Bylaws

Somaliland Forum Bylaws

I.    Vision

”The attainment of peaceful, prosperous, democratic Somaliland.”

Somaliland Forum Mission Statement:

  • Somaliland Forum is a non-partisan think-tank, which supports the withdrawal of Somaliland from the illegal union with Somalia. The main goal of the Forum is to contribute and to work towards the socio-economic development in Somaliland. The Forum is also aiming the realization of political recognition, which should lead Somaliland to UN Membership. The Forum provides a platform to the Somalilanders, primarily in the Diaspora, to engage in healthy dialogue and to, through position papers and communiqués, positively influence the policies that affect Somaliland.
  • Additionally, the role of the Forum is to facilitate networking among professionals and enhance the cohesiveness of the Diaspora.  Through pooling the experience and resources of its members, the Forum participates and contributes, financially and socially to the rebuilding of Somaliland.

CORE VALUES

RESPECT

  • The Forum encourages mutual respect among its members, engages and  nurtures healthy and positive debate, which contributes to exchange of ideas  that advance understanding of each other, the development of Somaliland,  the individual growth of its members and for the common good of human  mankind. The Forum forbids attacks that are personnel, mock or denigrate a member/tribe; that incites and patronizes tribalism and divisiveness. At the same time, the Forum subscribes and encourages individuality, tolerance and diversity of opinion.

COHESION

  • The Forum fosters cohesiveness, teamwork, understanding, trust, professionalism and integrity.

NEUTRALITY

  • we believe in contributing to Somaliland’s national political discourse in a neutral and objective manner, always keeping the collective interest of the people of Somaliland. Furthermore, the Forum remains impartial in party politics, and is committed in advancing policies and practices which strengthen the above principles, and oppose any steps that may detract from these principles.

SELF-DETERMINATION

  • The Forum recognizes self-determination as a basic political and human rights principal as it is enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Therefore, the Forum recognizes the declaration in Burco on 18 May 1991, which proclaimed the withdrawal of Somaliland from the Union of Somali Republic (former British Somaliland Protectorate and the former Italian Somalia) as a legitimate reinstatement of Somaliland’s independence and Sovereignty.

JUSTICE/EQUALITY/FAIRNESS

  • The Forum advocates justice for all: the rule of law, due process and equity in sharing the burden, opportunity, political representation and the economic benefit. The Forum advances peaceful co-existence without coercion among its people, regions, neighbors and the international community.

EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY

  • The Forum supports, cooperation with grassroots organizations and local community initiatives that enhance local economic opportunities, social and sustainable development.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

  • To work collectively towards assisting and promoting democratic, social, educational and economic development.
  • To promote, publicize and advance the historical sovereignty of Somaliland.
  • To assist the government and its institutions in researching, formulating and implementing of policies, programs and projects that benefit the public.
  • To encourage the exchange of information and ideas among Forum members and the public in Somaliland at large.
  • To transform the S/L Diaspora into a closely-knit community with a sense of belonging and sharing.
  • To facilitate networking among Somaliland professionals.
  • To identify, tap and match the know-how and the experience of its members to the needs of the country.
  • To plan, participate, implement and assist financially and technically worthy causes, projects and programs.
  • To support and enhance good governance, fair and free elections, democratic principles, transparency, accountability, peace, stability, free-market economy, human rights, freedom of expression, separation of powers and other universally accepted norms.
  • To educate, outreach and campaign against the social ills and habits that negatively impact on the health and development of our society.
  • To form strategic alliance with grassroots organizations, other Diaspora organizations and associations of similar goals and objectives.
  • To encourage all Somaliland citizens to exercise their rights without fear and prejudice and to fully participate the democratic process, the political and the development of their local communities.
  • To encourage the protection of the environment and its resources by advocating and highlighting the long term benefits of environmentally sound programs and policies and by annunciating the consequences of environmentally unfriendly policies.

II.  Organizational Structure: 
     A.  Definitions 
     B.  Committee 
     C.  Task Groups 
     D.  Gatekeepers

III.  Rules and Regulations:

      A.  Conflict Resolution and Disciplinary Action 
      B.  Rules for Committee Members (CMs) 
      C.  Membership Rules and Requirements 
      D.  Code of Conduct in the forum 
      E.  Penalty for Violation of Forum Rules 
      F.  Project Selection Process 
      G.  Copy Rights 
      H.  Forum Assets Management

Forum Organizational Structure:

A.  Definitions:

  • 1)  “Executive Committee”, unless otherwise specified, is the five-member Somaliland Forum Committee
  • 2)  Term of one year is defined as May 1 of the current year to April 30 of the succeeding year, unless otherwise changed membership.
  • 3)  “Forum”, unless otherwise specified, refers to the Somaliland Forum.
  • 4)  “Majority of the Forum” is defined as the majority of the population who rendered their votes on an issue. For example, if 10 people voted “yes” on an issue and 11 voted “no”, then the majority of the Forum voted “no”. This definition can be modified on a case by case basis. (This definition stems from past voting trends, but may be amended at any time by the Committee).
  • 5)  “Member(s)”, unless otherwise specified, refers to Forum members in general.
  • 6)  A “Member in Good Standing” is one who has paid his/her membership fee consistently for two years or for the past year if he/she has been a member for less than a year, and has no conviction of violations of forum rules for two consecutive years or for the entire duration of his/her membership if less than two years.

B.  Forum Executive Committee:

Roles and responsibilities of the Executive Committee are:

  • Provide continuity for the organization by setting up mechanism to support the bylaws and vision and values, and to represent the organization’s point of view through interpretation of its products and services, and advocacy for them.
  • Select and appoint a working committees to whom responsibility for the implementation of programs/tasks to support the mission and vision is delegated, including:
    -  To review and evaluate their performance regularly on the basis of a specific job description, including committee/task relations with the executive committee and members, in program planning and implementation, and in management of the organization and its programs
    -  To offer administrative guidance and determine whether to retain or dismiss the committee or taskforce.
    -  To govern the Forum by mission, vision and objectives, formulated and agreed upon by the members, including to assign priorities and ensure the forum’s capacity to carry out programs by continually reviewing its work.
    -  To acquire sufficient resources for the organization’s operations and to ensure that products and services are financed adequately.
    -  To account to the members for the products and services of the organization and expenditures of its funds, including:
    -  To provide for fiscal accountability, approve the budget, and formulate policies related to contracts and service purchases.
    - To accept responsibility for all conditions and policies attached to new, innovative, or experimental programs.

1.  Major Responsibilities of the Executive Committee

  • Support the Organization’s Mission and Purpose
  • Select and supervise working committees, webmasters and Gatekeepers
  • Support the working committees and Review their performance
  • Ensure Effective Organizational Planning
  • Ensure Adequate Resources
  • Manage Resources Effectively
  • Determine and Monitor Forum’s Programs and   Services
  • Enhance Forum’s Public Image
  • Serve as a Court of Appeal
  • Assess Its Own Performance
  • Ensure capability/functionality of the list server in consultation with the Gatekeeper(s)
  • Enforce the forum rules in accordance with Forum bylaws and values and take actions deemed necessary against anyone who violates the Forum rules, bylaws and core values, including expulsion.
  • Ensure strategic planning, policy development, oversight and evaluation is undertaken in the Forum.
  • Ensure the structures and procedures are in place for securing the resources required for the projects of the Forum.

 2.  Mandate and Authority of the Committee

  • Each member has only one vote, including the Chairperson. The Chairperson has no veto power.
  • The Committee members are duly recognized as the representatives of the Forum when contacting, speaking, or engaging in activities on behalf of the Forum.
  • The Committee has no authority to send correspondence (written or oral) on behalf of the Forum to any entity or group on matters controversial in nature (e.g., a political stand) without the approval of the Forum. However, on matters deemed by all five members not controversial but beneficial to the Forum, the Committee has the final authority to correspond with such entities or group(s) on behalf of the Forum, or can grant permission for a Task Group/ or individual members to correspond with such entities on behalf of the Forum. The Forum shall be briefed of such occurrences.
  • The Committee has full authority to enforce the forum rules and regulations (Article III). The Committee, without prior consultation with the Forum, shall have the authority to dispense penalties specified under III.E.1. through III.E.4. If all corrective actions specified therein fail, then the Committee shall present the violator’s case to the Forum for expulsion of the violating member from the Forum.
  • The Committee will maintain a membership fee account and will be responsible for paying for server expenses, post box expenses etc. out of this account without seeking approval from the Forum. However, any expense greater than $500.00 shall be approved by the Forum. Other Forum assets/obligations shall be managed in accordance with Article III.H.
  • The Committee has a limited authority in issuing minor amendments to the existing Forum rules and regulations without prior consultation with the Forum members. Any major amendments or new rules shall be brought to the attention of the members.

 3.  Members of the Committee:
    The Committee shall be composed of five members: 
    I.  Chairperson
   II.  Vice-Chairperson
  III.  Secretary
  IV.  Treasurer
   V.  Member-at-Large

TIME PERIOD

  • Members of the Executive Committee are elected by the members for one year, or as specified in the bylaws; they should be committed to serve their whole term.
  • If for any reason a current Committee member is unable to finish his/her term, the Committee will seek a replacement for the remainder of the term from the ranks of Forum members.

 I.  Chairperson’s Job Description 
    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • To be committed to the Forum’s mission, vision and core values
  • To be familiar with and promote the goals, policies, programs and services of the Forum
  • To ensure that the Executive Committee and all members are aware of and fulfill their responsibilities, comply with applicable laws and bylaws; conduct Forum’s business effectively and efficiently and are accountable for their own performances
  • To preside over discussions, propose policies and practices; participate in committees and taskforces
  • To monitor the performances of task members and submit reports to the executive committee
  • To prepare for and partake in discussions and decision making process on a regular and consistent basis
  • To maintain active participation in all of the affairs of the organization
  • To Protect and maintain accurate accounting of forum assets/obligations
  • To Coordinate the activities of the Committee
  • To serve as the chief spokesperson in all organizational matters and to ensure the Forum maintains a positive and productive relationship with all stakeholders
  • To Prepare Annual Report on Forum Assets/Obligations and activities
  • Communicate with the Forum on behalf of the Committee
  • Delegate activities to Committee members as mutually determined and agreed on by Committee members
  • Overall supervision/monitoring of Forum activities and task groups
  • Solicit feedback from members on performance of the Committee
  • Actively participate in the discussions and decision making of the Committee
  • Maintain channels of communications between the Committee members and Forum members.

ACCOUNTABILITY:
The Chairperson is accountable to the membership. The Chairperson may delegate specific duties to the Executive Committee and committees and tasks as appropriate; the accountability, however, for these tasks remains with the chairperson.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • 1)  To develop an agenda for all Executive Committee discussions. This may involve contacting periodically with committee and taskforce chairpersons/team leaders to draft annual and regular agendas as well as reporting schedules
  • 2)  To chair according to accepted rules of order for the purpose of:
        a)  Encouraging all members to participate in discussions, votes and in decisions.
         b)  Arriving at the best decisions possible in an orderly, timely and democratic manner
  • 3)  To set agendas and act as chair (as above) for the Executive Committee.

II.    Vice Chairpersons Responsibilities:

  • 1)  Serve as the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson
  • 2)  Protect and maintain accurate accounting of forum assets/obligations
  • 3)  Prepare Annual Report on Forum Assets/Obligations and activities
  • 4)  Overall supervision/monitoring of Forum activities and task groups
  • 5)  Solicit feedback from members on performance of the Committee
  • 6)  Actively participate in the discussions and decision making of the Committee

III.    Duties and responsibilities of the Secretary:

  • 1)  Maintain minutes of Committee discussions, compile ideas, proposals, and suggestions posted on the Forum or privately to the Committee or individual Committee member
  • 2)  Periodically provide an updated list of activities/proposals/suggestions for Committee discussion and ultimately for Forum approval for action
  • 3)  Maintain a record of subscribers who paid their membership fee
  • 4)  Maintain records of accounting reports on forum assets/obligations
  • 5)  Prepare Annual Report on Forum Assets/Obligations and activities
  • 6)  Actively participate in the discussions and decision making of the Committee.

IV.    Duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer include:

  • 1)  Monitor task group financial reporting, and incorporate in Quarterly reports
  • 2)  Submit a report on fee payment status to the Committee and Gatekeepers monthly
  • 3)  Maintain necessary accounts for membership fee and other Committee maintained finances
  • 4)  Submit any unforeseen expenses to these accounts for approval by the Committee and, if necessary, by the Forum
  • 5)  Provide a quarterly report on Forum finances to the Committee (annual report shall be submitted to the Forum before the end of the Committee’s term)
  • 6)  Actively participate in the discussions and decision making of the Committee.

V.    Duties and responsibilities of the Member at Large include:

  • 1)  Coordinate voting on issues that require the general member participation
  • 2)  Coordinate the selection of volunteer task groups and individuals when needed
  • 3)  Assist the Secretary on project listing and prioritization
  • 4)  Perform other duties as assigned by the Committee
  • 5)  Actively participate in the discussions and decision making of the Committee

C.  Task Groups:
Membership in the Task Groups is project specific and is based on a voluntary/expertise/interest basis.

1.  Function of a Task Group:

  • a)  To carry out responsibilities of undertaking/completing project specific tasks as defined during project formulation.
  • b)  To issue a report on the progress and achievements of their respective programs to the Forum members and Forum Committee in a timely fashion, not to exceed once in three months. A summary of the progress reports shall be made available to the public at the Forum web site.
  • c)  To directly report any progress and achievements to the Forum.
  • d)  To maintain and manage forum assets/obligations in a manner strictly consistent with Forum Asset Management Rules as specified under Article III.H.
  • e)  To notify the Committee when a project is completed including accounting, when applicable.
  • f)  To fulfill any other duties assigned in a timely manner.

2.  Structure of Task Group:

  • a)  The committee appoints a task leader or it is chosen among the task members.
  • b)  The responsibilities and functions of each member in the Task Group shall be project specific and shall be determined by the volunteer members.

3.  Accountability:

  • a)  The taskforce is accountable to the Executive Committee.
  • b)  Committee or Taskforce Chair/Team Leader reports directly to the Chairperson and Executive Committee.
  • c)  The Chairperson of the Forum will participate on the committee or task as an ex-officio member or will delegate an Executive Committee member.

4.  COMMITTEE/TASKFORCE CHAIR’S JOB DESCRIPTION
     a)  Responsibilities and Duties:

  • 1)  To be committed to the Organization’s mission, vision and values.
  • 2)  To become familiar with and promote the goals, policies, programs and services of the Forum.
  • 3)  To take responsibility for moving the planning and work of the given committee forward to meet the strategic directions and desired outcomes
  • 4)  To participate in discussions on a regular bases.

     b)  TENURE:
          One year or as specified by the Executive Committee.

     c)  SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • 1)  To assign work to committee/task members, set agenda and ensure distribution of necessary information.
  • 2)  To effectively chair the committee/task to create an engaging and democratic process.
  • 3)  To set tone for the committee/task work.
  • 4) To report back to the Executive Committee with plans, recommendation, reports and program development.
  • 5) To work closely with the Chairperson, Executive Committee and others, as agreed to by the Chairperson.
  • 6) To initiate and lead the committee’s annual evaluation.

5.  Mandate of a Task Group:

  • a)  Mandate of the task will be set by the Executive Committee.
  • b)  The Task Group shall obtain clearance from the Committee before sending any correspondence (written or oral) on behalf of the Forum to any entity or group outside of the Forum. The Committee’s authority to grant such permission shall be in accordance with the bylaws.

D.  Gatekeeper(s):

1.  Requirements:

  • a)  The Executive Committee can appoint Gatekeepers or a member in good standing can volunteer to be Gatekeepers.
  • b)  Any member who wishes to volunteer for the Gatekeeper’s position must have been a member in good standing, and must have the required knowledge to maintain and service such a list server.
  • c)  There shall be TWO permanent Gatekeepers and one backup (consultant) at all times.

 2.  Tenure   

  • a)  The tenure for this position is one full year, starting May 1 of every year or as specified by the Executive Committee.
  • b)  There is no limit to how many years a member can be a Gatekeeper, provided he/she volunteers to continue the service after a year’s tenure. By the end of March, each gatekeeper shall notify the Forum Executive Committee whether he/she will continue his/her service for another year. This notification is important as it allows the Forum to select new gatekeepers during April, which will be used as a transition period.

3.  Responsibilities:

  • a)  As an integral part of the admission process, send a copy of the forum bylaws (and/or provide the World Wide Web address where the text can be found) to potential members, as well as former members who come back to the forum for readmission. Request potential members to return an affidavit stating that they have read the bylaws and that they agree to uphold its mission statement and objectives, and abide by its rules and regulations. Also, ask potential members to complete a member profile (i.e., full name, address [the least]; and education/experience).
  • b)  Maintain information on who has resigned, expelled, suspended, readmitted, etc. from/to the Forum. In collaboration with forum database (membership profile) managers (volunteers), this information shall be updated on a regular basis (details will be worked out between the gatekeepers and the custodians of the database).
  • c)  Investigate ways to improve capability and functionality of this list server and provide advice as such to Committee. Also, update the Committee on any system changes as well as availability and capacity or any other system setbacks/limitations.
  • d)  Keep the list server up to date and inform latest number of members to the Committee on as needed basis.
  • e)  Initiate the process of admission without delay if a member requests admission of a new member to the Forum. Also, oblige, as soon as practicable, the request of a member to unsubscribe from this Forum.
  • f)  When a member submits a request to unsubscribe to Gatekeeper(s), it is the responsibility of Gatekeeper(s) to notify the Committee of such request before or during the execution of the request. The objective being, retention of the forum members by all means and institution of a safety valve to prevent the unnecessary loss of our MVPs.
  • g)  Submit (post) a list of new members to the forum during the first week of every month. At a minimum, this announcement should include, for each new member; full name, E-mail address and date the new member was admitted to the forum. The primary purpose of this monthly announcement is to introduce new members to the Forum, as well as to provide necessary information to the Forum Treasurer for the collection of forum fees within the 30-day grace period.

 III.  Forum Rules and Regulations

A.  Conflict Resolution and Disciplinary Action

  • The Committee shall exercise its full authority granted in II.B.3.c. in the enforcement of the Forum rules and regulations. The Committee will, in its best ability, strive to maintain the integrity of this Forum. The Committee has full authority to impose penalty or take any form of disciplinary action against any member, with the exception of expulsion, if violations warrant such actions. However, the Committee shall not be above the law and shall exercise its authority within the rules and regulations provided in the bylaws. The Committee shall facilitate such undertakings in a level headed manner and through proceedings that provide a fair chance of defense to the accused. The Committee may, on as needed and case by case basis, appoint an ad hoc committee which shall deliberate and oversee a conflict resolution between two or more members. It is every member’s responsibility to bring any apparent violation of Forum rules to the attention of the Committee so that the process of resolving the issue can be initiated. There will be no policing by the Committee to identify violations, however, a committee member can also bring a violation of the rules to the attention of the Committee as any Forum member can.(See Article III.D for details on code of conduct).

B.  Rules for Committee Members (ECM):

  • 1)  All members in the committee are required to participate in the discussions within the Committee. If a committee member is going to be away (and cannot be reached) for more than one week, the member is required to inform the Committee member(s) that he/she will not be reachable and specify an estimated time for the absence, so that another committee member can temporarily perform his/her task. If a member is unable to assume his/her responsibility for more than four weeks, committee members have to find a permanent replacement to insure continuance and effectiveness.
  • 2)  For matters requiring all Executive Committee Members to participate, four out of the five members must participate in a discussion that culminates to a majority decision. However, debates on any issue proposed by any Forum member can proceed with minimum representation (i.e., two members).
  • 3)  If an EC member fails to undertake his/her responsibilities and decides not to participate in the discussions and deliberations of the Committee for no apparent reason, the Committee shall contact the member to find out his/her reasons. If it is concluded that it is unlikely the member will participate, the Committee shall seek a permanent replacement for that member.
  • 4)  An Executive Committee Member can resign from his/her obligation as a committee member any time at his/her discretion. However, he/she must submit to the Committee reasons for the resignation. The committee will attempt to review the case and strive for a solution before notifying the Forum of the resignation.
  • 5)  Committee members should exchange alternate means of communication (e.g., work phone numbers, fax, alternate e-mail address) on a voluntary basis for emergencies and as an alternative means of maintaining contact with each other.

C.  Membership Rules and Requirements:

  •  1)  To be a member of the Forum, one has to believe in and uphold its values, mission statement and objectives; and must agree to fully abide by its rules and regulations. This is a very important requirement for membership in the Forum. To engage in any act that contradicts the mission statement and objectives of this Forum is a direct violation of the Forum rules and regulations. (See Article III.E for details on penalties).
  • 2)  To initiate membership in this Forum, one has to submit a request for membership to any outstanding member of the Forum who shall introduce the “NEW  MEMBER” to the Forum. The outstanding member’s request shall be addressed to the Gatekeeper(s) in private or in public.
  • 3)  Once a request is received by the Gatekeeper(s), either through a potential member’s direct contact with the Gatekeeper(s) or through another current member, the Gatekeeper (s) shall initiate the admission process immediately as specified below.
  • 4)  Upon receiving a request for membership, the Gatekeeper(s) will send a private e-mail to the prospective member to welcome him/her to the Forum.
  • 5)  As an integral part of the admission process, the Gatekeeper(s) will send a copy of the forum bylaws (and/or provide the World Wide Web address where the text can be found) to the potential member, as well as former members who come back to the forum for readmission. In this private communication with the potential member, the Gatekeeper(s) will request the potential member to return an affidavit stating that he/she has read the bylaws and that he/she agrees to uphold its mission statement and objectives, and abide by its rules and regulations. The potential member will also be required to complete a member profile (i.e., full name, address [the least]; and education/experience).
  • 6)  Upon fulfilling the above requests, the new member will be added to the list server (see Article II.D for details on Gatekeepers).
  • 7)  A payment of an annual fee is a requirement for continued membership in the Forum. The fee of (Somaliland members fee is $30.00 U.S. Dollars) (Africa members fee is $50.00 U.S. Dollars) (USA/Canada/Middle East/Asia/Australia members fee is $100.00 U.S. Dollars), which is payable to the Forum every year, may be waived under certain circumstance, such as; if the Committee determines that a particular member is unable to afford payment of the fee for a particular year. Payment of the fee shall be due May 1 of every year.
  • 8)  Membership fee shall be paid in personal checks or money order (or can be wired to an account, if available) and be mailed to one of the designated persons and/or addresses provided under the Fee Payment page (please choose the location that is most convenient for your area of residence).  Cash may be acceptable subject to the collector’s approval. If a member sends wire money transfer, it is the responsibility of the member to inform the recipient of such wire transfer, date and bank from which the money was transferred.
  • 9)  When a new member comes on board after May 1, the membership fee is due within 30 days of the membership. If a member has difficulty paying the membership fee for any reason, he/she will be given an extension to allow payment of the fee. This extension will not be more than two months.
  • 10)  If a member refuses to pay the membership fee he/she will automatically forfeit the membership rights.
  • 11)  If a member withdraws from the Forum or forfeits his/her membership, or is expelled, the membership fee will not be reimbursed. The same rule applies to any other funds the member paid as a contribution to the programs or initiatives undertaken by the Forum.
  • 12)  The membership fee will be deposited in the Forum account and used for matters relating to the operation of the Forum such as the list server/web site yearly charges, telephone/fax charges, post box charges and any matters deemed necessary for forum’s benefits, etc.

D.  Code of Conduct in the Forum:

  • Rational
    The Forum weighs heavily on freedom of expression, the maturity of the members, the voluntary nature of the committees and weighs less on disciplinary statues/articles that apply to infinite violations. Therefore the Forum assigns the burden of behaving professionally on the member and the members are expected to tolerate differing opinions. As a result, the Forum empowers the EC with discretion to deal disciplinary matters without discriminating. At any rate, the Forum should dispense disciplinary measures as a last resort. In any disciplinary action, the Forum should consider precedence, the severity of the case, the prior conduct of the member and mitigating factors.

Code of Conduct

  • 1)  The vision, the mission, the core values and the objectives of the Forum should be endorsed by the member.
  • 2)  In debating the issues, members are held at the highest standard: personal attacks, offensive, inciting and divisive tone as well as ignoring EC instructions are subject to sanctions.
  • 3)  Freedom and diversity of expression should be respected and encouraged within the limits of a healthy debate.
  • 4)  Commenting and constructively criticizing the issues submitted either by the EC or the members are part of the overall objective of the organization to enrich healthy debate.
  • 5)  The conduct and the policies adopted by elected and other public officials as well as the political parties can be constructively criticized without mockery.
  • 6)  Members should address each other with courtesy. Apologies given and remorse expressed should be accepted in face value and considered in disciplinary matters. However, due to the severity of some violations, the EC have the liberty to overlook an apology. The EC decision is final. Due to the structure and nature of the organization, the limited resources and the time-involved members can’t appeal the decision.

E.  Sanctions Preamble:
Sanctions should range from Warning, suspension/fine and expulsion. What is sanctionable is what a reasonable person and/or the EC would consider as such.  Disciplining should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. However, penalties should be imposed according to the severity of the violation. The prior conduct of the member as well as penalties levied on similar violations should be considered.

  •  1) Written Warning
  • 2)  Monetary fine (failure to pay can lead to Six months expulsion)
  • 3)  Community service (serving in a Task Group or doing community work in Somaliland)
  • 4   Suspension with recourse of re-admission
  • 5)  Expulsion. This is considered permanent but the expelled member can re-apply after one year with an apology and a request of readmission from two outstanding members.

F.  Project Selection Process
     Preamble

  • Helping each other is a Somaliland tradition. According to this admirable tradition and the mission of the Forum, the Diaspora Community embraces the credo of helping each other and contributing to the development of the country. Given the funds raised by the Forum are normally small; nevertheless it is significant in Somaliland. To hold the keenness and the generosity of the members, it is imperative that the fund is used for the sole purpose it is purported to be used for. For that the task Force/management should ensure placing safeguards or provide guarantees against abuse and mismanagement.  It is equally important that the Forum doesn’t overwhelm the beneficiaries/management of the project/program with cumbersome rules.
  • It appears that the projects the Forum undertakes are more of construction based such as schools and hospitals, which are capital intensive. While the need is abundant in every sector and such focus is warranted, the forum could have contributed more in harnessing its human resources in light of the expertise available. The strength of the Forum lies within its human capital and that should be exploited fully like “Doctors without borders” and other similar organizations. Among the Forum, there are the engineers, the architects, the medical doctors, the accountants, economists, agronomists, the lawyers, the political scientists, the technocrats, the computer scientists and so on and so forth. The Forum should tap this resource by soliciting volunteers, coordinating and raising travel expenses for a number of members to train government officials. The two are complimentary and it isn’t one or the other.
  • The Forum could sponsor projects/programs separately &/or in conjointly with other organizations or the community that is benefiting the project/program. The Forum should beware of the risk of abandoning projects/programs for short of fund before the completion of the project/program.
  • It is advisable if the Forum can evaluate three years after the project/program becomes operational.

Project Selection Process
In selecting Projects/programs the following criteria should be considered:

  • Project must be clearly defined (what it is?), it must have an statement of need, statement of the objectives (how it is going to solve the need) and an estimate or an appraisal of the project/program cost.
  • How the project/program would impact on the community economically and socially
  • Community contribution materially, manpower or otherwise if fund raising falls short of the anticipated amount
  • Sustainability of the project/program; would it function/operate by itself or would it be abandoned for lack of operating expenditure.
  • Completion schedule
  • Feasibility study if possible
  • Availability of potential Resources
  • Other Funding Sources
  • Reliability and qualifications of Management
  • Project closure and accountability

Method of Project Proposal:

  • Any member/group of members or any Somalilander can submit the proposal to the Committee/EC
  • The secretary should record and acknowledge receipt
  • The Committee should review, short-list and determine the viability of the projects/programs according to the above criteria at least once a year or as is necessary and submit to the members for further prioritization and adoption
  • Projects adopted should be assigned to rank according to their priority
  • Projects can be re-submitted two times only for consideration.
  • Expenditure records should be kept for at least three years for audit purpose.
  • Three months after completion of the project/program, the project manager or the Task force must bring it to a closure and report back the following to the Forum:
    a)   Amount received and the source and
    b)  detailed expenditure
    c)  date of completion
    d)  date of  starting operations
  • Forum funds can be used only for material and labor including reasonable administrative charges.  “Qat” and cigarette charges are not allowed.
  • Unused funds should be returned to the Forum.
  • The material and labor charges shouldn’t cost more than the prevailing market price.

Disclaimers:

  • Although the information provided on this Web site is obtained or compiled from sources we believe to be reliable, Somaliland Forum makes no warranty as to the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any such information or data. The Forum has used reasonable care and skill in compiling the content of this Web site, however this Web site may contain typographical errors or technical inaccuracies.  Information may be changed or updated without notice.
  • Somaliland Forum may also make improvements and/or changes in the content of this Web site at any time without notice. Any third party Web sites that may be accessed through this Web site are the sole responsibility of the third party who is posting the Web site. Somaliland Forum accepts no liability for any errors and omissions or for any damage or injury to persons or property arising out of the use or operation of any materials, instructions, information, methods or ideas contained on such third party Web sites. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. The fact that Somaliland Forum has provided a link to such third party Web sites is not an endorsement, authorization, sponsorship or affiliation by Somaliland Forum with respect to such Web sites, its owners or its providers. Somaliland Forum is providing these links only as references to assist you to locate other Internet resources and & only as a convenience to you.

Opinion Page Disclaimer:

  • The opinions expressed here are solely the opinion of the writer and, not the opinion of the Somaliland Forum. As a result Somaliland Forum accepts no liability for any errors and omissions of any kind.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY:

  • The Executive Committee and members of the Somaliland Forum recognize a shared responsibility to ensure that they conduct themselves in an unbiased manner and serve the mission and objectives of the Forum. It is thus the responsibility of the Executive Committee and its members to guard against conflicts of interest which might compromise the integrity and objectivity of the Forum. The Executive Committee members have positions that allow them to influence the Forum decisions, or they have been entrusted with the authority to make decisions for the Forum. This Conflict of Interest Policy exists if an Executive Committee member’s position or authority may be used to influence or make decisions that lead to any form of political or personal gain for that member or for his/her family or political affiliation.

Conflict of Interest Policy

  • The term “conflict of interest” refers to situations in which financial or other personal considerations may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, an Executive Committee’s professional judgment in administration, management, instruction, planning or decisions and other Forum activities. The bias such conflicts could conceivably impart may inappropriately compromise the vision, mission and goals of the Forum.
  • The mere appearance of a conflict may be as serious and potentially damaging. Reports of conflicts based on appearances can undermine public trust in ways that may not be adequately restored even when the mitigating facts of a situation are brought to light. Apparent conflicts, therefore, should be evaluated and managed with the same vigour as known conflicts.
  • Conflicts of interest have the potential to bias directly or indirectly many activities and aspects of the development endeavour, particularly when members are in a position to set forum policies, approve directions and plans, manage projects, or when they have other roles in which objectivity and integrity are paramount.

I.  Scope

  • The following statement of policy applies to all officers of Executive Committee or task members. Further, it is intended to serve for the guidance of all persons who are members of the Forum, regardless of position.

II.  Fiduciary Responsibility

  • Executive Committee members and task members are required to act as Somaliland Forum fiduciaries. All business made for the Forum is to be made solely on the basis of a desire to promote the Forum’s values and best interests in serving its members and Somaliland.

III.  Disclosure

  • Disclosure is required of the executive committee member; and those running for a position of the EC, concerning all relationships and political affiliations that reasonably could give rise to a conflict of interest involving the Forum. This disclosure shall be continuously reported and kept current.
  • A candidate for executive committee position is disqualified if he/she or a member of his immediate family is:
    1)  An officer, director, spokes person, representative or agent of a Somaliland political party, and/or
    2)  Materially benefited through substantial receipt of cash or other property (exclusive of dividends or interest) from such organization.
  • In addition, a candidate for executive committee position is similarly disqualified if he/she publicly campaigns(ed) for a political party; or is publicly associated with a political party, through his/her writing and/or actions; until such time when that member is no longer associated with a political party, and until, at least, 12 months have lapsed after such campaign activities.  Equally, a candidate for EC position that holds or serves on a position of responsibility and/or power in a tribal organisation is also disqualified from applying for a position of the EC.
  • Disclosure of an affiliation of a family member should be made if it is felt that any affiliation may create a conflict of interest with the Forum.

IV.  Requirements for Disclosure

  • A)  Each Executive Committee or a member undertaking important responsibility on behalf of the Forum shall complete the below questionnaire before he/she undertakes such responsibility.
  • B)  If new affiliations occurs that may result in a conflict of interest, a disclosure statement should also be forwarded to the EC for review.
  • C) All newly nominated executive committee members or taskforce members are requested to file the disclosure within 10 days prior to any vote or appointment.
    Somaliland Forum Conflict of Interest Declaration Name:
    Political Party Affiliation:
    Position:
    Please list Committees or Task Team Membership that are political in nature:


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