Sunday, April 21, 2013

ARTICLES OF UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC


ARTICLES OF UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(General Laws)
ARTICLE I
The exact name of the corporation is: UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC. The abbreviation is UMF.

ARTICLE II
The purpose of the corporation is not to make monetary profits but most importantly to engage in the following activities:
Pursue a vision engendering empowerment for persons living in USA HAVING come from another new worldly context. Mission: Create a path for productivity, enterprise, self-esteem, life-planning and accountability. OBJECTIVES/PILLARS: 1. Encourage good conduct in consonance with USA laws for persons at an intermediate level towards probationary recognition status in USA. Empower members through understanding contexts for self development, integration, adjustment, self determination, formation and enjoyment of associations, skills development and freedom to express views. 2. Engage in business-related enterprises to promote development 3. Make it possible for UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC, to move towards leadership and corporate knowledge management in the areas of; social justice, development and global commerce.
We shall engage in activities around:
v The recurrent administration of UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC.
v The following areas are crucial as one adjusts to an American life. We want to explore how members are: sustaining themselves; engaging in various forms of productivity; how they are improving on themselves. The themes we envision to follow are based on these ten contexts:
a)   Public Accommodations (Title II, 1964 Civil Rights Act). As someone in USA and someone we hope to benefit from our services. We hope to link to services in the area of access to literacy, numeracy and computer technologies, schools, legal, mobility, language, sports, restaurants, hotels, theatres and public places.
b)  Public Facilities (Title III, 1964 Civil Rights Act). We are interested in ensuring access to conflict resolution mechanisms, weatherization facilities, seminars, conferences, workshops, camps, courthouses, jails, hospitals, parks and recreation centers.
c)   Federally-funded Programs (Title VI, 1964 Civil Rights Act) through this it will be of interest to explore how those who seek our services are able to access welfare services, adoption, police, insurance services, schools, homelessness/youth-services and health-care.
d)  Employment ( Title VII, 1964 Civil Rights Act; 1978 Civil Service Reform Act; 1991 Government Employee Rights Act; 1995 Congressional Accountability Act; 10 U.S.C. Ch. 37).The possibility to access civilian, military, government, private sector and homeland/ immigration services will be a crucial counselling and guidance support sessions. Proper documentation will be key in enabling one enjoy living in USA peacefully and happily.
e)   Housing and livelihood in USA (Title VIII, 1968 Civil Rights Act also known as the ‘fair housing’ Act). Access to decent living is crucial in USA and anywhere in the world. This lies on one’s ability to access money for rent. There are those who are at an indeterminate phase and rely on public assistance. UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION will provide opportunities to access information linking them to welcoming homes, developing creditable skills, access pecuniary/fiduciary opportunities, access to financial services, opportunities for making purchases, good accountability procedures and financial literacy.
f)    Education (Title IX, 1972 Education Amendments Act).Access to any form of education at different levels is a good preparation and improves ones skills in understanding one’s real-time context, social issues, tolerance, aspirations and identifying abuses, likely conflicts and problem-solving.
g)   Credit (1974 Equal Credit Opportunity Act).  We shall explore means to accessing opportunities, trainings, seminars, exhibitions, fares, funds and loans as a boost to life and businesses for those who access our services.
h)  Marriage Equality Issues based on Gender, Sex, race and other identities (US Supreme Court Decisions). Formalization of relations is important and needs to be regularized in order for members to live happily in USA and access various services. We hope to link our beneficiaries to organizations supporting this land-mark milestone in life.
i)    Immigration, Responsible Conduct, Positive Parenting, Disability and Family Leave (Uniting American Families Act (proposed), the American with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act). A well person is the goal of many societies as well as for UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION. We shall work in synergy with facilities empowering beneficiaries with legal stay in USA.
j)    Tolerance watch and a neighborly attitude building, we shall engage our beneficiaries in life-planning skills, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. We shall use this opportunity to hold dialogues on any form of attacks, abuses of/in any form and working with the US Gov in ensuring co-existence and peace in the world.


ARTICLE III INTEGRATION BENEFICIARY, STAFF AND FOUNDER
Section (i) Beneficiaries
The beneficiary we envision is a person at an intermediate phase and waiting to be fully documented, one who is labouring to get their way around neighborhoods, shopping malls and down-town. Our services will be provided without discrimination, without charging and all effort will be made to refer in case an issue is beyond our competence.
Section (ii)  Staff-Members
Our staff-members are based in Massachusetts: They are: Operations’ Coordinator is the head of all staff-members; 3 Social-workers and 2 Community attachment field workers. Together they are responsible for good conduct, courteous regard of beneficiaries and they manage the day to day business and property of the organization.
Section (iii) Founder
The Founder is the Operations’ Manager and is not a paid staff-member (not salaried). All other staff-members report to him.
Section (iv) Vacancies.
The Founder will announce open vacancies and allow persons based on their competence to occupy them. In all activities our obligation is to the vision and satisfaction of the society we serve.
ARTICLE IV Conduct of business and affairs of the corporation
Section (i) Annual meetings
These meetings are crucial and will be held at venues chosen at the discretion of Founder. If it is not a legal holiday in USA or anywhere in New England, such a date and day will be communicated. Most preferably a day in December is more conducive for such a meeting. It provides time to reflect and resolve on progress.
Section (ii) MEETINGS
Notice of all regular meetings (held at a quarterly basis), shall be given 10 (Ten) days before such a meeting to the usual business or residence address of the director, but such notice may be waived by any director. Special meetings may be called at any time by Operations’ Coordinator to be held anywhere in Massachusetts. Notices will have venue, agenda and will be delivered 24 (twenty-four) hours prior to meeting. In such a meeting it is anticipated the agenda will be the business that comes before the meeting. Any other matters arising will be provided a specific schedule. The meeting will have taken place if they are heard or physically attended at that specific time and the transcript/s will show input of every one. This may not require waiver or notice.
Section (iii) WAIVER OF NOTICE
The transactions of a meeting however called and noticed or wherever held, shall be as valid as though had at a meeting duly held after a regular call and notice.
Section (iv) ADJOURNMENT
An unforeseen incidence and emergency MAY lead to an adjournment of any meeting to meet again at a stated time, place and hour.
Section (v) ACTION WITHOUT MEETING
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Founder under any provision of law or these By-laws may be taken without a meeting and shall individually consent in writing to such action. Such action shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the staff-members at a meeting regularly called and held.

Section (vi) Operations’ Coordinator
At all meetings the Operations’ Coordinator shall preside.
Section (vii) QUORUM
In any meeting atleast forty percent (40%) of participants will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. This is similar to the outcomes where such a meeting had a full quorum. If at any meeting there is less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.
Section (viii) COMPENSATION
This corporation pay salaries to staff-members only for any transaction. All reasonable actual expenses that go towards ensuring its recurrent work is duly acknowledged. It will be compensated and reimbursed as well.
Section (ix) POWERS
All corporate powers, except such as are otherwise provided for in these Bylaws or the laws of The Common Wealth of Massachusetts, shall be and are hereby vested in and shall be exercised by the Founder. The Founder may delegate to committees of their own or to officers or others such powers as may see fit.
Section (x) COMMITTEES
The Founder may appoint committee/s. The committee or committees will be appointed as deemed fit. They will be delegated with powers and authority appropriate to the purpose of the committee. The members of the committees may not necessarily be staff-members or may come from within the existing staff-members. They report to the Founder. The delegation of powers or authority does not relieve the staff-members any responsibility imposed by law.

ARTICLE V  THE FOUNDER, OFFICERS AND RUNNING OF OFFICES
Section (i) FOUNDING MANAGER
In March 2013, the Founders in Massachusetts, USA, chose as their corporation name: UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC. They adopted the concept as a working paper, designed a five year strategic plan (2013-2018) and established a blog. The Founder will ensure all 3 expressed pillars on which the corporation stands are implemented fully.
The Founding Manager: Tom Rogers Muyunga-Mukasa of 65 Tory Fort Lane, Worcester, MA 01602.
Section (ii) OFFICERS
These include Staff-members, Volunteers, well-wishers and all those who access our services.
Section (iii) RECRUITMENT, TERM OF OFFICE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Every THREE years there shall be renewal of contracts  for Operations Coordinator. Every TWO years there shall be renewal of contracts for all other staff-members and volunteers. UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC is an equal opportunities employer.
Section (iv) VACANCIES
In case any office of the corporation becomes vacant, the Operations’ Coordinator then in office may elect an officer to fill such a vacancy, and the officer so elected shall hold the office and serve until the election and qualification of a successor. The Operations’ Coordinator will inform the Founder in writing of such proceeding.
Section (v) Operations’ Coordinator (Executive Director)
Shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall have and exercise general charge. The Operations’ Coordinator is in charge of recurrent-related duties such as; custody of all funds, property and securities of the corporation, subject to such regulations as laid out in this By-law and in the interest of operation in the Common Wealth of Massachusetts; shall have charge of all books, documents and papers as the Founder may determine and shall have the custody of the corporate seal; shall attend and keep the minutes of all the meetings or choose a person to take minutes. He or she may sign, with the Founder, in the name and on behalf of the corporation, any contracts or agreements. He or she may then affix the seal of the corporation; He/She is the corporate secretary and performs all duties as may be assigned. One or more assistant secretaries may be appointed. The Operations Coordinator and Founder may design an operation or task order that covers a full year and this constitutes the planned action menu. The Operations’ Coordinator collects checks, notes and other resources necessary for running the corporation. Deposits credit of the corporation as such a bank/s or depository so chosen. He/She shall with Founder sign all checks and promissory notes issued by the corporation. He/she shall make such payments appropriate for running the corporation. He/She shall enter regularly on the books of the Corporation to be kept by him/her for that purpose full and accurate account of all moneys and obligations received and paid and incurred for or an account of the Corporation and shall exhibit such books at all reasonable times to the Founder. He/she shall, in general, perform all duties.
Section (vii) Founder
The originator and custodian of all assets, oversees transactions and maintains flow; follow up of all obligations and duties.  He regulates and maintains order in form of notes, requests and needs; weighs these against existing resources. He/she takes the pulse and day to day running of the corporation. The executive team reports to this person.

Section (viii) Social/Field Workers, Counsellors and Volunteers
Responsible for conducting themselves in good manner, manage the reception and handling clients transactions and maintains flow; follow up of all obligations and duties as a way of conducting business.  .
Section (ix) SALARIES
All other persons EXCEPT Founder may get salaries fixed by the current scale and availability of funding. This shall be a reasonable amount that does not offset capitalization and planned recurrent duties.
Section (x) EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, REMOVAL, OUT OF OFFICE, RESIGNATION
a)   Any officer may request from Operations Coordinator for leave from office or may call in sick or request to be provided time to conduct a social business a day or hour before, or at an appropriate time.
b)  The Corporation will not remove or deny any person from applying and working with us.
c)   Malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance, conduct detrimental to the interests of the corporation, or refusal to render reasonable assistance in carrying out its purpose is cause for removal. A notice to that effect will be provided and a day provided for mediation in such matters.
d)  The Founding Director/s shall be removed as a result of abuse of office or in case of demise.
e)   Any one may resign at any time by giving notice.
f)    An annual reward and recognition ceremony will be held in recognition of all the work done.
g)   In case of death of any person or Founder, the corporation will do its utmost to offer the due diligence necessary for the remains to be put to rest. The corporation should not cease doing work in case the Founder passes on.

Section (xi) CONTRACTS
The Founder authorizes (in writing after a meeting to discuss same) any officer or agent to enter into any contract and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and unless so authorized by the Founder (in writing), no officer, agent or employee shall have any powers or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or render it liable pecuniary for any purpose or to any amount.
Section (xii) FISCAL YEAR
The Fiscal year of the Corporation shall commence on January 1st of each year and end December 31st.
Section (xiii) ANNUAL REPORT
 The Founder shall send to all concerned an annual report, as described by the Common Wealth of Massachusetts General Laws.
Section (xix) VALUE FOR MONEY
The staff-members and Volunteers connected with the Corporation or any other private individual shall receive salaries during their tenure with the Corporation; and no such person or persons shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon the dissolution of the Corporation. Upon such dissolution, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the assets of the Corporation, after all debts have been satisfied, then remaining in the hands of the Founder shall be distributed, transferred, conveyed delivered and paid over, in such amounts as the Board of Directors may determine or as may be determined by a court or competent jurisdiction upon application of the Board of Directors, exclusively to charitable, religious, scientific, literary, cultural, or educational organizations which have a similar or related purpose as the Corporation and which then qualify under the provisions of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.
Section (xx) Investments
The Corporation shall have the right to retain all or any part of any securities acquired by it in whatever manner and to invest and re-invest any funds held by it; provided, however that no action shall be taken by or on behalf of the Corporation (i) and is found inconsistent with the Common Wealth of Massachusetts General Laws on Corporations
Section (xxi) Amendments
The Founder shall have the power to make, alter, amend and repeal the Bylaws of the corporation.
Section (xxii) Indemnity
Under indemnity, proceedings, expenses and agents are to be considered pivotal to the running of the Corporation.  An agent is: Founder, officer, employee or other such person or organization performing a duty tangential to the daily running of the Corporation. A proceeding in this case is any planned execution, interpretation, evidence-based, threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative; and expense includes without limitations fees, settlements, judgements, fines, rates, taxes and any expenses of establishing a right of indemnification.
Section (xxiii) Actions
The Corporation shall indemnify any agent who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was an agent of the Corporation, against expenses, judgements, fines, settlements in connection to work with UNIVERSAL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC.
ARTICLE VI certification
Effective date of Organization of UNIVERSL MISSION FOUNDATION LLC is approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth on: April 11th 2013, 06.06 pm.
ARTICLE VII
a)   The Principal Office of the Corporation in Massachusetts is:
65 Tory Fort Lane, Worcester MA, 01602.
b)  The name, residential address and post office address of the  Founder and manager of the Corporation is as follows:

Title
Name
Residential Address
Post-Office Address
Founder
Tom Rogers Muyunga-Mukasa
65 Tory Fort Lane, MA O1602
65 Tory Fort Lane, MA O1602

No comments:

Post a Comment