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CONSTITUTION

“Honorable in thoughts, sincere in words, and good in deeds”

PREFACE

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Canada is a multicultural and multiethnic country. The government of Canada has long recognized the benefits and hence has been promoting the idea of multiculturalism in the Canadian society. Multiculturalism, a symbol of harmonious integration, means recognizing past and present cultural diversity, and promoting the equality of all cultural traditions. 

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Vietnamese Canadians have been living and contributing to the Greater Moncton area for over 50 years. Being proud of our past contributions, we are inspired to continue. The Greater Moncton Vietnamese Association (GMVA) is established to help newcomers transitioning into their new lives in the region, while maintain and promote the Vietnamese cultures and tradition among our members for generations to come.

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ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE

 

Section A. NAME

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  • The official name: The Greater Moncton Vietnamese Association.

  • This organization will use the name or its acronym, GMVA, in all publicity materials and correspondence.

 

Section B. PURPOSE

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  • The purpose of this organization is to promote and advocate for the benefits of the Vietnamese Communities in the greater Moncton Area.

  • All activities of this organization must be directed toward this purpose.

 

Section C. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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“Honourable in thoughts, sincere in words, and good in deeds”

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ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

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Section A. REQUIREMENTS

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  • Everyone who reside in Moncton and the surrounding area who share the above purpose are welcome to joint the association as a full voting member.

  • All members who are not currently living within the greater Moncton can become non-voting members.

  • The Board of Representative: shall consist of three to seven members including:

    • President

    • Vice President

    • Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair

    • Committee Chairs

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Section B. DUTIES​

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  • The President will chair all meetings of the GMVA and will call special meetings as needed. The President will vote on GMVA matters only in case of a tie.

  • The Vice President shall chair any ad hoc committees or task forces of the organization.

  • The Secretary/Treasurer will take, record, and file meetings minutes; produce all official correspondence for the organization, and maintain records and report on the financial transactions of GMVA.

  • The Committee Chairs will direct the planning and execution of their perspective committees.

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Section C. REQUIREMENTS FOR RUNNING FOR AND HOLDING OFFICE

 

All officers and candidates for office must be a current voting member in good standing.

 

Section D. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

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  • Nomination for the President will be taken on the floor of the general meeting or through online.

  • Any member may nominate any other member, including himself or herself. A nomination can either be an individual for president only, or as a group which will become president and Board members.

  • A simple majority vote of the quorum is required for the result to be accepted.

  • President elect (or group) shall appoint all the officers in accordance with Section A.

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Section E. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

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  • Officers may be removed from office for failure to perform duties or for violation of membership clause.

  • Removal of the president will be voted by the association membership as a whole.

  • Removal of any officer (other than the president) will be voted by the Board.

  • A two-thirds majority of quorum shall be sufficient for removal from office.

  • Any officer may resign by submitting a letter to the President. The President may resign by submitting a letter to the Vice President, who in turn will communicate to the Board.

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Section F. TERMS OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES

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  • The term of office shall be for two years, starting from general meeting in December.

  • Should a vacancy in office occur, there will be another nomination procedure and a replacement will be elected by the majority of the Board.

  • In the meantime, the Vice President will assume the duties of the President, the Secretary/Treasurer will assume the duties of the Vice President. The president shall appoint temporary program chair should one becomes vacant.

 

ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS

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Section A. REGULAR MEETINGS

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  • The Board shall meet quarterly: December, March, June, and September. During any Board meetings, all members are welcome to attend as guests.

  • The meeting in September is considered a general meeting and all members are encouraged to attend.

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Section B. SPECIAL MEETINGS

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May be called by 2/3 of the active board members. Notice of special meetings must be communicated to all members at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

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Section C. QUORUM

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To conduct business at any meeting, one half of the entire voting membership must be present to form quorum.

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ARTICLE V. COMMITTEES

 

Section A. FINANCE COMMITTEE

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  • This is a standing committee of GMVA, whose purpose is to manage the finances of the Association. This includes collecting, maintaining, and disbursing funds as requested by the Board or other committee Chairs using the guidelines:

    • The lessor of two amounts, $200 or 10% of the current balance of the GMVA funds, is considered material.

    • If the spending amount is not material, the committee can make the decision with the majority of the committee agreed.

    • If the amount is material, the decision will require approval from the Board.

    • Program chairs can make spending decision in the amount of 50CAD or less.

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  • Provide semi-annual reports to the Board at Board meetings

 

Section B. CULTURE AND ARTS COMMITTEE

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  • This is a standing committee of GMVA, whose purpose is to plan events and programs for the organization.

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Section C. OTHER COMMITTEES

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  • May be requested by association members and appointed by a majority vote on the Board.

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ARTICLE VI. BY-LAWS AND AMENDMENTS

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Section A. BY-LAWS 

  • Political: As an organization we are non-political. Consequently, 

    • Members who carry out any activity which is political in nature need to make sure that such activity is not part of the association’s business.

    • Should a flag is to be used at any association’s activity, we will use Canadian/NB flags. In government organized multi-culture events, we do not offer a flag. However, the government’s use of all countries flags is not of our concern. 

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  • By-laws can be added to this constitution by a simple majority vote of the entire membership. 

 

Section B. AMENDMENTS 

  • This constitution can be amended by a two-thirds vote of the entire membership. 

  • Notification of such a motion must be made to members at least one month in advance of the date in which the actual vote is taken. 

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