Malo E Lelei, Welcome to the home of San francisco bay area tongan association
BYLAWS OF
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA TONGAN ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this organization shall be San Francisco Bay Area Tongan Association, hereinafter referred to as the “Association.”
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE AND MISSION
Section 1. Purpose
The Association is organized as a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to preserving Tongan culture, empowering Tongan individuals and families, and supporting the educational, social, and economic advancement of Tongan youth and the broader Tongan community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Section 2. Mission
The mission of the Association is to:
Preserve, promote, and perpetuate Tongan language, customs, traditions, arts, and cultural values.
Empower Tongans through education, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement.
Support youth progress through academic encouragement, cultural education, life skills training, and positive role modeling.
Provide assistance, advocacy, and resources to Tongan individuals and families.
Foster unity, collaboration, and mutual respect within the Tongan community and with the wider community.
ARTICLE III – NONPROFIT STATUS
The Association shall operate exclusively for charitable, educational, and cultural purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax law.
No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Association shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments in furtherance of its purposes.
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility
Membership shall be open to any individual who supports the mission and objectives of the Association, regardless of age, gender, religion, or background.
Section 2. Classes of Membership
The Association may establish the following classes of membership:
General Members – Individuals who support the Association and participate in activities.
Youth Members – Individuals under eighteen (18) years of age.
Honorary Members – Individuals recognized for outstanding service or contributions to the Tongan community.
Section 3. Rights and Responsibilities
Members in good standing may attend meetings, vote on matters presented to the membership, and serve on committees, subject to age and legal requirements.
Members are expected to uphold the values of the Association and act in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner.
ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Authority
The affairs of the Association shall be governed by a Board of Directors, which shall have general supervision, control, and responsibility for the policies, finances, and activities of the Association.
Section 2. Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of not fewer than five (5) and not more than eleven (11) directors.
Section 3. Duties
The Board of Directors shall:
Establish policies and strategic direction.
Ensure alignment with the mission and bylaws.
Oversee financial management and accountability.
Support programs that benefit Tongan culture and youth development.
Section 4. Term of Office
Directors shall serve a term of two (2) years and may be re-elected.
Section 5. Removal
Any director may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the Board.
ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the Association shall include:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
The Board may establish additional officer positions as needed.
Section 2. Duties
President – Provides leadership, presides over meetings, and represents the Association.
Vice President – Assists the President and assumes duties in the President’s absence.
Secretary – Maintains records, meeting minutes, and official correspondence.
Treasurer – Oversees financial matters, maintains accurate financial records, and reports to the Board.
Section 3. Election and Term
Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors and serve a term of two (2) years.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
Section 1. Board Meetings
The Board shall meet at least quarterly at a time and place determined by the Board.
Section 2. General Membership Meetings
At least one general membership meeting shall be held annually.
Section 3. Quorum
A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for conducting business.
ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES
The Board may establish standing or special committees to support cultural programs, youth initiatives, fundraising, and community outreach.
Committee members may include Board members and general members.
ARTICLE IX – FINANCES
Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Association shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Funds
All funds shall be used solely to further the mission and purposes of the Association.
Section 3. Financial Oversight
The Treasurer shall provide financial reports to the Board, and the Board shall ensure transparency and accountability.
ARTICLE X – CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Association shall adopt a conflict-of-interest policy to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the Association.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors, provided that notice of the proposed amendment is given in advance.
ARTICLE XII – DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of the Association, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.