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C O N S T I T U T I O N

AFRICA ROOTS MOVEMENTS

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UP DATED MARCH 2005

ARTICLE 1.

PARAGRAPH 1. The NAME of the Organisation is called AFRICA ROOTS MOVEMENTS Abbreviated as ARMs.

PARAGRAPH 2. The MOTTO is DIGNITY, AWARENESS, & UNITY.

PARAGRAPH 3. The LOGO stands as displayed…..

PARAGRAPH 4. The FLAG stands as displayed…..

PARAGRAPH 5. Its present SEAT shall be in AMSTERDAM in the NETHERLANDS for now.

ARTICLE 2.

PARAGRAPH 1. The MISSION STATEMENT is ……..

PARAGRAPH 2. The AIMS are ………

AIMS

RECONCILIATION:

· Bringing together people of African origin to have a forum to discus and enlighten each other.

· Acknowledge and recognize the various ethnic, tribe, creed that make up the African race.

· To create an avenue for brothers and sisters of African origin to express and settle our personal, national and global grievances.

POSITIVE IMAGE:

· Show respect and love to each and every person of our race.

· Be of good behavior (law abiding citizen) in our immediate environment as good example to others.

· Bring back the family and communal culture rooted in the big word RESPECT, which is prevalent in African tradition.

SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE:

· What all agrees upon shall be abiding individually anywhere and at any given time.

· Whosever is mandated to lead in or at any capacity shall wholeheartedly be supported by other members.

· Differences and opinion on an issue (object or subject) must be iron out and agreed upon before adoption.

BREAK DIVISIVE BARRIERS:

· Identify things / issues that divide us e.g. Religion, ethnic, social status, complex etc.

· Encourage things that can bring us together as a bridge to connect us e.g. music, dance and other forms of Arts.

· Promote social, economic, political, religious interactions amongst our people by organizing e.g. seminars, exhibitions, excursions, festival and rallies etc.

EDUCATION:

· Support (morally and Financially) each and everyone to attain educational qualification in form

of scholarship.

· Make available educational materials such as books, cassettes, video etc, about us as a people in

of our existence (past, present and future).

· Teach our children from early age our history, cultures and traditions about our Africanness.

· Educate each other through lectures, seminars etc about our past, present and future of our Race.

PRESSURE GROUP:

· Make our voice heard by way of protest against injustice, humiliation and torture.

· Lobby politicians and those in power for the benefit of our demands.

· Make known our concepts from an African perspective on national, international & global issues.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL HERITAGE:

· Proffer strategy & policy for the restoration of the African traditions, cultures and social status.

· Collate a comprehensive data in the various African cultures, language, medicine, religion, artifacts, dressing etc.

FINANCE / ECONOMIC WELFARE:

· Economic financial cooperation among members e.g. cooperative savings, loans.

· Give financial advice to members on investment and financial management.

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

· Encourage scientific innovations, inventions and research.

· Promote and support African scientist morally, financially and politically.

· Organize scientific seminars, lectures and training for African communities.

· Showcase African science and scientist contributions to mankind advancement and development.

HEALTHY LIVING / ENVIRONMENT:

· Encourage herbal and healthy living habits among Africans and African communities.

· Give medical advice on various ailments and good health exercise.

· Teach environmental science, living sanitation and inter – relation for sustainability.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE:

· Recognize and recommend hygienic foods to the African communities (natural foods).

· Support and promote African shops, food products, agricultural goods etc.

PARAGRAPH 3. The OBJECTIVES are ……..

OBJECTIVES

EDUCATION:

· All members are to be an Authority/Leader with immense training/knowledge about Africa and African history.

· Anyone/Everyone to acquire educational knowledge & qualification to any level.

· Library of books/materials (CD, VC, Tapes etc) on Pan-African issues to be established and accessible to our people.

· Organize symposium, Lecture and Workshop on weekly, monthly or yearly basis both on local and international level, to enlighten and educate on issues that affect Africans and Africa.

· Children and youth education on our history, culture, customs and tradition e.g. ACEP (African Children Education Programme).

REPARATION / REPATRIATION:

· Retrieve our cultural heritage in terms of artifacts, land etc.

· Join with other Pan-African organizations to fight for reparation.

· Re-write our story in our own context.

· Encourage and support "Back to Africa" project.

COMMUNICATION:

· Establish mass media outlets to disseminate information to people.

· Publications – magazines, books, newsletters, newspapers.

· Television and Radio broadcast.

· Adopt an African language as a medium of communication among our various peoples.

· Person to Person spread of the messages about Africa.

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION:

· Sponsor person (s) or peoples of African descent from all over the world to be politically active in their country of residence.

· Support Pan-African political parties and government wherever they may be found in the world.

· Give general support to the African Union (AU) in line with our main vision for the unity of Africans.

· Organize campaigns (for political, social, economic, cultural change) against injustices towards peoples of African descent.

· Our Leaders/Heroes to be created/accepted by us not by others (other races).

SOCIAL WELFARE:

· Humanitarian center (s) to cater for Peoples of Afrikan descent to be set up as a

social projects.

· Set up Financial Aid Funds for various support initiatives, advisory and counseling

center to help individuals or groups.

· Celebrate (Identify, Respect and Create) our National holidays, Periods and

important dates.

· Establish social centers for entertainment, children enlightenment & education.

CULTURE:

· Promotion and recognition of African cultures.

· Adoption and maintaining African Identities i.e. Names, Clothing, Languages etc.

· Respect and acknowledge African beliefs, customs, traditions and faith.

· Preserve/Project/Build Monuments that are of importance to African wherever they may be to commemorate the African identity.

ECONOMY:

* Buy from each other within/between African communities in order to build

economic power among Africans.

* Promote African products & produce by setting up Shops.

* Set companies, factories to facilitate trade and employment.

* Acquire Lands for farming and housing projects in Africa and other African

communities around the world.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT:

* Establishment of Scientific Research Laboratories and centers.

* Production and promotion of African inventions and innovations.

* Give Awards or Scientific & Technological inventions and innovations.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE:

* Establish Hospitals and Health care centers.

* Donate medicines and health care materials to Africa and African communities.

* Establish Practice and Research centers to coordinate African traditional medicine.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION:

* Set up farms and farm settlements in Africa and African communities elsewhere.

* Establish food processing factories/industries.

* Built sites and storage facilities in villages to avoid food and agricultural produce

Spoilage.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT:

* Help in the protection of Africa’s endangered species and natural environment.

* Construct roads, bridges and drainages for communal benefits.

* Encourage ‘Plant a Tree Today’ project to arrest desertification and erosion.

* Establish a data base of Africa’s landscape, animals, plants and peoples.

The Above Aims and Objectives shall in the future be expanded as it might be required.

ARTICLE 3.

PARAGRAPH 1. The Organization started on the 20th JANUARY 2002 in AMSTERDAM.

PARAGRAPH 2. Officially registered on 8th JUNE 2005 in AMSTERDAM under the NOTARY seal Of SCHUT van OS notarissen in AMSTERDAM.

PARAGRAPH 3. The Organization year coincides with the CALENDAR YEAR, with the exception of the first day of REGISTRATION.

PARAGRAPH 4. Both dates above shall be so observed and acknowledged accordingly.

ARTICLE 4.

PARAGRAPH 1. The MEMBERSHIP is open to PEOPLES OF AFRICAN DESCENT interested in the

PURPOSE of the ORGANIZATION.

PARAGRAPH 2. The Categories of MEMBERS shall be as follows ;

FULL MEMBER Card Carrying, Voting Rights, can Aspire to Lead in any Capacity if so desired,

SUPPORTER Person, Corporate, Groups, Organization, Political Parties, or Government who gives supports as might be as might be agreed.

PARTNERSHIP Cooperation with other Pan – African Organizations officially recognized as Partners.

PARAGRAPH 3. Only the LEADERSHIP COUNCIL shall have the right to approve the Admission to Membership from the Categories of Members after acceptance by the HOUSE.

PARAGRAPH 4. Admitted Member shall receive from the Organization copy of the ‘CONSTITUTION’, ‘BY-LAWS’, ‘IDENTIFICATION MATERIALS’ (Id card, Logo, Flag, Copy of the

Registration Form.).

PARAGRAPH 5. Application for Membership shall take place in writing by submitting the

REGISTRATION FORM.

PARAGRAPH 6.ENDING the Membership shall take the form of

(a) The member’s Decease.

(b) Discontinuance which will take place by written notification on or before December of the year which has to be in the Secretary’s possession, acceptance after due consultations by the house by January the following year.

(c) Discontinuance on behalf of the Organization can take place by the Leadership Council if the member has ceased to meet the requirements made for in the Constitution by December and decided in January the following year .

(d) The Financial obligations stands until the membership cease for b & c above. (e) Withdrawal of the Discontinuance letter is possible during the course of time before the final decision. (f) Expulsion takes place when the member acts in conflict with the Constitution, Rules, or Decisions of the Organization or to Disadvantages: The Leadership Council shall present the Case to the House Disciplinary Committee for approval by December and decision to be taken in January following year.

(g) Re-Admission to Membership is possible if the matter of Cessation is resolved and the oath of membership in Article 4 paragraph 1 – 5 is fulfilled.

ARTICLE 5.

PARAGRAPH 1. FINANCE shall come from various means by

(a) Registration Fee of 50 euro as at now.

(b) Monthly dues of 10 euro per month after three months of the first attendance.

PARAGRAPH 2.Government help in term of financial support or otherwise at the resolve by the House after due consultations and consensus.

PARAGRAPH 3. Donations from the general public in term of financial, moral, Professional or material Support.

PARAGRAPH 4. Sponsorship in which some of the Organization's financial obligations could be put under an approved and accepted Body i.e. Pan-African organization.

PARAGRAPH 4. Fund – Raising for financial aid, project , activities etc in form of cash, material or otherwise shall be organized from time to time.

PARAGRAPH 5. Commercial Enterprises to generate funds in terms of

(a) Setting up viable businesses

(b) Companies

(d) Other business ventures.

PARAGRAPH 6. The ACCOUNT SIGNATORIES shall be the following Three Executives, TREASURER, SECRETARY, CHAIRMAN and an ordinary MEMBER chosen for the Purpose.

PARAGRAPH 7. The Treasurer may be mandated by the other Three Signatories if need be or as might be agreed by the four to release money to the Financial Office for administrative duties.

ARTICLE 6.

Official day to day administration and mandates shall to the following shape…..

PARAGRAPH 1. The ADMINISTRATIVE structure shall be as follows……….

The LEADERSHIP Council………

The COUNCILS………..

The ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS……….

PARAGRAPH 2. APPOINTMENTS of the Officials and Posts are to be as follows…………

PARAGRAPH 3. The SIGNATORIES for ARM shall be the CHAIRMAN, SECRETARY,

TREASURER and an ordinary Official MEMBER (i.e PRO). The three may Mandate somebody i.e. PRO or vise versa.

ARTICLE 7.

PARAGRAPH 1. The OPERATIONAL Strategy shall be an Open and Intelligent Movement as a low profile Social organization with the intent of reaching out to our Peoples of African descent through

Social organization (Entertainment, family affairs, Humanitarian, Culture, Health, Housing.& Shelter etc).

Education (History, Politics, Profession, Sciences &.Technology, Medicine, Enlightenment, culture, commerce, etc

Constructive engagement (Non-confrontational attitude, lobby, Political alliance, conflict-meddling, Reconciliatory attitude, peace resolution etc)

Grassroots movement (Open invitation to African peoples, Avoidance of divisive tendencies, Unity in diversity etc.)

International cooperation (contacts with other Pan-African organizations, Cooperation with Human Rights Organization, Corporate partnerships, Membership with international organization of interest etc.)

Intelligently Secured –by engaging in defensive measures & intelligent gathering to prevent sabotages that might not enable us to achieve the Aims & Objectives and dream for a better prosperous Africa and Africans in general.

PARAGRAPH 2. The ACTIVITIES shall be as follows ………

The following are what we will engage in the near future and now…….

MEETING;

General- 1.The meetings are to take place every Sunday between 5-8p.m (for now).

2.The committee members are to be there by 4p.m. prompt.

Executives -1.The Steering committee to hold meeting during the week (mon - fri).

2.The committees (finance, publicity etc) to hold meeting once a month (probably last week of the month) at any convenient day.

WORKSHOPS;

General-1. Public workshops to be arranged at any appropriate time, particularly on sundays before the general meeting.

2. Workshop can also be organized by the group who are of interest to ARM or in conjunction with ARMs.

Special-1.Specific workshops targeted at special group i.e. Children, Elderly etc may be arranged by ARMs or other groups in line with ARMs.

2. Workshop of interest for ARMs but not organized by ARMs can be attended by arranging and organizing our members.

Officials-1.Executive members workshop targeted at administrative leadership & intelligence education.

2. Leadership training workshop for specific members of the executives.

SEMINARS;

Public-1.General seminars on subjects of public interest i.e. Global warming, Human rights etc

2. Public seminars to air our views on current and international issues.

National-1 Nationals (country) seminar on specific issues i.e. civil war in an African country.

2. Intra-Ethnic, Governmental, Religious etc cooperation and conflict meddling seminars.

FESTIVALS;

Comemmoration-1. Commemorate the birth and death of our heroes e.g. Marcus Garvey.

Summer-1. Special summer festivals which might come in the form of Dance, Drama, shows etc during the summer periods.

2. Out–door campaigns and entertainments to foster public interaction and cooperation.

Cultural-1. Organize Theaters Plays Dramas on African stories, history and literatures.

2. Promote African cultural groups from the continent & Diaspora.

3. Organize African music shows and lectures on African music (history, training &documentations).

4. Promotion of African Arts & Artifacts, Exhibitions and trade fairs.

5. Organize yearly African fashion parades and beauty contests.

Publicity-1. Out –door advertisement of ARMs by way of Billboard, Flyers, Posters on our views and what we stand for.

2. Electronics media outlets (computers, television, radio, telephone) shall be explored for the propagation of ARMs ideals.

3. Door to Door propagation of Pan-African vision and ideals.

HUMANITARIAN;

Adoption- Adopting children, Elderly and Village in Africa and African communities elsewhere.

Donations- Donating materials for Humanitarian purposes.

Visitations- Visiting Orphanages, Disaster arrears etc.

VOLUNTARY;

Support- Giving Support services in terms of Labour or professional work for Govt, Firms, Company etc as might be necessary and accepted by ARMs.

Environmental Sanitation- Quarterly, Monthly or Weekly environmental cleaning of particular areas as might be decided by the ARMs.

Work / Job- Work and Job placement of ARMs Members in Firms, Companies, Govt etc.

ARTICLE 8.

AMENDMENTS of the Constitution shall be as follows…….

PARAGRAPH 1. The Constitution can only be amended after a decision by the General Meeting which was convened with NOTIFICATION that an amendment would be proposed at it.

PARAGRAPH 2. The proposed amendment of the Constitution is to be included word by word with the written notification of convention of the meeting.

PARAGRAPH 3. This Constitution may be amended by affirmative vote of Two – Third of the

Membership, whether present and voting or voting by proxy at a General meeting.

PARAGRAPH 4. The amendment does not come into force until after a Notarial Deed of it has been Prepared.

PARAGRAPH 5. The Amendment can only take effect until the following January.

ARTICLE 9.

The VOTING Patterns shall be as follows…

PARAGRAPH 1. General Meeting –

(a) 25% of the membership capacity shall form a quorum to take Decisions on matters arising, the voting for Resolutions then shall be 75%.

(b) In case of more than 50% membership attendance a simple majority shall adopt resolutions by voting.

PARAGRAPH 2. Executives Meeting – of Officials shall as well be in accordance as above.

PARAGRAPH 3. Except for the Leadership Council which shall be that at least 4 of the 7 members must be present to make a meeting and decide on matters, adopt resolutions with the simple majority of 4 to 3 with proof and evidence of a neutral person as witness for the Record.

PARAGRAPH 4. The Electoral Committee

(a) Of Seven members shall be elected to conduct and oversee the electoral processes.

(b) They should be elected by popular vote in.

PARAGRAPH 5. The Temporary RULES/REGULATIONS during…

MEETING

The following rules and policies should be observed as appropriate during all our meetings.

No abuse, fighting, negatives signs from anyone to everyone and vice-versa. Total RESPECT is recommended to everyone without any resentment.

Personal grievances or DIFFERENCES between two or more members shouldn’t be allowed to manifest during meeting deliberations.

The meeting MODERATOR is the only one to anyone who has any question, suggestions or opinions to address the house.

Peoples of Afrikan origin can PARTICIPATE in the movement’s meetings, NON AFRICANS origins may come at the discretion of the members and also during public lecture, workshops etc as might be stipulated.

Any member may be called upon to take part in any TASK, activity or position at any given time (as we are all looking forward to the progress of this organization and to bring a positive change) it’s up to us to show responsibility as regards to whatever we are called to do or participate and support positively if you cannot do it support the person doing it with all our heart and soul.

For now a voluntary DONATION of 2 euro minimum is expected from Participant (meeting) to cater for expenses such as rent, menu, books, etc. It is extremely important for all of us to contribute without any resentment for if we are not willing to do this little one, how can we able to face the greater task ahead, the future lies in our hands.

7. Any member coming after the meeting has started should keep quiet and observe carefully how the

meeting has proceeded to avoid draw-back.

8. Whoever is coming for the FIRST TIME should try to wait ( if he or she has enquiries about the

movement ) after the meeting and consult the officials.

9. Time given for any discussion, opinion, question or answer must be respected.

10. Questions, answers, enquiries, opinions etc are welcome during the meeting proceedings ( at the

discretion of the presenter ) as long as it in line with what is been DISCUSS on the floor.

11. Everyone is expected to address each other with respect and humbleness at all times.

12. Mobile PHONES should be switch off or put on vibration, side talks or murmuring too should be

discouraged to avoid distractions.

13. Personal INTERACTION is encouraged after the meeting between members on issues of the day,

particularly the lecture.

LECTURE

The following rules and regulations are to be observed during lectures.

The moderator is the only one to determine who ever with questions, Suggestions or opinions on the lecture’s topic to address the house and all should be patient to wait until been called.

All issues that are not in line with the lecturer’s topic can not be treated and If necessary tackled in

another deliberations to avoid confusions

The lecturer must finish the lecture before all remarks can be allowed ( notes could be taken down of questions or reactions ).

The lecturer should show respect and use dignified words when addressing the house for reciprocation.

Any lecture that is approved to be given will be scrutinized before the meeting to avoid surprises and unwanted issues that won’t help us all of be confusing and controversial.

A separate meeting may be scheduled for unanswered questions between the lecturer and the party or person concern.

The lecturer is not the ultimate authority on the topic and so also the house, so that the spirit of harmony will prevail.

The lectures, workshop, seminars or conferences are meant to educate, enlighten and create a forum where we can all reason together to have better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Anybody who has a topic, knowledge, information or practices o interest to share with others should kindly make it known to officials and the house.

10. Hand-out on the lecture should be made available to the house to facilitate understanding and

overview of what is on discussion.

11. All information ( hand-outs, leaflets, books etc ) given during lecture and meeting should be studied

carefully at home for reconsideration at the next meeting.

WOMEN’S ROLE

The following are principles and policy on women and their role within ARMs.

1.Women are a part and parcel of the movement at all capacity.

2.The recruitment ( and propagation ) of women should often be taken up by women who are now part of the movement.

3. Continental and Diaspora Afrikan women are to be integrated by formulating strategy and policy to the effect.

4. The Afrikan woman is to be honored and placed in her glory as evident as possible within the movement.

5. The women are expected to manifest the motherly and family bond ( which is the pivot of the Afrikan society ) within the movement.

6. Pan-Afrikan ideology, culture, history, etc should be taught and imbibe into the children at home to give them a sense of pride in their Afrikanness, because the mother is often closer to the children.

The women group should try to coordinate the youth, children, and baby arm of the movement.

Matters on women affairs should often be handled by women ( because they understand themselves better ).

MORAL CODE

The following are to serve as moral – code of conduct for everyone to facilitate harmony among us all.

Utmost love should be shown to fellow brothers and sisters.

Respectful manner towards one and all from every member to all members particularly older and elderly persons. (RESPECT ).

The officials are to be very receptive as much as possible towards the other members while performing their duties and members too to join and give helping hand in carrying out the duties because no one person can do it all.

Trustworthiness, faithfulness, openness are to be the guiding light.

Each one teach one, message of giving and taking should be the interactive watch word.

Differences on opinions or issues should often be set aside for an atmosphere of tranquility and understanding to prevail.

Backbiting, slander, gossip, on one by all or all by one is negative vibes that create no positive values.

Indecent approach towards the opposite sex in the form of sexual harassment must at all time be discouraged, and if so disciplinary act shall be enacted.

PRINCIPLES

Whoever brings an IDEA, SUGGESTIONS, PROJECT or OPINION must follow it up to make it work not just for the saying sake! (only the dreamer can translate its dream to reality) no one is there to work for the other but with each other.

The Leadership Council must reflect our diversity and gender.

The AIMS / OBJECTIVES shall be our guard to be followed to reality, actualization and implementation.

Africa and Africans is the soul of the organization and the stone that we lay our head.

The Organization shall in by no means be a money making organization for a person or persons or group.

Alcohol is discouraged at all our Gatherings to avoid misconducts and more over it is seen as a weapon long used to destroy Black communities.

Decisions and Issues are put to vote before adoption and majority shall always carry the vote.

Our Person or People doing things (project, study, enterprises etc) one way or the other should be ENCOURAGED not DISCOURAGED, BUILD UP not BREAK DOWN, BIND together not TEAR apart.

Person of African descent coming for the first time is considered a member in as much as he/she is welcome to contribute positively towards the upliftment of the organization, Africa and Africans all over the world.

Dues must be paid in order to sustain the bills for the running of the organization. (Arrears or outstanding may be paid later if the person owing is not financially okay or waver for whoever is jobless until he/she can be able to pay).

The Monthly Dues of 10euro is assumed due by after three month of first attendance by a participant (on principle of No 9 above) because we are all here for each other.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

Thorough Reading and Understanding of the ARMs information should be done by old and new

Members before criticism, suggestion, advice or opinion of issues on debate during meetings.

Look around and observe what is lacking (organizationally or otherwise) and make any contribution that you can conveniently offer (financially or materially).

ARTICLE 10.

MANDATE on the duration of the Officials shall be as follows....

PARAGRAPH 1. The Executives shall have a mandate of TWO YEARS Term of FIVE TERMS through popular vote.

PARAGRAPH 2. In Case of RESIGNATION an Interim person shall be immediately Elected until the time for new election.

PARAGRAPH 3. In Times of CRISIS, any of the Councils may be Dissolved by popular vote after such motion is passed, approved and relayed to the "Electoral Committee" who then call for new election after a 75% of the members vote is received.

ARTICLE 11.

DISSOLUTION and LIQUIDATION of the Organization shall take the following form…..

PARAGRAPH 1. A 75% of all the Registered members vote shall have to be received to effect the process for dissolution or liquidation of the organization.

PARAGRAPH 2. In the case of not enough vote as above, the organization shall continue until the consensus is reached as to that effect.

PARAGRAPH 3. When Dissolution and Liquidation is agreed, the ARMs Properties, Materials, Funds, Documentations, and Landed properties shall be handed over to the AFRICA UNION.

PARAGRAPH 4. The Africa Union shall turn this Deeds for Humanitarian purposes for Africa and Africans.

PARAGRAPH 5. An ARMs Handing – Over Committee shall oversee the deeds handed to the AU and see that the purposes are adhere to.

PARAGRAPH 6. The Hand over shall be WITNESSED by the NOTARY, OFFICIALS of ARMs, and Interested members of ARMs.

WITNESS WITNESS WITNESS

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