Chapter Information
Purpose:
Chapters are organized, established and Chartered throughout the United
States to further the mission and goals of MANA National. Chapters function
independently from MANA National to better respond to the local needs and issues
facing Latinas in their communities. In order to maintain a Charter, a Chapter
must comply with all requirements of MANA National.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANA CHAPTERS:
I. The Chapter shall:
A. Be known and do business as it is registered with MANA National;
B. Consciously identify itself as a duly chartered Chapter of MANA in all dealings with its clients, contractors, public officials and others, and
C. Prominently place appropriate notice of its chapter membership on all forms, business cards, stationary, advertising, signs and other materials where MANA membership is disclosed.
II. The Chapter shall be solely responsible for its revenues and expense in providing, managing or otherwise conducting the business affairs of the Chapter.
III. The Chapter shall comply with the provisions of its charter agreement, the constitution, bylaws and policies and directives of MANA National and shall operate its programs, services and business activities in keeping with the purposes, philosophy and standards set forth therein.
IV. The Chapter shall open and maintain a bank account to be used in general operational activities of the Chapter, as well as an account or accounts for designated specific purposes, which cannot be used for general operational purposes. The Chapter shall make records of its bank accounts available to MANA National upon request.
V. The Chapter shall keep current, correct and complete books and records of accounts and shall keep minutes of proceedings of its members, and addresses of its members entitled to vote.
VI. The Chapter shall maintain current, true and accurate records of all financial transactions of the Chapter, including all income and expenditures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Based on these records,
A. The officers of the Chapter or trustees shall prepare an annual report of the financial activity of the Chapter for presentation to MANA National.
B. The accounting period is January through December.
C. The financial report is due no later than 60 days after the close of the accounting period. All books, records and annual reports shall be maintained for at least three years after closing of the accounting period.
VII. The Chapter agrees to cooperate with MANA National to protect its Service-marks, Trade-marks and logos from unauthorized use by anyone or any entity without MANA National's explicit authority to use the same.
VIII. Each Chapter shall have the right to acquire real and personal property to facilitate the furtherance of their programs and services. The Chapter shall maintain an inventory of said property and said property shall be turned over to MANA National in the event that the Chapter's charter becomes forfeited or not renewed by MANA National.
IX. The Chapter will indemnify and hold harmless MANA National from any and all claims made against the Chapter.
X. The Chapter will arrange in a manner appropriate to its circumstance, for liability coverage for its activities.
XI. The Chapter shall make application for exemption as a 501c (3) organization and shall assume all responsibilities as applicable to those required by the Internal Revenue Service.
XII. The Chapter shall supply copies of all financial, membership, operational and other records maintained in the course of its operations to MANA National upon request.
There Are 4 (four) Phases In Organizing A MANA Local Chapter:
Phase 1 (One): Complete and submit a MANA Local Chapter Application Form, a MANA Local Chapter Member Registration Summary Form, and submit both forms with an application fee of $50.00. While in the organizing phase, the members will become at-large members and will receive a letter from the President, and the MANA Newsletter. During this phase the organizing committee needs to:
a) Complete MANA Local Chapter Application Form
b) Complete MANA Local Chapter Member Registration Summary Form
c) Pay an application fee of $50.00. Make check payable to MANA, A National Latina Organization.
d) Mail both forms and the application fee to:
MANA, A National Latina
Organization
Attention:
Chapter and Membership Development Coordinator
1146 19th Street NW, Ste. 700
Washington DC, 20036
Phase 2 (Two): MANA National will review the application forms for approval to start organizing a Chapter. Once approved, you will be notified in writing and authorized to officially begin organizing a Chapter. During this phase the organizing committee will need to:
a) Write the Chapter By-Laws which must clearly state the MANA mission and the MANA vision.
b) Elect officers for the Chapter Board of Directors and document the election process in the form of minutes.
c) Conduct a community analysis to determine the needs in your community and develop a rudimentary program plan to address those needs by the proposed Chapter.
d) Sign the MANA Local Chapter Agreement Form.
e) Begin working on your papers of incorporation. Contact your state office for application.
f) Establish a Chapter bank account.
g) Mail all of the above information to the MANA National Office for review and approval by the National Board of Directors.
Phase 3 (Three): The National Board of Directors will review the By-laws, the minutes, and the program plan for approval. Once approved, you will be notified in writing and the Chapter will be named.
Phase 4 (Four): MANA National will make arrangements with the Chapter to be issued the Charter making the Chapter official.
Note: You are not an official Chapter until you are granted a Charter by MANA National. Once officially Chartered you will be able to start using the MANA logo. MANA National must approve all Chapter brochures.
The estimated time of Chapter application completion is between 6-9 months. MANA encourages you to effectively manage your project so as to not prolong or exceed an unreasonable timeline. A national board member can assist you in organizing your Chapter. Please do not hesitate to call us during any step of the process for guidance. We look forward to receiving your information soon.