BY-LAWS / INTERNAL REGULATIONS

Global Union of Changemakers (GUC)

Preamble

These By-Laws (Internal Regulations) are adopted under the authority of the Constitution and Memorandum & Articles of Association of the Global Union of Changemakers (GUC) to ensure efficient governance, accountability, transparency, and operational integrity at the international and national levels. They apply to all members, offices, committees, chapters, and departments of GUC.

1. Membership

1.1 Eligibility:

Open to youth leaders, professionals, youth-led organizations, and partners committed to GUC’s mission.

Prospective members must submit an application approved by the Membership Committee or Executive Council.

1.2 Rights of Members:

Attend and participate in General Assemblies and official meetings.

Vote on approved matters affecting their membership category.

Propose initiatives, programs, or collaborations aligned with GUC objectives.

1.3 Duties of Members:

Uphold the Constitution, M&A, and these By-Laws.

Maintain ethical conduct and respect GUC policies.

Participate actively in programs and committees where applicable.

1.4 Suspension or Termination:

Members may be suspended or expelled for gross misconduct, non-compliance, or actions harmful to the organization, subject to a fair hearing by the Executive Council.

2. Organizational Structure

2.1 Executive Council:

The supreme decision-making body for strategic and fiduciary matters.

Responsibilities include policy approval, financial oversight, and international representation.

2.2 Leadership Roles:

President: Provides strategic leadership and represents GUC internationally.

Executive Director: Manages daily operations and coordinates programs.

National Directors: Lead country-level chapters and ensure compliance with local laws.

Thematic Directors/Officers: Oversee priority programmatic areas such as Climate, Education, Advocacy, and Humanitarian Action.

2.3 Committees and Working Groups:

May be formed to advise, implement, or monitor specific programs.

Report to the Executive Council or relevant department head.

3. Meetings

3.1 General Assembly:

Held at least once per calendar year.

Quorum: Minimum of 50% of members or as specified by the Executive Council.

Decisions made by simple majority unless otherwise required.

3.2 Executive Council Meetings:

Held quarterly or as determined by the Council.

Decisions require majority vote; in case of tie, the President casts the deciding vote.

3.3 National and Regional Chapter Meetings:

Must adhere to both local regulations and these By-Laws.

Regular reports submitted to the Executive Council for transparency.

4. Financial Management

4.1 Banking and Accounts:

All funds shall be maintained in official GUC accounts.

Signatories must be appointed by the Executive Council.

4.2 Budgeting and Reporting:

Annual budgets prepared by the Finance Officer.

Financial statements submitted to the Executive Council and audited annually.

4.3 Fundraising and Donations:

Must comply with applicable law and ethical standards.

Records maintained for transparency and accountability.

5. Conflict of Interest & Ethics

All members, officers, and employees must disclose potential conflicts of interest.

Executive Council members shall recuse themselves from decisions where a personal interest exists.

Ethical breaches may result in disciplinary action or termination.

6. Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the Executive Council.

Amendments must be consistent with the Constitution and Memorandum & Articles of Association.

Members shall be notified of amendments within 30 days of approval.

7. Dissolution or Reorganization of Chapters

Decisions on dissolution of chapters or departments require Executive Council approval.

Assets of dissolved chapters revert to GUC central coordination or another chapter aligned with mission objectives.

8. Compliance and Legal Observance

All operations must comply with international standards, applicable national laws, and GUC internal policies.

Chapters and departments are required to report regularly to the Executive Council.

9. Adoption and Enforcement

These By-Laws come into effect upon adoption by the Executive Council.

They supersede any previous internal regulations and remain in force until amended.