REYA Stands Up For Economic Freedom & the Well-being of the Youthful Populace
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) is a registered, non-for-profit and non-political Organization run by
passionate and innovative young Liberians in Liberia to empower and improve the lives of the youthful populace.
REYA advocates and provides financial aids/scholarships to underprivileged students get back to school,
protect children in Liberia and the world at large.
Rescue Youth Alliance stands up for economic freedom and the well-being of young people. It educates, develops and empowers the next set of generation of young leaders through effective leadership
training and education.
We practically get involved into entrepreneurship (Soap Production) and investigate factors that
influence the behaviors of young people in our communities and find solutions to some of these issues.
passionate and innovative young Liberians in Liberia to empower and improve the lives of the youthful populace.
REYA advocates and provides financial aids/scholarships to underprivileged students get back to school,
protect children in Liberia and the world at large.
Rescue Youth Alliance stands up for economic freedom and the well-being of young people. It educates, develops and empowers the next set of generation of young leaders through effective leadership
training and education.
We practically get involved into entrepreneurship (Soap Production) and investigate factors that
influence the behaviors of young people in our communities and find solutions to some of these issues.
Our Mission Statement
Our proposed mission is to work in partnership with communities, entrepreneurs, NGOs, the governments to strive for excellence in meeting the needs of young people. We also advocate and collectively work to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged children and young people
Our Vision Statement
We remain committed to building a sustainable world for both the present and future leaders. We are passionate of preparing emerging leaders for a better and a brighter future, sustain a world in which every child or young person has the right to survival, protection and education.
We Strive For Excellence
Rescue Youth Alliance has been helpful in providing aids (including financial and leadership assistance) for underprivileged kids who are financially impotent to get back to school.
Through the help of REYA and its collaborators, the voices of young people in Liberia have been recognized in critical decision making, and also in representation, at the national level.
We strive for excellence in meeting the needs of young people. We work to improve quality of life and living conditions, and advocate for the educational and social mobility of disadvantaged children and young people.
Through the help of REYA and its collaborators, the voices of young people in Liberia have been recognized in critical decision making, and also in representation, at the national level.
We strive for excellence in meeting the needs of young people. We work to improve quality of life and living conditions, and advocate for the educational and social mobility of disadvantaged children and young people.
Our Goals & Core Values
Partnership: We establish, develop and create associations with both local and international NGOs to make significant impacts in our society.
Our goal is to provide quality education and empower the youthful populace, predominantly disadvantaged kids in the society. Our goals are:
Our goal is to provide quality education and empower the youthful populace, predominantly disadvantaged kids in the society. Our goals are:
- To identify and support children in the secondary level of education in Liberia and the world at large.
- Provide financial aids or school fees to disadvantaged children, through fundraising programs and partnership.
- To promote youth civic engagement through peacebuilding process; at the same time, provide support, care and counseling to young people in their career development.
- To provide an inclusive environment, encourage the participation of all ethnic groups, and assist in any way possible for the welfare of the youth wider community.
- To have all members or affiliates of REYA be disciplined and reliable leaders in attitudes, action, decision, representation and as mentioned our By-laws and Constitution.
- Involve into environmental activities/Climate Change solutions.
- Rescue Youth Alliance provides inclusive, innovative and sustainable programs and services that are capable of improving individuals’ lives and their communities.
History of Rescue Youth Alliance - REYA
Rescue Youth Alliance – REYA is a vision of a young Liberian Journalist, a youth Activist, YALI Fellow, Mr. Sylvester Cytric Choloplay, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
REYA was officially founded in Monrovia, Liberia on October 1, 2020.
Our key purpose is to help underprivileged kids who are financially impotent get back to school. Our organization, through its advocacy, raises the voices of youths in critical decision making at the national level; it embraces and maintains peace and at the same time, activates the culture of good governance.
REYA was first promoted and connected by Generation Impact, a website owned and operated by a young innovative youth activist, Ms. Julia Schetelig from Germany.
Ms. Schetelig has been involving in various impactful activities such as education, youth leadership training and motivational messages for young people across the globe.
In 2020, she connected Rescue Youth Alliance to her friend, Bineyam Nani Tumbo in the U.S.A for an assistance on REYA’s first project. Tumbo organized and created a GoFundMe account for REYA and accumulated $500 United States Dollars for a successful project implementation in Liberia.
The project was our first project of sponsoring ten (10) less fortunate kids to school. Currently, we sponsored ten underprivileged students (known as REYA School Ambassadors) across Montserrado County.
REYA was officially founded in Monrovia, Liberia on October 1, 2020.
Our key purpose is to help underprivileged kids who are financially impotent get back to school. Our organization, through its advocacy, raises the voices of youths in critical decision making at the national level; it embraces and maintains peace and at the same time, activates the culture of good governance.
REYA was first promoted and connected by Generation Impact, a website owned and operated by a young innovative youth activist, Ms. Julia Schetelig from Germany.
Ms. Schetelig has been involving in various impactful activities such as education, youth leadership training and motivational messages for young people across the globe.
In 2020, she connected Rescue Youth Alliance to her friend, Bineyam Nani Tumbo in the U.S.A for an assistance on REYA’s first project. Tumbo organized and created a GoFundMe account for REYA and accumulated $500 United States Dollars for a successful project implementation in Liberia.
The project was our first project of sponsoring ten (10) less fortunate kids to school. Currently, we sponsored ten underprivileged students (known as REYA School Ambassadors) across Montserrado County.
Rescue Youth Alliance By-Laws & Constitution
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA)
14th &15th Streets, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia
+ 231880780180/231770462160
rescueyouthalliance@gmail.com
CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
Vision Statement
Mission Statement
Core values
Ethics
Article one: Name & Definition
Article Two: Goals and Governing Instrument
Article Three: Headquarters
Article Four: Meetings and Conferences
Article Five: Membership and Partnership
Article Six: Finances
Article Seven: Constitutional Amendments
Article Eight: Adoption and Adaption of By-laws
By-laws
CHAPTER 1: Governance
CHAPTER 2: Officials, Functions and Duties
CHAPTER 3: Term of Office
CHAPTER 4: Elections and Appointments
CHAPTER 5: Compensation
CHAPTER 6: Vacancies
CHAPTER 7: Meetings and Dues
CHAPTER 8: Bank account, Check, Contract and Investment
CHAPTER 9: Legal Proceedings
CHAPTER 10: Non-Discriminatory Policy
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) Constitution
Vision Statement:
To build a sustainable world for both the present and future leaders by preparing them for a better and a brighter future, and a world in which every child or young person has the right to survival, protection and education.
Mission Statement:
Our proposed mission is to work in partnership with communities, entrepreneurs, International Non-Governmental Organizations as well as the government to strive for excellence in meeting the needs of young people. We work to improve quality of life and living conditions, and advocate for the educational and social mobility of disadvantaged children and young people.
Core Values
Partnership: We aim to establish, develop or create associations with both local and international NGOs or organizations to make significant impacts in our society.
Rescue Youth Alliance provides inclusive, innovative and sustainable programs and services that are capable of improving individual lives and the communities through Education, Peace-building, Career Development (Leadership) & Climate Change/Environmental Activities.
Ethics
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) MUST ensure effective accounting systems, internal administration, fundraising strategies, competent staff, and other professional management and foundational sustainability.
REYA should NOT accumulate unnecessary operating funds but shall maintain a responsible level of reserves to enable it to respond to requested opportunities.
All members of REYA are and must remain committed to the following ethical practices:
Perform organizational duties in the best interest of the organization rather than on the basis of personal interests or the interests of third parties.
Practice sound financial management and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Apply effective financial systems to ensure that accurate financial records are kept and that financial resources are used to further REYA’s missions and purposes.
Carefully bring on innovative projects, including businesses for the sustainability of its projects or school ambassadors.
Have written financial policies governing the use of our assets, internal control procedures, and purchasing practices.
Complying with laws and regulations related to fundraising.
Respecting the interests and intentions of REYA’s donors, volunteers, and the public at the same time managing them with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
Using solicitation and promotional materials that are accurate, truthful and identify the organization, its mission, and its intended use of solicited funds accurately.
There should be global Coordinators, namely from Africa, America (USA), Europe, Asia, Australia, etc.
Ensuring that contributions (funding) are used in accordance with donors' intentions and obtaining plain agreement before moving forward with the intended use.
Article one: Name and Definition
Section 1. Name:
The name of the organization shall be ‘’Rescue Youth Alliance’’ or otherwise the (acronym) known as REYA.
Section 2. Definition:
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) as a registered organization shall be a not-for-profit institution established in Liberia to improve and empower the lives of the youth and to protect children in Liberia and the world at large. It focuses on youth empowerment, education, peace-building, leadership building as well as Career Development and environmental issues.
It primarily focuses on the advocacy of underprivileged or disadvantaged kids, especially between the ages three to eighteen in Liberia and in the world. We hope to advocate and provide education, provision of good leadership and business strategies.
Article Two: Goals and Governing Instrument
Section 1
Our goal is to provide quality living conditions for humanity, predominantly disadvantaged kids in society through education, career development, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, etc.
Section 2:
To build a sustainable world for current and future leaders by preparing them for a better and a brighter future, and a world in which every youth attains the right to survival, protection and education.
Section 3:
To elaborate, identify and support children in the secondary level of education in Liberia and the world at large, by providing financial aids or school fees to disadvantaged children, and through fundraising and partnership.
Section 4:
To engage into environmental activities/Climate Change solutions, by creating awareness in our communities.
Section 5:
To promote youth civic engagement through the peacebuilding process; a critical tool to develop leaders as well as at the same time provide support, care and counseling.
Section 6:
Providing an inclusive environment, encouraging the participation of all ethnic groups, fostering interims of career development and leadership, and assisting in any way possible for the welfare of the youth wider community.
Section 7:
All members or affiliates of REYA should and MUST be disciplined and reliable in attitudes, action, decision, representation and as mentioned in the by-laws.
Article Three: Headquarters
Section1:
The Headquarters of Rescue Youth Alliance shall be located and based in Liberia, unless otherwise decided by Board Members through a democratic process ( a two-third vote) of the Board Members, it shall be relocated elsewhere.
Article Four: Meetings and Conferences
Section 1:
There should always be active leadership meetings conducted every two-weeks in a month, and a general meeting once a month at a particular time recommended by members or the board members.
Section 2: All meetings should be presided over by the President or in absence of the President, the head of the Secretariat shall preside, or in the absence of the Secretariat Head there should be a designated leader recommended by the President.
Section 3: Annually, there should be a national conference conducted by all members, executives, board-members, headed by the President; the time and place to be determined by the board.
Section 4: There should be an anniversary (National) Celebration for Rescue Youth Alliance on October 1 every year.
Article Five: Membership and Partnership
Section 1:
Rescue Youth Alliance -REYA shall accept to her membership all dedicated, committed and vision-driven youths, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, locality and nationality.
Section 2: Rescue Youth Alliance -REYA may partnership in these areas:
a. Individual – Any individual interested in the activities of the organization may apply for a legally enshrined partnership with us.
b. Institutional – Educational institutions, cooperating agencies, charity and peacebuilding agencies/organizations, climate change institutions and leadership organizations or other Employing Organizations both local and International may apply for legally enshrined partnership which allows the organization to represent itself to REYA.
Article Six: Finances
Section 1:
Finances for the Organization will be derived from donation, grants, and other contributions as specified in the by-laws.
Section 2: All funds MUST be for the purposes and missions of REYA, and SHALL NOT be used either by non-members or for other unrelated activities.
Section 3: Rescue Youth Alliance must have ONLY ONE BANK ACCOUNT, which is officially documented for all money transactions.
The President and other recognized officials of REYA will have access to the account only for the purposes and missions of the organization.
Section 4: The Head of Finance shall lead the activities of the finances in consultation with the Board or the President.
Article Seven: Constitutional Amendments
Section 1:
Amendments to the Constitution shall be made through the process of legal documents only in agreement and consultation with the Board and the Founder.
Section 2:
Notification of the proposed changes is required, and the proposal must be reviewed and decided upon within one month by the Board. If there is no response from the Board as it relates to the requested amendment revision after a month, the proposed amendment shall be nullified.
Sections 3: If the proposed amendment is accepted by the Board for revision, the authors shall be invited by the Board members (⅔) to clearly and logically explain the proposal.
Section 4:
The President shall constitute a four-man committee to review the proposed document within a month, and subsequently report to the Board for Endorsement or rejection.
Article Eight: Adoption and adaption of By-laws
Rescue Youth Alliance may adopt new by-laws and modify existing ones by written legal agreement as in article seven of REYA's Constitution .
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) By-laws
CHAPTER 1: GOVERNANCE
Section 1: The Organization shall be governed by its by-laws and article of incorporation.
Also, it should be governed by the Board, which should be composed of the Heads of Departments and at least five other persons who are influential and passionately and voluntarily contributing to the growth and development of REYA.
Section 2: The Board shall be headed by the Chairperson who shall be elected by the Board members.
Section 3: The Board Members shall be REYA’s Department heads, Advisors and the five experts of REYA’s five pillars from different Institutions.
Section 4: Besides the five experts from different institutions who shall be written officially in representation of REYA’s five pillars, all heads shall be elected by all eligible members of Rescue Youth Alliance to lead each department and become members of the Board according to REYA’s electoral process.
Section 5: The Board shall have final responsibility to managing the affairs of the Organization successfully.
CHAPTER 2. OFFICIALS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
ADMINISTRATIVE HEADS
The administrative heads of Rescue Youth Alliance Shall be the Following persons:
The Board Members
The President
Head of Secretariat
Head of Finances
Head of Programs
Head of Business
Head of Public Relations
The President
I. The President, as the official Representative for Rescue Youth Alliance, shall be given all privileges to preside over all meetings excluding those of the Board that is to be chaired by the elected Chairperson.
II. The President in consultation with the Board Members must appoint all special committees and shall be responsible for the enforcement of all rules and regulations relating to the administration of REYA.
III. The President shall be an official representative of Rescue Youth Alliance-REYA at both National and Regional/international meetings to which the Organization agrees to send a representative, otherwise the President shall designate an official of REYA.
IV. The President will prepare a written agenda for each Executive/General meeting, otherwise the Secretariat Head.
V. The President shall sign a bank signature card when necessary and serve as a signatory on checks in representation of Rescue Youth Alliance.
VI The President shall call an Executive Board Meeting whenever necessary in addition to those stated in the bylaws.
VII. The President, in consultation with the Board, shall suspend or immediately dismiss and replace any official or Board Member for any misconduct, including decision, attitudes, lack of interest in REYA, corruption, etc.
Secretariat and its Head
I. In the absence of the President, the Head of Secretariat, shall have all the powers and privileges of the President in consultation with the President.
II. He/she must assist the President in making decisions, conducting meetings, conferences, etc.
III. The Head of Secretariat shall effectively run his/her department, making sure that his/her team members of the Department craft and executive plans, update the Board Members and REYA members on weekly basis..
IV. The Secretariat shall contain the HR and shall have its purpose of: coordination, policy/position paper production, government/donor engagement on other vital issues regarding humanitarian relief
V. The Head of Secretariat, in consultation with his team mates in the department shall have working plans to achieve on a weekly basis.
The following areas shall be under the secretariat: Human Resource, Administration, Org. Email, Coordination, etc.
Human Resource Officer
a. Human Resource lead will work under the supervision of the head of Secretariat, responsible for recruiting, screening, interviewing and placing workers.
b. He or she may also handle employees or volunteers’ relations, payroll, benefits, and training when the organization is employing its members or executives.
c. A Human Resource lead, directs and coordinates the administrative functions of the Organization and manages activities such as job design, recruitment, volunteers’ relations, performance management, training & development and talent management
Programs Department and its head
I. This department shall head and executive all programs in consultation with other departments.
II. The Head of the Programmed Department, along with the President, oversees programs development, seeks grants and writes proposals, manages projects and manages budgets of the Organization in collaboration with the Board.
III. Also, this Department must ensure that the organization’s activities and programs align with the goals and mission statements of Rescue Youth Alliance.
IV. The Programs Head, shall in consultation with other departments, reviews grant proposals, perform due diligence work, manage current grants, evaluate grant results and make recommendations to the Board.
V. Additional duties and Responsibilities of the Programs department in line with other departments are:
Finance Department and its Head
This Department, in consultation with the President, shall maintain the accounts of the organization, maintain a record of all notes received and spent, collect and disburse all funds of the Rescue Youth Alliance and report the condition to the administration every two months as well as at all Board meetings.
I. The Head of Finances shall manage the financial bookkeeping of REYA. Each day, he or she processes invoices, records payments, and tracks expenses of the organization. Each expense must be crossed checked with the corresponding invoice, to ensure that the billing is accurate and communicate with customers/partners.
II. The Head of Finances shall lead the activities of the finance in consultation with the Board or the President.
III. Other duties of this department are: Prepare and present funding, Follow up on past grants and submit evaluation reports, attend events and programs related to grant recipients and charity with the President or the Board.
IV. There shall be leads for the following positions: Fundraising and Treasurer and the Head of this Department shall bring on instructions of execution on duties as required.
Public Relations Department and its Head (PR)
I. The Head of Public Relations of Rescue Youth Alliance shall have the responsibilities for creating communication contents on behalf of REYA.
II. The PR/Head of this department shall work collectively with his/her teammates within the department to write press releases, develop blog contents and create social media posts.
III. The Department is also tasked with tracking campaign analytics and maintaining digital media archives, REYA’s Facebook Page, creating and managing Instagram, Twitter, LinkIn, newsletters.
IIV. The Head of this Department shall work with his/her teams to write and distribute contents to promote the organization’s brand and activities.
V. He/she acts as a liaison between Rescue Youth Alliance, the public, and media to ensure that the organization remains top of mind.
Additional duties of the Department are as follows; collaborate with management to develop and implement an effective communications strategy based on our targeted audience.
Write, edit and distribute content including publications, press releases, website content, annual reports, speeches and other marketing or promotional material that communicates the Organization's activities.
Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews and act as spokespersons for REYA.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with journalists and maintain a media database.
Maintain records of media coverage and manage conflict as it arises and intensify management.
The PR or head of this department must and should know everything that is taking place all departments at REYA.
Link up with NGOs for collaborations.
Global Coordinator:
I. The Global Coordinator shall be the official international Representative for a continent who shall represent and advocate for REYA to have more collaborations and contracts to implement legally. However, it also must be based on a volunteering or charity basis for the sole purpose of the young people as mentioned in the mission and aims of REYA.
II. He/she shall advocate, on behalf of Rescue Youth Alliance and in consultation with the President, for grants, engage other NGOs for collaboration and for project implementation.
III. The Global Coordinator should also coordinate and be the head of any REYA’s Chapter of his or her residential country or of his Continent, in consultation and in agreement with REYA’s Board.
IV. He shall be a member of the Board
Business Department and its Head
I. The Business Department shall oversee the business aspect of Rescue Youth Alliance.
II. The head of this department shall work with all departments, making sure that all businesses of REYA’s goals are realized.
IIV. There shall be sales agents, producers.
COUNTY & DISTRICT COORDINATORS’ FUNCTIONS
I.All county and district coordinators are to effectively collaborate and work to strategize programs and projects for implementation.
II. They are to work with all REYA’S Secretariat and provide quarterly reports to the Board.
III.All coordinators are obliged to follow the by-laws and constitution.
IV. District Coordinators are to report to the National Coordinator first and foremost, whose duties encompass overseeing county projects and activities and work of the District Coordinators.
V. Escalation, if required, will be to executives.
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
The President, in consultation with REYA’s Board, shall appoint regional and global Directors or Coordinators otherwise known as Representatives to serve and represent the organization globally.
CHAPTER3: TERM OF OFFICE
TERMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS
Section 1: The following terms of board members will apply and through elections, Board Member be endorsed into offices:
Board Chair, Co- Chair and all other members including heads of departments shall serve for two years.
The President shall have the privilege to serve four terms and heads of department four terms.
Section 2: The Board shall be composed of the President, heads for various departments and other influential partners to be chosen by the Board.
Section 3: The President shall be elected for every three years and the heads of departments shall be elected for every two years.
CHAPTER 4: ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Section 1: There should be elections for all board members including the Presidency.
Section 1: The President, in consultation with the Board Members, shall appoint a committee for interested people to apply for sub-team positions, through an application process by a transparent vetting committee appointed by the President.
CHAPTER 5: COMPENSATION
Compensation
All members including administrative Heads or Board Members work on an unpaid voluntary basis, otherwise decided by the Board.
CHAPTER 6: VACANCIES
A. Vacancies
Vacancies in any position or office shall be filled through application process and then, subsequently through a transparent democratic process (Elections) if required by qualified individuals. Available positions shall be announced in a local daily or on radio, website, email and other social media outlets.
B. Succession
Should the President be unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities, the Head of Secretariat will assume responsibilities in Office. In the event that there is no President, the Head of Secretariat or the Programs Head is indisposed, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor for one year.
C. Dismissal
The President, in consultation with the Board, shall dismiss immediately after proper investigation any head found guilty in the following:
Any official of REYA may resign from office at any time by delivering an official written resignation document to the President and the Board, detailing reasons for their action. Their resignation letter must be accepted by the President before leaving.
CHAPTER 7: MEETINGS AND DUES
A. Annual Meeting
Annual Conference shall be held each year for the purpose of conducting and reviewing the aims and objectives of the organization.
B. Emergency Meeting
Emergency meetings, otherwise unplanned meetings, of all members may be called upon by the Board or upon a written petition delivered to the Secretariat, signed by no less than 2/3 of the Membership Board.
C. Place of Meeting
The Board shall designate the specific time and place of the annual organization meeting and regular meetings.
D. Notice of Meeting
Written notice stating the place, date and hour of any board or administrative or membership meeting shall be delivered either personally or by regular mail or any social medium to members entitled to attend such meeting not less than one day notification.
E. Dues
There should be a general meeting for every two weeks and all members should pay the amount of 50 Liberian Dollars for each meeting.
Attendees shall pay 50 Liberian Dollars and non-attendees 75 Liberian.
CHAPTER 8: BANK ACCOUNTS, CHECK, CONTRACT AND INVESTMENT
a. Bank Accounts, Checks and Notes.
The Board is authorized to select the banks for the operations of the Organization.
Unless authorized by the ⅔ of the Board Members, no Member/Board Member, agent or employee or volunteer shall have any power or authority to bind the Organization by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
c. Investments:
The funds of REYA or the Corporation may be retained in whole, in part or in cash or be invested and reinvested from time to time in any property, or stocks, bonds as the Board may deem desirable.
CHAPTER 9: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST REYA AND ITS MEMBERS
I. Any qualified or eligible member, client or Institution affiliating with the Rescue Youth Alliance shall have the power to sue or take REYA to a legal Institution or agency for any disenchantment or violation or misappropriation of their right for justice.
II. Rescue Youth Alliance shall have the right to sue or take to court any qualified or eligible member, client or Institution affiliating with it for any misconduct.
CHAPTER 10: NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Nondiscrimination Policy:
Rescue Youth Alliance shall not practice, permit, or tolerate any unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, physical handicap or disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Those authorized this DOCUMENT are as follows:
Signed: ________________________
Signed:
Head of Secretariat & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
Signed:
Head of Finance & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
Signed:
Head of Public Relations & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
Signed:
Head of Business & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
14th &15th Streets, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia
+ 231880780180/231770462160
rescueyouthalliance@gmail.com
CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
Vision Statement
Mission Statement
Core values
Ethics
Article one: Name & Definition
Article Two: Goals and Governing Instrument
Article Three: Headquarters
Article Four: Meetings and Conferences
Article Five: Membership and Partnership
Article Six: Finances
Article Seven: Constitutional Amendments
Article Eight: Adoption and Adaption of By-laws
By-laws
CHAPTER 1: Governance
CHAPTER 2: Officials, Functions and Duties
CHAPTER 3: Term of Office
CHAPTER 4: Elections and Appointments
CHAPTER 5: Compensation
CHAPTER 6: Vacancies
CHAPTER 7: Meetings and Dues
CHAPTER 8: Bank account, Check, Contract and Investment
CHAPTER 9: Legal Proceedings
CHAPTER 10: Non-Discriminatory Policy
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) Constitution
Vision Statement:
To build a sustainable world for both the present and future leaders by preparing them for a better and a brighter future, and a world in which every child or young person has the right to survival, protection and education.
Mission Statement:
Our proposed mission is to work in partnership with communities, entrepreneurs, International Non-Governmental Organizations as well as the government to strive for excellence in meeting the needs of young people. We work to improve quality of life and living conditions, and advocate for the educational and social mobility of disadvantaged children and young people.
Core Values
Partnership: We aim to establish, develop or create associations with both local and international NGOs or organizations to make significant impacts in our society.
Rescue Youth Alliance provides inclusive, innovative and sustainable programs and services that are capable of improving individual lives and the communities through Education, Peace-building, Career Development (Leadership) & Climate Change/Environmental Activities.
Ethics
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) MUST ensure effective accounting systems, internal administration, fundraising strategies, competent staff, and other professional management and foundational sustainability.
REYA should NOT accumulate unnecessary operating funds but shall maintain a responsible level of reserves to enable it to respond to requested opportunities.
All members of REYA are and must remain committed to the following ethical practices:
Perform organizational duties in the best interest of the organization rather than on the basis of personal interests or the interests of third parties.
Practice sound financial management and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Apply effective financial systems to ensure that accurate financial records are kept and that financial resources are used to further REYA’s missions and purposes.
Carefully bring on innovative projects, including businesses for the sustainability of its projects or school ambassadors.
Have written financial policies governing the use of our assets, internal control procedures, and purchasing practices.
Complying with laws and regulations related to fundraising.
Respecting the interests and intentions of REYA’s donors, volunteers, and the public at the same time managing them with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
Using solicitation and promotional materials that are accurate, truthful and identify the organization, its mission, and its intended use of solicited funds accurately.
There should be global Coordinators, namely from Africa, America (USA), Europe, Asia, Australia, etc.
Ensuring that contributions (funding) are used in accordance with donors' intentions and obtaining plain agreement before moving forward with the intended use.
Article one: Name and Definition
Section 1. Name:
The name of the organization shall be ‘’Rescue Youth Alliance’’ or otherwise the (acronym) known as REYA.
Section 2. Definition:
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) as a registered organization shall be a not-for-profit institution established in Liberia to improve and empower the lives of the youth and to protect children in Liberia and the world at large. It focuses on youth empowerment, education, peace-building, leadership building as well as Career Development and environmental issues.
It primarily focuses on the advocacy of underprivileged or disadvantaged kids, especially between the ages three to eighteen in Liberia and in the world. We hope to advocate and provide education, provision of good leadership and business strategies.
Article Two: Goals and Governing Instrument
Section 1
Our goal is to provide quality living conditions for humanity, predominantly disadvantaged kids in society through education, career development, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, etc.
Section 2:
To build a sustainable world for current and future leaders by preparing them for a better and a brighter future, and a world in which every youth attains the right to survival, protection and education.
Section 3:
To elaborate, identify and support children in the secondary level of education in Liberia and the world at large, by providing financial aids or school fees to disadvantaged children, and through fundraising and partnership.
Section 4:
To engage into environmental activities/Climate Change solutions, by creating awareness in our communities.
Section 5:
To promote youth civic engagement through the peacebuilding process; a critical tool to develop leaders as well as at the same time provide support, care and counseling.
Section 6:
Providing an inclusive environment, encouraging the participation of all ethnic groups, fostering interims of career development and leadership, and assisting in any way possible for the welfare of the youth wider community.
Section 7:
All members or affiliates of REYA should and MUST be disciplined and reliable in attitudes, action, decision, representation and as mentioned in the by-laws.
Article Three: Headquarters
Section1:
The Headquarters of Rescue Youth Alliance shall be located and based in Liberia, unless otherwise decided by Board Members through a democratic process ( a two-third vote) of the Board Members, it shall be relocated elsewhere.
Article Four: Meetings and Conferences
Section 1:
There should always be active leadership meetings conducted every two-weeks in a month, and a general meeting once a month at a particular time recommended by members or the board members.
Section 2: All meetings should be presided over by the President or in absence of the President, the head of the Secretariat shall preside, or in the absence of the Secretariat Head there should be a designated leader recommended by the President.
Section 3: Annually, there should be a national conference conducted by all members, executives, board-members, headed by the President; the time and place to be determined by the board.
Section 4: There should be an anniversary (National) Celebration for Rescue Youth Alliance on October 1 every year.
Article Five: Membership and Partnership
Section 1:
Rescue Youth Alliance -REYA shall accept to her membership all dedicated, committed and vision-driven youths, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, locality and nationality.
Section 2: Rescue Youth Alliance -REYA may partnership in these areas:
a. Individual – Any individual interested in the activities of the organization may apply for a legally enshrined partnership with us.
b. Institutional – Educational institutions, cooperating agencies, charity and peacebuilding agencies/organizations, climate change institutions and leadership organizations or other Employing Organizations both local and International may apply for legally enshrined partnership which allows the organization to represent itself to REYA.
Article Six: Finances
Section 1:
Finances for the Organization will be derived from donation, grants, and other contributions as specified in the by-laws.
Section 2: All funds MUST be for the purposes and missions of REYA, and SHALL NOT be used either by non-members or for other unrelated activities.
Section 3: Rescue Youth Alliance must have ONLY ONE BANK ACCOUNT, which is officially documented for all money transactions.
The President and other recognized officials of REYA will have access to the account only for the purposes and missions of the organization.
Section 4: The Head of Finance shall lead the activities of the finances in consultation with the Board or the President.
Article Seven: Constitutional Amendments
Section 1:
Amendments to the Constitution shall be made through the process of legal documents only in agreement and consultation with the Board and the Founder.
Section 2:
Notification of the proposed changes is required, and the proposal must be reviewed and decided upon within one month by the Board. If there is no response from the Board as it relates to the requested amendment revision after a month, the proposed amendment shall be nullified.
Sections 3: If the proposed amendment is accepted by the Board for revision, the authors shall be invited by the Board members (⅔) to clearly and logically explain the proposal.
Section 4:
The President shall constitute a four-man committee to review the proposed document within a month, and subsequently report to the Board for Endorsement or rejection.
Article Eight: Adoption and adaption of By-laws
Rescue Youth Alliance may adopt new by-laws and modify existing ones by written legal agreement as in article seven of REYA's Constitution .
Rescue Youth Alliance (REYA) By-laws
CHAPTER 1: GOVERNANCE
Section 1: The Organization shall be governed by its by-laws and article of incorporation.
Also, it should be governed by the Board, which should be composed of the Heads of Departments and at least five other persons who are influential and passionately and voluntarily contributing to the growth and development of REYA.
Section 2: The Board shall be headed by the Chairperson who shall be elected by the Board members.
Section 3: The Board Members shall be REYA’s Department heads, Advisors and the five experts of REYA’s five pillars from different Institutions.
Section 4: Besides the five experts from different institutions who shall be written officially in representation of REYA’s five pillars, all heads shall be elected by all eligible members of Rescue Youth Alliance to lead each department and become members of the Board according to REYA’s electoral process.
Section 5: The Board shall have final responsibility to managing the affairs of the Organization successfully.
CHAPTER 2. OFFICIALS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
ADMINISTRATIVE HEADS
The administrative heads of Rescue Youth Alliance Shall be the Following persons:
The Board Members
The President
Head of Secretariat
Head of Finances
Head of Programs
Head of Business
Head of Public Relations
The President
I. The President, as the official Representative for Rescue Youth Alliance, shall be given all privileges to preside over all meetings excluding those of the Board that is to be chaired by the elected Chairperson.
II. The President in consultation with the Board Members must appoint all special committees and shall be responsible for the enforcement of all rules and regulations relating to the administration of REYA.
III. The President shall be an official representative of Rescue Youth Alliance-REYA at both National and Regional/international meetings to which the Organization agrees to send a representative, otherwise the President shall designate an official of REYA.
IV. The President will prepare a written agenda for each Executive/General meeting, otherwise the Secretariat Head.
V. The President shall sign a bank signature card when necessary and serve as a signatory on checks in representation of Rescue Youth Alliance.
VI The President shall call an Executive Board Meeting whenever necessary in addition to those stated in the bylaws.
VII. The President, in consultation with the Board, shall suspend or immediately dismiss and replace any official or Board Member for any misconduct, including decision, attitudes, lack of interest in REYA, corruption, etc.
Secretariat and its Head
I. In the absence of the President, the Head of Secretariat, shall have all the powers and privileges of the President in consultation with the President.
II. He/she must assist the President in making decisions, conducting meetings, conferences, etc.
III. The Head of Secretariat shall effectively run his/her department, making sure that his/her team members of the Department craft and executive plans, update the Board Members and REYA members on weekly basis..
IV. The Secretariat shall contain the HR and shall have its purpose of: coordination, policy/position paper production, government/donor engagement on other vital issues regarding humanitarian relief
V. The Head of Secretariat, in consultation with his team mates in the department shall have working plans to achieve on a weekly basis.
The following areas shall be under the secretariat: Human Resource, Administration, Org. Email, Coordination, etc.
Human Resource Officer
a. Human Resource lead will work under the supervision of the head of Secretariat, responsible for recruiting, screening, interviewing and placing workers.
b. He or she may also handle employees or volunteers’ relations, payroll, benefits, and training when the organization is employing its members or executives.
c. A Human Resource lead, directs and coordinates the administrative functions of the Organization and manages activities such as job design, recruitment, volunteers’ relations, performance management, training & development and talent management
Programs Department and its head
I. This department shall head and executive all programs in consultation with other departments.
II. The Head of the Programmed Department, along with the President, oversees programs development, seeks grants and writes proposals, manages projects and manages budgets of the Organization in collaboration with the Board.
III. Also, this Department must ensure that the organization’s activities and programs align with the goals and mission statements of Rescue Youth Alliance.
IV. The Programs Head, shall in consultation with other departments, reviews grant proposals, perform due diligence work, manage current grants, evaluate grant results and make recommendations to the Board.
V. Additional duties and Responsibilities of the Programs department in line with other departments are:
- Review and assess proposals submitted to REYA
- Conduct site visit and interview meetings
- Draft and edit detailed reports on grant proposals
- Provide technical assistance to grant applications as needed
- Assist in planning and running events of the Organization
- work on proactive projects as needed
Finance Department and its Head
This Department, in consultation with the President, shall maintain the accounts of the organization, maintain a record of all notes received and spent, collect and disburse all funds of the Rescue Youth Alliance and report the condition to the administration every two months as well as at all Board meetings.
I. The Head of Finances shall manage the financial bookkeeping of REYA. Each day, he or she processes invoices, records payments, and tracks expenses of the organization. Each expense must be crossed checked with the corresponding invoice, to ensure that the billing is accurate and communicate with customers/partners.
II. The Head of Finances shall lead the activities of the finance in consultation with the Board or the President.
III. Other duties of this department are: Prepare and present funding, Follow up on past grants and submit evaluation reports, attend events and programs related to grant recipients and charity with the President or the Board.
IV. There shall be leads for the following positions: Fundraising and Treasurer and the Head of this Department shall bring on instructions of execution on duties as required.
Public Relations Department and its Head (PR)
I. The Head of Public Relations of Rescue Youth Alliance shall have the responsibilities for creating communication contents on behalf of REYA.
II. The PR/Head of this department shall work collectively with his/her teammates within the department to write press releases, develop blog contents and create social media posts.
III. The Department is also tasked with tracking campaign analytics and maintaining digital media archives, REYA’s Facebook Page, creating and managing Instagram, Twitter, LinkIn, newsletters.
IIV. The Head of this Department shall work with his/her teams to write and distribute contents to promote the organization’s brand and activities.
V. He/she acts as a liaison between Rescue Youth Alliance, the public, and media to ensure that the organization remains top of mind.
Additional duties of the Department are as follows; collaborate with management to develop and implement an effective communications strategy based on our targeted audience.
Write, edit and distribute content including publications, press releases, website content, annual reports, speeches and other marketing or promotional material that communicates the Organization's activities.
Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews and act as spokespersons for REYA.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with journalists and maintain a media database.
Maintain records of media coverage and manage conflict as it arises and intensify management.
The PR or head of this department must and should know everything that is taking place all departments at REYA.
Link up with NGOs for collaborations.
Global Coordinator:
I. The Global Coordinator shall be the official international Representative for a continent who shall represent and advocate for REYA to have more collaborations and contracts to implement legally. However, it also must be based on a volunteering or charity basis for the sole purpose of the young people as mentioned in the mission and aims of REYA.
II. He/she shall advocate, on behalf of Rescue Youth Alliance and in consultation with the President, for grants, engage other NGOs for collaboration and for project implementation.
III. The Global Coordinator should also coordinate and be the head of any REYA’s Chapter of his or her residential country or of his Continent, in consultation and in agreement with REYA’s Board.
IV. He shall be a member of the Board
Business Department and its Head
I. The Business Department shall oversee the business aspect of Rescue Youth Alliance.
II. The head of this department shall work with all departments, making sure that all businesses of REYA’s goals are realized.
IIV. There shall be sales agents, producers.
COUNTY & DISTRICT COORDINATORS’ FUNCTIONS
I.All county and district coordinators are to effectively collaborate and work to strategize programs and projects for implementation.
II. They are to work with all REYA’S Secretariat and provide quarterly reports to the Board.
III.All coordinators are obliged to follow the by-laws and constitution.
IV. District Coordinators are to report to the National Coordinator first and foremost, whose duties encompass overseeing county projects and activities and work of the District Coordinators.
V. Escalation, if required, will be to executives.
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
The President, in consultation with REYA’s Board, shall appoint regional and global Directors or Coordinators otherwise known as Representatives to serve and represent the organization globally.
CHAPTER3: TERM OF OFFICE
TERMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS
Section 1: The following terms of board members will apply and through elections, Board Member be endorsed into offices:
Board Chair, Co- Chair and all other members including heads of departments shall serve for two years.
The President shall have the privilege to serve four terms and heads of department four terms.
Section 2: The Board shall be composed of the President, heads for various departments and other influential partners to be chosen by the Board.
Section 3: The President shall be elected for every three years and the heads of departments shall be elected for every two years.
CHAPTER 4: ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Section 1: There should be elections for all board members including the Presidency.
Section 1: The President, in consultation with the Board Members, shall appoint a committee for interested people to apply for sub-team positions, through an application process by a transparent vetting committee appointed by the President.
CHAPTER 5: COMPENSATION
Compensation
All members including administrative Heads or Board Members work on an unpaid voluntary basis, otherwise decided by the Board.
CHAPTER 6: VACANCIES
A. Vacancies
Vacancies in any position or office shall be filled through application process and then, subsequently through a transparent democratic process (Elections) if required by qualified individuals. Available positions shall be announced in a local daily or on radio, website, email and other social media outlets.
B. Succession
Should the President be unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities, the Head of Secretariat will assume responsibilities in Office. In the event that there is no President, the Head of Secretariat or the Programs Head is indisposed, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor for one year.
C. Dismissal
The President, in consultation with the Board, shall dismiss immediately after proper investigation any head found guilty in the following:
- Embezzlement of organizational funds
- Theft of organization property
- Corruption.
- Inappropriate conduct within the workplace as per the workplace guidelines of:
- International worker’s rights doctrine
- Inability or refusal to complete duties
- Lack of interest in job descriptions
- Not Attending Important Meetings for more than three times consecutively.
Any official of REYA may resign from office at any time by delivering an official written resignation document to the President and the Board, detailing reasons for their action. Their resignation letter must be accepted by the President before leaving.
CHAPTER 7: MEETINGS AND DUES
A. Annual Meeting
Annual Conference shall be held each year for the purpose of conducting and reviewing the aims and objectives of the organization.
B. Emergency Meeting
Emergency meetings, otherwise unplanned meetings, of all members may be called upon by the Board or upon a written petition delivered to the Secretariat, signed by no less than 2/3 of the Membership Board.
C. Place of Meeting
The Board shall designate the specific time and place of the annual organization meeting and regular meetings.
D. Notice of Meeting
Written notice stating the place, date and hour of any board or administrative or membership meeting shall be delivered either personally or by regular mail or any social medium to members entitled to attend such meeting not less than one day notification.
E. Dues
There should be a general meeting for every two weeks and all members should pay the amount of 50 Liberian Dollars for each meeting.
Attendees shall pay 50 Liberian Dollars and non-attendees 75 Liberian.
CHAPTER 8: BANK ACCOUNTS, CHECK, CONTRACT AND INVESTMENT
a. Bank Accounts, Checks and Notes.
The Board is authorized to select the banks for the operations of the Organization.
- Contracts:
Unless authorized by the ⅔ of the Board Members, no Member/Board Member, agent or employee or volunteer shall have any power or authority to bind the Organization by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
c. Investments:
The funds of REYA or the Corporation may be retained in whole, in part or in cash or be invested and reinvested from time to time in any property, or stocks, bonds as the Board may deem desirable.
CHAPTER 9: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST REYA AND ITS MEMBERS
I. Any qualified or eligible member, client or Institution affiliating with the Rescue Youth Alliance shall have the power to sue or take REYA to a legal Institution or agency for any disenchantment or violation or misappropriation of their right for justice.
II. Rescue Youth Alliance shall have the right to sue or take to court any qualified or eligible member, client or Institution affiliating with it for any misconduct.
CHAPTER 10: NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Nondiscrimination Policy:
Rescue Youth Alliance shall not practice, permit, or tolerate any unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, physical handicap or disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Those authorized this DOCUMENT are as follows:
Signed: ________________________
- Amb. Sylvester Cytric Choloplay
Signed:
- _______________________________
Head of Secretariat & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
Signed:
- _______________________________
Head of Finance & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
Signed:
- _______________________________
Head of Public Relations & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
Signed:
- _______________________________
Head of Business & Board Member at Rescue Youth Alliance
