The law is the same for everyone.
The constitution of the Igbo Cultural Association Udine, in plain language and in full, so any member can find a rule, a fee or a right in under a minute.
Quick answers
The six things members ask most, with the article to point to.
- What does it cost to join?
- €45€10 registration, €30 insurance share, €5 for a copy of the constitution, plus a bottle of hot drink. Art. 8BSee the breakdown
- What does membership cost each year?
- €150€10 a month in dues and your €30 half of the yearly insurance premium. Add €15 when it is your turn to host a meeting. Art. 8B, 9, 13CHow money is handled
- When is the next general meeting?
- 2nd Sunday, 16:00Every second Sunday of the month at 16:00, for two hours, at Via Lumignacco 30, 33100 Udine. The President can move it. Art. 9E–GMeeting rules
- When can I claim a benefit?
- After 2 yearsAs a regular member, with every due, levy and fine paid up to the last general meeting before the event. Art. 16.1All benefits
- What happens if I miss meetings?
- €2 eachFor each absence without a cogent reason. Miss three in a row and your membership lapses; rejoining means registering again and paying everything owed. Art. 14.5All fines
- Who can withdraw association money?
- 2 of 3 signatoriesThe President, Treasurer and Financial Secretary. Every withdrawal is reported at the next meeting. Art. 13JThe safe account
The seven chapters
Each has a summary and the full text.
Who we are
A family of Igbo sons and daughters living in Italy, organised to keep the culture alive abroad and to look after one another.
Members, meetings and offices
Who can join and what it costs, how the monthly meeting runs, and the sixteen offices that run the association.
Elections
A general election every three years in December, an open ballot, and a new executive in office each January.
Law, money and discipline
How laws are made and blocked, how the four bodies relate, where the money goes, and what each breach of conduct costs.
Culture and activities
The reason the association exists: to practise Igbo tradition and pass it to our children so it stays alive in the next generation.
Benefits
What the association gives its members at the big moments of life, and the conditions for receiving it.
Epilogue
Audits at the end of every tenure, service without pay, and the procedure for changing this constitution.
This site follows the printed edition of January 2016. Amendments passed since then are recorded in the minutes books (Art. 19.3) and take precedence. About this site
Chapter One Isi nke mbụ
Who we are
A family of Igbo sons and daughters living in Italy, organised to keep the culture alive abroad and to look after one another.
Preface and Articles 1 to 6
We, the sons and daughters of Igbo indigenes of Nigeria living in Italy, do hereby, firmly and solemnly, resolve to live and work in harmony and concord as one indivisible family.
What the association is
Article 5 fixes the character of the association. Article 1 adds the values the constitution protects: freedom, equality, justice, fair play and democracy.
Non-profit
Money raised serves members and the culture. Art. 5A
Non-political, non-religious
No party line and no church line. Art. 5B
Democratic and cultural
Decisions by vote; purpose rooted in Igbo tradition. Art. 5C
Where it reaches
- Udine is the administrative headquarters. Art. 4
- The association covers every city in the province of Udine, and can take in members from beyond it in some cases. Art. 4
- It keeps contact with sister associations and cultures in Italy. Art. 4
The current logo shows the red cap between two ivory tusks, ringed by the words Igbo Cultural Association, Udine (FVG) Italy, with the motto Unity, Peace & Progress. The 2016 text describes an earlier version with the motto “Igbo Bu Eze”. Art. 3
Ten aims
Lettered A to J as in Article 6.
- APromote peace, unity, understanding and friendship among all members.
- BProject the Igbo heritage of oneness, cooperation, self-discipline, self-determination and hospitality.
- CContribute to the development of the Igbos and of Nigeria through socio-cultural and political dialogue.
- DKeep ourselves informed through prompt sharing of information and positive education.
- EUnite all sons and daughters resident in the province of Udine, and in Italy generally.
- FPromote the socio-cultural identity of the Igbo people and Igbo culture as a whole.
- GImprove members' socio-economic well-being through close relationships and cooperation.
- HStrengthen members' position through patriotism and help in times of need.
- IHelp Igbo parents teach their children our culture and tradition.
- JCultivate discipline and respect for one another, whatever a person's social or economic status.
Need the exact wording? Read the full text of the Preface and Articles 1 to 6.
Chapter Two Isi nke abụọ
Members, meetings and offices
Who can join and what it costs, how the monthly meeting runs, and the sixteen offices that run the association.
Articles 7 to 10
Who can join
Any Igbo son or daughter living in the province of Udine or elsewhere in Italy, Igbo by father, by mother or by naturalisation. Registration is open on request, with or without a written application to the Secretary, and is approved by the meeting. Art. 7A, 8A, 8D
| Type | Who | Pays | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Over 18, registered as an individual. Art. 7B | Yes, all financial obligations | Full, once the conditions in Chapter Six are met |
| Inactive | Part of an active member's household: usually children under 18, or relatives legally unfit for work. Art. 7C–D | No | Through their link to the active member |
| Honorary | Registers without financial obligations; usually lives outside the province of Udine. Art. 7E | No | Not the usual benefits of active members |
| Minor | Children under 18. Registration is compulsory, with a €10 fee and their codice fiscale. Art. 8F | €10 registration | Child benefit, once (Art. 16.6) |
What joining costs
Three amounts, paid once on registration, plus a bottle of hot drink for the meeting. Art. 8B, 13B
- €10Registration fee
- €30Your 50% share of the year's insurance premium
- €5Your copy of the constitution
- +A bottle of hot drink
Total as printed in the 2016 edition.
The scanned booklet carries a handwritten correction next to this total that reads €50. Check the figure currently in use before quoting it.
The monthly meeting
Three kinds of meeting: the monthly general meeting of all members, the executive meeting of elected officers, and emergency meetings called when necessary. Art. 9
- When
- 2nd Sunday, 16:00 CETTwo hours long. Art. 9F–G
- Where
- Via Lumignacco 3033100 Udine. The President can change the venue; the 2016 text still names Via Brescia 1, Zona Rizzi. Art. 9E
- Quorum
- 8 membersIncluding at least one executive officer. Art. 9D
- Languages
- Igbo, English, ItalianChiefly Igbo. Art. 9H
- If the President and Vice are late
- An executive officer presides, or asks someone from the floor to, until the President arrives. No major constitutional decision is taken until one of the two, or the full house, is present. Art. 9D
- Hosting
- €15 eachA group of members hosts each monthly meeting and cleans the hall straight after. Art. 9
How the association is built
Four bodies make up the General Assembly. Their leaders sit together on the Governing Council. Committees are formed for a task and then dissolved. Art. 10, 12.2, 12.14
General Assembly
Every member. Elects the officers and passes the laws.
The Executives
Offices 1 to 12 of Article 10, from President to Welfare Officer 2. Three-year term.
Council of Elders
The judicial arm. Elects its own Chairman.
Youth Wing
Elects the Youth Leader.
Women Wing
Called the Women Action Group in Art. 12. Elects the Women Leader.
Dashed boxes are temporary committees.
The sixteen offices
Art. 10Numbered as in Article 10. Officers serve a three-year term, counted January to December.
Leadership
President Bank signatory
Commander-in-chief. Presides over every meeting and decides crucial issues; runs the overall programme and mobilises members; calls emergency meetings with the executives; leads external affairs and chooses who assists; decides who qualifies for the Council of Elders. Cannot hold any other office.
Vice President
Deputy commander-in-chief with the same powers as the President. Takes charge in the President's absence, coordinates all activities, and casts the deciding vote when a legislative vote is tied (Art. 12.9).
Records
Secretary General
Chief administrative officer. Records all proceedings, handles every document of the office, and gives up-to-date information about the meeting when asked.
Assistant Secretary
Takes over all secretarial duties when the Secretary is absent, with the same rights.
Money
Financial Secretary Bank signatory
The financial officer. Records every transaction, collects all dues, levies and fines, and reports on finances at meetings.
Assistant Financial Secretary
Works with the Financial Secretary for proper, fast accounting during meetings.
Treasurer Bank signatory
Keeps the cash, bank documents and other valuables, and gives an up-to-date account at meetings.
Order and welfare
Public Relations Officer
Publicises activities when the meeting directs, arranges seating and venues, helps share out entertainment, and handles internal and external media.
Provost Marshall 1
Keeps law and order and moderates the floor by giving members turns to speak. Helps collect dues, levies and fines, and helps clean up. Every member must cooperate with him.
Provost Marshall 2
Same duties as Provost Marshall 1, shared according to the order of the day. Helps clean up.
Welfare Officer 1
Coordinates welfare: mobilises the members due to host, makes sure everyone gets a fair share of any distribution, and coordinates the clean-up after every session.
Welfare Officer 2
Same duties as Welfare Officer 1, making sure the work is done fairly and on time.
Wings, elders and committees
Youth Leader
Represents the youth wing, organises its activities such as traditional dances, and draws more young people in. Elected by the youths at their own meeting.
Women Leader
Represents the women's cultural dance group, organises the women's activities, and speaks for women's needs and empowerment. Elected by the women.
Chairman, Council of Elders
“Almost the chief priest of the association.” Presides over the elders, directs how cultural and traditional programmes are handled, and, with the Elders Committee, judges disputes between members.
Chairman of Committee
Heads a five-member committee the meeting appoints for a specific job and a set period.
Need the exact wording? Read the full text of Articles 7 to 10.
Chapter Three Isi nke atọ
Elections
A general election every three years in December, an open ballot, and a new executive in office each January.
Article 11
The election cycle
The whole process may take no more than three months, September to December, so the administration can hand over in January. A committee appointed for the purpose runs it and is dissolved afterwards. Art. 11.8–10
The cycle may open in September. An electoral committee is appointed and given full access to the financial records; candidates with arrears clear them by paying the committee, which reports to the assembly. 11.10, 11.17–18
General election by open ballot. The cycle must close this month. 11.8, 11.13
Handover to the new executive. 11.9
Who can stand
Every condition must hold. Missing one disqualifies the candidate automatically.
- At least 12 months a member; 24 months to run for President.11.11
- Financially up to date in every account to the last general meeting before the election. Arrears can be cleared by paying the electoral committee.11.16–17
- A valid residence permit, and a good, active member.11.19
- Living in the province of Udine, to be reachable in an emergency.11.20
- Not a member of the electoral commission.11.15
- No other member of the same family, such as a spouse or child, on the executive.11.25
Members of either sex may stand for any elective office on equal terms (11.4). The office of President is reserved for a male member by Igbo tradition, because of the traditional rites the President performs (11.5).
The President's terms
Other officers may be re-elected without limit. The President may serve two consecutive terms, then must sit out three years. Art. 11.1–3
During the wait, a former President may stand for any other office.
Leaving office early
- Resign by letter to the General Assembly.11.21–22
- Removed by a vote of no confidence when found wanting in character or otherwise.11.23
- By-election to fill the seat, decided by two-thirds of members present that day.11.24
Who votes, and who elects whom
General election
Only financial members vote, by open ballot. Offices 1 to 14 of Article 10 are elected. 11.6, 11.13–14
Legislative votes
All financial members may vote on laws, whatever the state of their account. 11.12
Inside each body
Elders elect their Chairman internally; youths elect the Youth Leader; women elect the Women Leader. 10.13–14, 11.7
Need the exact wording? Read the full text of Article 11.
Chapter Four Isi nke anọ
Law, money and discipline
How laws are made and blocked, how the four bodies relate, where the money goes, and what each breach of conduct costs.
Articles 12 to 14
Equal before the law
All members have equal social dignity and are equal before the law, without distinction of sex, race, language, religion, political views or personal and social condition. Art. 12.1
Making, blocking and changing laws
Two thresholds do almost all the work. Votes are counted among the members present at a regular meeting called by the President.
Simple majority
- Major legislation at a regular meeting12.8
- A tie is broken by the Vice President's vote12.9
Two-thirds majority
- A law proposed by the Executives12.10
- Overturning a presidential veto12.13
- A by-election11.24
- Amending the constitution, second vote19.2
Three months to take effect
A new or revised law starts at least three months after it passes, unless the house overrules this for an urgent reason. 12.11
The veto must be explained
The President may veto a decision he judges harmful, and must explain to the house in detail why. 12.12
Cases not covered
Where the constitution is silent, the meeting may take disciplinary or legal measures at the President's discretion. 14.16
The Council of Elders
The judicial arm of the association. Membership is decided by the incumbent President. Art. 10.1F, 12.4–7
Judges
Resolves disputes between members in special cases, with both parties present on equal terms and within a reasonable time.
Stabilises
Acts as temporary government if the executive is vacant, until a new election is held.
Guides
Helps the leadership plan and carry out programmes, especially cultural ones.
Directs rites
Its Chairman directs when and how traditional programmes are handled at social events.
The four bodies and their money
The Executives, the Council of Elders, the Youth Wing and the Women Action Group are semi-autonomous. They have their own statutes and resources, follow this constitution, need the general house's consent for any major function, and may not register separately with the Comune. Art. 12.14–19, 12.22
Money raised at a joint event
All money raised is handed to the general account immediately and reported at the next meeting; then a quarter goes back to the body that took part. The Assembly is not obliged to fund the bodies, but may if it helps the association's image. 12.20–21
Where the money comes from and goes
The fiscal year runs January to December, so the financial report always covers one calendar year. Art. 13A
Comes in
- Monthly dues, active members €10
- Registration €45
- Levies, when a function is beyond current funds varies
- Social events through the year varies
- Voluntary donations welcome
- Fines, Article 14 see below
The safe account
At a bank or the post office. Money is lodged within a week.
Withdrawals need two or all three signatories and are reported at the next meeting.
No imprest account: nobody holds a float. Whoever spends for the association is reimbursed at a meeting. 13I–J
Goes out
- Benefits to members, Chapter Six
- Half of each financial member's yearly insurance premium 13H
- Reimbursed expenses, if requested and certified 18.3
- 25% back to a body after a joint event 12.20
The fines
Art. 14, 15.1Sorted from smallest to largest. Bar length is the amount in euro.
Beyond fines
Three consecutive meetings missed without reason cancel your membership. Rejoining is a fresh registration plus every due and levy that built up. 14.5
Barred from holding office after embezzlement or tampering with the books. Unpaid embezzled money may be reported to the police. 14.9, 14.11
Suspension for failing to abide by the constitution. On return, all dues and levies for the period must be paid. 14.15
The President may call the authorities when a member refuses to respect the order of the meeting. 14.13
Need the exact wording? Read the full text of Articles 12 to 14.
Chapter Five Isi nke ise
Culture and activities
The reason the association exists: to practise Igbo tradition and pass it to our children so it stays alive in the next generation.
Article 15
The association's year
Fixed events from Articles 9, 11, 13 and 15 on one ring.
- Children's Day, 27 May. Kept for the children, who are the main reason the association was formed, so they grow up interested in what the Igbos of Udine do. 15.7
- New Yam festival, August to September, at the start of the harvest season. The Mmau festival is also held in the harvest season. 15.5–6
- End-of-year party. All members of every category welcome the new year, and the President gives the state of the union address. 15.10
- Election cycle, September to December, every third year, with the general election in December. 11.8–9
- Handover in January, when the new executive and the fiscal year begin. 11.9, 13A
- General meeting on the second Sunday of every month. 9F
Showing up for one another
When the association holds a cultural festival, or a financial member has a wedding, birthday or funeral, every member is obliged to attend. Art. 15.1–3
Skipping a member's occasion
Fine for not attending a festival or a financial member's wedding, birthday, funeral or similar.
Formal invitation from a recognised group
Clubs, unions and associations that invite us formally with a hot drink receive €50 from the association, and we attend.
Private invitation from anyone else
Not valid for a financial contribution, but members are encouraged to attend in large numbers.
The kolanut
Whenever Igbo people gather for a social activity, the host presents kolanut, ọjị. Art. 15.4
The host presents the kolanut to the gathering.
By culture, the presiding Chairman or President has the right to break it.
Or he passes it to whomever he chooses, usually the oldest person present, who then keeps the same right.
Honours
Merit award
Given from time to time to members, and even non-members, for positive contributions to society. It is a boldly printed certificate in a large photo frame, never money. A committee vets each candidate. Recipients pay nothing, though a gift to the association is welcome. 15.8
Chieftaincy title
The association may confer a title on good citizens of our Igbo community in Udine. A committee checks that the person is legally, religiously, socially, culturally, economically and productively active. Anyone who claims a native title on their own must go through the same screening and pay: 15.9
A certificate is then issued for the record.
Need the exact wording? Read the full text of Article 15.
Chapter Six Isi nke isii
Benefits
What the association gives its members at the big moments of life, and the conditions for receiving it.
Article 16
To receive any benefit below, an active member must have been regular for at least two years and be financially up to date, dues, levies and fines included, to the last general meeting before the event. Art. 16.1
Benefit amounts
Fixed sums paid by the association when the conditions above are met.
Life events in detail
Marriage
€200Once per membership; a second marriage carries no obligation. Invite the association at least a month ahead with an invitation, a carton of beer and a hot drink. A couple who are both members send one invitation. Members attend en masse; the couple entertain the meeting with food and drinks. 16.5
Children
€50 to €100The child must be registered with the €10 fee and codice fiscale. One benefit per child. Invite the association at least a month ahead with an invitation and a hot drink. For child benefit a married couple counts as one unit. 16.4, 16.6
Death in Italy
€1,500 deductedThe association arranges burial according to the wishes of the deceased or the family. If the member was covered by the association's insurance, the body can be flown home under the policy. €1,500 is taken from the insurance claim to pay for the wake and burial. 16.9
A member moving back home from Italy, or otherwise, can ask for a free-will collection among members during and after meetings. 16.8B
How a benefit is paid when you owe money
The benefit is handed over at a regular meeting, in front of the members, not at the event itself. Debts must be cleared there. If you still owe, 40% of the benefit is held back, and your debts come out of the rest. Art. 16.2–3
Need the exact wording? Read the full text of Article 16.
Chapter Seven Isi nke asaa
Epilogue
Audits at the end of every tenure, service without pay, and the procedure for changing this constitution.
Articles 17 to 19
Auditors
At the end of every tenure the meeting appoints a committee of auditors to examine the association's finances and present an accurate picture. The association sets their deadline according to the volume of work. No outgoing officer may sit on it, and its work ends when the report is presented. Art. 17
Service is unpaid
“Per la patria è la gloria.”
No officer or member of any category receives monthly pay or other reward for serving. Expenses incurred while helping the association are repaid if the member asks and the association certifies them. Art. 18
Changing the constitution
It can be amended in part or as a whole when the association needs it. Art. 19
The house deliberates on the change a first time.
A second deliberation follows; both fall within three months.
The second vote must reach a two-thirds majority.
The change is written into the minutes and noted by the President until the whole text is next reviewed.
The constitution must be faithfully observed as the fundamental law of the association by all members and dependent bodies. 19.4
Need the exact wording? Read the full text of Articles 17 to 19.
Fees, fines and benefits
Every amount in the constitution in one place. Tap an article number to read the exact wording.
What members pay
| Item | Amount | When | Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | €10 | Once, on joining | 8B |
| Insurance share | €30 | Every year: your half of the death-insurance premium | 8B, 13H |
| Copy of the constitution | €5 | Once, on joining | 8B |
| Bottle of hot drink | In kind | Once, on joining | 8B |
| Monthly dues | €10 | Every month, active members | 13C |
| Hosting a meeting | €15 | Each member of the hosting group, when it is their turn | 9 |
| Registering a child | €10 | Once per child, with the codice fiscale | 8F |
| Levies | As decided | When a function costs more than the association has | 13D |
| Self-claimed chieftaincy title | €500 / €1,000 | Member / non-member, after screening | 15.9C |
Fines
| Offence | Fine | Also | Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriving after the last minutes are read | €1 | 14.1 | |
| Disrupting the proceedings | €1 | 14.2 | |
| Phone not switched off | €1 | 14.3 | |
| Smoking during a meeting | €1 | 14.4 | |
| Absent without a cogent reason | €2 | Three in a row cancels membership | 14.5 |
| Leaving before closing without permission | €2 | 14.10 | |
| Failing to host for two months running | €5 | 14.12 | |
| Neglecting a duty you were given | €10 | 14.6 | |
| Missing a festival, or a member's wedding, birthday or funeral | €20 | 15.1 | |
| Fighting at a meeting or gathering | €30 each | Refunded if found innocent | 14.7 |
| Abusive or provocative statements | €50 | 14.8 | |
| Bringing public disgrace on the association | €100 | 14.14 | |
| Tampering with minutes or financial records | €100 | Barred from office for 10 years | 14.11 |
| Embezzling association funds | €100 | Repayment, 10-year office ban, possible police report | 14.9 |
| Failing to abide by the constitution | None | 12-month suspension; pay all dues on return | 14.15 |
Benefits
Only for active members who have been regular for two years and are paid up to the last general meeting before the event (16.1).
| Benefit | Amount | Conditions | Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | €200 each | Once per membership; a second marriage carries no obligation | 16.5 |
| Life right | €200 | Married members who never received the marriage benefit | 16.7 |
| Child born in 2013 or later | €100 | Once per child; child registered with the association | 16.6 |
| Child born before 2013 | €50 | Once per child; child registered with the association | 16.6 |
| Exigent right | €500 | A registered, financial member who is deported | 16.8A |
| Moving back home | Collection | Free-will donations from members, if the member wishes | 16.8B |
| Death in Italy | Burial arranged | Repatriation if insured; €1,500 taken from the insurance claim | 16.9 |
Numbers to remember
| Number | Rule | Article |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Members for a quorum, including one executive officer | 9D |
| 3 years | Term of office, January to December | 10 |
| 2 terms | Most a President can serve in a row, then a 3-year wait | 11.1 |
| 12 / 24 months | Membership needed to stand for office / for President | 11.11 |
| 2 years | Regular membership needed before any benefit | 16.1 |
| 40% | Held back from a benefit if the member is in debt | 16.3 |
| Over half | Votes needed for major legislation | 12.8 |
| Two-thirds | Executive-proposed laws, overturning a veto, by-elections, amendments | 12.10 |
| 3 months | Before a new law takes effect | 12.11 |
| 1 week | To lodge money in the safe account | 13J |
| 2 of 3 | Signatories needed to withdraw money | 13J |
| 3 absences | In a row, without reason, cancel membership | 14.5 |
| 25% | Of money from a joint event returned to the body that took part | 12.20 |
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About this site
This site presents the constitution of the Igbo Cultural Association Udine as printed in the revised edition of January 2016.
Each chapter has a plain-language summary and the full text. The summaries point to the article they come from, so you can always check the exact wording.
The full text follows the printed booklet. Obvious spelling slips are corrected; the wording is otherwise unchanged.
Amendments passed since January 2016 are recorded in the minutes books and take precedence over this text (Art. 19.3). One correction is visible in the scanned booklet: beside the registration total of €45 a handwritten note reads €50 (Art. 8B).
Two details on this site are newer than the printed text: the current logo (Art. 3) and the meeting venue, now Via Lumignacco 30, 33100 Udine (Art. 9E). The full text keeps the 2016 wording and notes the change beside it.
Editions
2016 Constitution Committee
- Ofoegbu Monday
- Ezeagba Ben Emeka
- Okochi Gerald Joseph
- Anamalu John Harrys
- Uzoh Emmanuel Chinedu