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Of Meetings With Our Rural Partners THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES (CADS) SIERRA LEONE PROGRAM The Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone is a constructive grass root action promoting sustainable development practices, using practical alternative development strategies as instruments of social and economic change. CADS is a Non-Governmental Organization that reaffirms its humanitarian commitments by honestly tackling the obvious needs of its target groups and communities in the areas of rural community development, social, health education, and gender issues, agriculture, appropriate technology, relief rehabilitation, skills promotion, human rights and small business promotion, international volunteer programs and consultancy services. And following an initiative by the founders to promote the sustainability of CADS programs particularly in a climate where there is uncertainty about foreign donors and local funding support, CADS now has an autonomous for-profit outfit it has called PATRIOT VENTURES, with the primary activity to seek business partnerships with foreign partners who have the basic technical and capital investment potential to invest in West Africa for the maximization of profits beneficial to the parties involved. The center's Patriot Ventures outfit provides sales support, marketing and legal research through a strong network of hardworking team players in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Senegal, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Guinea Bissau.
Tel:
(232 22) 225051 CADS CEO, KS Kamara (with yellow shirt and tie) with staff during a rural community meeting at Mobekay that started with Muslim and Christian Prayers. CADS Global Network -- USA Office 1361
South Irving Street Tel:
1 - 720 - 351 - 5520 In
Account With: Union
Trust Bank Ltd. - PMB 1237, Lightfoot Boston Street, Freetown -- Sierra
Leone. The Constitution of the Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone was read, presented and approved by the Advisory Board of Trustees and Executive Body of the Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone in August 1996, and slightly amended by same and approved in March 1997, was again slightly amended by the Board of Trustees and Executive Body in April, 2000 as published in this report. Resolution for the Removal of the Ex-Chairman of the Board of Trustees - Ibrahim Kanu; Member, Board of Trustees - Ekoh Nelson; and Ex-National Coordinator - Mohamed L. Kanu, is also published in this report. The Constitution Preamble: Cognizant of the fact that Sierra Leone has been plagued by a bloody armed conflict, which has predominantly contributed to the disruption of social order and its economic growth: I. We are aware of the need to urgently and systematically rebuild our war ravaged country through the formation of a self-help organization; II. We recognize and pursue the strong desire to re-establish a firm economic and social foundation through the design and implementation of desired and realistic action-oriented development programs; III. We are also aware of the need to urgently and systematically provide the right advocacy for the international community to show the same commitment they are showing to the Kuwaitis, the Kossovars, among others, to the millions of Sierra Leoneans at risk from war, disease and famine in Sierra Leone; a commitment that would also support and value the dignity of Sierra Leonean refugees and asylees, and the internally displaced of Sierra Leone, promote their self worth and independence, and continuously strive to encourage them to add their voices to conflict resolution for stability in Sierra Leone, through our self help organization. IV. In pursuance therefore of our noble objectives and vision to contribute towards the stable and peaceful development of Sierra Leone and to lead Sierra Leoneans out of the deprivation and despair that cloud their troubled lives -- and guiding them toward brighter, dignified and happier lives, we do hereby declare to form a non-governmental organization known as the Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone, hereinafter referred to as "CADS" Sierra Leone. V. And that, we are committed to, and governed by the objectives, principles, codes of conduct and operations mandated by this Constitution which serves as the supreme authority and legal source of reference binding all respective members, affiliates and partners. VI. We further wish to pledge our loyalty to the Laws governing the operations of non- governmental organizations in Sierra Leone and the world at large, to reaffirm our humanitarian commitments to honestly address the empirical needs of our target groups and communities in the areas of rural, social, community development, health education, gender issues, agriculture, appropriate technology, relief rehabilitation, skills promotion, human rights and small business promotion and consultancy services. VII. CADS Sierra Leone is a people's local action for development. CADS exists to successfully make the poor to overcome bondage, misery and suffering using practical alternative development strategies as instruments of social change. CADS helps people to organize themselves and ascertain their rights and train people utilize development infrastructure, overcoming the impediments, and CADS seeks to make Government function where there is indifference towards suffering of the weaker sections of society. VIII. CADS Global Network has a unique initiative to take up a stake in profit generating company to help provide CADS with some financial security. The company, Global Endeavors, Inc., has been formed following an initiative by CADS to promote the sustainability of CADS programs particularly in a climate where there is uncertainty about foreign donors and local funding support. Article One 1A. -- Name of Organization There shall be a voluntary local non-governmental organization, which shall be called "THE CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES" herein referred to as CADS - SIERRA LEONE, and its global network, herein referred to as CADS GLOBAL NETWORK. The Center's Global Network has one objective namely: To raise contributions in kind and cash to support the center's development objectives, and for disbursement (where applicable) as charitable assistance and relief to needy Sierra Leonean victims of the civil war and its effects. 1B. Motto The Motto of the organization shall be "Service for Practical and Sustainable Development". 1C. Symbol/Logo The symbol/Logo of CADS shall now be a graphic representation of a human being, symbolizing humanity, flanked by the right and left, intersecting at the bottom with olive branches, symbolizing peace. 1D. The General Aim To achieve appreciable impact for the target groups in Sierra Leone, the parameters shall include: Influencing development procedures, at least 50% improved standard of living, self-sufficiency and self-reliance programs, and related projects in areas of operation. Article Two -- Objectives To motivate, organize and facilitate the development and functioning of farm associations to effectively coordinate programs that address the developmental needs of the rural people. To support and conduct training programs in a wide range of developmental areas such as rural, social and community development, human rights, gender issues, appropriate technology, small scale industry, skills and trades promotion, agriculture, health education, relief and rehabilitation, and small business promotion and development. To promote agriculture and entrepreneurship development by establishing demonstration farms, credit schemes, marketing outlets, and income generation activities. To advocate for a more constructive international community action for the resolution of the conflict in Sierra Leone. To also advocate for a more compassionate and impartial international community action for support and donor assistance to local NGOs' important work in Sierra Leone. To share information and assessment of development needs and opportunities. To identify and discuss critical development problems facing Sierra Leone. To draw the attention of the Sierra Leone government and civil society to workable development alternatives for Sierra Leone. To generate sufficient resources for the support of the projects and programs of CADS Sierra Leone. Article Three -- Strategy Networking with CADS farm associations' members and through community meetings and special forums, the center dialogues to arrive at consensus on the development needs of communities to be focussed on as they affect their communities. To organize Annual Sensitization Conferences during which members of the Government and the civil society and CADS' projects beneficiaries are invited to attend. Setting up demonstration farms the center trains its communal farm association membership, and also derives some of its seeds supplies to these farm associations. To dialogue through networking with research and academic institutions as well as governments and NGO group in order to set up broad agenda for consideration on appropriate development strategies for communities. To maintain and circulate a well researched national journal called, THE SIERRA LEONE DIGEST. Article Four -- Membership I. Membership is open to all - philanthropists, humanitarians, regardless of race, religion or political beliefs with abiding interest for the peaceful development of Sierra Leone. II. Interested members shall apply through the Secretary to the Board of Trustees, and shall be interviewed in relation to specific areas of interest to support the organization in its drive to achieve its set goals. III. On the approval of the CADS executive, membership to the organization shall be by enrolment and shall require a one time registration fee of Le3,500, and monthly membership due of Le1,000. IV. The center shall collaborate with NGOs with similar aims in the implementation of viable projects. V. The target beneficiaries and communities are automatically considered member agents of the center and are subject to the aims and objects of designed programs. VI.
Termination of membership shall be effected by the Executive on the confirmation
of: Article Five -- Composition of the Executive and Management Officers, and the Board of Trustees. 1. President/Chief Executive officer -- Chairman, Board of Directors: Under this Constitution the President is the Chief Executive Officer of the organization and is the head of the program. He is the principal link between the organization and the international community. He chairs executive meetings and can appoint any senior member of the executive as alternate Chairman to deputize him in his absence. The President/CEO, on the approval of two-thirds majority of the executive and heads of division under this constitution shall appoint any member to hold office in the absence of the substantive holder. The President/CEO is further empowered to dissolve any executive body or committee that does not work in the interest of the program, however, he/she must seek the opinion and two-thirds approval of the Advisory Board. He is also the research and development expert of the organization responsible for the general administration of the program nationally and internationally. As the Chief Executive Officer shall provide the framework and guidelines for the implementation of action oriented programs such as workshops, training, research and networking with other non-profits and partners. 2. Advisors: Reputable members with proven experience and expertise in various fields in the development of non-profit organizations. They shall be appointed by the executive of the organization. They shall be responsible for advising the program management on relevant issues/programs affecting the development of the organization. 3. The General Coordinator/Legal and Administrative Affairs: The General Coordinator is the Senior Executive Officer and assists in the design and implementation of programs. Shall be responsible for monitoring projects in Sierra Leone and to advise the board of directors and the President/CEO accordingly based on the regular findings and reports. Shall also represent the organization at the grass root level and shall help the local communities plan and recommend local initiatives that fall within the programs support objectives. Shall be responsible for drafting replies and other correspondence in respect of the organization. Any other duties delegated by the board of directors and the President/CEO. 4. Secretary to the Board of Trustees: He/she shall prepare programs/agenda and records and read minutes during executive and emergency meetings in consultation with the President/CEO and/or the National Coordinator or the Finance and Administrative Officer. Shall perform any other duties delegated to him by the President/CEO or the National Coordinator. Shall coordinate with the executive/management and inform the public about the activities of the organization. Shall serve as the official mouthpiece of the organization and on certain occasion can be officially mandated to make position statements. Shall be responsible for publicity and advertisement of the organization projects. In addition to resource mobilization, he/she shall perform other duties delegated to him/or by the executive body of the organization. 5. Treasurer/Program Accountant: Is the Finance Officer of the organization. Shall head the finance division and shall be responsible for the handling and recording of monetary transactions on behalf of the organization. Shall provide technical advice to the program executives in respect of financial statements, annual reports, budgets, etc. In addition to paying salaries and compensations, the Treasurer is empowered to keep 10% of monies collected as petty cash for emergency disbursement to the program activities. Shall deposit the organization's monies and checks above Le50,000 to the bank within 48 hours of receipt. In addition to all accounting functions, shall supervise and assist auditors in the evaluation of projects. 6. Action Officer: Shall supervise the disbursement of relief aid to needy CADS membership communities. Shall be responsible for monitoring projects in various areas of operation and to advise the executive accordingly based on the regular findings and reports. Shall represent the organization at the grass root level and shall help the local communities plan and recommend local initiatives that fall within the programs support objectives. Any other duties delegated by the executive. 7. Relief and Welfare Officers: Shall assist in the disbursement of relief aid to needy CADS membership communities. Shall also represent the organization at the grass root level and shall help the local communities plan and recommend local initiatives that fall within the programs support objectives. Any other duties delegated by the executive. 8. Micro-Enterprise Officer: Shall closely work with the fundraising enterprises of the organization, especially the trading company of CADS, Global Endeavors, Inc. Shall seek very serious customers to purchase merchandize the company will be trading. Shall be responsible for gathering information about current prices of commodities and market conditions for various commodities. 9. Beneficiary Committee Members: Shall liaise and recommend felt needs of their respective groups and interests to the center. Shall serve as the coordinating workforce on practical implementation of projects in the respective areas of operations. Management positions can be increased on the expansion of the organization's programs. Board of Trustees The Board shall comprise of senior officers of the organization and selected reputable members of the communities. The board shall be responsible for advising the program management on relevant issues and programs affecting the development of the organization. Shall be responsible for investigating and deciding major disciplinary problems. Shall recommend findings to management for disciplinary measures on evidence of conviction. The board can however refer serious criminal cases to the appropriate law institutions for legal redress in addition to administrative action. Most of the funding for the work of CADS is sourced from solicitations made to international and national donor organizations and individuals. A full time fundraiser is therefore needed, and the Board of Trustees is expected to achieve this. Seating Board of Trustees The seating Board of Directors who have been accorded with full mandate and authority to make decisions that would ensure the smooth and reliable operations of the organization are as follows: 1.
Kenday Samuel Kamara - Chairman, Board of Trustees. Advisory Board: A. This committee shall comprise of reputable members with proven experience and expertise in various fields in the development of communities and the nation. B. They shall be appointed by the Executive on the recommendation of target beneficiaries. C. They shall be responsible for advising the management and executive body on relevant issues/programs affecting the development of the organization. D. Shall serve in the larger Board of Trustees. Advisors: 1.
Alpha O. Timbo - Supreme Advisor Beneficiary Committee A. This committee shall consist of active representatives of the beneficiary local communities. B. They shall liaise and recommend felt needs of their respective groups and interests to the organization. C. Shall serve as the coordinating workforce on practical implementation of projects. D. Shall serve in the larger Board of Trustees. Beneficiary Committee Members: 1.
Chairman and Chairlady - Mobekey Community Disciplinary/Monitoring Committee A. This committee comprises of at least 5 reputable members of the organization chosen as and when the need arises, these include senior members of the organization and of the communities. B. The committee shall be responsible for investigating and deciding major disciplinary problems. C. It shall recommend its findings to the Board of Trustees for disciplinary measures on evidence of conviction. D. The committee shall however refer serious criminal cases to the appropriate law institutions for legal redress in addition to administrative action. Article Five -- Elections and Appointments (a) Election of Board of Trustees shall be held after every two years. (b) Board Trustees can be nominated and voted for in absence. (c) Bye-elections shall be held when a post is declared vacant. (d) Voluntary officers and management officers shall be appointed at a meeting proposed for that purpose. (e) Appointment to professional positions shall be by advertisement, interviews and selection on the basis of academic qualification, experience and proven ability to reach the organization's objectives. (f) Appointment shall be confirmed in writing after a probationary period of six months. (g) Appointment can be terminated in the cause of default, crime, mental retardation, inefficiency, incompletion of programs/projects with a two months' notice. Article Six Source of Income (a) Membership registration fees. (b) Monthly subscriptions of members and friends of refugees. (c) Fundraising activities: Such as luncheon sales, exhibitions, raffles and related programs. (d) Special contributions of project beneficiaries in respect of projects supported by the organization. (e) Grants, aid or loans from donor agencies, individuals, financing bodies and institutions. Article Six B -- Signatories and bankers B1. Banking transaction shall be in the signatories of the following: (a) The President/CEO or the Chief Advisor. (b). The General Coordinator (c). The Treasurer/Program Accountant B2. In terms of withdrawal, any two can sign, the President/CEO or the Chief Advisor being the Principal signatory. B3. The organization's bankers shall be Union Trust Bank, Ltd. -- PMB 1237, Lightfoot Boston Street, Freetown. Account Number: 210 - 07704 - 01 Article Seven -- Meetings (a) The Board of Trustees shall meet quarterly to review the organization's development. (b) Emergency meetings can be summoned with 24 hours' notice to address extremely important issues affecting the organization. (c) Executive staff meetings shall meet every Tuesday of the week, however, emergency meetings can be held at any normal time in lieu of two hours' notice in the office. (d) Two-thirds of the total membership shall constitute a quorum for all general and executive staff meetings. (e) The executive reserves the right to summon emergency meetings when it is deemed necessary; failure to attend on two consecutive occasions with acceptable excuse is liable to disciplinary measures to be determined by the management and Board of Trustees. Article Eight -- Amendment to this Constitution (a) Shall be proposed either by motion or resolution. (b) To alter an original part or clause in the Constitution or rules in the standing orders shall be either by omission or interpretation or addition of other words to change the sense of which amendment is proposed. (c) Amendment to the Constitution by a member must be in writing to the Board of Trustees through the Secretary who shall inform members in writing on such statements, circulated a week before the meeting. (d) Two-thirds majority vote of members present shall approve such amendment. Article Nine -- Bye Laws/Standing Orders (a) The organization shall focus specifically on development related programs without fear or favor. (b) Collaborating partners/agents suspected of deviating from the set objectives should be avoided. (c) The organization shall employ the services of experts, technocrats, intellectuals, industrialists or so to teach and help develop our target groups and communities in their diverse areas of specialities. They are however bound by the perspectives and focus of the organization's alternative and workable strategies to relieve the socio-economic malaise faced by refugees and the displaced people of Africa, and their countries. (d) The organization shall be committed to the improvement of the human resource, in the area of skills development, industrial technology and entrepreneurship motivation and rehabilitation of mostly war affected victims in the country. (e) The commitments shall be strengthened by support programs that will ensure self reliance and continuity. (f) The organization shall regularly evaluate programs to ascertain the levels of achieving its objectives. (g) The organization welcomes the intervention of donor agencies to monitor and evaluate sponsored projects. (h) That, the organization shall review its registration and make available for inspection and evaluation of its annual work plans and implemented programs to the Colorado Business of Registration and the Internal Revenue Service so as to determine its transparent operations. Article Ten -- Guidelines for Employees About CADS Policies: The purposes of these guidelines are to promote teamwork to achieve the center's multiple objectives; to define certain policies, rules, benefits, procedure, and expected participation; and to help ensure that everybody will be happy and that work will go ahead productively and harmoniously. Creative talents and input are welcomed from all employees, but each employee will be expected to cooperate fully to achieve the objectives and intermediary goals, which are defined by the Board of Trustees. Defined Policies: The wages and salaries for each employee is decided and set by the Board of Trustees. Salary increases will be made according to performance. The normal workweek is 40 hours. Work starts from 08:00am to 17:00pm. Any work done for more than 40 hours per week can only be accepted on a volunteer basis. Persons who demonstrate their full and willing commitment to help achieve our objectives without worry about money, money, money may benefit substantial salary increase. Employees are eligible for one-hour lunch break. Employees are paid on a monthly basis. Payday is the 28th of every month. Travel for purposes of accomplishing our objectives is an opportunity for approval and direction by the Board of Trustees. Board of Trustees meetings will generally be held on the first Wednesday of every month. Staff meetings will generally be held on the Tuesday of every week. The President/CEO or the General Coordinator chairs staff meetings. Performance Evaluations will be made by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of all staff members. Salary increases depend upon evaluations. There is a fixed dress code for the following staff members: The secretary/typist, the Chief Driver/Support Staff, the Micro-Enterprise Officer, the Action Officer, the Relief and Welfare Officer. These officers should at all times wear uniforms supplied by the center. The center's agricultural staff has no fixed code of dressing. Cleanliness is however a general fixed code. Phone and fax use may be used within reason to make occasional personal and emergency calls. Alcohol or smoking of cigarettes or tobacco or pot is NOT permitted anywhere in the office. The possession, consumption or distribution of illicit drugs or related substances is prohibited. CADS is an "Equal Opportunity" Employer, with no discrimination on grounds of sex or religious belief. However, we are at the same time engaged in work to accomplish general and specifically defined social and economic objectives. Employees are expected to be in sympathy with the general and defined objectives and to cooperate accordingly. An employee may resign or be discharged at any time. Usually, a reasonable notice is expected. Any employee who becomes unhappy or disgruntled or overly critical will be expected to discontinue working. The center wants only employees who are fully committed to help achieve the general and defined objectives. List of Staff Members: 1.
Kenday Samuel Kamara - President/Chief Executive Officer CADS has a three-tier decision making structure which begins with the Beneficiaries Assembly which meets once a year at the Annual Beneficiaries Assembly and Sensitization Conference, and ends with the National Secretariat which manages the day to day affairs of the center. Beneficiaries Assembly: Comprising of all Members of Affiliated Member Associations, Organizations and Individuals. CADS Board of Trustees: Executive Officers within the Organization and Selected Honorable Members of the Public - National or International, and Selected Chairmen and Chair Ladies of Affiliated Member Associations. CADS Global Network International Networking Forum: An Ideas Generation Outfit. National Secretariat: Comprising of the Daily Management Staff. Current member Associations of CADS Sierra Leone 1.
Tamaraneh Agricultural Development Project
2.
Namas klenneh Mawoma Project 3.
Tabaksneh Development Project
4.
Tawopaneh Farmers Association 5.
Songo Development Association 6.
Tamemsu Development Association
7.
National Youth Agricultural Project 8.
Agricultural Development Project 9.
Hard Labour Project 10.
Yasmie Gboyeh Development Project 11.
Mama Beach Community Coop. Society 12.
Rowal Agricultural Development Association 13.
Kamuyu Sampa Bundu Project 14.
Tamaraneh Agricultural Group 15.
National Development Project 16.
Makabie Farmers Association 17.
Peoples Agricultural Project 18.
Tamaraneh Agricultural Develop. project 20.
Malon Farmers Association 21.
Youths in Action for Humanity
- Sierra Leone 22.Tamaraneh
Progressive Community Development Association 23.
Tawopaneh Women's Community Development Project
24.
Wopkabuth Multipurpose Rural Development Cooperative
Society 25.
Magazine Wharf Development Project 26.
The Progressive Handicapped Development Association
(PHDA) 27.
Koru Meyei Community Development Association
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