibiting behavior deemed disruptive or destabilizing to the organization.
SECTION 9: Matriculation Rules
9.1. MATRICULATION RULES
Matriculation numbers are issued and published 180+ days after new list submission. Associations cannot have duplicate matriculation numbers; association presidents and representatives are responsible for preventing this. Former members can reinstate by paying missed contributions and a return fee, followed by a 180-day waiting period after fee receipt. Provide individual names and dates of birth exactly as on official documents with no abbreviations. Deceased name changes are not permitted post-announcement.
SECTION 10: Joining as New Members
10.1. NEW MEMBERS
New member registration requests are always accepted. Na We We Support only accepts associations or groups with 10 or more individuals. 180+ day waiting period applies after the list is received. See Form A1 in section 11.1 below.
SECTION 11: Membership Record
11.1. ADDITIONS
Requests for the addition of individuals associated with Na We We Support member associations must be submitted via Form A1 - Na We We Support Addition. It is imperative that names and dates of birth supplied on this form precisely correspond with those documented on official identification (e.g., ID, passport) of the respective individual. A mandatory waiting period of at least one hundred and eighty(180) days shall commence upon receipt of the Addition form before an individual's membership status becomes active within the member association. Individuals newly added to Na We We Support member associations are required to remit their Administration and Matriculation fees within two weeks (15) days of invoice issuance.
11.2. WITHDRAWALS
Requests for member withdrawal shall be processed through the submission of Form A2 - Na We We Support Withdrawal. Upon successful submission of the withdrawal form to Na We We Support, all individuals affiliated with the member association listed therein are automatically removed from membership. Specifically, the member association's affiliation with Na We We Support is immediately terminated, irrespective of formal publication. Na We We Support will publish all withdrawals within a timeframe of two (2) weeks following the receipt of the form. The effective date of withdrawal is designated as the 28th day of the month in which the withdrawal form was submitted.
11.3. NAME CORRECTIONS
Submissions for name corrections are to be made utilizing Form A3 – Na We We Support Name Correction. This process is intended for rectifying minor inaccuracies such as typographical errors. In instances where an individual member's name has lawfully changed due to divorce, marriage, or court order, supporting documentation, specifically a copy of the divorce decree, marriage certificate, or court-issued document, respectively, must accompany the request.
11.4. TRANSFERS
Any individual affiliated with an active member association of Na We We Support is permitted to transfer their affiliation to another member association without impediment. Such transfers shall be initiated by completing Form A4 - Na We We Support Member Transfer. A formal email request originating from the presidents or representatives of both the originating and the receiving associations must accompany the transfer form.
11.5. CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATES
Requests for updates to contact information shall be executed by submitting Form A5 - Na We We Support Contacts. When completing the designated contact form, it is mandatory to provide the current email address and telephone number for each representative.
SECTION 12: Returning Membership
12.1. RETURNING MEMBERSHIP
An association that withdrew from Na We We Support may rejoin upon receiving a new matriculation number. The returning association must pay all missed contributions, along with a return fee ($150), and will undergo one hundred and eighty (180) day waiting period starting from the date Na We We Support receives the return fee payment. Individuals who voluntarily left a member association may return based on that association's internal rules, and they may retain their previous Na We We Support matriculation number after completing all requirements.
SECTION 13: Fraudulent Activities
13.1. DEFINITION OF FRAUD
Fraud includes, but is not limited to:
- A member possessing a Na We We Support matriculation number while not residing in the United States.
- Any falsified document.
- Any false statement.
13.2. SANCTIONS FOR FRAUD
The Na We We Support Board may issue a caution or impose a penalty if an offense is believed to have occurred. The decision regarding a penalty depends on the specific circumstances. If the offense is intended to disrupt or destabilize the organization, the offender's membership will be terminated. If fraud is detected, the individual and/or member association responsible will be permanently excluded from Na We We Support.
SECTION 14: Membership Identification
14.1. MEMBERSHIP DURATION
Na We We Support members with 3-year membership can keep their membership worldwide, provided they show proof of citizenship or permanent residency to the US.
14.2. MEMBERSHIP PROPERTY
When issued, all Na We We Support ID cards remain the exclusive property of Na We We Support and cannot be used outside the organization's scope. The use of names, matriculation numbers, emails, and phone numbers obtained from Na We We Support for political or economic purposes is strictly prohibited.
SECTION 15: Litigation & Claims
15.1. MANDATORY VENUE
Na We We Support's primary legal forum is The 5th Appellate District court of Florida, unless written consent for an alternative is granted. This applies to:
- Derivative actions on Na We We Support's behalf.
- Fiduciary duty breach claims by directors or officers.
- Claims against Na We We Support or its director or officers under Florida Law, Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws.
- Claims governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
15.2. CLAIMS RESTRICTIONS
Only member associations in good standing can challenge organizational operations or fund management in court or the general assembly. Individual members cannot make such challenges. Na We We Support indemnifies its employees for official duties.
15.3. FEE RECOVERY
Na We We Support shall recover reasonable attorney fees from the non-prevailing party in any legal proceeding where involved.
SECTION 16: Death Protocol
16.1. REPORTING DEATHS
Deaths must be reported to the Na We We Support bureau within twenty one (21) days. Late reports will not be eligible for contributions. Families or associations may redact the cause of death from the death certificate for privacy before submission.
16.2. DEATHS IN THE U.S.
Submit the following:
- Death certificate (cause redacted optional)
- Na We We Support Matriculation Number
- Deceased's picture
- Proof of association's good standing
16.3. DEATHS OUTSIDE THE U.S.
This applies to US citizens/LPRs who were Na We We Support members visiting abroad.
Requirements:
- Deceased was a Na We We Support member (matriculation number issued and published) at the start of visit.
- The Association is in good standing.
- Member was not yet tenured (above 3 years membership) but under one year of stay.
Required documents:
- Certified death certificate (by the Ministry of External Relations of the country of death).
- Proof of SSA reporting (e.g., Consular Report of Death).
- Copy of deceased's green card/Passport (including VISA page).
- Copy of deceased's trip ticket(s).
16.4. ADMINISTRATIVE HANDLING
Families are responsible for all paperwork. Na We We Support does not handle documents, retain records, or maintain files related to deaths or individual families.
SECTION 17: Contributions
17.1. CONTRIBUTION REQUIREMENT
All active member associations are required to contribute if an individual's death occurred and a matriculation number was assigned.
17.2. CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT
The contribution amount is $20,000.00 (twenty thousand dollars) for deaths. This amount is distributed among all active member associations based on their total number of individuals. The contribution amount cannot be altered after the list has been distributed.
17.3. CONTRIBUTION DEADLINE
The contribution due date is on the contribution sheet from the Na We We Support Board. Associations are encouraged to submit contributions promptly upon the list's release, not waiting for the deadline. The official death announcement happens after the Na We We Support Board receives all required documents.
17.4. INELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions are not eligible under these conditions:
- The individual died before receiving a matriculation number.
- The association is not in good standing due to unpaid contributions or fees.
- The name on the death certificate differs from the Na We We Support database.
- The individual passed away outside the USA and does not possess a US green card, US Passport, or other US document for permanent residency.
- The death was reported to Na We We Support more than twenty one days after the person's passing.
17.5. CONTRIBUTION METHODS
Contributions can be made by:
- Bank deposit/transfer to a Na We We Support Account; details are on the contribution list.
- Online application using Na We We Support’s email: payments@nawewesupport.com and the name: Na We We Support Group
17.6. CONTRIBUTION PROTOCOL
Bank deposits must match the exact amount on the contribution list. Send a deposit receipt via email after making a deposit into Na We We Support accounts (payments@nawewesupport.com).
SECTION 18: Disbursement Policy
18.1 DISBURSEMENT
Na We We Support disburses $20,000.00 per eligible death for repatriation or burial. This sum is paid to the person designated on the form and will be paid by check. The association president or representative is responsible for providing the beneficiary's name and mailing address. Cash disbursements to beneficiaries are not allowed and strictly prohibited.
SECTION 19: Penalty Structure
19.1. PENALTIES
A $150.00 returning fee applies to returning members, plus any missed contributions. Associations failing to meet contribution deadlines incur a $100.00 late fee. Failure to pay contributions (including late fees) within 72 hours post-deadline results in exclusion from Na We We Support. Administration fees unpaid for over 30 days are subject to a 20% penalty.
SECTION 20: Fee Schedule
20.1. ADMINISTRATION FEES
Each individual in a member association pays a $12.00 annual administration fee ($1.00/month), due January 25th annually. These non-refundable funds cover administrative expenses, including daily operations, legal fees, and Board support.
20.2. MATRICULATION FEES
New individuals pay a one-time, non-refundable $20.00 matriculation fee, due after matriculation number assignment.
SECTION 21: Amending Internal Rules
21.1. CHANGES TO THESE RULES
Internal Rules and Regulations can be amended or modified by a majority vote of the Board. Any changes must be formally amended and approved by the majority of the Board of Directors. The Rules are established by the Board. All presidents and representatives will receive amended Rules and Regulations via email.
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