ARTICLE 1: NAME

The official name of the organization shall be HSNC Om Squad.

ARTICLE 2: MISSION STATEMENT

HSNC OmSquad empowers youth to serve their communities through volunteering, leadership, and cultural engagement rooted in the values of responsibility, unity, and selflessness, under the guidance of the Hindu Society of North Carolina.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be in the range of 7th to 12th grade.
Applicants must reside in the RTP area to be able to transport to and from the Hindu Society of North Carolina.
There will be no discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, religion, or gender.
Youth may only volunteer at an Om Squad event upon completing the full membership process.

SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

Applicants must accurately and entirely complete the membership form on the Om Squad website.
Applicants must read and agree to these bylaws.
At this point, applicants are eligible to join the WhatsApp group and/or Google Group to get volunteer event updates.

SECTION 3: MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS & TERMINATION

You must volunteer and accumulate at least 20 hours within a year of joining.
If you fail to meet the hour requirement one year, the hours carry over to the next year (in addition to the 20 hour requirement). For example, if you only earn 15 hours in your first year, you would need to earn 25 the next year to stay a member.
If you fail to meet the hour requirement for two consecutive years, you will be removed as a member of Om Squad.
Violation of these bylaws or the signed liability agreement will result in one written warning. A second violation will result in removal from OmSquad.

ARTICLE 4: VOLUNTEER CONDUCT AND EVENT POLICY

SECTION 1: SIGNUP RULES

Only active members may sign up for official OmSquad events
Members may not sign up others on their behalf
Signup links may NOT be shared with non-members without explicit approval from the Board

SECTION 2: ATTENDANCE AND VERIFICATION

Members must attend events they sign up for or provide advance notice for absence
Repeated no-shows without valid reasons may lead to suspension of volunteering privileges
Only verified attendance will count for service hours

SECTION 3: MISCONDUCT AND PENALTIES

First violation of these rules will result in a written warning
Second violation will result in temporary suspension of 2 events
Third violation will be subject to removal from the organisation, under review of the Board

ARTICLE 5: BOARD

SECTION 1: Structure

Chairpeople:

Preside over board meetings and ensure other board members are diligently performing the tasks given to them.
Communicate with Pinky Aunty on events and when they are. She will tell you which events to create signups for.
Create SignUpGeniuses as necessary.
Ensure bylaws are being met.
Enforcement

Secretary:

Keep track of waiver forms (all active members will need to sign new ones for this new year).
Verify membership to admit members into the WhatsApp group chat.
Ensure attendance and records of board meetings are regularly kept track of.
Will be in place of Chairpeople alongside/(or not with) Volunteer Coordinators

Volunteer Coordinator:

Should attend most events, especially those that the chairperson(s) cannot attend.
Update hours on spreadsheet.
Make sure hours are accurate.

Performing Arts Director

Emcee at major events like Diwali and Holi with chairperson(s).
Seek out participants and utilize performances as a way to expand Om Squad, not just to perform.
Try to perform at major events, like India Fest, Heritage India, and Cary Diwali, if possible
Assist Chairperson(s) as necessary in their tasks.

Social and Outreach Director

Utilize social media platforms to promote upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Create flyers for events.
Take photos & videos at events..

Communications Director

Update the website regularly with new events.
Coordinate new member meetings to facilitate welcome into the organization.

SECTION 2: ELECTIONS

Elected by the previous board

ARTICLE 6: VOLUNTEERING STANDARDS

All events must align with the mission statement
Hours must be verified through the hour log and sheet
Hours may count towards PVSA, school, with proper oversight

ARTICLE 7: EVENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Events must be approved by the Board
All partnerships must be approved by the Chairpeople (singular as well)

ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS

Amendments and additions may be suggested by any member of OmSquad
Must be ratified by at least half the board OR half the ACTIVE members of the organisation
Can be done solely by the Chairperson

ARTICLE 9: DISSOLUTION

HSNC OmSquad may be dissolved by the unanimous vote of the entire Board or by the Chairpeople, with all supplies being donated towards HSNC and/or a nonprofit serving dharmic interests

August 2025

Chairman: Bineet Sahoo | Chairwoman: Ridhima Mahajan | Pinky Tapiawala | Chetna Sharda

May 2026

Chairman: Bineet Sahoo | Pinky Tapiawala | Chetna Sharda