Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago

AFETT CONSTITUTION - as at March 2007 1. NAME
1.1	The name of the Association shall be the ASSOCIATION OF FEMALE EXECUTIVES OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (hereinafter referred to as AFETT).
2. VISION
2.1	To continue to be the leading network for professional women in Trinidad & Tobago.
3. MISSION
3.1	To build a community of women who support each other in becoming more effective in the business world. To develop and implement programmes to promote the enrichment, growth and advancement of our members. To be advocates for change in the business environment. To provide mentoring opportunities for women entering or reentering the work force. To offer a forum for the exchange of ideas and resources.
4. INTERPRETATION
4.1	“Director/s” means any person appointed as a member of the Board of AFETT, whether interim or otherwise.
4.2	“Board” means the Board of Directors.
4.3	“Member/s” means any person who is accepted as a member of AFETT.
4.4	The Board shall be the sole authority for the interpretation or application of the Constitution and the decision of the Board on any question thereon or upon any matter affecting AFETT and not provided for therein shall be final and conclusive.
5. OBJECTIVES OF AFETT
5.1	To foster among the members of AFETT mutual awareness of one another as exemplary female professionals in their respective fields.
5.2	To promote and provide for the enhancement of the quality of the work done by all members and related industries through development of and adherence to a code of ethics.
5.3	To ensure the maintenance of a positive image of AFETT by communicating and meeting with relevant media, other associations and interested persons or parties.
5.4	To afford members the means of social intercourse, mutual helpfulness, personal development and professional networking.
5.5	To raise funds for the benefit of AFETT and deserving causes as necessary and agreed by the Directors.
6. CODE OF PRACTICE
6.1	As a member of AFETT I pledge myself to:- Maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct, and avoid conflicts or the perception of conflicts between personal and official responsibilities; Treat and encourage others to treat all persons with whom I do business, fairly, with respect and dignity, and offer equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or disability; Work with business partners, customers and employees to create relationships that are mutually beneficial;
6.2	Observe the laws and regulations pertaining to the business of my profession, employer and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Maintain the confidentiality of information I possess about the company, employees, customers or business partners; Decline to accept favours or gifts that are intended to gain favour or influence; Strive for professional improvement; Support the goals and objectives of AFETT.
7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
7.1	*Composition of the Board:* President President Elect Secretary Director of Finance Director of Communications & Public Relations Director of Membership Director of Research and Public Advocacy Director of Fundraising / Special Events Director of Programmes
7.2	*Responsibilities* The Board shall be entrusted with the fiduciary and management responsibility for the affairs of AFETT. The Board shall sustain a strong vision and strategy for the Association, develop and implement policies, and assure accountability, organizational effectiveness and member value. The Board must present their budget and strategic plan for the year to the general membership at the start of their term and must update the membership on progress at the end of each quarter.
7.3	*Power and Authority of Directors* All Directors have equal responsibility for the affairs of the Association. They may be appointed to serve as liaison to national and international strategic fora, serve on standing committees and/or any other adjunct bodies, and receive assignments from the President.
7.4	*Term of Office – President and President Elect* The President and President Elect shall serve a one (1) year, non-renewable term. The President Elect shall automatically serve as President in the subsequent term.
7.5	*Term of Office - Director of Finance* The Director of Finance shall serve a two (2) year term. Any extension of this term must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote by the Board.
7.6	*Term of Office - All Other Directors* Directors shall hold office for a maximum of one (1) year. All members of the Committee shall be eligible for re-election at the end of their term of office, but cannot serve more than three (3) consecutive terms. Any extension of terms must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote by the Board.
7.7	*Break in Service* At least three (3) years must elapse before a Director who has completed the maximum term of service can be re-elected to the Board.
7.8	*Compensation* Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services to the Board. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Association in any other capacity and receiving compensation thereof.
7.9	*Eligibility and Selection of Board* The Board shall be elected from amongst the financial members of AFETT. Nominees must have been financial members of AFETT for at least six months and must be contributing members with proven committee participation supported by a recommendation by the committee Director. Any member of the Board who ceases to be financial shall not continue in office. Any financial member can nominate another financial member to serve on the Board but the current Executive must review and approve all nominations to ensure eligibility. Members must be formally invited to nominate members to serve on the Board at least two (2) weeks prior to elections and the nominee's consent must be given to serve.
7.10	*Duties and Authorities - The President* shall be responsible for managing the Association in line with the approved Strategy and direction. This will include, but is not limited to, coordinating all aspects of the Board and overseeing the growth of the network.
7.11	*Duties and Authorities - The President Elect* is a Learning Role as the incumbent is preparing for their year as President. The President Elect will work closely with the President to understand the strategic objectives of AFETT, operation of committees and management of the Board. The President Elect can be called on to handle special projects or responsibilities as required, including Elections.
7.12	*Duties and Authorities – The Secretary* shall maintain a register of all members and shall keep minutes of all meetings of the Board and all meetings of the Association. The Secretary shall be responsible for organizing and ensuring the proper record keeping of all Board and Special Meetings; keeping the Association’s records; and ensuring that the Association complies with Trinidad and Tobago legislation and the Association bye laws.
7.13	*Duties and Authorities - The Director of Finance* shall advise the Board on fiscal responsibility and maintain the Association’s finances and Board Minutes in accordance with accepted corporate and accounting practices and fiduciary law.
7.14	*Duties and Authorities - The Director of Communications & Public Relations* shall be responsible for preserving the image, reputation and presence of the Association, in relevant external and internal forums.
7.15	*Duties and Authorities - The Director of Membership* shall at all times endeavor to offer members the best possible value for their membership. This will include but not be limited to maintaining current and relevant membership listings, analyzing member demographics to ensure that the Association is as professionally diverse as possible, and soliciting feedback to measure whether member expectations are being met.
7.16	*Duties and Authorities - The Director of Research and Public Advocacy* shall keep the membership up to date on relevant issues and current events, formulate public statements on behalf of the Association, and coordinate any research activities undertaken by or on behalf of the Association.
7.17	*Duties and Authorities - The Director of Fundraising* will be responsible for marketing, fundraising and building relationships with corporate sponsors, in line with the strategic objectives of AFETT.
7.18	*Duties and Authorities - The Director of Programmes* shall have responsibility for members’ professional development. This will include, but not be limited to, coordination of the Association’s membership meetings and seminars.
7.19	Vacancy - A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the President Elect for the remainder of the term, followed by their full term as President. The Board shall declare a vacancy and that a Director has vacated office where:- The Director, in the absence of leave granted, has failed to attend three (3) consecutive meetings; The Director has become non-financial; The Director has ceased to be a nominated Board member; The Director has resigned; The Director ceases to be a member of AFETT.
7.20	*Removal* - The Board may remove any Director who is unwilling or unable to carry out the responsibilities of office, but only at an Extraordinary Board meeting called for that purpose, upon a written request for same by any two (2) Directors. The request for the meeting shall state that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is the proposed removal of the Director, and the meeting shall be convened within two (2) weeks of the date of the request. The removal of a Director shall be effective only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board.
7.21	*Sub Committees* - The Board may, from time to time, appoint sub committees with such powers and duties as they deem fit.
7.22	*Regular Board Meetings* - The Executive shall meet at least once in every calendar month. Five (5) members shall form a quorum. The President, and in her absence the President Elect, and in the absence of the President and the President Elect some other member of the Executive selected by those present, shall be the Chairperson of the meeting. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson shall have a second or casting vote. Minutes of the proceedings of the Board shall be duly kept and signed by the Chairperson when adopted.
7.23	*Special Meetings* - Upon receipt of a request signed by any two members of the Executive requesting a special meeting of the Executive and stating the nature of the business, the President or President Elect shall forthwith convene such a meeting, giving not less than ten (10) working days notice to members of the Executive.
8. ELECTIONS
8.1	Elections will be held three (3) months prior to the established end of the Board term of office, at a special meeting of the membership held for that purpose.
8.2	The new Board will act as an understudy to the current Board for three (3) months before taking office, preparing their plans and budgets for the upcoming year, but having no power to undertake or implement decisions on behalf of AFETT until the official end of term of office of the current Board.
8.3	With the exception of the President, all Director positions may be filled by election at a General Meeting.
8.4	The election shall be by ballot where applicable.
8.5	In the event of a tie, another vote shall be called.
8.6	Results of the election shall be announced by the President within five (5) days of the election.
9. MEMBERSHIP
9.1	Potential members must display two essential characteristics: Commitment to the success of AFETT’s members A professional approach to their careers
9.2	Membership shall be diverse in occupation and cultural representation.
9.3	The Board of Directors shall give the final approval of AFETT’s rules and regulations.
9.4	The Membership application process, as outlined in AFETT’s Standard Operating Procedures, shall apply.
9.5	*Retention and Responsibilities* Each member’s participation will be reviewed by the Board on an annual basis. To retain membership status, each member shall be required to: Attend regular meetings: The minimum required number is 50% (inclusive of monthly and committee meetings and special events); Participate actively on at least one committee; Contribute professionally to AFETT; Comply with AFETT’s Constitution, standing rules and all applicable policies, procedures and guidelines; Pay all just debts and financial obligations to AFETT and to AFETT members promptly; Observe the highest ethical standards.
9.6	*Full Membership* In order to be eligible for Full Membership, the applicant must be a working female citizen or permanent resident of Trinidad and Tobago. The applicant must meet at least one (1) of the following criteria: (1) University Degree (e.g. BA, B Sc, MBA, M Sc, LLB) plus at least five (5) years experience at middle or senior management level (2) Specialist Qualification (e.g. ACCA) plus at least five (5) years experience at middle or senior management level (3) At least five (5) years relevant experience in her field and fall in one of the following categories: Professional in a specialist field e.g. Lawyer, Doctor, Engineer Designer, Artist Middle Manager Senior Manager Business Owner /Operator / Entrepreneur – self employed for no less than two (2) years (4) Deemed by the AFETT Board of Directors to possess one or more of the following characteristics: Opinion Leader Respected by the community for achievement in excellence in any area e.g. - sports, music, art, drama, culture Any other qualities deemed appropriate by the Board Full membership shall be activated with payment of dues, and entitles the member to:- Hold office Vote Receive and contribute to “Take Note” Attend all AFETT activities Participate meaningfully in AFETT committees Receive full membership listing and package Access AFETT website Receive AFETT pin, shirt, etc All other privileges and rights deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors
9.7	*Associate Membership* ELIGIBILITY For working female professionals / executives who are not citizens or residents of Trinidad and Tobago but visit occasionally or are working here temporarily, and wish to network with AFETT members and attend AFETT events. REGULATIONS / RESTRICTIONS Dues should be the same as Full Membership dues Are not entitled to vote or hold office Should not account for more than 10% of the total membership Cannot hold the status of Associate Member for more than three (3) years Applicants must justify why they are eligible for this membership status The applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria:- (1) University Degree e.g. BA, B Sc, MBA, M Sc, LLB plus at least five (5) years experience at middle or senior management level (2) Specialist Qualification e.g. ACCA plus at least five (5) years experience at middle or senior management level (3) At least five (5) years relevant experience in her field and fall in one of the following categories: Professional in a specialist field e.g. Lawyer, Doctor, Engineer Designer, Artist Middle Manager Senior Manager Business Owner /Operator / Entrepreneur – self employed for no less than two (2) years (4) Deemed by the AFETT Board of Directors to possess one or more of the following characteristics: Opinion Leader Respected by the community for achievement in excellence in any area Any other qualities deemed appropriate by the Board Associate Membership entitles a member to:- Receive “Take Note” Access the Membership database and receive the membership directory Attend all AFETT activities including but not limited to monthly and committee meetings Any other privileges deemed appropriate by the Board
9.8	*Honorary Membership* This will be limited to two (2) professional women each year, and the general membership shall be invited to nominate outstanding executive females who are role models for working women in the region. The membership is for a lifetime, and largely ceremonial, although we may call on them to endorse AFETT activities. Honorary Members shall not have the right to vote or hold office in the Association. Honorary Membership entitles the member to:- Receive “Take Note” Receive an AFETT pin Attend any AFETT monthly meetings at no charge Any other privileges and rights deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors
9.9	*Cessation of Membership* A member shall cease to be a member if:- (a) She gives to the President, President Elect or Membership Director written notice of resignation of her membership; (b) She fails to pay her annual subscription by the end of March of the same year (however the member may, at the discretion of the Board and upon payment of all arrears, be readmitted to membership); (c) Having committed any act or having been guilty of any conduct or behaviour rendering unfit to be a member of AFETT, the Board resolves by a majority of not less than two thirds to remove her from membership. This is provided that before passing any such resolution, the Board shall call upon her for an explanation of her conduct and she shall be given an opportunity to defend her actions. Upon cessation of membership, a member of AFETT shall forfeit all right to or claim upon AFETT and its property and funds.
9.10	*Voting* For the purpose of voting, only members who are financial shall be entitled to one (1) vote each, exercisable by the designated member or by approved proxy in their absence.
9.11	*Nomination of Members* Any person who meets the criteria may make an application to become a member of AFETT. The application shall be submitted to the Membership Committee. Final approval for membership applications rests with the Board. Upon the acceptance of her application, the new member shall be so notified and shall be required to pay membership dues. Upon payment of dues she will be furnished with a copy of the Constitution as well as other pertinent new member information.
9.12	*Membership Register* The Membership Committee shall keep a register of all members, including provisional and applicants.
9.13	*Member Responsibilities* Members shall:- Pay all just debts and financial obligations to AFETT; Observe the highest ethical standards; Comply with the bylaws and all standing rules; Actively participate on at least one (1) Committee.
10. STANDING COMMITTEES
10.1	*Limits on Committee Powers* No committee shall have the authority of the Board to amend, alter or repeal the Constitution or Standard Procedures of AFETT; elect, appoint or remove any Director or paid staff (if appropriate); adopt a plan or merger or a plan of consolidation with another entity; or amend, alter or repeal any resolution of the Board. All standing and ad hoc committees are to report promptly to the Board and only take such actions as are specifically designated by this Constitution or in the resolution establishing the committee and setting forth its duties and responsibilities. No member of any committee or other body shall speak on behalf of AFETT unless authorised to do so by the Board.
10.2	The Association shall maintain the following Standing Committees: Communications / PR Committee led by The Director of Communications Programmes led by The Director of Programmes Fundraising led by The Director of Fundraising Finance led by The Director of Finance Membership led by The Director of Membership Research and Public Advocacy led by The Director of Research and Public Advocacy
11. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
11.1	The Annual General Meeting of AFETT shall be held in the month of June, for the following purposes:- To confirm the Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and any Extraordinary General Meeting; To receive from the Board a report for the preceding year; To present audited financial statements for the preceding financial year. Members are to receive soft copies of said financial statements two (2) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting; At the AGM, the Board duly elected in March assumes office and presents their strategic plan and budget; To appoint auditors for the ensuing term; To deal with any other business.
11.2	*Notice of Business* Any member desirous of moving any resolution at an Annual General Meeting shall give notice thereof in writing to the Secretary not less than fourteen (14) days before such meeting.
11.3	*Proceedings of Annual General Meetings* At all Annual General Meetings of AFETT, the President, and in her absence the President Elect, and in the absence of both the President and President Elect, a designated member selected by those members present, shall be the Chairperson of the meeting. Only financial designated members shall be entitled to vote and in the case of an equality of votes, there shall be a re-vote until a majority is declared.
11.4	*Convening Annual General Meetings* At least fourteen (14) days before the Annual General Meeting or any Extraordinary General Meeting, a notice of such meeting and of the business to be transacted thereat shall be sent to every financial member.
12. EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS
12.1	The Board may, at any time, call an Extraordinary General Meeting, giving notice of at least fourteen (14) days, and stating the purpose for which the meeting is required.
12.2	Upon the requisition in writing from any ten (10) members stating the purpose for which the meeting is required, the Board shall forthwith call an Extraordinary General Meeting, giving at least fourteen (14) days notice.
12.3	No business other than that of which notice has been given shall be brought forward at such a meeting except with the unanimous consent of the members present.
13. QUORUM
13.1	The quorum at all Annual or Extraordinary General Meetings shall be 20% of the financial membership. If a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting, the members present may proceed with the business of the meeting notwithstanding that the quorum is not present thereafter. If a quorum is not present within thirty (30) minutes of the time appointed for a meeting, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day two weeks thereafter at the same time and place. At the adjourned meeting the members present, being not less than twenty percent (20%), may after thirty (30) minutes of the appointed time, proceed with the meeting.
14. FINANCE
14.1	*Funds* All the funds of AFETT shall be vested in the name of AFETT by the Board, who shall invest them into an account in the name of the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago, held with a bank or other Financial Institution.
14.2	*Financial Year* The financial year of AFETT shall end on the last day of May on which date the accounts of AFETT shall be balanced.
14.3	*Entrance Fee and Membership Subscription* The subscription shall be fixed by AFETT and shall become due on the 1st January of each year for the then current year.
14.4	*Appointment of Auditors* At each General Meeting, the Auditors shall be appointed to serve for the ensuing year. The Auditors shall submit to the Secretary an audit of the accounts of AFETT no later than fourteen (14) days before the next General Meeting. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Auditor during the year, it shall be filled by the Board. Appointed Auditor(s) cannot be member(s) of AFETT.
15. AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION
15.1	The Constitution may be amended by resolution at any Annual General or Extraordinary General Meeting provided that no such resolution shall be deemed to have passed unless it is carried by a majority of at least two thirds of the members voting thereon.
16. DISSOLUTION OF AFETT
16.1	AFETT may be dissolved by a resolution passed at an Extraordinary General Meeting called specifically for that purpose. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, and in particular Section 13, the quorum at any such meeting shall not be less than 50% of the membership eligible to attend and vote at the meeting.
16.2	The dissolution shall take effect from the day when the resolution is passed by a majority of three fourths (¾) of the members present and voting. All property and assets whatsoever of AFETT after the discharge of all its debts and liabilities, shall be paid to or distributed amongst such welfare or charitable organizations as the meeting may determine.