*** Please help with the Big Catch Up! ***

From Never Again

This is the proposed Never Again Constitution. We will be voting on this draft once it's finished. Once the draft is finished and approved, it will be protected against further editing.

Constitution of Never Again International

Article I: Name

This organization shall be known as Never Again International. (the Network). The registered agent and registered office will be determined by a vote of all members. The main web site of the Network shall be http://www.neveragaininternational.org.

Article II: Statement of Purpose

The general purpose and objectives of the Network shall be the following: to examine past conflict in order to generate ideas for the prevention of future conflicts; to facilitate connectivity, critical thinking and a creative approach to diversity among global youth; and to encourage global youth connectivity, cooperation and action to create projects for peace. The Network also manages the operations of collaborative Never Again Wiki (which is is open content).

Article II: Statement of Values

The general values of the Network shall be the following: Never Again is an entirely inclusive organisation and embraces differences of every kind; actively seeks to recruit members that are representative of a range of nationalities, backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender; sees the recognition and acceptance of difference in others to be the mark of our common identity as an organization, the foundation of our network, as well as our methodology; Never Again not only accepts and welcomes difference in others, but also works to utilise this difference through encouraging relationships that allow reciprocal learning; encourages engagement in civil society at local, national and international levels; believes that all youth, regardless of background, wealth, literacy or access to technology have the right to a voice in the international community.

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Classifications

Within the Network, there shall be the following membership classifications:

A. Network Membership

All Club and Chapter members are automatically invited into membership of the global Network. Network members have voting rights on Network decisions, access to the Wiki and open administrative email lists and membership of global Special Interest groups.

B. Club membership

Local Clubs maintain their own membership procedures and their members also become part of the National Chapter and the international Network.

C. Chapter membership

Chapters run their own membership procedures and Club members should be invited into their national Chapter. Each international member is deemed to be a member of the Chapter of the country/ies they are based in.

Section 2: Eligibility

Never Again actively welcomes members from any nationality, background, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender.

Section 3: Termination

Members are expected to actively promote the aims and objectives of Never Again. Membership of the Network can be terminated for demonstrable breach of the aims and objectives of Never Again by decision of the International Committee, with the opportunity to appeal.

Article IV: The Board of Trustees

Section 1: Powers

The powers of the Network shall be exercised, its properties controlled, and its affairs overseen by a Board of Trustees to be comprised initially of five trustees.

The Never Again Board of Trustees will hold a supervisory role without day-to-day management of the organisation, ensuring that Never Again’s policies and activities remain aligned with the mission statement and principles outlined above. It is expected that at least one member of the Board will attend the annual AGM.

Trustees will be financially responsible for the International Network, but not National Chapters.

Section 2: Selection

These will be appointed initially by the International Committee in conjunction with the Board of Advisors, from whom some trustees may be drawn.

Section 3: Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Trustees may be scheduled at such times and at such places as the Trustees deem appropriate and shall be conducted at least biannually. A quorum shall consist of a least three directors. The Chair may call a special meeting of the Trustees for any purpose upon notice being given at least ten days in advance of the meeting. Meetings may be held by electronic means such as telephone, Skype, or web chat as long as all Trustees are able to participate fully in any discussions with all the other members of the Board. Any meeting that is adjourned may be continued without the presence of a quorum of the Board as long as all the Trustees are given reasonable notice of the time and place such adjournment shall resume. A resolution signed by all the Trustees shall have the same force as if it were passed at a duly called meeting of the Board of Trustees. A majority of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the corporation.

Article V: The International Committee

The Never Again International Committee is approved by the AGM with an opportunity for all Network members to stand and vote before it is held. The Committee oversees the running of the organisation; its projects and finances, is ultimately responsible for the policy direction, and is accountable to the board of trustees.

Article VI: Structure

Newly formed Never Again Regional Chapters are set up with the agreement of the Never Again International Committee and are responsible for coordinating Never Again’s activities in their area and will report by email to the Never Again International Committee on a monthly basis.

New Regional Chapters can adopt an existing constitution or a new one with the approval of the Network.

Existing constitutions:

• Rwanda
• UK
• USA

Newly formed Never Again Clubs are set up with the agreement of the Never Again Regional Chapter, who should communicate this to the International Committee. The Clubs inform their Regional Chapter of all the projects and activities they participate in or organise.

Regional Chapters will send representatives to the International Network's AGM.

The AGM will advise the International Committee and Board of Trustees on issues of policy and recommend priorities. The International Committee is accountable to the Regional Chapters and local Clubs and presents the annual accounts to their representatives at the AGM and afterwards on the Never Again website and annual report.

Article VI: Amendments

These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new Articles may be adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Trustees at any regular meeting or special meeting, provided that at least ten days written notice is given of intention to alter, amend or repeal or to adopt new Amendments at such meeting.