We, members of Bengali Association of Minnesota (BAM), desire to unite together, and therefore, do adopt this constitution and solemnly pledge ourselves to be governed by its provisions.

The name of the organization shall be the BENGALI ASSOCIATION of MINNESOTA (hereafter referred to as BAM) and it shall operate as a cultural and charitable NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

“The mission of BAM is to preserve and cherish the heritage, philosophy, culture and traditional values of Bengal. BAM seeks to be a Reputed and Respected organization in the United States of America.”

The purpose of the Bengali Association of Minnesota is:

To provide a common place to celebrate Bengali Festival and Events in the Twin Cities area. To bring into closer relationship among the members of the community in the State of Minnesota and elsewhere. To conduct and sponsor religious, spiritual, charitable, educational, social and cultural activities for the benefit of the Community. To promote an understanding of the history and development of Bengali philosophy and culture among the younger members. To represent the culture, traditions and interest of the Bengali community to the broader Indian community in Minnesota and also to the broader community at large.

The operations of the BAM shall be conducted principally within the State of Minnesota. At present, its principal office shall be located at the President’s residence address.

The duration of the BAM shall be perpetual

A person 18 years of age or above who subscribes to the goals and objectives of the Bengali Association of Minnesota and abides by its by–laws and rules may qualify for membership.

The executive power of the BAM shall be vested in an Executive Committee. The Executive committee will consist of five members: PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND TWO OTHER MEMBERS. After the election as per Article VIII, the President will allocate portfolio to its members. Long range policy and planning shall be the responsibility of the Executive Committee.

Any member who fulfills the criteria as a President or as a board member can nominate himself or herself. Members can recommend or nominate other members provided nominee agrees with the board member’s responsibility. The Executive Committee will appoint an Election Committee for the selection of the new board. It will consist of two executive committee members and three members from the community. The responsibility of the Election Committee will be to solicit nominations for the next executive committee and to select a maximum of two nominees for each position. The Election Committee will submit its recommendation at the general body meeting for final approval by its members and conduct the election. The term of office is 2 years. A member can be reelected only for an additional 2-year consecutive term.

The attached By-laws define the organizational structure of BAM and outline the procedure for carrying out the intent of this constitution.

I.1 A person 18 years of age or above who subscribes to the objectives of the Community and abides by its By-laws and regulations shall be qualified to become a member of the BAM. I.2 Classification of Membership: I.2.1 Primary members An individual or family living in the Twin-cities or the surrounding area with a desire to maintain Bengali culture and abide by the laws and By-laws of is automatically considered as a member. I.2.2 Associate members An individual or family who was a member of BAM and currently lives outside of Minnesota jurisdiction and has the desire to remain connected with our community may be considered for this kind of membership. They will not have any voting rights.

II.1 The fiscal year of BAM shall begin on the first day of April and end on the last day of March.

III.1 All members in good standing as defined herein above, shall be eligible to vote. III.2 Each member shall be entitled to a single vote except as otherwise provided herein elsewhere. III.3 A member shall be eligible to vote thirty (30) days after acceptance to membership.

IV.1 The general body of the Community shall comprise of the total membership.
IV.2 An annual meeting of the general body shall be held during the SARASWATI PUJA of each year for the election of officers and the presentation of financial and other Committee reports and officers as provided by the By-laws elsewhere for the transaction of other business of the Society. A written notice of such meeting, specifying the place, dates and time shall be sent to all Members by the President, not less than THIRTY (30) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting
IV.3 A member may place an item on the agenda for discussion at the general body meeting by sending a written notice addressed to the President no less than TEN (10) Calendar days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting.
IV.4 Special Meetings: The Executive Committee may convene Special meetings of the general body to discuss any specific topic or subject matter. A Special meeting may also be called upon at the written request of at least 30 or 30% of the total Membership, whichever is more, submitted no less than THIRTY (30) days prior to the proposed date for the said meeting. No business other than those specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting of the general body. Notice for any special meeting shall be given in the same manner as for the annual meeting.
IV.5 Every member in good standing shall be eligible to vote except as otherwise provided herein elsewhere.
IV.6 Quorum: At least 20% of the voting members in the good standing shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meetings of the Community. This quorum requirement, however, shall not govern special meetings convened for the express purpose of suspension or expulsion of any elected officer, the required quorum for said purpose being at least two-Thirds (2/3) of the voting members in the good standing.
IV.7 All business issues which are placed before the general body meeting for final decision (except those matters regarding suspension of elected officers) shall be decided on the basis of a simple majority vote of members present and voting, provided conditions specified in IV.6. above, shall have been complied with.
IV.8 The order of business for annual meetings of the general body shall be determined by the President. Rules of Order as amended, shall govern all procedures at said meetings, unless otherwise specified herein elsewhere.
IV.9 Amendment: Any proposal for the amendment to the Constitution must be submitted in writing/email to the Executive committee not less than 30 days before the general body meeting. For a proposal to pass two-third (2/3) of the membership shall vote in favor of the proposal.

V.1 To be elected President, a member shall live in the twin city’s community for a minimum period of three years immediately prior to the year in which he/she seeks that office. He/she would have already taken some responsibility as an organizer in an annual community event.
V.2 In order to be elected as a member of the Executive Committee, the person shall live in the community for a minimum period of one year.

VI.1 BAM is a Non-Profit organization. All services to BAM are VOLUNTARY.
VI.2 Person should be willing to devote time and energy for the betterment of the community.
VI.3 Each member has the utmost responsibility to keep the community stronger and united.
VI.4 Executive committee will assist to create the individual organizing committee for each festival and event. Overall, it is individual committee’s responsibility to organize the event. The President only can guide or advice for the betterment of the events. Only in crisis the executive can directly get involved in a particular event/festival.
VI.5 In the absence of the President, the vice-president will work as the president.
VI. 6 Treasurer will be responsible for the maintenance of the accounts and documents for the audit purpose. Once a year the Treasurer will publish the final BAM account and place them in front of the public. It is individual organizing committee’s responsibility to hand over the detail and summary account to the Treasurer. The treasurer will provide financial report to the Executive Committee at each of its meetings.
VI.7 The President will call regular meetings of the executive committee to discuss BAM affairs. At least two meetings are to be held annually. A summary of a meeting will be distributed to the public.