THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SIKH SOCIETY HARRISBURG, INC.
Articles of Amendment:
Pursuant to the provisions of chapter — of Pennsylvania Statues (Non Profit Organization), the SSOH Inc. adopts the following articles of amendments
PREAMBLE
Whereas a large number of Sikhs and followers of the Sikh faith are settled in Greater Harrisburg area, it is hereby resolved that a “ non-profit organization” be formed to maintain the identity of the said group of people and to provide them a forum for achieving their objectives.
ARTICLE I NAME
This organization shall be known as, “Sikh Society of Harrisburg, Inc.” (Hereafter to be called SSOH, Inc.), with its principal office at ——————-.
The SSOH may assign different names to its various organs entrusted with specific activities in fulfillment of its objectives.
ARTICLE II OBJECTIVES
Objectives of the SSOH, Inc. are as summarized herein:
Section 1 To promote learning of and living by the teachings of
the ten Sikh Gurus, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, other Sikh scriptural literature, Sikh Rehat Maryada and received Sikh social, cultural and religious values.
Section 2 To organize routine congregations and related worship services as well as special services as needed on other specific occasions
in keeping with tradition and in a befitting manner.
Section 3 To promote religious, educational, social and cultural
aspects of Sikhism.
Section 4 To work diligently to acquire property and structures to establish a local facility to house Gurudwara (Sikh house of worship) and for cultural, interfaith, educational, sporting and community welfare activities.
Section 5 To further awareness about Sikhs, Sikhism and Sikh
causes through wider participation in and networking with the mainstream including various public or voluntary agencies and the media.
Section 6 To maintain SSOH centers.
Section 7 To establish programs and facilities for children and youth development, with emphasis on achieving the objectives outlined here.
Section 8 To establish and maintain a library to offer facilities for studies, instructions and research on Sikh religion, culture, history, contemporary issues, Diaspora and the Punjabi language.
Section 9 To maintain alliance and cooperation with other organizations with similar aims for the betterment of the Sikhs, Sikh religion and Sikh Heritage.
ARTICLE III PURPOSE AND RESTRICTIONS
Section 1 Purpose
The specific and primary purpose of SSOH, Inc is to
secure by gift or otherwise, hold, distribute or expend
monies and property for religious, educational, cultural
social and charitable purposes per objectives outlined in Article II.
The goal shall be pursued by exercising all rights and
powers conferred on non-profit organizations under
the laws of Pennsylvania and respecting the restrictions
therein and those within the meaning of Section 501©
(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 2 Restrictions
No part of the net earnings or the assets of SSOH, Inc
shall be used for the benefit of or be distributed to, its
members, officers or other private persons except that
the SSOH, Inc. shall be authorized and empowered to
pay reasonable compensation for services rendered
and to make payments and distributions in furtherance
of the purpose set forth in Article II thereof.
SSOH, Inc. shall not carry out any activity not
permitted to a corporation having a non-profit Federal
Income Tax exempt Status under Section 501© (3) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE IV ORGANISATION STRUCTURE
The SSCF, Inc. organizational structure shall be comprised of
Section 1 The General Body
Section 2 The Management Committee
Section 3 The Board of Trustees
Section 4 The Management Board
ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP
All are welcome to attend and participate in the worship services and related activities provided by the Gurudwara.
For other activities the related rules as adopted by their respective organizing committees will apply.
Membership to the SSOH, Inc. shall be granted upon meeting the eligibility requirements and payment of membership dues.
A register of the members shall reside with the secretary of SSOH, Inc. Each member has the responsibility to keep the secretary informed of his/her current address and phone number. Membership to the SSOH, Inc. is not assignable or transferable.
Section 1 Eligibility
- All who believe in the religious teachings and
writings of the ten Sikh Gurus and Sri Guru Granth
Sahib and pledge to abide by the charter and by-laws of SSOH, Inc. can become members.
- Any person resident of Central Pennsylvania is eligible
to become a member of the SSCF upon completion of written application, its approval by the management committee and payment of the membership dues.
- The SSOH respects the devotion, reverence and
dedication of those members living outside Central Pennsylvania who regularly attend Gurudwara, partake in all functions and volunteer their services. The SSOH shall extend rights and benefits to them including voting rights contingent upon meeting other eligibility requirements and payment of dues.
However, in order to be eligible for any position on the Management Committee or Board of Trustees they shall have to transfer their residence to Central Pennsylvania at least one year prior to the elections.
- If a person is denied membership, he/she may refer
the case to the Grievance Committee of the SSOH, Inc. Decision of the Grievance Committee will be communicated to the Management Board. The Management Board will decide to approve it or bring it to the General Body for final decision.
Section 2 Application Process
- The application forms for membership shall be
available from the secretary of the management committee and in the Gurudwara.
- The completed forms shall be submitted to the
management committee and the applicant shall be informed of his/her acceptance or rejection within 30 days.
Section 3 Classification of membership
The following are the classifications of membership of SSOH, Inc.
- Annual member: Those members who pay their
membership dues annualy.
- Life member: Those members who have paid dues for life membership.
- Voting member: The voting member shall be legal alien or a citizen of the USA, be 18 years of age or over, have paid his/her membership dues and have been a member of SSOH, Inc. for a year.
Section 4 Membership Dues
The membership dues per person 18 years or over will be as follows.
- Initiation Fees $50.00
- Annual membership $75.00
- Life membership $1000.00
- Dues become payable on January 1st every year.
- The said dues become delinquent on March 1st of that year.
- The member loses his/her voting privileges if dues remain unpaid two weeks prior to elections.
- The membership is suspended after the elections in that calendar year if dues still remain unpaid.
- If the suspended member fails to pay his/her dues for that calendar year by December 31st he/she must re-apply as a new member.
- The management committee may periodically review this fee schedule and recommended changes for future prospectively.
Section 5.1 Termination of membership
Membership to the SSCF, Inc. shall be terminated
for the following reasons.
- By resignation – effected by the member’s written communication to the management committee.
- By Death
- By Expulsion – membership may be terminated by a majority vote of the management board for any act of omission or commission, deemed by the committee to be detrimental to the best interest of SSOH, Inc.
- For non-payment of annual membership dues.
- For disrupting Gurudwara proceedings, or acts that lead to the disruption of Gurudwara proceedings.
- For willful disregard of SSOH rules and regulations.
Section 5.2 Inactivation of membership
Life members who move out of Central Pennsylvania
shall have the option to inactive their membership
if they plan to come back within 5 years.
Section 5.3 Reinstatement
An expelled member has the right to appeal in
writing to the Grievance Committee if the SSOH,
Inc. Decision of the Grievance committee will be
communicated to the Board of Management. The
Board of Management will decide to reinstate the
Member or bring it to the General Body for final
decision.
ARTICLE VI GENERAL BODY
All the members of SSOH, Inc. shall constitute the “General Body” of the corporation. In the General Body shall reside the concept and strength for representative democracy. Consent of the Governed means that power resides with members of Sadh Sangat. The General Body can counteract any action of the Management Committee or the Board of Trustees by the powers set forth herein.
Section 1 At least two meetings of the general body,
approximately six months apart, shall be held
during a calendar year.
Section 2 A Report on activities of the SSOH, including its
financial activities, shall be presented at these
meetings.
Section 3 At least two weeks written notice shall be given to
the members advising the date, time, place and
agenda for the meeting.
Section 4 Special meeting of the general body may be convened
upon a written request of 25 voting members or one
third (1/3) of the total voting membership whichever
is less. The request shall specify the agenda to be
discussed, the reason this agenda is cause of concern,
and contain the suggestions and recommendations for
resolving the agenda issues.
Section 5 Meetings
- Parliamentary procedures shall govern all meetings of SSOH except where it is inconsistent with constitution and by-laws of SSOH.
- The management committee shall recommend the agenda of the general body meetings and special meetings.
- Special meetings may be called at any time by the chairperson of the management committee, by a majority of the management committee members or as per article V1 section 4 of the SSOH by-laws.
- The chairperson, with the approval of the general body of voting members, may allow non-members the courtesy of the floor for a limited time.
- Quorum of the general body meetings shall consist of one third of the all voting members except when dealing with amendment matters entailed in Article XII section and 2 where specific quorum and voting mandates have been entailed.
- In the absence of the quorum, no business other than financial statements of the expenditure authorization shall be presented and notice regarding pending expulsion of a member given.
- In the absence of the quorum the meeting may be adjourned one half hour after it is called to order.
- Meetings called for discussion and approval for the sale or purchase of items worth $50,000 or more shall require a quorum of the fifty percent (50%) of the voting members of SSOH.
- Adoption of the motion or resolution, arising from routine order of business in a general body meeting, shall require two thirds of those voting in the affirmative. Those who abstain shall not be counted.
Article VII MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Section 1 The management committee shall consist of seven
voting members.
Section 2 The quorum of the management meeting shall consist
of five members.
Section 3 The general body of shall elect all the officer bearers
of the management committee in accordance with the
rules set forth in the Article XI.
Section 4 To be elected to management committee to the
individual shall have been voting member of the SSCF
Inc. for a minimum period of two years.
Section 5 The management committee shall be made up of the
President, Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Youth
member and two members at large.
Section 6 The management committee shall be elected for the
term of two years and no person shall serve on the
committee for more than two consecutive terms.
Section 7 The management committee shall hold a meeting
every 3 months. Notice of the date and agenda items
of the meeting shall be given to each member at least 2
weeks prior to the meeting.
Section 8 Any member of the Management Committee can be
asked to resign or to be expelled by a majority vote of
the Management Board for any act of omission or
commission, deemed by the committee to be
detrimental to the best interest of SSOH, Inc.
Section 9 Collective Duties of the Management Committee
- The management committee shall be responsible for
the management of the corporation and for handling the day-to-day operation of the society in accordance with the constitution and By Laws of SSCF, Inc.
- The management committee shall serve as the
Principle body to assure that the means pursued toward achieving the purpose and goals of SSOH, Inc. as outlined in Article II, are legal, proper and devoid of written, spoken or implied false representation or misrepresentation by any member.
- Books and Records
- The records of SSOH, Inc. shall include Articles of the Incorporation, By Laws, amendments thereof, minutes of all meetings, register of members, accounting books and such other records as designated from time to time. All records shall be maintained in English and kept in Gurudwara under the custody of the honorary council or appropriate management committee members and members of the Board of Trustees. Financial reports shall be posted on the bulletin board at the end of every quarter.
- At the end of each calendar month the Treasure
of SSOH shall post a statement signed by the
President and Chairperson confirming the
payment of mortgage and utility bills or notifying
the Sadh Sangat of any serious financial problems.
- The Books and Records of SSOH shall be made available to any voting member whose written request of concerns has been reviewed and approved by the Grievance Committee.
- The outgoing management committee shall hand over complete and up-to date records to the incoming management committee by the last date of the month in which the elections were held.
- Funds and Assets
9.4.1 The management committee shall be responsible for
timely payment of loans and financial obligations of
SSOH, Inc. property that has a fair market value of
up to $5000.
- The purchase or sale from $5001 to $50,000 shall
require a written approval of the Board of Trustees.
- Any purchase or sale above $50,000 shall require
general body approval.
- All funds collected, any income generated and all
assets and property of SSOH shall be applied to the promotion of the objectives of the SSOH. No portions thereof shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly to general members, management committee members or the Board of Trustees.
- No management Committee member shall enter into
contract with any individual or organization on behalf of the SSOH, Inc. financial or otherwise unless authorized and approved by the Management committee in writing and duly document in the minutes of the meeting in which approval given.
He/She shall not use his/her position for personal financial gain.
9.5 Annual Audit
The management committee shall present the annual
financial statement audited preferably by an
independent external CPA at the annual general
meeting.
9.6 The management committee shall accommodate and
facilitate the requirements of members with special
needs to promote their participation and attendance
in all activities of the Gurudwara.
- In the event a vacancy or two vacancies occur in the
ranks of the management during its term of office, the committee shall nominate replacement candidates for each vacancy and seek approval from the Management Board in a special meeting duly called for this purpose.
Section 10 Duties of officers of Management Committee
10.1 The President
- The President shall be a Keshdhari Sikh. He/She shall not use tobacco or illegal drugs.
- Shall be responsible for the public relations and
Communications functions of the SSCF when liaising with other institutes.
- Shall chair the Grievance committee, Maintenance
committee, Langar committee and Special committee.
- Shall embody the traditional principles enshrined in
The Sikh identity and project and enhance them through his/her communication and appearance when representing SSCF on such occasions as press releases, media appearances.
- Shall be able to speak and write the Punjabi and
English languages.
- Shall arrange appropriate deliberations (Vichar) of
Gurbani.
- Shall present appropriate lectures on Gurbani and
other special occasions for the Sadh Sangat.
- Shall encourage the principles of equality, service and
sharing.
- Shall make the weekly announcements at the Sunday
program in the Gurudwara. He/She shall call upon the chairperson to take the podium to address the Sadh Sangat on matters pertaining to the management of SSCF.
- In the absence of the Chairperson the President shall
chair the meetings of the management committee.
- In the event of not having a qualified candidate for the
position of the President or in the event of a vacancy the Management Board shall appoint an interim spokesperson to fulfill the duties as set in Article VII section 10.1.2
10.2 The Chairperson
The Chairperson shall perform all duties incident to
the office and such other duties as may be designated
as may be designated by the Management Committee.
He/She:
- Shall call and preside at all meetings of the
Management Committee.
- Shall chair the constitution and by-laws committee
- Shall make such appointments as are required or authorized by the Constitution and by the Management Committee.
- Shall designated all official delegates and representatives to other groups.
- Shall appoint such special and ad hoc committees as may be necessary to further the SSCF’s objectives.
- Shall co-sign all checks above $500 and utility bills over $1000.
- Within two months of taking office the chairperson shall present the annual budget to the General Body. He/She shall follow the same protocol for the second year of tenure.
10.3 The Secretary
- He/She shall be responsible for maintaining the
register of all members.
- Shall send notices for membership renewals.
- Shall keep minutes of all management committee and general body meetings.
- Shall send notices of all meetings on the direction of the Chairperson.
- Shall be responsible for maintaining the bulletin board.
- In the absence of the secretary a person appointed by the chairperson shall conduct the duties of the secretary.
- Shall chair the management committee in the absence of the Chairperson and the President.
10.4 The Treasurer
10.4.1 He/She shall be responsible for maintaining proper
records of all financial transactions.
- Shall deposit funds in a designated bank account
within five working days of such collections and shall affect payments of all obligations approved by the management committee.
- Shall not write checks made payable in “Cash”.
- Shall sign checks up to $500 and utility bills up to $1000. Checks greater than $500 will be cosigned by the chairperson or the President.
- Shall present the financial statement to the management committee every quarter.
- Shall present a complete financial statement report at the annual general meeting of the SSCF.
10.5 The Youth Member
10.5.1 The Youth member shall organize activities including
Sikh Youth camps for member of ages up to 21 years.
- Shall liaise with other Sikh organizations to promote,
Encourage religious and cultural activities.
- Shall promote the learning of Sikh history and the Punjabi language.
10.6 Members at large
There shall be two members at large and shall stand
dissolved for any of the following reasons.
Section 11 Dissolution of the Management Committee
The management committee shall stand dissolved for
any of the following reasons.
- Voluntary resignations of a minimum of four members
- By a vote of no confidence in the Management Committee, initiated by a signed petition of two thirds of the voting members of the General Body and presented to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustee shall immediately inform the Sadh Sangat and all voting members of the general body and convene within 2 weeks of the notice and formally dissolve the management committee.
The Board of Trustees shall immediately appoint an interim caretaker committee consisting of at least three voting members of SSCF.
- Failure to make timely loan payments and thus putting SSCF in financial jeopardy.
- Intentional hurdle and willful failure to arrange for and undertake elections as provided in Article XII.
ARTICLE VIII BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees shall keep residual ultimate authority in SSCF, Inc. for ensuring its fiscal welfare and stability. It will not interfere with the regular operation of the SSCF, which will remain with the management committee as provided for in this Constitution and by laws. It shall assure that the means pursued towards achieving the purpose and goals of SSCF as outlined in Article II are legal, proper and devoid of written, spoken or implied false representation or misrepresentation by any member.
Section 1 The Board of Trustees shall be comprised of nine
voting members elected by the general body.
- All members shall be elected from those individuals in
the general body who have contributed $2000 or more in the preceding 2 years prior to the election.
Section 2 All candidates shall have been voting members of
SSCF, Inc. for a period of five years and shall have
contributed consistently to its growth and strength.
Section 3 Each trustee shall be elected for a term of 4 years and
no person shall serve more than two consecutive
terms.
Section 4 Initially in the inaugural year, after adoption of these
Articles of amendment, five new Board of Trustees
shall be elected to join the four existing members to
make a full roster of nine Board of Trustees. At the
following elections two years thereafter, four new
Board of Trustees shall be elected to replace the
previous four held over members.
A binary-tiered/ staggered system of elections shall
now be in place to elect first five and then four
members in a sequential process every two years
assuring each members a four-year term while
establishing continuum to the Board of Trustees.
Section 5 The Trustees shall elect a Chairperson, Vice
Chairperson and Secretary from among their
members. The secretary shall maintain the minutes of
meetings and in his absence the vice- chairperson,
shall conduct this duty.
Section 6 The chairperson will preside over all of the Board’s
meetings or, in his/her absence, the vice chairperson
or, in the absence of both the secretary.
Section 7 The presence of five members in person shall
Constitute a quorum for their meetings. However
in the event of matters relating to Article VIII section
11 herein all nine members shall vote in person or
through valid proxy.
Section 8 The Board of Trustees shall meet at least 3 times a
year. At least 2 of these meetings (semi annual and
annual) shall be joint meeting with the management
committee where the treasurer will present the semi
annual and annual audited accounts. The Chairperson
of the Board of Trustees shall give 2 weeks written
notice of the date and place of all meetings to all the
members of the Board of Trustees and Management
Committee. A notice of 2 weeks in writing with the
agenda shall be given for holding the Special meeting.
Section 9 In the event of a hung vote in the management
committee, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
shall cast the deciding vote.
Section 10 No trustees or the Board of Trustees shall enter into
contract with any organization on behalf of the SSCF,
Inc, financial or otherwise, while there is a functioning
management committee.
- A trustee shall not use his/her position for personal
financial gain.
Section 11 The Board of Trustees may, by a majority vote of all
nine members, present or through valid proxy, at their
Special meeting, relieve the management committee of
its duties if such action is deemed necessary for the well
being of the SSCF, Inc. Those who abstain at this
meeting shall not be counted. The Board of Trustees
shall explain such action to the general body in a
special general body meeting to be held within 14 days
and lay out a plan of action for the interim period until
the caretaker management committee is nominated and
appointed.
Section 12 A board of trustee shall be relieved of the trusteeship
position for any of the following reasons
- By resignation – effected by the member’s written
communication to the Board of Trustee Chairperson.
- By Death
- The member no longer resides in Central Florida a requirement for the membership of SSCF, Inc. as defined in Article IV-2.b
- The Board of Trustee may, by a majority vote of ALL its members present at their meeting, recommend to the General Body the removal of a board member whose actions are inimical to the well-being of the society,its financial, social and moral health , and that are contrary to objectives of the SSCF as stated in Article II.
The quorum for this meeting shall consist of seven members. Those who abstain shall be counted.
Section 13 In the event a vacancy or two vacancies occur in the
ranks of the Board of Trustees during their term of
office, the Board of Trustees shall nominate
replacement candidates for each vacancy and seek
approval from Management Board in special meeting
duly called for this purpose.
ARTICLE IX THE MANAGEMENT BOARD
The Management Board shall consist of all members of the Management Committee and the Board of Trustees. Each board member shall be thoroughly familiar with the constitution and bylaws of SSCF, as well parliamentary protocol and procedures.
Section 1 The Management Board shall meet on occasion requiring
action outlined under section 7 below.
Section 2 The quorum for the Management Board shall be thirteen
members
Section 3 The chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall chair the
meetings of the Management Board and in his absence,
the Chairperson of the Management Committee shall chair
these meetings.
Section 4 The minutes of the Management Board minutes shall be
kept by the secretary of the Board of Trustees or, in his/
her absence, by the vice chairperson of the Board of
trustees.
Section 5 A two thirds majority vote shall constitute as approval
for adoption of their order of business. Those who abstain
shall not be counted.
Section 6 In case of a hung vote, five voting members shall be
randomly drawn from the Sadh Sangat and requested to
cast their vote and break the deadlock.
Section 7 Duties
Section 7.1 In the event of not having a qualified candidate for the
position of the President of the Management Committee
the Management Board shall appoint spokesperson to
fulfill the duties as specified in Article VII section 10.1.2
Section 7.2 Expulsion/ Reinstatement of any member of SSCF
Section 7.3 Hiring/Dismissal of SSCF employee
Section 7.4 Appointment/Dismissal of Granthi
Section 7.5 It will be specified and primary duty of the Management
Board to assure that the legal status of the Granthi, Raagi,
Preachers and lecturers invited to, or on the payroll of the
Gurudwara, is valid and in good standing with the
Immigration and Naturalization Service.
ARTICLE X Finances
ARTICLE X Finances
Section 1 The corporation does not contemplate pecuniary profit or the distribution of gains, profits, or dividends to its members. There shall be no capital stock in this corporation. In essence and actuality, this is a NON-PROFIT CORPORTAION.
Section 2 Checks notes, drafts and other instruments for the payment of money drawn or endorsed in the name of the corporation may be signed by any officer or officers or person or persons authorized by the COUNCIL to sign same. No other person shall sign any such instrument as aforesaid, unless authorized by the COUNCIL. In the absence of such authority, the President and the Treasurer shall sign such instruments. IN CASE SUCH OFFICERS CANNOT SIGN, any two officers authorized by the COUNCIL may do so.
ARTICLE XI THE GRANTHI
Section 1 The Granthi shall be a dedicated and devoted person who
exemplifies Khalsa values in practice and reputation.
He/She shall conduct the duties of serving Sri Guru Sahib
and the Sadh Sangat with Grace, dignity and Humility.
Section 2 Qualifications
- He/She shall be an Amritdhari Sikh.
- He/She shall have legal alien status or citizenship of the USA.
- He/She shall be well versed in Gurbani, Gurmukhi and Shabad Kirtan.
- He/She shall ideally be a married person and of good moral character.
Section 3 Duties of the Granthi
The Granthi shall participate and oversee all the functions
associated with the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
These shall include and not limited to:
- Guru’s Prakash / Hukamnamma amd Guru’s Sukhaasan.
- Shall prepare Krah Prasad as per the Sikh maryada.
- Shall be present during the routine functions and programs at the Gurudwara.
- Shall be available at the residence of the Sadh Sangat with the approval of the management committee.
- Shall conduct the teaching of Gurbani, Gurmat, Shabad Kirtan including the use of musical instruments and Gurumukhi to the Sadh Sangat.
- Shall encourage the participation of other members of the Sadh Sangat in the above duties, and be active in the training of these individuals.
- Shall coordinate with the management committee in the organization and designation of responsibility for the Gurpurab according to Rehat Maryada.
- Shall maintain the decorum and dignity of the Gurudwara by demonstrating and teaching the principles of reverence and religious order to the Sadh Sangat.
ARTICLE XII COMMITTEES
The following shall be the standing committees of the
Sikh Society of the Central Florida. The management
committee shall appoint the chairperson of each of
these committees. All committees shall report to the
management committee.
Section 1 Langar Committee:
The Langar Committee shall consist of five members.
The President of the Management Committee shall be
the Chairperson of the Langar Committee, one
member of the committee shall be from the Board of
Trustees and the other three members shall be from the
general Body. The members of this committee shall be
appointed for a period of two years. Duties of the
committee members shall include but not be limited to
the following
- To ensure the smooth functioning of the weekly Langar
service.
- To co-ordinate with the Langar sponsoring family or families.
- To maintain an inventory of necessary supplies (paper plates, spoons, equipment, etc.)
- To coordinate with the volunteers for serving Langar and the cleanup there after.
Section 2 Youth Committee:
The Youth committee shall consist of five members.
The Chairperson of the youth member from the
Management Committee. The other four members shall
be from the General Body and shall be twenty one years
of age or younger. The members of this committee shall
be appointed for a period of two years.
- The youth Committee shall organize activities for
members up to the age of twenty-one years.
- The Youth Committee shall liaise with other Sikh organizations to promote the Punjabi language and Sikhism.
- The Youth Committee may also participate in the organization of activities for the General Body.
Section 3 Maintenance Committee
The Maintenance Committee shall consist of five
members. The President of the management committee
shall chair this committee. The members of this
committee shall be appointed for a period of two years.
The duties of the committee members shall include but
not be limited to the following:
- To ensure proper lawn care and landscaping of the
Gurudwara.
- To ensure proper maintenance and operations all the electrical appliances, plumbing etc.
- To kept the premises of the Gurudwara neat and clean.
Section 4 Grievance Committee
The Grievance Committee shall consist of five
members. The President of the management committee
shall chair this committee. One member shall be from
the Board of Trustees and three from the General Body.
The term of the committee shall be for a period of two
years. Duties of the committee shall include but not be
Limited to the following:
- To receive any grievance/suggestion brought forth, in
writing on the prescribed form, by any member of the General Body.
- To discuss the grievance/suggestion and propose a recommendation to the Management Committee and /or Board of Trustees.
- To respond back to the aggrieved member within four weeks.
Any grievance/suggestion must be in written form with
the members name properly identified. The committee
shall make a standard form available to any member
who so desires.
Section 5 Constitution and By-Laws Committee
The Constitution and By-Laws Committee shall consist
of five members. The chairperson of the management
Committee shall chair this committee. Three members
shall be from the Board of Trustees and one member
shall be from the Management Committee. The term of
the committee shall be for a period of two years.
- The primary function of the committee shall be to
shall be to facilitate in the interpretation of the constitution and by-laws.
- To receive and study any proposal for the amendment of the constitution.
- To provide a recommendation for the amendment of the constitution to the Management Committee and to the Board of Trustees.
Section 6 Special Committees
From time to time, the Management Committee, with the
approval of the Board of Trustees, can form Special
Committee to carry our specific function such as
Fundraising, Gurupurab, Nomination, etc. These
Committees must have a defined character conforming to
to the constitution of the Sikh Society of Central Florida.
Such committees shall be dissolved upon the completion
of the task.
Section 7 Election Committee
- The election committee shall consist of five members.
Three of the members shall be the outgoing trustees and the other two shall be form the general body.
- One of the outgoing trustees shall be Election Officer. The Board of Trustees shall designate this election officer.
- None of the election committee members shall be eligible fir any election that year.
- The election committee shall be formed at the commencement of the second year of tenure of the current management committee and shall be dissolved upon the new management committee taking office.
- The committee shall have proper knowledge of the current membership list, constitution and by-laws of SSCF, Inc. descriptions of the duties of each office and the eligibility requirements for them.
The secretary of the management committee shall provide the election committee all necessary documents to facilitate this task.
ARTICLE XIV ELECTIONS
Section 1 Elections shall be held every two years in the month of
March.
Section 2 The current management committee shall call for
elections three months prior to the end of their tenure.
The date, time, and place of elections shall be clearly
displayed and a serialized voter list shall be
posted on the Gurudwara notice board. The election
officer shall remind the Sadh Sangat and general body
every Sunday about the forthcoming elections.
Section 3 A eight-week notice shall be given by the election
officer for the submission of nominations. This notice
shall be placed on the Gurudwara notice board.
Section 4 All nominations shall be submitted in writing to the
election officer and shall contain a written statement by
the candidate indicating his/her willingness to serve the
office if elected.
Section 5 Four weeks prior to elections the election committee shall
recommend a list of candidates who meet all eligibility
requirements. This list shall be posted on the Gurudwara
notice board.
Section 6 Only voting members shall file written objections to a
nomination and parliamentary procedure shall resolve
such issues.
Section 7 The election officer may open nominations from the floor
four weeks prior to the elections. All such nominations
shall meet the same eligibility requirements.
Section 8 Motions to close nominations or reopen nominations shall
follow standard parliamentary procedures.
Section 9 There shall be no write- in candidate or mail –in
nominations.
Section10 No campaigning, posters or banners shall be allowed on
the premises of the Gurudwara of SSCF. Any violation of
the sanctity and decorum of the Gurudwara shall
constitute immediate grounds of disqualification and may
result in expulsion from membership of SSCF.
Section 11 The election officer shall have a current serialized voter
list and provide serialized and signed ballot papers to the
voters.
Section 12 All voting shall be by secret direct ballot and through
valid proxy.
Section 13 The election committee shall conduct fair and
democratic elections, free of irregularities, tabulate and
record ballots and submit the tallied votes to the election
officer.
Section 14 The election committee shall provide a safe and secure
environment at the polling station in the Gurudwara to
assure free and uninhibited casting of votes.
Section 15 The election officer or his approved designated shall
have the right to expel anyone who disrupts the
elections or causes hindrance to voting.
Section 16 The election officer after consultation with the election
committee may cancel the voting if it is felt that the
procedure has become disruptive and unmanageable.
Section 17 Counting and tabulation of the ballots shall ensue
immediately upon the closure of the polling booth. Two
general body members shall be invited to witness this
process.
Section 18 The results of the elections shall be announced on the
same day and posted on the notice board.
Section 19 In the event of a tie, all the members of the Board of
Trustees shall cast their vote in person or through valid
proxy to break this tie and elect one candidate within
one week.
Section 20 Unopposed candidates shall be automatically elected.
Section 21 The results of elections shall be announced on Baisakhi.
Section 22 The new management committee and Board of Trustees
shall assume office no later than the last day of April
following the elections.
Section 23 The outgoing management committee shall facilitate the
transition process by providing timely handover of
Books and Records, and by conducting joint sessions to
train and guide the new team of officer bearers.
Section 24 In the inaugural year after ratification and adoption of
these articles the first election shall be held within four
weeks there after.
ARTICLE XIII COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS
Section 1 No officer of this corporation, including any member of
the COUNCIL, shallreceive any compensation for his/her
services, other than reimbursement for reasonable
expenses for travel away from Harrisburg, with prior
approval of the COUNCIL. Any member of the
COUNCIL, but not a member of the Executive
Committee, may be employed by the corporation in a
capacity or capacities, other than as a member of the
Board of Trustees, and be compensated by the
corporation for such activities each year.
Section 2 No Trustee or member of the Executive Committee or
member of this corporation shall be subject to assessment
by the corporation except for such dues as shall be
provided for in the Bylaws, nor shall any such Trustee,
member of the Executive committee or member of this
corporation be personally liable for any of the debts,
liabilities or obligations of the corporation, nor shall any
personal liability in any event attached to any member of this
corporation, in connection with any of its undertakings doe
in furtherance of the purposes for which this corporation is
formed. All of the liabilities of the corporation shall be
limited to its common funds and assets
ARTICLE XIII FISCAL YEAR
Section 1 The Fiscal year of this corporation shall end on the thirty-
first day of December each year.
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENT
Section 1 Article VII section 10.1.1 pertaining to the President can
Only be amended by a 95% majority vote of all voting
Members present or through valid proxy. No abstentions
Will be allowed.
Section 2 The rest of the bylaws may be amended, repealed or
altered in whole or in part by a two-third majority vote
of all voting members present in person or through valid
proxy.
Section 3 An amendment may be initiated by the by-laws
committee, or with signatures of at least 20 percent of
the voting members.
Section 4 The approved recommendations of the by-laws
committee shall be submitted in writing to entire
membership of the general body 30 days prior to
calling a special meeting for the purpose of amending
these by-laws. On approval, the resolution shall be
incorporated into the constitution with immediate effect.
ARTICLE XIV DISSOLUTION
The SSCF, Inc. shall be dissolved for any of the following reasons.
Section 1 Amendment to the Article II Section 1 (To learn, practice
and promote the religious teaching and writings of the
ten Sikh Gurus and Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
Section 2 Amendment to Article V Section 1.1 (All those who
believe in the religious teaching and writings of the ten
Sikh Gurus and Shri Guru Granth Sahib and pledge to
abide by the character and By-laws of SSCF, Inc can
become members)
Section 3 Amendment to Article XII Section 1 (Article VII section
9.9.1 pertaining to the President can only be amended
by a 95% majority vote of all voting members in
person)
Section 4 Upon the dissolution of the SSCF, Inc. the Board of
Trustees shall, after paying all the liabilities, dispose
of all the assets of the SSCF, Inc. in a such a manner
or to such organizations organized exclusively for
charitable, religious, cultural or humanitarian purposes under section 501© 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
