Global Microfinance Brigades

North Carolina State University

Organization Constitution

WELCOME TO GLOBAL BRIGADES

        Brigade Def’n. Group of passionate volunteers who mobilize toward positive social change. Global Brigades is the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Since 2004, Global Brigades has mobilized thousands of university students and professionals through nine skill-based service programs to improve quality of life in under resourced communities. The nine programs performed by Global Brigades volunteers include Architecture, Business, Dental, Environmental, Law, Medical, Microfinance, Public Health, and Water Brigades.

GLOBAL MICROFINANCE BRIGADES AT NCSU

Global Microfinance Brigades is one of the nine branches of the international student-led nonprofit organization Global Brigades.  Microfinance Brigade volunteers have the opportunity to provide financial  literacy workshops to families to assist in budgeting  and planning. No finance experience needed. Families that are seeking capital to improve their  family business or try an alternative revenue idea can  work with volunteers to initiate their loan application  and plan. A portion of volunteers' fundraising goes toward the  capitalization of the local community-owned bank to  utilize for future savings accounts and loans. Volunteers are provided with translators to assist in interpreting during workshops

Constitution and Administrative Policies and Procedures

 Of

Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU

Article I: Name and Purpose                                                                                   4

                Name                                                                                           4

                Purpose                                                                                   4

Article II:  Membership                                                                                   5

                Eligibility for Membership                                                                   5

                Membership Defined                                                                           5

Article III: Officers                                                                                          5

                Eligibility for Officer Status                                                                   5

                Officers Defined                                                                           5

                Powers and Duties of Officers                                                           5

                Election of Officers                                                                          8

                Removal of Officers                                                                           8

Article IV:  Organization Business                                                                         10

                Regular Business Meetings                                                                 10

                Executive Board Meetings                                                                 10

                Financial Obligations                                                                         11

Article V: Dissolution of Organization                                                                12

                Dissolution of Organization Procedures                                                12

Article VI:  Amendments                                                                                13

Article I: Name and Purpose                                                                        

Section 1: Name

1. The official name for this organization is Global Microfinance Brigades at North Carolina State University.
2. This organization will use the name Global Microfinance Brigades at North Carolina State University or its acronym, GMB NCSU, in all publicity materials and correspondence.

Section 2: Purpose

1. The mission statement of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU shall read as following:

2.2.1        To mobilize university students and professionals through the skill-based service programs using Microfinance principles to improve quality of life in under resourced communities. Volunteers empower families in rural communities to increase production and  foster a culture of savings and growth. Volunteers provide financial literacy and  planning, and recommendations for potential loans. Our current focus is in Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua.

2. All activities and efforts of this organization shall be directed toward the organization’s purpose as defined in this constitution.
3. Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU shall comply with all local, state and federal laws, as well as all North Carolina State University regulations, policies and procedures.  Such compliance includes the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Organization Handbook.

Article II: Membership                                                                                

Section 1: Eligibility for Membership

1. Membership in Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU is composed of two types of members: Voting and Non-Voting Members

1. NCSU Voting Member– A NCSU Student Member shall be defined as a student currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at NC State University as an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate student.
2. NCSU Non-Voting Member– All other members affiliated with NC State including University staff, faculty, alumni and alumnae are eligible to be nonvoting numbers.

2. Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU shall not haze any prospective member for the purpose of admission into affiliation with the organization.  Members of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU are free to leave or dissociate without fear of retribution or harassment.
3. Membership in Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU, in order to comply with the University’s commitment to non-discrimination, no discrimination shall be made on the basis of gender, race, color, creed, age, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status or veteran status.

Section 2: Membership Defined

1. Any member of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU, regardless of type of membership or enrollment at North Carolina State University, shall be considered a member of Global Microfinance Brigades at North Carolina State University.

1. Only NCSU Student Members shall have voting rights.

2. NCSU Student Members are not guaranteed participation in a microfinance brigade.  A feasible number of members to take on a brigade shall be determined by the Executive Board officers and faculty advisor.  

1. An application process shall determine which NCSU Student Members will partake in a microfinance brigade.  

3. All members are required to read and sign a membership agreement within the first two weeks of every semester, or within two weeks of their joining the organization.
4. All members are eligible to attend all business meetings, events and functions of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.

Article III: Officers                                                                                        

Section 1: Eligibility for Officer Status

1. In order to comply with the University’s Student Activities Eligibility Regulation, Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU, undergraduate student leaders will be registered for at least nine (9) credits each regular semester, and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative NCSU GPA.  Graduate and professional students must be registered for six (6) credits per semester, and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative NCSU GPA in order to hold an Executive Officer Position.

1. Only NCSU Student Members are eligible to hold an elected office.
2. A member must be able to fulfill their entire term or they are ineligible to hold office.
3. There is no term limit for an individual in an elected position.

2. Any elected office is exclusionary; election to one elected position while holding a position in another elected position shall constitute a de jure resignation of the first position.

1. Any appointed office is not exclusionary.  A member may hold as many appointed positions as the organization sees fit, and a member may hold appointed offices in conjunction with one elected position.

Section 2: Officers Defined

1. The Executive Board shall be made up of seven elected officials: President, Vice President of Microfinance Brigade, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Fundraising/Marketing, Secretary, and an Education Chair.
2. The order of rank among the Executive Board shall be as following: President, Vice President of Microfinance Brigade, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Fundraising/Marketing, Secretary, and an Education Chair.

Section 3: Powers and Duties of Officers

Powers and Duties of the President:

1. The President shall serve as the chief executive officer of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.
2. The President shall produce all official correspondence of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.
3. The President shall present a vision of the direction of the organization to the Executive Board.
4. The President shall call for all regular business meetings and any special meetings as deemed necessary.
5. The President shall facilitate all business meetings and govern them accordingly.
6. The President shall be responsible for appointing the following positions:

1. In the event that an elected position becomes vacant, the President has the authority to appoint an interim leader until an election can be held.
2. The above election shall be held within four (4) meetings of the position becoming vacant.
3. The President shall appoint the chairman to any formed committees that are not specified in this Global Microfinance Brigades At NCSU Constitution.

Powers and Duties of the Vice President of Microfinance:

7. The Vice President shall be responsible for the planning and execution of all microfinance programs within the organization.
8. The Vice President of Microfinance shall oversee all other Vice Presidents’.
9. Coordinates all aspects of travel, works directly with GB Travel Team, organizes flight payments & documents, handles travel emergencies/deviations.

Powers and Duties of the Vice President of Finance:

10. The Vice President of Finance shall serve as the chief financial officer of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.
11. Any dues and fees for a brigade shall be directly managed by the Vice President of Finance.
12. The Vice President of Finance shall be responsible for managing all necessary bills, fines, and payments owed by either individuals of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU or the organization as a whole.
13. The Vice President of Finance shall be expected to have a constant, up-to-date knowledge on the financial happenings of the organization.
14. The Vice President of Finance shall prepare an up-to-date budget to be presented to the organization at the request of the President, as well as a semester budget to be presented at the first regular business meeting of each semester.
15. The Vice President of finance shall work with the Vice President of Fundraising to keep track of funds for Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.

Powers and Duties of the Vice President of Fundraising/Marketing

16. Plans and coordinates fundraising events, reaches out to corporate sponsors, and drafts grant applications. Works with college/university to gain fullest possible support for Chapter.
17. Coordinates recruitment efforts, builds awareness about Global Brigades and development issues in Honduras, Panama and Nicaragua through traditional and social media, and leads collaboration with other GB Chapters on campus.

Powers and Duties of the Secretary:

18. The Secretary shall be the chief officer in charge of the collection, distribution, and documentation of information.
19. Duties of the Secretary include but are not limited to:

1. Calling the role at all regular business meetings
2. Recording and distributing minutes of all regular business meetings and Executive Board meetings  
3. Keep an active roster of current members of the organization
4. Distribution of membership equipment
5. Keeping an accurate history of the organization
6. Work with President and Vice President of Communication to prepare the agenda for the meetings.

1. The Vice President of Communications shall serve as chairman of the Communications Committee. The

Powers and Duty of the Education Chair

2. Responsible for facilitating and presenting the Pre-Brigade Curriculum, preparing group for reflection and education workshops during the brigade, and leading members during those reflections and education workshops presentations during brigade (alongside GB Coordinator & Chapter President).

1. Will work with the Secretary and President to prepare the agenda for the agenda for the meetings.

Section 4: Election of Officers

1. The Executive Board officers shall be elected annually following a spring semester microfinance brigade.

1. The above election shall be held within four (4) meetings of the medical brigade.

1. Voting shall be done through a secret ballot vote for each position that needs to be filled or replaced.
2. Quorum of the membership of the organization is required for voting and a valid election.

2. Nominations must occur within three (3) meetings of the microfinance brigade, at least one week prior to voting.

1. Any member is eligible to nominate any NCSU Student Member for an Executive Board position.

2. The Executive Board officers shall be installed at the next regular business meeting following elections.

1. Executive Board officer installation must occur prior to summer break to facilitate a transition period.

3. At the end of a term, each officer shall deliver all organization books, papers, monies, or articles related to their office to their successor. Each officer shall render all information to enable their successor to assume full charge of the duties of their office.

Section 5: Removal of Officers

1. Any elected officer may be removed from their position for malfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence or permanent inability to perform the duties bestowed upon them at any time.
2. An elected officer shall be removed by a vote of no-confidence. Any member may call for a vote of no-confidence against any officer.

1. A vote of no-confidence is a call to remove an officer from their elected position, but shall not remove them from the organization.
2. A request for a vote of no-confidence must be submitted to the President, who shall notify the officer in question in writing no later than 48 hours before the vote of no-confidence is to take place.  
3. This vote may be called for at any time motions are in order, is debatable and requires a 2/3 vote for passage, given that quorum is met.
4. If an officer is found to be removed from their position, nominations to fill the vacant position shall take place immediately after the removal proceedings.  

3. Appointed officials may be removed by the President or the respective Executive Board officer at any time without a vote of the organization.

Article IV: Organization Business                                                                                

Section 1: Regular Business Meetings

1. A regular business meeting shall be held each month during the academic year (fall and spring semesters only).

1. Day and time of business meetings shall be determined by the President.
2. Attendance at regular business meetings is mandatory for all NCSU Student Members planning to partake in a microfinance brigade.  
3. Quorum shall be defined as a minimum of one-half of the membership being present at a business meeting.

2. Member dress to regular business meeting shall be casual.
3. The order of regular business meetings shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Executive Board reports

1. President
2. Vice President of Microfinance
3. Vice President of Finance
4. Vice President of Fundraising/Marketing
5. Secretary
6. Education Chair

4. Faculty Advisor report
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business
7. Close Meeting

1. Any member wishing to speak must gain the recognition of the Executive Board before doing so. No outbursts will be tolerated and those who cannot maintain decorum will be removed from the meeting.
2. The President shall have the authority to remove from the meeting any member for conduct unbecoming of the organization.

Section 2: Executive Board Meetings

1. The Executive Board shall meet no less than one (1) day before each regular business meeting or when called by the President. All Executive Board officers are required to attend.
2. The Executive Board shall prepare an agenda each week for the next regular business meeting of the organization.  The agenda should include committee reports from each Executive Board officers’ respective committees and shall be made available to the organization at the next regular business meeting.
3. The order of business of Executive Board meetings shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Guest Speakers
4. Executive Board reports

1. President
2. Vice President of Microfinance
3. Vice President of Finance
4. Vice President of Fundraising/Marketing
5. Secretary
6. Education Chair

5. Faculty Advisor report
6. Notices and Communications
7. Unfinished Business
8. New Business
9. Prepare agenda for the week’s regular business meeting
10. Close Meeting

1. The Executive Board meeting shall be open to all members to attend as guests.  

Section 3: Financial Obligations

1. There is no membership fee to be any type of member of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.
2. Members of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU that will partake on a medical brigade shall have full individual responsibility to attain their medical brigade contribution of $750 plus airfare.  Avenues to raise funds for each member’s brigade contribution include:

1. Individual fundraising through empowered.org  which allows each member to receive tax deductible donations toward their individual brigade contribution.  This shall be the primary method of fundraising.
2. Group fundraising through programming or outreach to local businesses for donations to Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.  Any funds collected by group fundraising will be distributed to members at the discretion of the President and Vice President of Finance.

3. Members of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU that will partake on a microfinance brigade shall have full individual responsibility of all fees associated with cancelation of participation in a brigade.  The organization shall not incur any debts of an individual member.

1. Cancelation and refund policies and procedures shall be defined by Global Brigades, Inc., not by Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU.

4. The collection of all brigade contribution shall follow a timeline and procedure established by the President and Vice President of Finance, in accordance with Global Brigades, Inc. policies.
5. The President and Vice President of Finance are the only members authorized to make purchases and orders using Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU funds.
6. Members wishing to use Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU funds to make purchases and orders must gain approval from the President or Vice President of Finance.

1. Any member that fails to gain approval from the President or Vice President of Finance may become liable for the full monetary amount of the purchase or order.
2. The Vice President of Finance must be provided a receipt for all purchases and orders made with organization funds.

Article V: Dissolution of Organization                                                                        

Section 1: Dissolution of Organization Procedures

1. Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU may be dissolved at the request of the NCSU Office of Student Involvement or by a unanimous vote of its members, provided that a notice of a vote on the dissolution is provided to members at least thirty- (30) -days before the vote is taken and quorum is met.
2. In the event Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU dissolves, any assets and/or debts associated with the organization will be disposed of as seen fit by the NCSU Office of Student Involvement in accordance with NCSU policies and procedures.

1. If any debt exists at the dissolution of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU, and the burden to repay the debt lies with the members of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU, the debt shall be split equally between the members on the roster of Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU at the time of the notice for the vote to dissolve the organization.

Article VI: Amendments                                                                                

Section 1: Amendments

1. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed at any business meeting of the organization.
2. Amendments must be submitted in writing in the exact format that they would appear in this Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU Constitution.
3. Amendments shall not be voted upon for at least one week after proposal.  Amendments shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of the organization membership, given that quorum is met.
4. All constitution amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Board for ratification before being read at a business meeting. All proposed bylaws should include the Article and Section numbers being affected before it can be approved.
5.  This constitution shall not be changed, repealed or displaced by any other manner, except in the manner and form provided in Sections 1.1-1.4 of Article VI of this Global Microfinance Brigades at NCSU Constitution.