Pukhtoon Canadian
Cultural Association

Name & Status

• The name of this Association shall be the Pukhtoon Canadian Cultural Association of Saskatchewan, hereinafter referred to as the Association or PCCAS.
• The Association shall be non-political, non-religious and not for profit.

Objectives & Mission Statement

• Promoting and preserving Pukhtoon culture
• Providing assistance and support to the Pukhtoon community in time of need
• Providing settlement services to newcomers
• Arrangement of cultural programs, seminars, professional networking workshops, and short courses to help the Pukhtoon community integrate into Canadian society

Scope of Membership

• Any adult (male/female) Pukhtoon residing in Saskatchewan, Canada
• Of Pukhtoon origin or a husband or wife of such person, regardless of national origin
• Agree and conform with the Association's objectives and membership responsibilities
• Submit a properly completed application form and pay the membership dues within the stipulated time
• Membership runs from January 1st to December 31st of each calendar year. Members may apply at any time during the year, but membership shall lapse on December 31st and must be renewed annually by January 31st of the following year to maintain Active status.

Types of Membership

• Regular Membership — Any person of Pukhtoon origin upon fulfilling the qualifications and paying the annual membership fees shall become a Regular member
• Associate Membership — Any person not of Pukhtoon origin upon fulfilling the qualifications and paying the annual membership fees shall become an Associate member
• Life Membership — Any person of Pukhtoon origin or otherwise, upon fulfilling the qualifications and paying a one-time membership due equivalent to 25 years of regular membership fee, shall become a Life member

Application Fees

Application fees may be reviewed and changed by the Board of Directors. All fees are due and payable upon application for membership.

Rights of Membership

• Members shall have full rights to vote on all matters brought forward in a General Meeting, provided they secured "Active" membership at least 30 days prior to the General Meeting.
• An Active member aged 18 or above on the day of election shall be eligible to hold a position on the Board of Directors, provided they secured membership at least 30 days prior to such election.
• Membership of a Regular Member shall be considered lapsed if annual renewal dues are not paid by January 31st of the new membership year. After such time, the member may rejoin upon payment of applicable dues.
• All members, including Associate members, shall be entitled to receive all benefits and services provided by the Association.
• Associate members may discuss any issue at meetings but shall not have the right to propose or second any motion, or hold any elective office.

Resignation & Termination

• Any member may resign by written communication to the Secretary, subject to Board of Directors approval. Membership fees are non-refundable.
• A member may be suspended by a two-third majority of the Board of Directors for willfully engaging in conduct contrary to the Association's objectives.
• Membership obtained by providing false information shall be considered Void upon review and two-third majority approval by the Board.
• Membership shall automatically terminate if a member (a) passes away; (b) resigns in writing; (c) moves from Saskatchewan; or (d) fails to pay annual dues by January 31st of the renewal year.

Reinstatement

• Membership privileges may only be reinstated by the Board of Directors when the member provides full written assurance to abide by the Constitution, By-laws and Regulations of the Association, and to desist from further activities harmful to the Association.

General Body

The highest authority for deciding policies and managing the affairs of the Association is the general assembly of members, referred to as the General Body.

The Board of Directors

• 1. President  ·  2. Vice-President  ·  3. Secretary  ·  4. Treasurer
• 5. Director of Social and Educational Affairs (Male)
• 6. Director of Social and Educational Affairs (Female)
• 7. Director of Youth Affairs

Election of the Board of Directors

• Any Active Member in good standing shall be eligible for election to the Board of Directors.
• The Board shall select three members in good standing to form an electoral committee. Electoral committee members shall not be current Directors nor nominated for any elective office during their term.
• Nominations must be in writing, signed by two members in good standing, and accompanied by the written consent of the nominee, submitted to the Secretary.
• The official ballot shall record names in alphabetical order for each elective office.
• Where more than one candidate stands for an elective office, election shall be by secret ballot.
• The election of Directors shall be by simple majority.

Violations

• Misappropriation of funds or other assets of the Association
• Violating the terms and provisions of this Constitution or By-laws
• Making willful misstatements or entering untrue/misleading information on a membership application
• Working against the interest of the Association or accepting membership in any organization listed as harmful by the Board

Expulsion from Office

• Any member in good standing may bring written charges against any elected or appointed official for unsatisfactory performance of duty to the Board of Directors.
• If justified, the Board shall issue notice of impeachment and hold a hearing within 30 calendar days. If not justified, the accuser has 7 calendar days to appeal.
• The accused, if convicted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board, shall be removed from office.

Annual General Meeting

• Notice of the AGM shall be communicated to Membership 21 days prior to the meeting.
• The agenda and Financial Statement shall be sent to Membership at least 7 days before the meeting.
• Reports of the President, Treasurer, and Committees shall be presented at the AGM.

Special General Meetings

• Called if a two-third majority within the Board of Directors requests it
• Called upon a written request signed by 40% of Active members or 20 Active members, whichever is less
• Notice shall be communicated 14 days prior; agenda sent 7 days before
• In exceptional circumstances, a General Meeting may be called at 48 hours' notice by at least 2/3 of Directors

Quorum & Voting

• Quorum: at least one-third or 25 Active members, whichever is less
• Voting shall be by simple show of hands except where otherwise provided in this Constitution
• Meetings shall be conducted by Robert's Rules of Order unless otherwise agreed
• Each voting member has one vote. No proxy votes permitted. The Chair votes only to break a tie.

Affiliations

• The Association, through a two-third majority of the Board and approval of the General Meeting, may affiliate with other organizations for the promotion of its objectives.
• Representatives shall be chosen by the Board of Directors to represent the Association on the Boards of such organizations.

Amendments & General Provisions

• The General Meeting shall have the power to amend this Constitution by a two-third majority, provided one month's notice of the Special Resolution is sent to all members.
• The Board of Directors may accept any contributions in any form from any source consistent with the objectives of the Association.
• Contracts, deeds, bills of exchange and other documents shall be executed by the Treasurer and, where required, by the Treasurer and President or Vice-President.