About Us

   BY-LAWS

 

"Involved Dads make a difference"

 

Section 1: Preamble

 

Study after study shows that children with involved fathers display:

•Better cognitive outcomes, even as infants
•Higher self-esteem
•Lower levels of drug and alcohol use
•Higher levels of empathy
•Higher grades and overall academic achievement

Section 2: Name/Office

 

The name of this organization shall be known and call DADS' CLUB OF GHANA ASSOCIATION, otherwise to be known as DADS' CLUB GHANA; it shall remain a non-governmental organization which administrative structure shall be under the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation. It shall establish local branches in communities, churches, schools and workplaces to be known as chapters in all the Regions and Districts in Ghana. Dads Club Ghana activities shall be govern by its by-laws and by any applicable provisions in the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Constitution and by-laws and its policies deemed necessary to maintain Chapter status. Dads' Club Chapters shall maintain sufficient, current Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation togetherness and abide by all the requirements determined by Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation to establish and maintain a chapter.

 

Dads' Club of Ghana National Secretariat shall be within the offices of Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation and shall have Regional and District offices.

 

Section 3: Statement of Purpose.

 

•To promote and facilitate supports and opportunities for Children to live, link together, recreate and learn in the least restrictive of environments.

•To promote opportunity for conversations and connections among Children and their Dads so that we can learn from and assist each other through the work of community building and change;

•To assist Children to assert their civil and human rights in the areas of education, training, support services and community living.

•To serve as curators and sharers of the stories of Children and their friends and family members to maintain a history of our collective experience

•To communicate with policy makers and the community-at-large regarding issues of concern to Children and their Dads and advocates.

•To communicate with Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation on issues of local, district or regional concern.

•To improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers.

•To organize events to bridge social gab between fathers and children.

Section 4: Qualifications for Membership and Membership Meetings

 

•Membership in Dads Club Ghana shall be open to Fathers of all Children.
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•Chapters shall be open in Schools, Churches, Communities and Workplaces interested in accomplishing the purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of Dads Club of Ghana and Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation.

•Membership shall be obtained by application to Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation and by payment of such dues as shall be from time to time designated by the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation, Executive Management Board.

•Chapter members shall be encouraged to appoint a Chapter committee Member to represent the Dads Club Chapter on Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Executive Management Board. At least one member on the chapter's board or steering committee must be a member representing the chapter on the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Executive Management Board. All other members of the chapter's board or steering committees must at least be registered members of the chapter. If officers or board/steering committee members are not current members as required, the chapter can pay for their memberships (out of chapter funds or, by request with funds held for the chapter by Regional Dads Club Central office so that these individuals can remain in their positions or on the board or steering committee). To be a member in good standing, dues, in the amount determined by current policy must be current.

•Meetings for the entire membership will be held as deemed appropriate by the officers of the Chapter. All current members will be notified of meetings at least thirty days in advance and all current members and individuals interested in chapter membership or chapter activities will be welcome at the meetings.

•Each member of the DAD'S CLUB OF GHANA Chapter shall have the right to exercise one vote on any matter brought before the membership for a vote at all meetings; provided, however, that a member must be properly registered and have dues current prior to exercising such right.

Section 5: Chapter Committee or Steering Committee

 

· The affairs of Dads' Club of Ghana at the National Level shall be governed by a Committee (Executive Management Committee) of the GHANA Fatherhood Initiative Foundation which will comprised of no fewer than 5 (FIVE) and not more than 20(Twenty) members. At the Regional Offices and Chapter level by officers elected by members for the same purpose, for a period of time determined by this by-laws. Committee members may be voting members or ex-officio members. An odd number of voting members shall be maintained.

 

· At least one Committee member must maintain Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation/chapter membership.

 

· The members of the committee shall be electing by the chapter membership with a simple majority of the ballots at Chapter, District and Regional levels. To be eligible for election a candidate must be a current member of Dads' Club in a chapter and must have demonstrated commitment to the Club and its values as expressed through Dads' Club resolutions.

 

· Any action that may be properly taken by the committee may take place with or without a meeting. Such action shall have the same force and effect as an in-person vote and the minutes shall reflect the manner in which any vote or action was taken.

 

Section 6: Powers and Duties of the Steering Committee

 

With the approval of Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation the committee shall

 

•Establish the policies, mission, goals and activities of the Chapter.

•Determine the date, location, programs, and plans of general membership meetings, workshops, conferences or other chapter activities.

•Declare a vacancy on the steering committee occurring between regular elections and fill such vacancy by appointment.

•Investigate matters which pertain to the welfare of Dads Club of Ghana and transact necessary business on behalf of the Chapter.

•Review and approve the Chapter budget and be responsible for spending within the limits established by any approved budget.

•Appoint such permanent or temporary committees as from time to time deemed necessary.

 

Section 7: Responsibilities of the Steering Committee.

 

•Meet at least 4 (four) times/year. Such meetings can be held in person, by phone or by electronic means.

•Each member of the steering committee shall receive notice of meetings at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting.

•Each member shall receive one (1) vote on any issue brought before the board or committee.

•Special meetings may be called by any officer or by joint action of one half (1/2) of the governing board or steering committee. .

Section 8: Terms of Office of the Steering Committee.

 

•One third of the initial steering committee members shall serve a 1-year term, one third will serve a 2 -year term and one-third will serve a 3 year term.

•Thereafter, members shall serve a 3-year term and elections shall be held annually to replace one third of the members. Members can be re-elected for additional terms after the expiration of their initial term. No member can serve more than 2 consecutive terms. Each Chapter shall determine when exceptions to term limits can be made.

•Officers shall include, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and a member or a committee of individuals who fulfill those roles.

•Names, addresses and other contact information of all steering committee members will be maintained, updated annually or more often if needed, and sent to Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation central office and copy to Dads Club Regional office.

Section 9: Procedures for the Election of Committee Members and Officers.

 

•Any regular vacancy on the Committee shall be announced and nominations will be accepted from any member in good standing. Members can self-nominate.

•Final selection of nominees shall be made by an Election Committee appointed by the Chapter Chairman in consultation with the steering committee.

•Official ballots will be provided to the membership. Voting can be done in-person, by mail, fax or electronically as long as the system is safeguarded against fraud.

•Returned ballots, will be counted by the Election committee.

•The Chapter Chairman will notify all nominated participants of the outcome of the election and announce the newly elected members to the membership.

•In the event there is a vacancy during the year, the Chapter Chairman with Committee approval will make appointments. Members so appointed will complete the term of the person whose vacancy was filled and can be eligible for re-election at the completion of the term. .

Section 10: Duties of Officers.

President. The Chaiman of DADS' CLUB OF GHANA shall supervise all activities of the Chapter ; execute instruments on its behalf; call such meetings of the Chapter Committee or membership as shall be deemed necessary; preside at all meetings; and perform such other duties typically inherent in such office. The President shall inform the Executive Director of GHANA FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE FOUNDATION of all matters which affect or could affect the interest of DADS CLUB GHANA and shall be responsible to complete and return an annual report of chapter activities and status to GHANA FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE FOUNDATION copy to the Regional Central Office.

 

The President shall annually nominate a slate of officers' subject for the approval of the governing board or steering committee. The President may assign ex-officio (non-voting) members as members of the governing board or steering committee to maintain diversity and perspective. The President shall remain on the governing board or steering committee for one year following his term of office as President. This is an ex-officio appointment as Past-President and shall represent the Dads Club at the Regional Dads Club Central office.

 

Vice President. The Vice President shall act for the President in his or her absence and perform such other acts as the President may direct. The Vice President shall succeed to the office of President if that office is vacated and serves as the President Elect, during the last year of the sitting President's term of office.

 

Secretary. The Secretary shall ensure that accurate records of funds, resources and minutes of all meetings and decisions are maintained and distributed and shall represent the Chapter on GFIF Executive Management Board.

 

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall oversee the chapter's fiscal activities including: supervising the receipt and disbursement of all funds at the direction of the steering committee; adhering to all financial policies established by Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation, acting jointly with the President in financial matters, presenting the financial report at each meeting of the governing Board, maintaining all financial records; and reporting the financial status and activity to Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation.

 

Non-Elected officers. Dads' Club Coordinator to be employed at the Regional offices as an Administrator in-charge of implementing decisions taken by the elected officers. The Dads Club Coordinator shall be employed by the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Central office, both at the Regions. At the District /local levels Dads' Club Coordinators shall be employed by the Regions to be recognize as Volunteer Staff.

 

Section 11: Non-profit Status.

 

•DADS' CLUB GHANA shall organize and operate solely for non-profit purposes. DADS' CLUB GHANA through the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation shall at all time comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Codes applicable to non-profit organizations.

•Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation shall operate under the non-profit status of the national organization and can, at its discretion apply for incorporation as a non-profit corporation under the governing and Administrative directions of Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation.

Section 12: Budget.

 

•A yearly budget will be prepared by the Treasurer, reviewed by the steering committee, and presented for approval to the membership and onward approval by the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Administration.

•All budget information required by Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation shall be submitted in a timely fashion.

•Chapter funds shall be used only for official chapter business approved by the steering committee.

Section 13: Fund Raising.

 

•Dads' Club Ghana may participate in any type of fund raising activity if the fund raising is permissible under the rules established by Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation and acceptable under Ghana laws applicable to non-profit organizations.

•Dads' Club must request approval from Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation prior to making any application for corporate, foundation, National or International grant funds.

•Dads' Club Ghana may accept gifts or contributions to the chapter. However, Dads Club Ghana reserves the right to refuse any gift or contribution when such gift or contribution may be inappropriate, unmanageable, represent a conflict of interest or values, or jeopardize the organization's non-profit status. Examples could include backing or promoting a particular candidate or party, lobbying or raising funds to be used for the personal benefit of board or chapter members.

Section 14: Responsibilities to Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation.

 

•Dads' Club Chapters shall report requested information to Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation. This could include a report of activities and plans, updated information about officers or board members, financial information, and bank account information including current balances, the bank in which accounts are held, bank account numbers and the person or persons having access to accounts.

•Dads' Club Chapter agrees to follow all Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation requirements in the formation of any affiliations and/or coalitions.

•Dads' Club Chapter will report within thirty (30) days to Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation any approved changes or amendments to these Bylaws.

•In the event Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation alters or amends its policies concerning chapters, Dads' Club Chapter shall amend its policies accordingly within forty-five ( 45) days of receiving notice of such changes or immediately if mandated by Law.

Section 15: Dissolution and Assets.

 

· In the event Dads' Club Chapter makes a decision to dissolve, the chapter will contact Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation with such information and agrees to abide by all requirements and reporting for chapter dissolution.

 

· Dads' Club Chapter agrees to notify all agencies, as appropriate of such dissolution.

 

•All assets held by the Dads' Club shall revert to Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation at the termination of existence of if all obligations have been satisfied.

Section 16: Responsibilities of Dads' Club Chapter Status.

 

•Dads' Club of Ghana agrees to abide by all requirements established by Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation to maintain chapter status and to continue to operate under the general supervision of Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation.

•Dads' Club of Ghana National, Regional and Chapter (local) understands that failure to abide by Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation requirements may result in suspension. Established Chapter agrees to abide by all policies established by Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation to maintain chapter status and acknowledges that the failure to comply with such policies may result in the termination of Dads Club recognition of the chapter.

Section 17: Non-Discrimination.

 

•Dads' Clubs shall not discriminate based on geographical area, tribe, religion, marital status or disability.

Section 18: Amendment of By-laws.

 

•Amendments to the bylaws may be recommended to GFIF Executive Management Board at any time by a majority vote of the steering committee of a Chapter or by petition of twenty-five percent of the members.

•When an amendment has been proposed, the Chairman shall notify all members of the steering committee and allow sixty days for members to respond. Upon sixty (60) days advanced notice of the proposal to the membership, changes can be made based on a simple majority vote of at least one third of the current members of the chapter upon acceptance by the GFIF Board of Directors.

•When an amendment is approved, the Chairman shall notify each steering committee member by providing them with an exact copy of the approved amendment within forty-five (45) days from the date of approval. Such amendment shall go into effect ten (10) days after the approval.

* In the event that these Bylaws are insufficient to render clear judgment, the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Management Team will be the Procedural Authority in effect.

 

 

 

Section 19: Use of Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Name and Logo.

 

•The Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation's name and logo together with the name and logo of the chapter shall be used only in connection with approved chapter activities.

•GFIF shall in no way obligate Dads' Club Chapters in the use of its name or logo.

•Dads' Club Chapter may develop its own logo as long as the Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation logo is use consistently with the chapter logo.

Section 20: Amendments and Signatures


These by-laws may be amending by a simple majority of one-third of the eligible voting membership of the Chapter in-consultation with Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation Governing body and Administration.