Constitution & Bylaws

The name of the Association shall be St. Maria Goretti Old Girls International, Inc. The Association shall be represented legally as the ST. MARIA GORETTI OLD GIRLS INTERNATIONAL (GOGI), Inc. and incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia in the United States of America, as a not for profit 501c(3).

Mission Statement

St. Maria Goretti Old Girls International (hereinafter “GOGI”) shall consist of alumni of St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City, Nigeria living outside Nigeria, and men and women worldwide committed to the education and enrichment of women in the communities where they reside, and creating opportunities for the students of St. Maria Goretti GOGI, fund educational and outreach programs designed to integrate new technologies, increase learning opportunities, teach the skills needed for success in an ever-expanding global economy, and balance the traditions of the past with the needs of the future. GOGI prohibits all forms of discrimination including but not limited to race, religion, age, national origin, language, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.

Vision Statement

GOGI will fund educational programs and services that will inspire adults and children everywhere, and mentor and empower students of their alma mater to have a more promising future among others. GOGI will work with and support other charitable organizations to achieve these goals in the communities in which its members reside all over the world.

Objectives

1)      To encourage St. Maria Goretti alumni and friends to invest their money/time/talents in the communities where they reside and make it a priority to empower women, men and children to achieve sustainable economic stability. The Association will support its members and encourage them to participate in programs in the communities where they currently reside in the following areas:

a. Community educational and after-school programs

b. Programs designed to teach basic parenting skills

c. Literacy and language skills teaching programs

d. Programs and services related to social and health concerns

2) To support and promote various charitable organizations by participating in or contributing to their activities, especially those promoting the interest of women.

3) To encourage and support the educational, professional and legitimate business aspirations of Saint Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School alumni, provided those aspirations are consistent with the best interest of women and human race.

4) To promote the economic, educational, cultural, scientific and social progress of St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School and its students, and to liaise with the government, companies and other non-governmental organizations to achieve this aim.

5) To periodically organize one-day Conference for women in Benin City and other locations worldwide focused on professional training, relationship building and recognition, and awards to deserving individuals. The event will give women of all ages and backgrounds the tools to successfully navigate their future with confidence.

Membership of GOGI shall be opened to individuals who meet the requirements prescribed in the Bylaws of the Association.

The Executive shall be the governing body of St. Maria Goretti Old Girls International. The Executive shall comprise of not more than twelve (12) elected officers in good standing and must include at least the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Financial Officer, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer and Regional Officers.

The officers of St. Maria Goretti Old Girls International shall meet at least once annually and with the general membership during the biennial Reunion. The Executive shall fix the date, time and venue of meetings.

Sec I: The preferred language at meetings shall be English.

Sec II: Absenteeism

a) After two consecutive absences, the secretary shall call the member to follow-up and inquire if there are extenuating circumstances for the absences.

b) After three consecutive absences, a member is considered to be delinquent. c) In the case of the above, the Executive shall decide on the absences and on the member’s continued membership.

Sec III Emergency Meetings

a) The president has the authority to schedule emergency meetings of the Executive and/or the general meeting, as she deems necessary.

b) Minutes must be taken at such meetings and must be read at any subsequent meetings of the general house.

a) GOGI shall seek to establish close relationships with other associates in any part of the world that will be mutually beneficial.

b) GOGI shall, as necessary, solicit financial assistance from other associations, government agencies and philanthropic organizations to enable it carry out its obligations.

The following committees GOGI Committees shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive, according to the policies of this Association: (1) Fundraising, (2), Education, (3) Health, (4) Special Projects, and (5) Outreach. Ad-hoc Committees may be appointed by the Executive as they are required.

Note: Reunion planning, Mentoring, and Financial Review committees will be set up on ad-hoc basis.

The president, with the approval of the Executive has the authority to make emergency expenditures on behalf of the association in an amount not to exceed $500.

In case of any misconception emanating from a section(s) of this constitution and bylaws, majority interpretation of the general meeting will be adopted.

ARTICLE X -Amendments

The Constitution may be amended by a two-third vote of the membership (one vote per member) by mail/e-mail and ratified at any Reunion by a two-third vote of the members present and entitled to vote, provided that notice and content of proposed amendment(s) be submitted in writing to the Executive and distributed to members at least sixty (60) days prior to the opening date of Reunion, at which such amendment(s) is to be considered

The Bylaws may be amended at any Reunion in the same manner as provided for amending the Constitution, except that only a majority vote shall be required for amendment at a Reunion.

Upon the dissolution of GOGI, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal Government, or to a State or Local Government, for public purpose.

Section 1. In General: The Association shall consist of alumni and friends of St. Maria Goretti School, Benin City, Nigeria that reside internationally.

Section 2. Unit of Government: The principal units of Association and government of the Association shall be The St. Maria Goretti Old Girls International (GOGI) and the Executive.

Section 3. Laws: The Laws of GOGI shall consist of the Constitution, these Bylaws, resolutions, and such additional policies and regulations, as may be enacted by the Executive. Such Laws shall be published.

Section 4. Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall be the basic policy making body of GOGI and shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Financial Officer, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer and Regional Officers. The Executive Committee may include the immediate Past President.

Section 1. Meetings: The Executive shall meet at least once annually and with the general membership during the biennial Reunion.

Section 2 Reunion: GOGI will have a Reunion biennially, during which the Executive shall transact all business regularly coming before it.

Section 3. Representation and Participation: In order to be entitled to any representation or vote during Reunion, all members present must duly register themselves and pay any applicable fees and be in good standing.

Section 4. Quorum and Voting: A quorum for the transaction of business of the Reunion shall be a majority of eligible voters. Each member eligible to vote as stated herein shall be allowed one (1) vote in the Reunion. In all matters, GOGI shall act by majority vote.

Section 5. Transaction of Business: The President (or Vice President if the President is absent) shall preside at all meetings with the Secretary duly recording all business transactions. All business shall be transacted as prescribed in the policies of GOGI.

Section 6. Nominations for Officers: The Nominating Committee should be constituted at least six months before the Reunion. The committee shall send out ballots of nominees to all GOGI members at least 60 days before the Reunion, to give members who are unable to attend the chance to vote.

Section 7. Secret Balloting: Balloting for the election of Officers shall be taken secretly except that when there is only one candidate nominated for a position the voting shall be by acclamation.

Section 8. Non-Majority Results: In the event that the vote for an Officer does not produce a majority winner, a second ballot will be taken including consideration of all the candidates for the position involved. Should the second ballot again produce a non-majority result, the name of the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be withdrawn and another vote taken. This shall continue until the required Officer is elected.

Section 1. Meetings: The Executive Committee of GOGI shall meet at least once a year. The President may call additional meetings as required or as directed by a three-fourth (3/4) vote of the Executive.

Section 2. Duties and Powers: The continuing work of GOGI shall be entrusted to the Executive. The Executive will consist of no more than twelve (12) elected officers.

a. The Executive Committee has general responsibility for upholding and furthering the objectives of GOGI.

b. To approve the law firm and accounting firm that would help enforce strict observance and provide clarification of the Laws of the Association.

c. To determine the place and date of meetings and Reunion.

d. To fill vacancies of Officers as hereinafter provided.

e. To prepare a suggested budget each year for the operation of GOGI.

f. To appoint the delegate(s) to represent GOGI at the meetings of affiliated professional Associations.

g. To select the financial institutions in which funds shall be deposited.

h. To designate the official vendors for GOGI.

i. To assist in membership drive and maintain contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni worldwide

j. To implement special projects in communities where GOGI members reside and for St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City, Nigeria.

k. To authorize independent review or audit of the financial statements and records of GOGI and to make such reports available to all members.

Section 3. Quorum and Voting: A majority of the Executive shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting. Each member except the President shall be entitled to one vote on all matters except as otherwise provided by the Constitution. The President shall cast a vote in the event of a tie.

Section 4. Qualifications for Office: Except for the office of the President, Vice President and Secretary, other executive roles can be contested for, nominated and filled at the reunion as long as each contestant has fulfilled the obligations of an active member.

Section 5. Election and Tenure of Office: All GOGI Officers shall be elected during the Reunion. Officers will be elected for a two-year term -President, Vice-President, Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Public Relations Officer and five (5) Regional Officers.

Section 6. Oath of Officers: All Officers elected at a Reunion shall take the oath of office, verbally in the presence of the Reunion GOGI members assembled.

Section 7. Vacancies: Should any vacancy result in any of the elected positions, other than President, by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, or any other cause, the Executive shall facilitate the process of filling the vacancy, and the proposed candidate shall be approved by a majority vote of the entire Executive. Should a vacancy by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, or any other cause occur in the position of the President, the Vice President shall assume the position of President, and a new Vice President shall be chosen immediately, in accordance with the Laws of GOGI, to serve for the remainder of the term. All members filling vacancies shall serve until the next succeeding Reunion, at which time any further unexpired term shall be filled by the Reunion or as otherwise provided for in the Laws of the Association.

Section 8. Impeachment of Executive Officers: Should two-third (2/3) of the members of the Executive feel that an elected officer should be removed from office, they shall submit such motion to the full Executive in writing, including all charges. Should a majority vote approve the motion, the officer in question shall be relieved of official responsibilities until the next Reunion. The President shall appoint a qualified member to perform the duties of the office until the outcome of the recall is determined, unless the impeached officer is the President, whereby the Vice President shall assume the responsibilities of the President.

Section 9. Indemnification: GOGI shall indemnify every person who is, or was a party, or is or was threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a member of the Executive, officer, employee or agent of GOGI, or is or was serving at the request of GOGI as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity of or in another corporation, or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any such action alleged to have been taken or not taken by such person while acting in any such capacity, against expenses (including attorney’s fees), amounts paid in settlement (whether with or without court approval), judgments, fines incurred by such person in connection with such threatened or action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of GOGI and GOGI Foundation.

Section 10. Ex Officio: The immediate past President of the Executive shall serve a 1-year term in an advisory role by participating in all official business meetings of the Executive.

Section 11. President: Shall be the Chief Executive Officer of GOGI and as such shall exercise general supervision of all of operations and personnel with no right to vote except as a tiebreaker. The President, or the Vice President, in her absence, shall preside at all meetings of the membership. The President after consultation with the Executive shall authorize expenditures, drafts, and other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Association, grant requests, and statements and reports required to be filed with the State or Federal Officials or agencies. The President shall under the approval of the Executive, be authorized to enter into any contract or agreement, along with the Secretary and the Financial Secretary, and to execute in the Association’s name, any instrument or other writing. Upon approval of payments by the executive, the president shall sign off on an approval form before disbursements of funds. The President shall present, at each Reunion, a comprehensive statement of the affairs of the Association for the preceding two years. The President will be an Ex-Officio member of the GOGI Foundation Board of Directors. The President shall be responsible for membership drive and maintaining contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni. The Term of this office shall be two years. The President may hold office consecutively for two terms, after which she must skip one.

Section 12. Vice President: The Vice President of GOGI shall assist the President in carrying out the President’s constitutional duties as may be directed by the President from time to time, and, in the absence or disability of the President, assume the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the President. The Vice President shall be responsible for membership drive and maintaining contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni.  The term of this office shall be two years.

Section 13. Secretary: The Secretary of GOGI shall attend all meetings of the Executive Officers and the meetings of the membership and record, or cause to be recorded, all votes, actions and the minutes of all proceedings in a book or electronic file to be kept for that purpose. The Secretary shall see that all notices are given in accordance with these Bylaws or as provided by law; keep the seal of the Association and affix same to the Association documents; keep a list of all members, their mailing addresses, and other related information; in general, perform all duties incidental to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Executive Officers. The Secretary shall present, at each Reunion, a comprehensive membership report for the preceding two years. The Secretary will be an Ex-Officio member of the GOGI Foundation Board of Directors. The Secretary shall be responsible for membership drive and maintaining contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni. The Secretary may hold office for two consecutive terms after which she must skip one term.

Section 14. Assistant Secretary: The Assistant Secretary of GOGI shall assist the Secretary in all duties. The Assistant Secretary is responsible for membership drive and maintaining contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni. The Assistant Secretary may hold office consecutively for two terms, after which she must skip one term.

Section 15. Financial Secretary: The Financial Secretary manages and monitors all outgoing transactions (liabilities) of GOGI. The Financial Secretary pays expenses and keeps all invoices for the Association. The Financial Secretary shall, in cooperation with the official accounting firm for GOGI, prepare and submit annual financial statements and report income and expenditure to the entire membership of the Association, and also present a comprehensive financial report during the Reunion. The Financial Secretary shall be designated as one of the signatories on the Association’s bank account, notes and securities. The other signatory shall be the Treasurer. The term of this office shall be two years. The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for membership drive and maintaining contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni. The Financial Secretary may hold office for two consecutive terms after which she must skip one term.

Section 16. The Treasurer: The Treasurer shall manage and monitor all incoming transactions (assets) of GOGI. Specifically, the Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting any registration fees, dues, or other fees and assessments and shall issue receipts for funds received. She shall be responsible for depositing all funds, or other valuables, including gifts, received into the Association’s bank account within 48 hours of receipt. The Treasurer shall be designated as one of the signatories on the Association’s bank account, notes and securities. The other signatory shall be the Financial Secretary. The term of this office shall be two years. The Treasurer shall be responsible for membership drive and maintaining contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni. The Treasurer may hold office for two consecutive terms after which she must skip one term.

Section 17. Public Relations Officer: The Public Relations Officer shall communicate decisions of the Executive and events to the general membership of GOGI. She liaises with the web master to update the Association’s website, promote the Association’s image, and shall be responsible for informing relevant agencies and donors about the mission, vision and objectives of GOGI. The Public Relations Officer shall be responsible for membership drive and maintaining contact with St. Maria Goretti alumni. The Public Relations Officer may hold office for two consecutive terms after which she must skip one term.

Section 18. Regional Officers: Regional Officers are responsible for membership drive and contacts with old girls, and keep logs of activities and events going on in regions. Regional Officers have voting rights and privileges, and are elected officials of the organizations shall participate in all executive meetings. Each Officer may hold office for two consecutive terms after which she must skip one term. A 2009 amendment created two additional regions to better serve the demographics of the association. Regions shall organize one fundraising event every year and host the reunion on a rotational basis. Each region shall have a director and/or an assistant director.

Section 19. Auditor: The Executive shall engage the services of an outside auditor or a team yearly to perform such tasks as approved by the Executive. A summary report shall be generated and presented at the Reunion.

Section 20. Legal Advisor: The Executive may from time to time engage the services of an independent legal advisor to perform such services as approved by the Executive.

Section 21. Board of Directors: The GOGI Board of Directors must include the following professionals totaling 11:

a. A practicing attorney.

b. A licensed chartered accountant.

c. Influential persons (6)

d. The founder of the Organization.

e. The current President.

f. A known non-polarizing political figure.

Role

Fundraising: Fundraising is one of the most important responsibilities of board members. Board fundraising activities may include major donor solicitations, sponsorship solicitations, membership recruitment, and efforts to boost event registrations. Oversight of Programs: The non-profit board is responsible for general oversight of the association’s programs. The board ratifies or updates the annual strategic plan for the association and evaluates the implementation plan presented by the executive. This role does not extend to the operations behind the programs.

Approval of Executive annual budget: The board’s primary function is to ensure that it scrutinizes and approves the budget as presented by the GOGI executive or its president. The board governs the association and has specific fiduciary responsibilities for which it must be accountable. Additional responsibilities vary but generally include oversight of policy, budgeting, planning, fundraising, human resources, program evaluation and board development.

The board of directors is entirely responsible for how honestly, accurately, and adequately the association handles the money it receives from any source. If there is anything wrong about the association’s financial reports, about how it spends its money, or about how it protects its money, it is the board’s responsibility to investigate and fix it. Board members shall review and accept the annual association audit and ensure compliance to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The board shall periodically review the association’s compliance with its mission and values statements and because a board member’s role is limited to governance and the president is responsible for daily operational activities, the president is the liaison between the board and the executive and also to the larger assembly.

When boards meet, and they should, it is important to record minutes of the meeting. These minutes are a legal record of activity. They do not need to be extensive but they should adequately address matters of importance and show that discussions took place including any resulting decisions. Attendance at the meeting should be recorded as well. Board members should be loyal to the agency. They should believe in the mission and goals of the agency, be available to support its staff and programs, and otherwise serve as its Goodwill Ambassador on all occasions. The board can act on behalf of the organizations where necessary and primarily help to enhance the organization’s Public Image.

The board also objectively mediates where there is dispute between members of the executive, thus serving as a court of Appeal.

All roles, except the founder, would be tenured at three (3) years each, and subject to re­appointment. Members should not be affiliated with the organization so that they can lend the weight of an extended circle of influence and friends to help the organization.

The board can excuse a non-performing member and fill such vacant positions. The board can be recruited, elected or suggested by the general assembly to an electing officer or officers who will give a deadline to name submission.

Section 1. Criteria: Membership of GOGI is open to all ladies who attended fully or partially St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City, Nigeria.

Section 2. The term “School” whenever used in the Bylaws shall mean St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City, Nigeria.

Section 3. Membership Classification: Membership of the Association shall consist of Alumni Members and Honorary Members.

Section 4. Definition of Alumni Members:

• Alumni Members shall be members in good standing who have graduated or ceased to attend St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City, Nigeria.
• Alumni Members in good standing shall be those members who have, by the payment of an alumni registration fee of One Hundred dollars ($100) become members and maintain their membership by paying their annual dues of Fifty dollars ($50). It shall be the responsibility of members to submit any name or address changes to the Secretary by May 30th of each year.
• Alumni shall conduct all affairs with respect, cordiality, and grace towards each other and shall not use language unbecoming of alumni. Grievances shall be considered by ad-hoc committees set up by the executives.
• Members must participate and be involved in GOGI programs, and belong to at least one GOGI committee. Committees shall organize various activities and fundraising to achieve such goals with assistance from the general body and executive. In addition to the above, members of GOGI shall consist of Alumni who reside outside Nigeria and show sufficient and adequate proof of residency through either addresses or job.
• GOGI –Africa with headquarters in Nigeria, will be an arm of GOGI set up basically for alumni originally resident abroad and registered as GOGI members, who have transitioned back to Africa but wish to continue their GOGI membership and help to implement GOGI projects. They shall be responsible for the execution of GOGI projects in our alma mater and engage in other fundraising initiatives to achieve GOGI goals. GOGI Africa-Nigeria office shall follow all rules, vision and processes of GOGI Regional offices and have a regional director.
• GOGI shall also consider collaborations with other non-profit associations with similar goals and vision.
• Class B Members: shall be members who will pay $300.00 annual dues, contribute to the Sunshine account, and actively help to raise funds through creative methods to the tune of $500 annually. They may not be involved in the day-to-day affairs of GOGI but will be entitled to all membership benefits.

Section 5. Definition of Honorary Members: Honorary members shall be those individuals, both women and men, of special note who support the education and enrichment of women. The Association shall confer Honorary Membership upon an individual during the Reunion.

Section 6. Inactive Membership: The Executive Committee may grant an Executive member in good standing inactive status of her executive role or any member in good standing inactive status for the following reasons: failure to pay dues, health conditions, and work concerns. A member in good standing may request this status by submitting a written request to the Executive Committee. During such inactive status the member is subject to the following provisions:

a. Loss of the right to vote in all GOGI affairs.

b. Ineligibility to hold any office or committee chair.

c. Required to meet obligations as set forth in the Bylaws.

d. Must pay any social fees for attendance at such functions where a fee has been assessed.

e. If applicable, may lose the benefits bestowed on members.

Section 7. Resignation: An Executive member may resign her position by filing a written notice with the Secretary. Any member who fails to pay her dues shall cease to become an active member of GOGI.

Section 8. Reinstatement: A former member may be readmitted to the Association upon payment of her dues.

Section 9. Privacy of Membership Records: The privacy of the records of all members of the Association shall be maintained. Except for fund raising solicitations by the Association sent to its own membership, the Association, any member, individual proprietorship, partnership, or corporation for solicitation or commercial purposes should not use membership data without the prior written consent of the Executive Committee.

Section 1. Types of Offenses and Penalties: Any member who commits any of the following shall be subject to fine, reprimand, probation, suspension or deactivation:

• Breaks any of the Laws of the Association;
• Acts in a manner unbecoming of a member of the Association;
• Engages in, participates in, consents to, aids or abets any act or acts of disloyalty or conduct, including but not limited to the use of electronic media;
• Who is delinquent in paying dues or fails to discharge her financial obligations to the Association;
• Fails to uphold membership requirements;
• Does anything, or causes anything to be done that is prejudicial to the best interests of the Association, and
• Collects money on behalf of the organization and uses same for her personal gain.

Section 2. Definitions of Penalties:

• Fine: A sum of money, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00), shall be charged to an offending member as a penalty.
• Reprimand: A reproval given in the form of a formal censure intended to correct a fault. The reprimand shall be given orally and in writing to the member being reprimanded.
• Probation: A period of time, not to exceed six (6) months, during which the member must meet certain specific obligations or requirements determined by the Executive, designed to correct faults or to encourage improved participation. The member maintains membership in the Association, continues as a participating member, and is allowed to attend Association functions during the period of probation.
• Suspension: Temporary removal, for a period not to exceed six (6) months, of the member from office and privileges; the member is no longer recognized as a participating member and is not allowed to attend any Association function; however, membership in the Association is maintained.
• Deactivation: The member in question is no longer a member of GOGI. The member’s name is removed from all Association records.

Section 3. Powers of the International Executive: The Executive shall have the power, at any time, to impose any of the penalties heretofore mentioned upon any member of the Association, who commits any of the offenses herein mentioned.

Section 4. Vote Required to Fine, Reprimand, Place on Probation or Suspend: A majority vote of all of the members of the International Executive shall be required to fine, reprimand, place on probation, or suspend any member of the Association.

Section 5. Vote Required for Deactivation by the Executive: A three-fourth (3/4) vote of the Executive shall be required to deactivate any member from the Association.

Section 6. Procedure and Reports: The procedures required to be followed prior to, during, and subsequent to a disciplinary action by the Executive shall be established in writing and communicated to the membership from time to time, as the Executive Committee deems necessary.

Section 7. Appeal: In case of disciplinary action, the member may within three (3) months from the date of such action, file an appeal with the Executive through the President. The Executive may, by a majority vote, dismiss any fine, reprimand, probation or suspension, and by a three­fourth (3/4) vote dismiss a deactivation, and reinstate the member’s original status, otherwise the decision made is sustained.

Section 1. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of GOGI and GOGI Foundation will commence on July 1^st and shall expire on June 30^th the following year.

Section 2. GOGI Funds: GOGI Funds shall comprise of all the monies received from all sources and shall be designated for general operation and specific projects approved by the legal and accounting counsels. Monies received by GOGI shall be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. GOGI shall audit all its accounts yearly. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or distributable to, its members, trustees, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof.

From 2012, GOGI shall have another non-tax deductible account set up primarily as a “SUNSHINE ACCOUNT” for benefits of paid members. Members shall voluntarily pay $50.00 into this account on an annual basis. This shall be separate from annual dues. From this account, paid members who fulfill obligations of being active in GOGI affairs shall be entitled to:

A. Active member’s death, the association shall provide all necessary monetary assistance as needed through members donations and other special means of fund raising including the sum of at least five hundred dollars (US$500.00) monetary assistance to family.

B. Death of a Member’s immediate family, limited to legal spouse and children, at least two hundred fifty dollars (US$250.00) monetary assistance.

C. In the death of a member’s parent, at least two hundred fifty dollars (US$250.00) monetary assistance.

D. Members of the region shall pay visits, provide emotional and moral support to family.

E. In addition, GOGI members will be asked to make voluntary donations (through the Treasurer) to such bereaved members within a month of notification.

F. Birth in a Member’s family, at least one hundred fifty dollars (US$100.00) monetary assistance.

G. Member’s Marriage, one hundred dollars (US$100.00) monetary assistance.

H. Grave sickness of member, legal spouse or children, at least two hundred dollars (US$200) assistance.

Section 3. Membership Dues: GOGI Executive shall have the power to levy, regulate and change the dues of the membership for the maintenance and development of the Association. Dues shall be payable directly to GOGI and may not be tax deductible. The Secretary shall mail annual invoices for membership dues on or about March 1^st each year, which should be paid by April 30^th.

Section 4. Member Benefits: In addition to the sunshine account benefits, other benefits may include but not limited to:

a. GOGI Alumnus Newsletter -Bi-annual publication to highlight the accomplishments of alumni.

b. Alumni Online Directory -Search for former classmates, friends and alumni living in your area. Password will be required.

c. Online Business Directory -A list of businesses owned or managed by GOGI members and supporters. Password will not be required.

d. Awards to be given at the Reunion -Platinum key award (members who have excelled in fundraising efforts); Gold award (members who have excelled in membership drive); and Heart award (members who have gone beyond the call of duty to help other alumni in pursuit of GOGI ideals).

e. GOGI Memorabilia, which will be for sale but discounted for members.

Section 1. Bylaw Changes: These Bylaws may be amended, or suspended in whole or in part, by a two-third (2/3) vote of the general membership and affirmed by a simple majority of the delegates assembled at the Reunion. However, to amend Article VII, Section 1, entitled Bylaw Changes, a ninety percent (90%) vote shall be required.

Section 2. Procedures: Proposed changes, suspensions in whole or in part, or revocation relating to the Bylaws, must be presented in writing to the Executive Committee and distributed to members at least sixty (60) days prior to the Reunion during which they shall be considered, and may be made only by a majority vote of GOGI members.

Section 3. Emergency Powers: To enable this Association to act promptly in an emergency, and in order that the best interest of this Association may be served, special and emergency powers are hereby granted to 2/3 of the Executive Committee to make such temporary amendments to the Bylaws.

As approved by a vote of the _______________________ on, _____________________.