Article I: Name and Status
1.1 Name: The name of the organization shall be Rohingya Students Networks -RSN.
1.2 Status: RSN is a non-profit, non-governmental civil society organization based in Cox's Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh and operates in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh.
Article II: Vision, Mission, and Objectives
2.1 Vision: RSN envisions a world where Rohingya people are empowered to realize their full potential and live in dignity, with equal rights and opportunities.
2.2 Mission: RSN's mission is to empower the Rohingya community and advocate for the life, liberty, and security of Rohingya people, through capacity-building programs and advocacy initiatives.
2.3 Objectives: RSN's objectives are:
a) To provide education, training, and skills development opportunities for Rohingya students and youth, to enhance their capacity and potential.
b) To raise awareness about the situation of Rohingya people and advocate for their rights and protection.
c) To engage with relevant actors, including international organizations, governments, and civil society groups, to promote the interests and needs of the Rohingya community.
d) To foster cooperation and solidarity among Rohingya people and build networks and partnerships with other organizations and communities.
Article III: Membership
3.1 Types of Membership: There are three types of members at RSN: General Members, Permanent Members, and Advisors.
a) General Members: General Members are Rohingya individuals who support RSN's mission and objectives and are interested in participating in its activities and programs.
b) Permanent Members: (i) Permanent Members are Rohingya individuals who are responsible for the management and oversight of RSN's affairs. (ii) Permanent Members who live outside Bangladesh are called RSN representative and are responsible to serve as liaisons between RSN and the situation in their respective countries.
c) Advisors: All the advisors in RSN are Rohingya or non-Rohingya individuals who provide guidance and support to the organization based on their expertise and experience.
3.2 Membership Criteria: To become a member of RSN, an individual must:
a) Support RSN's mission and objectives.
b) Be a Rohingya individual.
c) Be 18 years of age or older.
d) Be willing to abide by RSN's constitution and bylaws.
3.3 Membership Rights and Responsibilities: All board members of RSN have the right to:
a) Participate in RSN's programs, activities, and decision-making processes.
b) Vote in RSN's meetings and decision making.
c) Receive regular updates on RSN's activities and programs.
3.4 All members of RSN have the responsibility to:
a) Uphold RSN's mission and objectives.
b) Act in the best interests of RSN and the Rohingya community.
c) Abide by RSN's constitution and bylaws.
d) Respect the collective decisions of RSN's Board Members.
Article IV: Governance
4.1 Board members: The Board members are the governing body of RSN and are responsible for managing the organization's affairs.
4.2 Composition of Board members: The Board members shall consist of 10 members, including the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Program Coordinator, Program Manager, Communication Coordinator, Coordinator for Women Affair, Assistant Coordinator for Women Affair, Logistic Coordinator, and two Assistant Logistic Officers.
4.3 Position of Board members: The Position of Board members shall be selected by the founder of RSN based on the collective concern of all board members.
4.4 Term of Office: The term of office for the Board members shall be two years, with the option for re-structuring the position of the board members.
4.5 Responsibilities of the Board members: The responsibilities of the Board members shall include:
a) Ensuring the implementation of RSN's mission and objectives.
b) Developing and approving RSN's programs and activities.
c) Monitoring and evaluating RSN's operations and financial management.
d) Establishing policies and procedures for the organization.
e) Representing RSN in external meetings and events.
f) Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
4.6 Meetings of the Board members: The Board members shall hold regular meetings at least once a month and may hold special meetings as needed.
4.7 Quorum: A majority of the Board members shall constitute a quorum for conducting business.
4.8 Decision-making: Any kind of decision in a meeting of Board members shall be made by a simple majority vote of the members present at the meeting.
Article V: Finances
5.1 Sources of Funding: RSN shall raise funds from donations, grants, and other sources, as approved by the board members.
5.2 Financial Management: RSN shall maintain accurate and transparent financial records and shall submit annual financial reports to the founder of RSN.
5.3 Use of Funds: RSN shall use its funds solely for the purposes outlined in its mission and objectives.
Article VI: Partnerships and Collaborations Policy
6.1 Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for RSN's partnerships and collaborations with other organizations or partners.
6.2 Policy Statement: RSN recognizes the value of partnerships and collaborations in achieving its mission and is committed to working with partners who share its values and principles.
6.3 Key Principles: Key Principles of Partnerships and Collaborations Policy include:
a) RSN will only enter into partnerships and collaborations that are consistent with its mission and values.
b) RSN will conduct due diligence with all potential partners, to ensure that they are reputable and aligned with RSN's goals.
c) RSN will establish clear terms and expectations for all partnerships and collaborations, including roles, responsibilities, and outcomes.
6.4 Procedures: Procedures of Partnerships and Collaborations Policy include:
a) RSN will establish clear procedures for identifying, evaluating, and selecting potential partners, and will ensure that all members are familiar with these procedures.
b) All partnerships and collaborations will be subject to a formal agreement or memorandum of understanding, which will outline the roles, responsibilities, and expected outcomes of each partner.
c) RSN will conduct regular evaluations of its partnerships and collaborations, to ensure that they are effective and aligned with its goals and values.
Article VII: Accountability and Oversight Policy
7.1 Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that RSN operates with transparency and accountability, and that all members are held to a high standard of performance.
7.2 Policy Statement: RSN is committed to ensuring that all members fulfil their duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner.
7.3 Key Principles: Key Principles of Accountability and Oversight Policy include:
a) RSN will regularly review the performance of all members and will take appropriate action if any member fails to fulfil their duties or responsibilities.
b) RSN will provide all members with training and support to help them fulfil their roles effectively.
7.4 Procedures: Procedures of Accountability and Oversight Policy include:
a) RSN will establish clear procedures for financial management, reporting, and auditing, and will ensure that all members are familiar with reporting procedures.
b) RSN will conduct regular performance reviews of all members and will provide constructive feedback and support as needed.
c) Any member who fails to fulfil their duties or responsibilities may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of their membership.
Article VIII: Diversity and Inclusion Policy
8.1 Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that RSN is an inclusive organization that values diversity, and that all members are treated with respect and dignity.
8.2 Policy Statement: RSN recognizes that diversity is a strength and is committed to promoting a working environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination.
8.3 Key Principles: Key Principles of Diversity and Inclusion Policy include:
a) RSN will foster a culture of inclusion and respect, where all members are valued for their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
b) RSN will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment and will take appropriate action if any member engages in such behaviour.
c) RSN will strive to create opportunities for members from diverse backgrounds to participate in its activities and decision-making processes.
8.4 Procedures: Procedures of Diversity and Inclusion Policy include:
a) RSN will provide all members with training and support to help them understand and promote diversity and inclusion.
b) Any member who witnesses or experiences discrimination or harassment should report it to the Executive Director, who will investigate and take appropriate action as needed.
c) RSN will regularly review its policies and practices to ensure that they are inclusive and respectful of all members.
Article IX: Code of Conduct Policy
9.1 Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish a code of conduct for all members of Rohingya Students Networks (RSN).
9.2 Policy Statement: RSN is committed to promoting a professional and respectful working environment for all members, where honesty, integrity, and ethical behaviour are valued and upheld.
9.3 Key Principles: Key Principles of Code of Conduct Policy include:
a) Members of RSN are expected to treat each other with respect, courtesy, and professionalism.
b) Members must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation and integrity of RSN.
c) Members must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as RSN's policies and procedures.
d) Any violations of the code of conduct will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action.
9.4 Procedures: Procedures of Code of Conduct Policy include:
a) RSN will provide all members with a copy of the code of conduct and will require them to acknowledge that they have read and understood it.
b) Any member who witnesses a violation of the code of conduct should report it to the Executive Director or Founder, who will investigate and take appropriate action as needed.
c) Any member who is found to have violated the code of conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of their membership.
Article X: Amendments to the Constitution
10.1 Amendment Procedure: Any proposed amendments to this constitution shall be submitted in writing to the Board members, which shall review and recommend the proposed amendments to the founder for approval.
10.2 Approval Process: Amendments to this constitution shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the Board Members present at a meeting.
Article XI: Dissolution
11.1 Dissolution Procedure: In the event of RSN's dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to a charitable organization or individual as approved by the founder of RSN.
11.2 Approval Process: The decision to dissolve RSN shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the Board members present at a meeting.
This constitution shall come into effect upon its adoption by the Board Members of Rohingya Students Networks.
Signed,
Maung Sawyeddollah
Founder of Rohingya Students Networks
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