2022 Felmausa National Convention Communique.
2022 National Convention Communique
Day One: Traditional Hour
The tradition hour began with an opening pryayer by Imam Muslim Jubree. President Mohammed B. Fofana welcomed delegates from the various chapter states; VPO, Alhadji Morris Kromah spoke in recognizing special guests; and President Tuma Fofana summed up the remarks by welcoming and thank community members for gracing the occasion.
In this year’s convention, the cochair for Social and Cultural Committee, Mohammed Toure of New Jersey gave a brief history of Mande.
The narration of Mande history was followed by islamic lecture by Imam Mohammed Dukuly of Minnesota. Imam Dukuly thanked the community for holding onto the cultural and Islamic heritage. He urged the attendees to do the following:
1. Respect for the elders
2. Uniting the Ummah
3. Supporting the hospital project in Liberia
The MC, Mr. Amara S Kamara announced the tragedy that has befallen the city of NJ relative to increase in gun violence where our kids get shot. Imam Alieu Kamara [rayed got the city and urged thr Federation to go betond the currently scope and speak against violence. He urged the community to be more viable.
Remarks from Sam Mohammed Kromah
He made reference to the narrator of Mande History. He asserted that the Mande history is not complete without refencing the Keita, and Fakoly. He provided some historicity about the name Konia. The name Konia derived from the Kpelleh language which means ‘over the mountain’, said Mr. Kromah. He made another direct reference to the Jewish community as a contrast to the prejudice Mandingo faced. He asserted that it is okay to disagree, but the disagreement should not tear us apart.
Mr. Kromah argued that a Mandingo unity is needed for the greater emancipation. Unity of common purpose is lacking among us, said Mr. Kromah. He further argued that the word ‘destiny’ is being misconstrued in our community. Allah will not change our ways until we can change ourselves. He talked about one of the boiling issues in the community: accountability. He asserted that every dime should be accounted for when entrusted with common resources. Mr. Kromah further talked about miracle of the Quran where scientific evidence such as quantum physics, Newton Third Law of Motion, etc are mentioned. He urged the community to understand the contextual meaning of the Quran not the peripheral meanings.
Minister Varney Sirleaf
Mr. Sirleaf’s message was centered around governance through the locals. He gave a little background about his high school days by recognizing his colleagues. “What the government is doing in decentralizing government” asked Mr. Sirleaf. He talked about the settlers in Liberia and their slave mentality that affected the natives. He urged the Federation to get involved in the governing and decentralizing process of government. He believes that decentralization reduces marginalization. “The county council, a quasi-legislative body, is where I want everyone’s participation. Equalization fund will bring everyone at equilibrium where no one will remain idle”, argued Mn. Sirleaf. He further explained that boundary harmonization will seek to bring cohesion between towns, villages, and counties. He said that his aim for this remark is to enlighten the minds to join and buttress the effort of the Liberian government. He urged the community to scrutinize his works as well for he is the servant of the people.
Elder Randolph Jabateh
He outlined challenges founding founders of various emancipated groups faced. He expressed his disappointment over the Federation not recognizing some critical voices in the Mnadingo community. He recognized an array of people and urged the community not to forget the old folks. He made an emotional and passionate appeal to Mn. Sirleaf that the land issues in Nimba must be settled now and once and for all.
Culture embassador, Sekou Jenna Toure
In Mandingo verbatim, he agreed with Elder Randolph Jabateh that we need unity. He urged everyone to come and join and move FELMAUSA forward. Mr. Toure claimed that the problem in FELMAUSA was created by men. He made referrence to his functions-counselling people, advising, and outlining truths. He asked that the community support the Federation and be part of the history in constructing the hospital in Liberia. He thanked Allah and gave testimony about his liver transplant. In his final remark, he optimistically asserted that FELMAUSA must succeed regardless.
Imam Vakaba Swaray
He gave advice that for any organization to succeed, there will always be a disagreement.
Day Two: General Assembly
The program began with registration of chapters. Out of 15 chapters, 9 chapters fully registered at the event: Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York(ONYMA), Dallas ,Wisconsin, North Carolina, Washington(WALIMA), Minnesota and North Dakota. The absentee chapter states were Atlanta, Chicago, Syracuse, Iowa, Houston ( a communication was received regarding its absence), Michigan, .
The program began with some thought-provoking talks among chapter representatives and presidents invoked by the question: what makes it easy to govern? The VP of Arizona said that governance by listening to people. She explained that this made it easy to govern and it worked best for her community.
Dr. Brima Sylla, an erudite professor and a ranking member of NAG buttressed Mr. Jabateh about disagreement. He argued that his coming to FELMAUSA convention is to enlighten people about having our own educational institution. He asked a rhetorical question about why we are not having our institution. He told the community about that there are various teaching opportunities at the institution he teaches.
Remarks on gains made in chapter States
a. Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin was reprented in session by Chairman Manyou Bility. Mr. Bility outlined challenges in Wisconsin relative to lack of interest in running the organization by community members. He made a specific reference to the just ended electoral process of WIMAM as an example. He however informed the Generl Assembly of the WIMAM community in advocacy for the community. Mr. Bility closed his remarks by urging the Federation in prioritizing youth participation in all FELMAUSA activities especially those activities leading to leadership.
b. Minnesota
The state of Minnesota was represented by the MMA Secretary, Mohammed Kenneh. In his speech, he informed the audience about the following gains: restoration of 501(c) status of MMA; acquisition of a Masjid for the community; food distribution to the community memerbs for two consecutive years; and paid over $30,000 cost of legal fees in protecting MMA.
c. Washington, WALIMA
President Abraham Bility vividly explained the challenges his community faced relative to COVID19. He informed the audience that through his community’s effort burial funds have been set aside to help community members. He praised the leadership of President Tuma Fofana for the progress made thus far. In his closing
remark, he made a passionate appeal to President Tuma Fofana in considering running for the second term in office.
d. Arizona
President Noah Sheriff thanked the Board leadership under the stewardship of Madam Bijou Sanoh-Sesay. In his zealous remark, he informed the General Assembly that his community has produced two good kids; created employment opportunities ; acquired a center for Arabic and Quranic learning ; acquired a community center; and assisted several mosques in West Africa with fuel for power.
e. Pennsylvania
President Abu Sackor, in his emphatic voice, said that LIMAP has elected the first female president in the organization’s history. He asserted that this is remarkable achievement for the community. He further mentioned the administration’s efforts in assisting its members in immigration related services. In closing, in pleaded with the Federation to consider having a community center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Guest Speaker: Mr. Mohammed M. Sheriff
Bio Summary of the Guest Speaker
Mr. Mohammed Mulibah Sherif (born 16 April 1975) is an economist and project management specialist with vast working experience in the Liberian government as well as many other regional corporations. He hails from Lofa County. In his early childhood, he moved to Yekepa, Nimba County where he did his primary education at St. Francis Elementary School and subsequently at United Muslim Junior High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics from the Uthman Danfodio University and a master’s degree in Economic Policy and Management from the UN Institute for Economic Development and Planning in Nigeria and Senegal respectively.
Working as the Chief Economist for the Republic of Liberia, he was given the credit for coordinating several project activities that yielded dividends for implementing Liberia’s foremost development agenda - Agenda for Transformation. He successfully coordinated the actions of the Macro Fiscal Unit at the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Liberia. Mr. Sherif also provided leadership at several high-level meetings for the Government of Liberia, including the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), the spring and annual meetings of the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He traveled extensively on behalf of the Government of
Liberia at several high-level conferences/meetings, bringing financial resources to boost development in the post-conflict country.
Currently, Mr. Sheriff is the General Manager of regional transmission company TRANSCO CLSG (Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinee) based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. His vision for the future of TRANSCO CLSG is in line with the growing aspirations of the African continent. He plans to build on the successes of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and commit it to inclusive growth that boosts prosperity in the region, a support that will engender developing industries and increase employment as the route to poverty reduction.
Guest Speaker’s Speech
“August 27, 2022
Madame President,
Madame Board Chair,
Distinguished Chapter heads,
Our Elders,
Our Imans,
Friends, Families, visiting guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am indeed honored to serve as the keynote speaker for the 15th Annual Convention of FELMAUSA. When I was invited to serve as the keynote speaker, I never hesitated to accept as I do believe that this is a call to duty and a chance to give back to my community.
We are witnessing a transformation in the structure, vision, and the activities of FELMUAUSA. And we should all be proud to associate ourselves with the noble ideals championed by FELMAUSA over the years, and to contribute in whatever way possible, towards the advancement of the common goals and aspirations that bind us all together as a people. FELMAUSA's incredible role in advancing the cause of our people both at home and abroad cannot be overemphasized. We must therefore acknowledge and commend them for their tireless efforts.
When Madam President was elected, as any effective leader would do, she reached across the entire spectrum of our mandingo community both in the diaspora and back home – met with the elders, Imans, our students, etc. As a servant leader, she wanted the community to determine their needs, that way, she believed the community will take ownership. As a result of those productive engagements, the
need for a community clinic became a top priority. Why? Because many of our people are dying daily from curable diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera , etc, that
require just drip for rehydration.
Liberia is grappling with a defenseless healthcare system, a remnant of the country's decades of civil war. The bulk of the population, including folks from our community, is compelled to pay out-of-pocket upfront before accessing health care, regardless of a patient's medical condition. It doesn't matter whether the person is dying; in most cases, one must pay the full cost of care before his or her Vital signs are even taken.
In this regard, I agree with the theme of this convention: “IMPACTING LIVES THROUGH SUSTIANABLE HEALTH CARE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”. As broad as this topic is and its variability with my own area of specialization, I still find logic in your decision to appropriately coin and suit it for this occasion.
Permit me therefore to address this theme by three pillars: Economic Viability, Social Equity and Environmental Protection. As you are aware, a healthy population is essential for any given society's economic development. In most cases, the poorest people tend to suffer the most from the health challenges arising from
environmental hazards like air population, impure water, etc. The diseases and disabilities related to the polluted environments slow and block economic development. Studies have shown over and again that a polluted society carries a serious financial burden in the form of healthcare expenditures and loss of productivity.
Therefore, it's prudent to note that FELMAUSA has seen the urgency in contributing to making our environment safe and productive, ensure social equity by providing a reliable and affordable healthcare to our people while at the same time ensuring the viability of the healthcare delivery to our people. By undertaking this giant hospital project, which, when completed and operational, will significantly improve the well-being of our people - where their access to quality medical care will be improved, thereby saving more lives in our beloved country.
FELMAUSA's landmark journey to construct this state-of-the-art medical facility is a legacy. “I know some of us are wondering that this is pipe dream project as it is massive and costly. Well, let me be very clear that do not underestimate the resolve of the mandingo people. When a mandingo man or woman says Ideasa, Ideasa, I say that again, Ideasa, they will do it. I’m a
mandingo man inside and out and was able to take the CLSG transformational project from concept to reality today with all the huge challenges faced with the four countries. If I can do that, you can as well do it, my people, we can do this.
I am calling on all well-meaning Liberians, irrespective of tribal origin, our communities, and the government, to embrace this project. We must focus seriously on supporting and ensuring that this project is sustained for the benefit of all Liberians. Having the physical structure is one thing but sustaining it is another. We need to operate and maintain this hospital when built. And these require money. We need doctors, nurses, administrative staff, etc. Let us go beyond contributions or gate intakes from members and be innovative. For example, we can create a
secondary source of income by coming out with bankable project proposals in real estate that can generate complementary income1. Once we can sustain this treasure of ours, we will have a healthy community, no need to send our family to neighboring countries for health care. We can have social mission and at the same time, ensure innovative ways of doing cost recovery through other
projects. We need to think about really making revenues for cost recovery even if it cost us to redesign the organization.
As I indicated earlier, one of FELMAUSA's missionsis to protect and create a healthy environment, which is a critical component of sustainable economic development. Therefore, it should not be undermined based on politics or social indifferences. We must embrace this project as I already have, and I am taking the lead today to kick off the much-anticipated fundraising. In fact, this is in continuation of what our brothers and sisters did during the last convention in Monrovia.
As you are aware, last December in Monrovia, our people were able to raise an enormous amount of money as their contribution towards this worthy project. During that fundraising in Liberia, we were urged by our fellow citizens back home to try and match their contributions.
Our goal, therefore, tonight is to raise more than $80k. With all the dignitaries here tonight, I know we can do even better than that. I will begin the fundraising with an initial cash donation, to be followed by additional contributions later including offering my services to FELMAUSA, free of charge. However, as this is a family gathering, and I do not want my uncles to hold me in contempt or “fine” me, I would like to seek their permission before I can make my initial donation. Madam president, I have with me US$5,000 cash as initial donation to open the fundraising, of course additional contributions will follow.
We have a live list that is updated as we go along and will call on everyone irrespective of your status.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in making this project the envy of many.
Long live FELMAUSA, long live Liberia, and long live our unity.”
State of the Union Address: President Tuma Fofana
“Today, we have come together like we have done for the last 15 years to celebrate our cultural heritage by promoting and networking among members of our community across the length and breadth of the United States of America. I, therefore, want to welcome you to the 2022 FELMAUSA National Convention hosted by the Mande Association of New Jersey, one of our beautiful Chapter States of our dear Federation.
This Convention marks our 15th gathering since the inception of our organization, FELMAUSA in 2007. And today brings an opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the last 12 months; the challenges encountered; and the plans to better our community. Even though the administration’s path has been rough and rocky, we want to report that all functions of our Federation are being implemented as promised. We continue to make FELMAUSA a serviceable organization. We are glad to highlight the following gains in the past 12 months since the last Convention in Philadelphia.
We have provided scholarships to 15 students at various universities in Liberia. The FELMAUSA scholarships were provided in the following disciplines: medicine, pharmacology, mass communication, law, nursing, and engineering.
The FELMAUSA Medical Mission Committee in 2021 served over 3225 vulnerable Liberians from all walks of life in six locations in Liberia.
Through the generous supports of our donors, our community and our partners, the Humanitarian Committee generated funds and purchased bags of rice and distributed them to 8 counties among Liberian Muslims during Ramadan.
With the support of our donors, partners, and the community, we are in the process of securing sizable land in Liberia to build the FELMAUSA first Hospital to address some of the health needs of our people.
Our administration organized the first FELMAUSA Convention in LIBERIA which was successful in fundraising and attendees. At the convention, we also sold FELMAUSA to our people in Liberia. And at the end of this historical event, we
Certificated several prominent individuals and businesses including the late leader Alhaji G.V Kromah, and 45 volunteers who helped plan, organize, and mobilize people for the Convention.
We secured and built our website www.felmausa.org as another means of communication to our donors, our community, and the public. Our public affair committee has created more than 1500 flyers to celebrate the birthday of members of the federation. Renewed FELMAUSA filling status.
We opened a new bank account in Liberia to encourage our donors to deposit funds instead of sending them to the United States.
Submitted four quarterly financial reports to the board of directors of FELMAUSA, including monthly bank statements as required in the FELMAUSA constitution.
In compliance of the United States internal revenue service, we have filled all of our taxes from 2020 to present.
We established the FELMAUSA Membership Identification system generated about $11,000 as an additional source of funds for FELMAUSA.
As promised in our message when running to be president, we donated $6092.06 to the Pennsylvania chapter in LIMAP to empower the chapter that hosts the Convention.
We generated about $42,000 from the convention in Philadelphia. Some of these funds were in pledges and we have not been able to have the donors fulfill on their pledges. The rest of the funds have been used to fund FELMAUSA programs undertaken by the medical mission team, education committee, documentation, administrative fee for the preparation and purchase of the land in Liberia, and planning toward the Newark convention.
These are remarkable achievements in 12 months while we continue to work on fulfilling our promises. While these achievements are worth celebrating, these achievements below are considered work in progress leading to the next stage in implementing our plans in the coming months:
Finalizing arrangement for the land for the FELMAUSA Hospital Project
Start soliciting funds to construct the FELMAUSA Hospital Project and other FELMAUSA programs.
Start soliciting medical supplies and medications for FELMAUSA MEDICAL MISSION next trip.
Start soliciting funds for the FELMAUSA Humanitarian Ramadan Food distribution program.
Begin planning for the next Convention and leadership retreat for strategic five years planning for the Federation
Finding other sources of financial funding the Federation other than the National Convention. These funding sources include grant, investing in software to generate funds, FELMAUSA product sales like T-shirts, sweatpants, pens, cups, pins, and many more.
While we are working hard in implementing the above, there are many challenges the Federation is facing in its operations. If not taken care of, some of these challenges will continue to affect the Federation. They are as follows:
Lack of interest in community services by members of the Federation
Lack of activities in some member chapters
The many Kabila family reunions impede some members from attending the Federation convention and subsequently leads to a fall in convention revenue
Meanwhile, the administration wants to say thank you, and we are grateful to the great, caring, and loving community and all those working diligently in public and private to make FELMAUSA great. We want to thank the Almighty Allah for His guidance and blessing in leading us onto the right path. We want to thank the Board of Directors for the excellent working relationship. We want to thank each member of the FELMAUSA, and we ask that you continue to support us as an administration and the Federation as a whole. “
Following the President’s speech, Imam Dukuly of Minnesota praised the peaceful atmosphere of the convention. He prayed for the community and pleaded to the community in join the law enforcement as the likes Isiaka, Loseni. He believes tha being in the law enforcement gives an opportunity to be informed about happenings in the community.
Day Three: Constitution Review Process
Several suggestions have been received regarding the amendment of the FELMAUSA Constitution. Suggestions were opened to discuss some unresolved issues. Mr. Mohammed Fofana suggested that those states which review suggested were not accepted by the committee should be accepted. Manyou Bility of WI disagreed that late coming should not be encouraged. He argued that a room maybe be created to incorporate their suggestions if possible. Manyou was buttressed by Isiaka Sidibay of
Dallas that suggestions received by the committee should be dealt with first. Below are the suggestions from various states:
North Dakota (NDMA) Proposal
CHAPTER VII (7) MEMBERSHIP Article 2 Any group of not less than twenty-five (25) Liberian Mandingos, including their spouses who have duly formed themselves into a Liberian Mandingo Association and are not within a proximate detachment of an already established FELMAUSA Member Chapter is eligible for membership with the Federation. Such Liberian Mandingo Association shall ascribe to the principles and objectives of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the USA.
Amendment:
Membership should be open to all qualify individual stated in this Article 2 and those members should also be paying their due including Felmausa ID fees to their various chapter. The Federation should receive forty (40) percent of each member due payment that go towards the administration for Making Felmausa ID.
CHAPTER XXV (25) ELECTIONS
Article 4
Each Delegate of a Member-Organization (Member-Chapter) shall be entitled to ONE (1) VOTE.
Amendment: Election should be open to all due paying members of a chapter with an issue Felmausa ID.
Article 5
Election is considered valid only if it is held at the National Convention (General Assembly) or on a subsequent date to be determined by the National Elections Commission, in case of by- elections, where a quorum is formed and a simple majority of Delegates representing the Member-Chapters (Member-Organizations) present at the time of the National Convention participate in the election.
Amendment: In the case of National emergency beyond anyone control and with the advice and standards set by the United States Government that will prevent us from gathering, the Federation Convention and all activities including election should go on as scheduled but VISUALLY through different social media platforms. The Board should meet via conference call to approve this plan and notify the public.
The New York ONYMA Proposals
Chapter 3
Article 1
FELMAUSA shall identify, exhibit, and use slogans bearing its Motto, Seal or Logo, Maps, Colors and Flags, as they may be decided by a simple majority vote of Accredited Delegates representing active Member-Chapters (Member-Organizations) of the Federation present and voting affirmatively at a Convention.
Amendment
FELMAUSA shall identify, exhibit, and use slogans bearing its Motto, Seal or Logo, Maps, Colors and Flags, as they may be decided by a simple majority vote of Accredited members representing active Member-Chapters (Member-Organizations) of the Federation present and voting affirmatively at a Convention. In the absence of the general assembly, the board can vote by 2/3 majority to trade Marc the logo of the federation through the recommendation of the national administration.
Chapter 11
Article 1
The National Convention, or alternately referred to as the "Convention," shall be the annual congregation of ACCREDITED DELEGATES, which shall be the HIGHEST DECISION- MAKING BODY of the Federation.
Amendment
Article 1
The National Convention, or alternately referred to as the "Convention," shall be the annual congregation of Members, which shall be the HIGHEST DECISION- MAKING BODY of the Federation.
Article 3
Representation and voting at FELMAUSA’s Conventions shall be by accreditation of not more than FIVE (5) DELEGATES EXCEPT Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania which shall be by accreditation of not more than TEN (10) DELEGATES each. No one shall be deemed a Delegate without being accredited by the Chapter of his/her residency. At least FIFTEEN (15) days prior to any Convention, all Chapters of the Association shall submit an updated roster of their accredited delegates to the National Administration. The National Administration shall, upon receipt of such roster, make public to the FELMAUSA community the number of delegates expected at the pending convention.
Amendment
Article 3
Representation and voting at FELMAUSA’s Conventions shall be by Membership with accredited FELMAUSA ID issue by the membership committee. No one shall be deemed a Delegate without FELMAUSA’s ID. At least FIFTEEN (15) days prior to any Convention, all Chapters of the Association shall submit an updated roster of their members in good standing with Felmausa’s ID to the National Administration. The National Administration shall, upon receipt of such roster, make public to the FELMAUSA community the number of members expected at the pending convention. Chapter shall have the right to omit their members name from the roster if they are not in good financial standing with their chapter. The membership committee shall investigate any members feels his name has been removed by his or her chapter unjustly.
Chapter 21
Article 3
The following shall constitute the Standing Committees of FELMAUSA:
1. Executive Committee
2. Finance Committee
3. Planning and Research Committee 4. Membership & Welfare Committee 5. Social Affairs Committee
6. Website Committee
Amendment to the following:
Article 3
The following shall constitute the Standing Committees of FELMAUSA:
1. Executive Committee
2. Finance Committee
3. Planning and Research Committee
4. Membership & Welfare Committee
5. Social Affairs Committee
6. Website Committee
7- Medical committee
8- Humanitarian committee
9- youth wing committee
Chapter 24
Article 6
The National Elections Commission shall establish election laws (guidelines), requirements and eligibility criteria for the free, fair, transparent and smooth conduct of elections consistent with the present Constitution and By-Laws. And once established, the guidelines shall be subjected to no further approval by any entity of the Federation before being made public.
(Amendment to that))
Article 6
The National Elections Commission shall establish election laws (guidelines), requirements and eligibility criteria for the free, fair, transparent and smooth conduct of elections consistent with the present Constitution and By-Laws. And once established, the guidelines shall be subject to further approval by the national board of directors.
Article 7
The National Elections Commission shall also establish moral and ethics clause in the Election Guidelines to prevent individuals accused of financial violations and individuals who aided and abetted the accused violators from running for elected positions.
(Amendment to that)
Article 7
The National Elections Commission shall also establish moral and ethics clause in the Election Guidelines to prevent individuals who undermined and sabotage the function of the federation. Also, any individuals found guilty by any audit team set up by the nation board of directors of financial violations and individuals who aided and abetted the accused violators from running for elected positions.
Chapter 4
Article 3 Other Offices
FELMAUSA shall also have Sub-Offices at other such places within the territory of the United States of America (USA), as it may from time to time determine, or as the business of the Federation may require.
Amendment
FELMAUSA shall also have Sub-Offices at other such places within the territory of the United States of America (USA) and abroad, as it may from time to time determine, or as the business of the Federation may require.
Chapter 11
Article 3
Representation and voting at FELMAUSA’s Conventions shall be by accreditation of not more than FIVE (5) DELEGATES EXCEPT Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania which shall be by accreditation of not more than TEN (10) DELEGATES each. No one shall be deemed a Delegate without being accredited by the Chapter of his/her residency. At least FIFTEEN (15) days prior to any Convention, all Chapters of the Association shall submit an updated roster of their accredited delegates to the National Administration. The National Administration shall, upon receipt of such roster, make public to the FELMAUSA community, the number of delegates expected at the pending convention.
Amendment
This article should remain just for none election year but with 5 delegates each across chapter line.
Chapter 12
Article 15
The Board shall meet in regular sessions at least every four (4) months. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum. Decisions by the Board shall be in the form of a resolution. The Chairman of the Board may convene an emergency session of the Board.
Amendment
Article 15
The Board shall meet in regular sessions at least once a month . A simple majority shall constitute a quorum. Decisions by the Board shall be in the form of a resolution. The Chairman of the Board may convene an emergency session of the Board.
Chapter 13
Article 5
All elected officials shall be elected for a two-year term, and shall serve for not more than two consecutive terms of office. They may however run for the same office following the termination of one or more terms of office of another administration.
Amendment
Article 5
All elected officials shall be elected for a three-year term, and shall serve for not more than two consecutive terms of office. They may however run for the same office following the termination of one or more terms of office of another administration.
Chapter 13
Article 5
All elected officials shall be elected for a two-year term, and shall serve for not more than two consecutive terms of office. They may however run for the same office following the termination of one or more terms of office of another administration.
Amendment
Article 5
All elected officials shall be elected for a three-year term, and shall serve for not more than two consecutive terms of office. They may however run for the same office following the termination of one or more terms of office of another administration.
Chapter 30
Article 1
All monies belonging to the Federation shall be deposited into a Federation's accounts, which shall be maintained at a federally insured banking institution The National President shall be the principal signatory to all accounts bearing the tax identification number of the Federation. The Financial Sec. and National Treasurer shall also be signatories to the Federation’s accounts. The National President or his/her designate, along with any one of the other signatories shall be required to make withdrawals or other bank transactions.
Amendment
Article 1
All monies belonging to the Federation shall be deposited into a Federation's accounts, which shall be maintained at a federally insured banking institution in America and Abroad. The National President shall be the principal signatory to all accounts bearing the tax identification number of the Federation. The Financial Sec. and National Treasurer shall also be signatories to the Federation’s accounts. The National President or his/her designate, along with any one of the other signatories shall be required to make withdrawals or other bank transactions.
New Jersey Proposal
1. We recommend that the tenure of the president of the Federation be extended from the current 2 years to 4 years per term. We believe that will give the president the ability and opportunity to initiate and possibly complete both short and long terms projects for the Organization.
2. We recommend that delegates to the convention be expanded from the current (5) for some state, and (10) to other states, to all eligible members in good standing of the chapters. This would give all eligible Mandingo men and women, who are also members of their respective chapters the option to vote in all FELMAUSA elections and all Constitutional Review.
3. We also recommend that all members of the National Election Commissions be subject to removal by the National President at will; and all elections guidelines generated by the National Election Commission be subject to review and approval by the National Board of Directors.
4. We recommend also that an educational criterion be placed on the Chairperson of the National Board of Directors since the Board oversees the National Administration. We recommend that National Board of Directors Chairperson should at least hold a bachelor’s degree since the National President is also required to have a Bachelor Degree per the Constitution.
The Minnesota Mandingo Association (MMA) proposal
Bylaws, Chapter XI (11) Article 3, as shown below.
Article 3 Representation and voting at FELMAUSA’s Conventions shall be by accreditation of not more than FIVE (5) DELEGATES EXCEPT Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania which shall be by accreditation of not more than TEN (10) DELEGATES each.
No one shall be deemed a Delegate without being accredited by the Chapter of his/her residency. At least FIFTEEN (15) days prior to any Convention, all Chapters of the Association shall submit an updated roster of their accredited delegates to the National Administration. The National Administration shall, upon receipt of such roster, make public to the FELMAUSA community, the number of delegates expected at the pending
Convention.
The purpose/intention behind this amendment is for every FELMAUSA members that have a require FELMAUSA photographic identification to participate in the electoral process. This will reduce the tension among FELMAUSA members and be another source of generating money for the Federation.
Proposed: Article 3 Representation and voting at FELMAUSA’s Conventions shall be by accreditation of all members. No one shall be deemed a quality voter without being accredited by the chapter of his/her residency. At least FIFTEEN (15) days prior to any Convention, all Chapters of the Association shall submit an updated roster of their accredited members to the National Administration. The National Administration shall, upon receipt of such roster, make the list of accredited members expected at the pending convention public to the FELMAUSA community.
The Minnesota Mandingo Association would like to propose to amend the FELMAUSA Bylaws and add a section for electronic and virtual meeting. The purpose/intention behind this amendment is for the leadership to conduct an electronic meeting when an in-person meeting is not possible.
Proposed wording: The National Administration, Board of Directors, and any committees of the Federation may hold a meeting by telephone or other electronic means in which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. The notice of a meeting by telephone should be subject to the same guidelines as any other meeting.
The Minnesota Mandingo Association
Bylaws, Chapter XIII (13) Article 5, as shown below.
Chapter XIII (13)
Article 5 All elected officials shall be elected for a two-year term and shall serve for not more than
two consecutive terms of office. They may however run for the same office following the
termination of one or more terms of office of another administration.
The purpose/intention behind this amendment is to extend the elected officials’ term from a two year term to a 4-year term and they shall serve for only one term of office. This will give more time to our elected officers to start and finish a project during their tenure.
Our propose wording: Article 5 All elected officials shall be elected for a four-year term and shall serve for only one term.
Houston Mandingo Association Amendment
1. Presidential Candidates
2. V. P Candidates
2. V.P.O Candidates
Should have a Collage/ University Degree
Election should be open to all Chapter registered member.
Wisconsin:
1. Chapter 12 and articles 5
a. Currently the board comprised of two representatives from each Member-chapter for serving a two-year term. We recommend that chapter board representative be reduce to one per chapter to enable the board to have executive board members. Board members may succeed themselves as many times as their Member-Chapters may allow. The local Member-Chapters shall decide how their representatives are selected.
b. Add article 19 to the chapter, and details Shall be as follow.
The Chairman of the Board shall be at least twenty-five (25) years old, legal resident in the United States of America for at least one (1) year before their election, holds a four-year college degree from an accredited University, has a track and verifiable record of serving in a position of any local chapter or organization nonprofit organization. They shall have good oral and written communication skills, able to organize and chair a meeting.
2. Chapter 21 and article 3. We are recommending changes to the Public Affair and Website committee. We also recommending you add four committees as a standing committee under Chapter 21 of the 2018 Constitution.
a. The Public Affairs Committee should be called Public Relations Committee, and it should be combined with the website committee. The will shall be call Felmausa Public Relations Committee, and a director will manage the website.
b. The Felmausa Medical Mission committee should add as a standing committee.
c. The Women Wing show be added as a standing committee.
d. The Humanitarian Committee should be added as a standing committee.
e. The Youth Wing should be added as a standing Committee
f. Article 10 Details of the Felmausa Medical Mission committee
g. Article 13. Details of the Humanitarian Committee
h. Article 14. Details of the Women Wing Committee
i. Article 15. Details of Youth Wing Committee
3. Chapter 19
a. We are recommending that you correct the spelling for the title to “National Financial Secretary” and add more detail to his/her responsibilities. The National in the title is misspelled.
NB: A motion was raised to remove the suggestions received from the chapter state of Houston on the ground that Houston did not register to be seated in the General Assembly. It was seconded and suggestions from Houston were removed.