Governance

The nomination of the IWA Board:

The nomination procedure will take place over IWA website in accordance with the following rules at least two weeks before the elections:

Past presidents and board members can re-run any number of times and also vote.
Only current IWA members can be nominated.
You can nominate yourself.
You can nominate any number of people but you must first get their prior verbal consent.
In the case of the team of presidents, you must get consent from both members that they want to be a team. They are voted as a team and must run together.
If you did agree to be nominated and then later decide you do not want to run, then you may take your own name off the list.
You may NEVER take another member’s name off the list.
A member’s name can be on both lists (the president team and executive committee). If the member is elected on the president team, then she will not be chosen for the executive committee.
Election Procedure of IWA Board: The two presidents and the six executive committee members will be elected by ballot at the elections which will be held during the Diwali function. A simple majority of those members present will constitute a majority. In absentia votes will be collected electronically.

Elected officials:

The IWA Board of Directors: IWA’s governing structure will consist of 2 co-presidents and a 6 member Executive Committee. All actions taken by these members of the governing structure must be in compliance with the articles of incorporation and the mission of IWA. The governing body will maintain IWA’s non-profit status and ensure its financial stability. IWA must host a minimum of two annual community events, choose charitable organizations for the annual donation and have a source of communication medium to the general membership body of IWA.

Term: All officials are elected for the term of one calendar year beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.

Responsibilities of Elected Officials: The IWA board will be autonomous with complete power and authority to lead IWA, but in keeping with IWA’s federal and state government mandated charitable mission.

President Team (two member team)

are the official representatives and spokespersons of IWA and will preside over all official meetings of the Board
provide strong leadership to carry out IWA’s mission and establish a strategic plan and detailed goals for the year (in collaboration with the board) in keeping with IWA’s mission and articles
are responsible for oversight and governance of IWA
communicate effectively with all members so as to reduce divisive and negative dispositions
address questions, grievances and concerns of members, treating everyone fairly and without discrimination
create a sub-organizational structure to implement IWA’s goals (for example – the event committees)
approve decisions and delegate responsibilities
moderate meetings and the conduct of executive committee members so that disagreements remain impersonal and constructive
have the autonomous and collegial power to make modifications to the sub-structures so as to best carry out the stable functioning of IWA
may fill the position on the executive committee if a member is unable to meet a portion of the term of office
send e-Mails to the IWA distribution group
past presidents provide oversight for the next year to ensure continuity of policies and general guidance
choose charities that will receive IWA’s services and donations in collaboration with the board

Executive Committee (six members)

assists the co-presidents in implementing the strategic plan and goals set for that year
collaborates with each other and with the co-presidents at all times
helps address grievances, and implement suggestions of the general membership body
keeps a united front about IWA’s mission and policies at all times
diffuses rumors and idle talk about IWA’s policies within the community
encourages a spirit of volunteerism in the community by fostering a climate of good faith, support, and cooperation
assists in the formation of different sub-committees and acts as a liaison between them
responsible for general oversight and governance of IWA
has the power to decide by majority vote, in the event of non-agreement between the co-presidents
takes accurate minutes of all meetings
assists in choosing charities that will receive IWA’s services and donations