Preamble

Odia speaking people located in and around Jacksonville, Florida, USA hereby come together to form a non-profit association with an aim to promote cultural, literary, and humanitarian activities and enhance intercultural understanding between the Odia speaking people and people of other local communities.

Name, Logo

Name

The legal name of the Non-Profit Organization shall be known as Odia Society of Northeast Florida (OSNEF) and shall herein be referred to as ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ପରିବାର.

Logo

This graphic will be used as the official logo of Odia Society of Northeast Florida (OSNEF). This logo reflects the heritage of Odisha, the Indian State of Odisha, and the establishment in Jacksonville in the State of Florida, USA.

Purpose

• To promote Odia culture, literature, and heritage through events, language classes, and community activities.
• Enhance intercultural understanding with local communities in and around Jacksonville.

Executive Committee

Composition

The executive committee shall consist of members including:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Cultural Lead

Responsibilities

• Organize events.
• Manage finances.
• Maintain records of meetings and events.
• Maintain social media sites to engage with members and promote activities.
• Develop and uphold community policies within the framework of the bylaws.

Term

One year per term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Membership

Eligibility: Open to anyone interested in the objectives of the Odia Community of Northeast Florida. The counties in Northeast Florida are Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. John's.

Categories and Fees:

• Family Membership: $80 (includes husband, wife, and children above 8 years).
• Single Membership: $50 (any adult aged 18+)

The EC will set the membership dues for the above-mentioned membership categories for each year. Membership fees are subject to change year on year based on the agreement with the Executive Committee members.

Meetings

• General Meetings: Held monthly by the Executive Committee.
• Special Meetings: Organized as needed for specific events or activities.

Cultural Events

The EC will organize the following events to promote Odia culture:

• Rath Yatra
• Diwali
• Anand Bazar
• Annual Picnic

Additions of new events or removal (minor or major) approval must be obtained from two-thirds of the families.

Finance

• The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records.
• Event expense reports must be published after every event.
• Financial reports will be presented annually post the Annual Picnic event.

New Member Selection

At the end of each Executive Committee term, new members will be selected through a democratic voting process involving the General Body.

The existing EC will solicit nominations for forming a new EC:

• At least 30 days prior to the expiry of their term, interested members must submit nominations in writing.
• The incumbent members of the existing EC will facilitate a meeting at least 30 days prior to the expiration of their term to elect the new members of the EC.
• Members who apply for nomination must have no pending membership dues.
• The EC will remain operational for one year starting from the Annual Picnic Day.
• No person shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Amendments

Bylaws may be amended with a two-thirds majority vote by the General Body.