Board Strategic Initiatives 2016 – 2022

BCA-USA MIRROR BOARD STRATEGIC INITIATIVES 2016 – 2022

By Ni Banyuga Pefok

BOD Secretary

The maiden BCA-USA Board of Directors (BOD) was elected and installed in 2016. Understandably, this first term saw a concentrated effort to create an organizational structure, along with working documents that would guide the BOD in carrying out its functions. So, the BOD bundled the following into a BOD bylaws document: • Strategic Business Plan • Financial Oversight Guideline • Conflict of Interest Policy • Projects Prioritizing and evaluation Guidelines • Board member commitment statement

Ni Banyuga Pefok

• Conflict Resolution process • Annual meeting cadence • The Board also recruited and welcomed two non-

Bali Board members in 2020: • Mr. Ebeny Amstrong • Chief Levi C.

Onwuchuruba (Resigned in 2021 for personal reasons)

In late 2020 the Board together with the Executives and National Executive Committee (NEC) took a strategic initiative to update the bylaws to align with the BCA-USA Constitution that was adopted in 2015. So, a Constitution and Elections committee, led by Ba Gwankudvalla Lima and several NEC, BOD members along with other interested members, met regularly from late 2020 through mid 2021 to edit and rewrite the existing bylaws for eventual review and approval by the NEC and BOD. Other Board members worked

Members of the Board of Directors 2016 - 2022

with the rest of the Standing Committees to create committee Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) where none existed and update existing ones for committees that already had one. The NEC and BOD subsequently approved the Bylaws, pending editing of the SOPs (Appendices) by the CEC for final approval and public release. To ensure the long-term financial viability of the association, the BOD decided to conduct an external audit of the Association’s financial records. The intent of the audit is to ensure that proper accounting processes and procedures are followed in our financial recordkeeping. Texas-based Schnaufer and Walker P.C., an accounting firm specialized in non-profit auditing, has been contracted to conduct the audit.

Other key issues, challenges, and strategic initiatives within the purview of the BOD included:

The Youth Wing – The BCA-USA youth wing is key to the future viability of the Association. Therefore, making a determined and concerted effort to understand, engage and integrate the youth at all levels of the Association is a major strategic undertaking by the Board. The recently held Youth conference in Dallas, TX is a direct result of this initiative.

The current crisis in Bali is taking a toll on our membership and having a deleterious effect on families in Bali, especially the children. What strategic initiatives can BCA-USA undertake to alleviate the pain and suffering, as well as, satisfy and address the concerns of our membership? One of the board’s initiatives is a scheduled discussion on this subject which shall take place on Friday during the 2022 convention. As the crisis in Bali persists, what activities, events and projects can the Association undertake that would be most beneficial to the population? The BOD wholly supports the Bore Hole and Ambulance projects.

What strategic alliances can the Association make that would foster its ideals? The Memorandum of Understanding signed with Ŋkù’mɨ̀ Fɛd Fɛd is a direct result of this strategy.

In this internet age and, especially, in the aftermath of the global pandemic, how can activities of the association be carried out seamlessly and effectively with members participating in-person or virtually?

Ma Dr. Marie Fongwa, Chair of the Board of Directors 2019 - 2022

What strategies can be developed to maximize the participation of the BCA-USA membership, strengthen chapter engagement, and simplify all administrative levels in the Association?

As you can see, the BOD has had a very busy term in office, and we are confident that the next Board shall build on this foundation to ensure the long-term viability and growth of this august association.

Ni Banyuga Pefok BOD Secretary

Board of Directors for the term 2016 – 2021 (Extended to 2022 due to Covid – 19 Pandemic) Ebeny Amstrong (2020) Eric Fogam Wob Fomunung Marie Fongwa - Chair Teresa Gwanfogbe Clarence Ndangam (non-voting member) Banyuga Pefok – Secretary Ndamukong Tangeh (2017) Moses Titamohkumi

Board of Directors

May 11, 2022

In the matter brought before the Board of Directors regarding floor nominations during the General Assembly, the Board resolves as follows:  Recognizing that this is a Bylaws issue and not a Constitutional issue, which can only be amended by the General Assembly  Referencing Article VII, Sections B & C gives the NEC and BOD the authority to prepare and amend the Bylaws  Mindful of the fact that certain portions of the Bylaws called for floor nominations during the convention.  Mindful of the fact that the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the long term viability of the Association (IRS 501-C-3 status and Texas Business Org Code)  Recognizing that the CEC provided more than ample time, with extensions for interested applicants for elected office to submit their applications  Recognizing the incongruity of setting application deadlines, vetting and publishing the list of candidates, then asking for floor nominations.  Recognizing that floor nomination have been called very sparingly in the last decade and only for open positions, and that the previous Bylaws clearly state that nominations shall be from a list provided by the CEC.

Upon reviewing the latest Bylaws that have yet to be edited for final approval and public release, the Board of Directors has determined that the intent of floor nomination process during the General Assembly is only for open positions that the CEC did not receive timely applications for prior to vetting.

Sincerely, Banyuga Pefok Secretary