Articles of Association

Article 1: Name

The organization shall be named ToRiseUp, hereinafter referred to as TRU.

Article 2: Purposes

The organization is dedicated to internationally upholding human rights through the following objectives:

• Empowerment of Young Women and Youth: Provide resources, training, and support to empower young women and youth to lead in their communities, develop leadership skills, and advocate for change.
• Youth Leadership Development: Foster youth leadership through mentorship programs, leadership training, and platforms that encourage self-expression, creativity, and active participation in decision-making processes.
• Advocacy for Youth in Marginalized Groups: Advocate for the rights, inclusion, and protection of youth from marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in society and policy-making.
• Promotion of Cultural Diversity in Youth Communities: Support cultural activities within youth communities that celebrate diversity, promote unity, and encourage mutual respect, fostering an environment of inclusivity.
• Enhancement of Youth Civic Engagement: Encourage and promote active civic participation among youth, empowering them to take part in local, national, and global initiatives to bring about positive societal changes.
• Empowerment of Youth Journalists: Strengthen the skills and capacity of young journalists to practice their rights to freedom of speech, access to information, and accountability in media, contributing to transparency and informed communities.

Article 3: Membership

Membership in TRU is open to individuals and entities committed to the organization’s objectives. The Board of Directors reserves the right to approve all membership applications. Membership categories, eligibility, rights, and responsibilities are as follows:

• General Membership: Available to individuals who support the organization’s purposes and objectives. General members have the right to attend meetings, engage in discussions, and vote on matters impacting the organization. The Board may impose specific eligibility criteria.
• Affiliate Membership: Intended for organizations and entities seeking collaboration with TRU on specific projects or initiatives. Affiliate members may attend meetings but do not have voting rights.
• Honorary Membership: Granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization’s mission or causes. Honorary members enjoy the benefits of general membership but are exempt from membership fees.

Membership Application and Renewal

The Board of Directors will establish criteria for membership application, renewal, and expulsion. All applications are subject to Board review, and members will renew annually with Board approval. Failure to meet participation standards can result in the denial of renewal.

Membership Revocation

Membership may be revoked by a majority vote of the Board if a member engages in activities that conflict with the organization’s objectives or integrity.

Article 4: Governing Body

The organization shall be governed by a Board of Directors responsible for overall governance. The Board shall consist of the following six members, elected by the general membership for three-year terms:

• President: The President oversees all activities of the organization and acts as the primary representative in public and official capacities, ensuring the organization’s mission is being fulfilled and strategic goals are being met. 
• Vice-President: The Vice-President supports the President in their duties and assumes the President’s responsibilities in their absence, helping to ensure the smooth functioning of leadership and decision-making processes. 
• Treasurer: The Treasurer oversees all financial matters of the organization, including managing budgets, fundraising, accounting, and presenting annual financial reports to the board and members. 
• Director of Operations: The Director of Operations manages the day-to-day administrative and operational tasks of the organization, ensuring that programs and initiatives are effectively implemented and that operations run smoothly. 
• Director of Communications: The Director of Communications is responsible for overseeing the organization’s public relations, managing media outreach, and ensuring effective internal and external communication strategies are in place to support the organization’s goals. 
• Director of Strategic Planning: The Director of Strategic Planning works on developing and refining the organization’s long-term vision, setting goals, and ensuring that strategies align with the mission and objectives. They also monitor the progress and performance of ongoing initiatives to adapt plans as necessary. 

In case of a tie vote among Board members, the Board shall promote discussion to reach a consensus.

Article 5: Voting System

5.1 General Voting: All voting within the organization will follow a majority rule system, except where otherwise specified. Each eligible voting member has one vote.

5.2 Electronic Voting: Voting may occur in-person or through an approved electronic platform, subject to verification by the Secretary-General.

5.3 Special Voting Requirements: Amendments to the statute or the election of officers require a two-thirds majority vote from eligible members present at the general assembly.

5.4 Proxy Voting: Members who cannot attend meetings may authorize another member to vote on their behalf with written consent, submitted to the Board before voting.

5.5 Voting Confidentiality: All votes, except those for public resolutions, will be confidential to protect member privacy and the integrity of the process.

Article 6: Conflict Resolution System

6.1 Internal Dispute Resolution: Any internal conflict between members or between members and the Board shall first be addressed through mediation. The President or an impartial third party will facilitate discussions between the parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

6.2 Mediation Process: A mediator will be appointed by the Board from a list of approved mediators, and the parties involved must participate in good faith.

6.3 Escalation: If mediation fails, the dispute may be escalated to an arbitration panel, consisting of three Board-approved arbiters, who will make a binding decision based on the evidence presented.

6.4 Legal Recourse: If arbitration is unsuccessful or a party violates the terms of a resolution, the matter may be referred to legal action under the jurisdiction of the organization’s registered country.

Article 7: Funding

The organization secures funding through membership fees, grants, donations, and other lawful means. The Treasurer is responsible for financial oversight and presents an annual financial report.

Article 8: Amendments

Amendments to this statute require a two-thirds majority vote of members present at the general assembly.

Article 9: Dissolution

In case of dissolution, remaining assets will be donated to organizations with similar objectives, determined by the Board.

Article 10: Non-Discrimination

The organization upholds a policy of non-discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status.

Article 11: Conflict of Interest

All Board members and general members must avoid any situation where their personal or financial interests conflict with the interests of the organization.

• Disclosure Requirement: Any individual engaging in activities that may pose a conflict of interest must immediately disclose such conflicts to the Board.
• Strict Prohibition: No member may participate in decisions involving matters where they have a personal or financial interest. Failure to disclose will result in immediate disciplinary action, including revocation of membership or removal from the Board.
• Legal Consequences: Breach of this policy may result in legal action against the offending individual, including civil liability for damages caused by the conflict of interest. The organization reserves the right to seek compensation for financial or reputational harm.

Article 12: Confidentiality

Strict confidentiality is required of all Board members and general members.

• Confidential Information: Members shall not disclose confidential or proprietary information about the organization’s operations, strategies, or partnerships. This includes internal documents, discussions, and donor information.
• Disciplinary Measures: Any breach of confidentiality will result in immediate removal from the Board or revocation of membership. The organization reserves the right to pursue legal action, including civil penalties or lawsuits for any damages resulting from the breach.
• Legal Consequences: Breach of confidentiality may lead to both criminal charges and civil litigation for damages to the organization’s reputation, finances, or operations.

Article 13: Confidentiality of Strategies and Projects

All members, including Board members, must adhere to strict confidentiality rules concerning project development, funding strategies, and other proprietary information.

• Confidentiality in Documentation: All discussions, proposals, and materials shared during meetings related to project planning or funding strategies are confidential.
• Enforcement: The Board shall ensure confidentiality agreements are signed by all members. Breaches will result in termination of membership and potential legal prosecution, with the organization seeking restitution for any harm caused.

Article 14: Hiring Consultants

To support the successful execution of projects and operations, the Board of Directors may authorize the hiring of external consultants with specialized skills or knowledge required for specific tasks. Consultants may be hired for:

• Project Operations: Consultants may assist with the design and implementation of key projects, including technical consultants, subject matter experts, or project managers.
• Strategic Planning: External consultants may provide expertise in long-term planning, organizational development, and growth strategies, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Human Resources (HR) Consultants: HR consultants may provide expertise in staffing, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and organizational culture development.
• Approval Process: Hiring consultants must be approved by a majority vote of the Board, with the scope of the consultant’s role, contract duration, and compensation clearly defined and documented.

Article 15: Compensation of the Board of Directors for Projects

The compensation for Board members’ participation in each specific project shall be based on the agreed level of effort (LOE) required for that project. This includes:

Transparency and Reporting: The salary and level of effort for each project shall be reported in the organization’s financial statements, ensuring transparency with members and stakeholders.

Determination of LOE: Prior to the commencement of each project, the Board shall define the level of effort required from each Board member based on their role, expertise, and time commitment.

Project-Specific Salary: Each Board member’s compensation shall be determined based on the agreed LOE, subject to Board approval and the project budget.