TAUS Constitution

TAUS members shall live by the guiding principles of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church and share Christian love through their lifestyle and resources. These resources shall then be used to reach out to communities in need; hence spreading the gospel and changing lives.

TAUS guiding principles are based on Christian values of giving and sharing. These principles are manifested through our three pillars—evangelism, healing and knowledge sharing. We believe that “GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER” and that “charity begins at home”. By serving humanity, we serve God and as we bless others, we are also blessed. Through these principles we hope to hasten the return of our Savior Jesus Christ.

TAUS is an organization of Seventh-day Adventists from Tanzania and their associates living in the USA and other countries. These individuals have committed themselves to evangelize and provide services to people of all walks of life by supporting various SDA Church based activities through sharing their God given talents and resources.

The name of the organization shall be the Tanzanian Adventists in United States (TAUS), Inc.

The Tanzanian Adventists in United States (TAUS) organization shall be a 501(c), a Non-profit organization.

1. To provide services and support various charitable projects.
2. All such other purposes as permissible for an organization formed under Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
3. TAUS is established exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

• Do God’s work through evangelism, healing and knowledge sharing.
• Build and renovate churches. Assist in different levels of construction and financing the materials of construction.
• Support General Education: assist in setting seminars and supporting and sponsoring SDA individuals who are pursuing studies in religion and theology.
• Facilitates religious gathering and meetings: Work with different conferences and union during ingathering and evangelism efforts.
• Assist in the spiritual growth of its members.
• Provide direct funding to projects in progress.
• Provide tangible and/or intangible support those working on similar goals.
• Recruit volunteers who will be willing to partner with us in our projects.
• Any other projects or community service activities that will be designed to enhance the spreading of the gospel.

There shall be two categories of memberships:

1. Primary Members: These are all Tanzanian Adventists who live in the United States of America (including their spouses, children and other family members).
2. Associate Members: These are members from other countries besides Tanzania, both Adventists and non-Adventists, who agree to abide by TAUS and SDA church principles.

1. There shall be an annual membership contribution as established by the Executive Committee.
2. Up to ten (10) percent of all raised funds will be used to cover administrative costs.

1. Members in good standing shall be those who uphold the objectives and constitution of this organization and participate in programs and other activities initiated and approved by this organization. This includes participating in meetings, offering ideas, contributing their talents and resources, and not engaging behaviors contrary to the mission of TAUS. They are also expected to be actively engaged in recruiting new TAUS members.
2. Primary members in good standing shall have voting rights and may be elected leaders of TAUS (with the exception of children under the age of eighteen (18)).
3. Associate Members have no rights to vote and may not be elected leaders.
4. There shall be regular communication from TAUS leaders to members and vice versa.

1. President
2. Secretary
3. Treasurer
4. Projects Director
5. Children and Youth Director
6. Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations Director
7. Communication and Social Affairs Director
8. Chapters Presidents (one from each chapter)
9. Ex-officios
10. Co-opted Members
11. Chaplain

I. President

1. Preside over all meetings and shall co-ordinate all the activities of the organization, in accordance with the stated purposes. S/he shall be the official spokesperson of the organization, convening all meetings of the organization, and co-signing the minutes after they have been approved.
2. Ensure that all assignment and resolutions of the TAUS General Assembly, the Executive Committee and members at large are carried out effectively. She/he shall also ensure that the organization remains focused and stay on course to achieve its objectives and vision.
3. The Executive Committee or the President may appoint another person to represent the President as the need may arise.
4. Preside over all Executive Committee meetings and all business meetings of the organization.
5. Be the official representative of TAUS in meetings, forums or any legal proceedings that requires TAUS representation.
6. Report to the members on legal matters or policy changes that are of interest to the organization.
7. Break the deadlock in cases where votes are tied.
8. Be responsible to ensure smooth transition of incoming and outgoing officers after elections or as the need may arise.
9. Along with the Secretary shall ensure that all correspondences (letters emails etc.) are addressed/directed to their respective offices and follow-through that the responses are done promptly and officially.
10. In cases of emergencies whereby the Executive Committee cannot be convened, the President, using his/her judgment, shall provide directives and instruction to deal with the situation temporarily and then arrange for further review by the Executive Committee or members at large.
11. Be responsible for maintenance and safekeeping of all assets of the organization in his/her office.
12. Designate person/s to perform special duties that may not be listed under any other office/department. He/she shall advise the Executive Committee on such appointments.
13. Chair the election of the interim officer, who will then take over the election proceedings of the officers at the annual election meeting or as need may arise.
14. Perform such duties and bear additional responsibilities as will be designated by the Executive Committee or members at large.

II. Secretary

1. Prepare and document all agendas for the meetings.
2. Maintain records of meetings minutes and provide them as needed.
3. Notify all members of the Executive Committee on upcoming meetings and also find out a possible quorum before the meetings.
4. Share with all the members on decisions/plans made by the executive.
5. The Secretary is next in line to the President. In the absence of the President, the Secretary shall resume the duties and discharge responsibilities of the President until such a time where the officer has been replaced or return to work.
6. Ensure that all formal correspondences are done accordingly within and outside TAUS.
7. Ensure adherence of members to the code of conduct as well as to the rules and regulations of TAUS as a whole.
8. Ensure that all official documentations are maintained in a safe and sound condition.
9. Follow-up with assignments of all other departments and advise the President of the progress made.
10. Along with the President, ensure that TAUS is in compliance with the Government Registrar office, IRS etc.
11. Ensure safety of all office properties/supplies and is the custodian of the TAUS assets.
12. Serves as an administrative advisor to the President.
13. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the President or Executive Committee.

III. Treasurer

1. Be the custodian of all TAUS funds, all materials and equipment donated or purchased for various projects.
2. Be in charge of all banking transactions by ensuring prompt deposits and withdrawals as needed, maintain proper records of all such transaction as well as dispensing receipts to the parties as needed.
3. Update members of the status of their contribution toward various projects.
4. Post and announce ahead of time events that will require members’ financial support so as to prepare them for the event.
5. Keep proper records of all financial transactions.
6. Make proper arrangements of handling offerings and donations during such events, make verifiable counts of all the money collected and ensure its safekeeping until the banking transactions are done.
7. Provide financial reports and statements as needed to the Executive Committee/members at large as well as necessary filings required by law.
8. Serve as a financial advisor to the President, Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations Director as well as the Executive Committee.
9. Maintain and keep safe all TAUS assets used by the Treasury office.
10. Facilitate all purchases and maintain inventories or items approved by the Executive Committee members.
11. Ensure that all the bill and dues for TAUS are paid in full and on time.
12. Compile and provide a summary of organization’s budget as different departments submit them.
13. Attend meetings, forums etc. of financial interests to TAUS.
14. Perform all other duties as will be assigned by the President or Executive Committee.

IV. Project Director

1. Brainstorm ideas/ innovative ways TAUS funding can be used to have a more lasting impact.
2. Plan, direct, coordinate, and lead project activities.
3. Create a detailed work plan which identifies and sequences the activities needed.
4. Keep track of all TAUS projects progress and challenges.
5. Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support projects.
6. Develop a project evaluation framework to assess the strengths.
7. Participate in developing funding proposals.
8. Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.
9. Provide program content expertise, delivering public presentations.
10. Network with and identify potential collaborators.
11. Review status reports and modify schedules as required.
12. Be the advisor to the President and the Executive Committee on matters of projects.
13. Prepare annual report or any other reports as needed.
14. Liaise with other officers to ensure the effective and efficient project delivery.
15. Ensure that projects comply with all applicable legal requirements and regulations.
16. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the President or Executive Committee.

V. Children and Youth Director

1. Be an advocate for children and youth and educate TAUS about their needs.
2. Help plan, develop, and implement all aspects of a balanced children and youth ministry.
3. Mentor children and youth in developing their leadership skills.
4. Be aware of resources for developing the children and youth ministry programming.
5. Recruit and train volunteers who work with children and youth.
6. Be a liaison between TAUS and other community organizations.
7. Work in partnership with the Executive Committee to effectively reach children and youth.
8. Keep records of children and youth participation and manage their ministry budget.
9. Communicate in a timely manner using all available resources.
10. Be available to help children and youth in a variety of ways.
11. Work to identify and nurture gifts and talents of children and youth within TAUS.
12. Ensure that the Child Protection Policy is observed in all children and youth ministry settings.
13. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the President or Executive Committee.

VI. Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations Director

1. Lead resource mobilization, including fundraising and in-kind donations.
2. Identify and collect contact information of potential donors.
3. Ensure that all funds raised or donated material are presented to the Treasurer.
4. Be the advisor to the President and the Executive Committee on matters of resource mobilization.
5. Monitor and coordinate all fundraising activities of all other departments.
6. Submit the calendar of fundraising activities to the Executive Committee.
7. In charge of donor relation by updating donors and potential donors on TAUS activities.
8. Ensure that TAUS’s official media outlets are maintained and updated regularly.
9. Report to the Executive Committee and President on all matters pertaining to resource mobilization.
10. Advise the Executive Committee on matters of fundraising and donor relations.
11. Prepare and present an annual budget for fundraising and donor relations activities.
12. Attend Executive Committee meeting as scheduled.
13. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the President or Executive Committee.

VII. Communication and Social Affairs Director

1. Plan and implements all social activities for the TAUS group.
2. Provide to the Executive Committee a calendar of such planned social activities.
3. Coordinate and supervise all food and drinks supplies during the meetings.
4. Ensure that the facilities and equipment used for social purposes are well-maintained.
5. Make arrangements of guest speakers, including their accommodation and transportation.
6. Coordinate and communicate to members on matters of significance to TAUS members.
7. Act as an advisor to the Executive Committee and the President on social and communication matters.
8. Prepare annual reports or any reports as needed.
9. Maintain all records related to social affairs.
10. Prepare a budget for communication and social affairs activities every year.
11. Attend executive meetings as required.
12. Assist and provide a smooth flow of information and announcements.
13. Coordinate all nationwide meetings/ retreats that bring TAUS members together.
14. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Executive Committee.

VIII. Chapter Presidents

1. Form part of the TAUS Executive Committee and attend Executive Committee meetings.
2. Plan, organize and conduct meetings in their areas.
3. Establish a listing of all TAUS potential members in their area.
4. Provide regular reports of TAUS activities conducted in their areas.
5. Form a working committee (as needed) that will deal with matters pertaining to their local areas.
6. Coordinate fund raising activities in their areas for TAUS projects.
7. Be ambassadors of TAUS in their area by actively being involved in spreading the mission.
8. Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee or the President.

IX. Ex-officios

The Ex-officios are outgoing President, Secretary and Treasurer. They shall:

1. Work as advisers to the Executive Committee and the President.
2. Attend meetings per President’s request but will not be voting members.

X. Co-opted Members

These are three (3) members nominated by the General Assembly. They shall:

1. Provide advice and professional expertise to assist the Executive Committee.
2. Provide advice and guidance on the strategic direction of the organization.
3. Attend all meetings called by the Executive Committee.
4. When required, attend any other meeting within the organization.
5. Support and advise the President.
6. Provide an impartial and independent view of the remit of the Executive Committee.

XI. Chaplain

1. Address all spiritual needs of TAUS members.
2. Prepare, execute and monitor all programs arranged for spiritual purposes.
3. Be in charge of all TAUS Children and Youth departments.
4. Provide a schedule of meetings and events of spiritual emphasis.
5. Serve as an advisor to the President/Executive Committee on spiritual matters.
6. Provide annual reports, budget etc. annually or as needed.
7. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Executive Committee.

1. From among the active members of the organization.
2. Dedicated to the objectives of the organization.
3. Able to demonstrate qualities of leadership.

1. Procedures for removal from office in cases of misconduct causing embarrassment to the organization.
2. Procedures for an independent audit team in case of leadership corruption.

1. Be responsible for carrying out the business of the organization.
2. Appoint the Board of Trustees when deemed necessary.
3. Make executive decisions on behalf of TAUS members.

1. Oversee the activities of the organization.
2. Provide advice to TAUS officers.
3. Provide mediation between members as needed.
4. Resolve conflicts among officers and ensure smooth transition.

TAUS Chapters are branches of TAUS restricted to a given locality as assigned by TAUS constitution or bylaws.

TAUS Chapters are based on the Regional divisions used by the United States Census Bureau.

1. Chapters shall organize and schedule their own meetings.
2. Chapters shall have at least three (3) meetings in a year.
3. Chapter meetings shall be presided over by the Chapter’s President.
4. Chapters shall operate according to principles of TAUS and SDA church.

1. Election of the nominating committee by the General Assembly.
2. Committee comprises of nine (9) members from active Chapters.
3. Committee nominates prospective candidates for General Assembly approval.

1. Officers serve a two (2) year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
2. Newly elected leaders commence service a day after the retreat.
3. Provisions for special elections as needed.
4. Board of Trustees serve for a term of five (5) years with no term limits.

1. Minimum of four (quarterly) Executive Committee meetings annually.
2. Special or emergency meetings called by the President.
3. Annual General Assembly in the summer.
4. The General Assembly recommends future retreat locations.
5. Executive Committee makes final determination of time and place.

1. Primary Members present at the General Assembly form a quorum.
2. Voting by show of hands or secret ballot.

• Member contributions, Donations, Fundraising, and Sales.

i). TAUS Bank Account

• Nationwide bank account management.
• Chapter Treasurer deposit procedures.
• Annual detailed financial reports.

ii). Audit Committee

Biennial election of audit committee for annual internal audits.

iii). Disbursement of funds

Two-thirds majority vote required for disbursements. Defined limits for Chapter spending.

iv). Project funds selections

Executive Committee project selection and reporting to members.

1. Compliance with federal and state law during dissolution.
2. Transfer of remaining funds to affiliated organizations upon two-thirds majority approval.