NARRA
NATURE AND RIGHTS REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATION
General Santos City
CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS
PREAMBLE
We do ordain and promulgate this constitution.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION
Section 1. The organization shall be officially known and recognized as the Nature and Rights
Representative Association, with NARRA as the official acronym to represent the organization
and/or its members.
Section 2. The association is a non-profit and non-stock youth environmentalist organization
based in the Philippines, whose membership is made up of the youth. Furthermore, it promotes
responsible consumption and production, life on land, climate action, life below water, and clean
water and sanitation.
Section 3. The vision of the organization is “To be a recognized assembly of youth calling for
collective action and leading the environmentalist movement.”
Section 4. The core values of the organization are as follows:
(a) Nature-loving (Makakalikasan);
(b) Awareness (Kamalayan);
(c) Respect (Paggalang);
(d) Responsibility (Pananagutan); and
(e) Allegiance (Katapatan);
ARTICLE II
EMBLEM, COLOR, MOTTO, AND THEME
Section 5. The emblem consists of the following elements with their respective symbolisms:
(a) The Narra tree, occupying the center vertically at 90° with two lateral branches extending
rightward and leftward, signifies organizational growth and a firm foundation of
principles;
(b) The green leaves, manifested in green circles and one green ovate figure at the center,
wherein all of them are located above the tree, symbolize the environmental biodiversity
of nature, the diverse views of all members, and the sixteen regions of the Philippines.
(c) The stream of water that travels behind the tree represents creativity, transparency, and
resiliency.
(d) The colors green, blue, and brown represent life, peace, and the earth.
Section 6. The official color shall be green. Other colors may be adopted.
Section 7. The official motto is “MOTTO”
Section 8. Every year, the organization shall adopt a theme, with which its activities shall be
aligned. Provided that, it may be further supplemented locally based on contextual
interpretations. Monthly sub-themes may also be adopted or implemented.
Section 9. The symbols and elements of the organization may be revised by a two-thirds (⅔)
majority vote of all voting members, upon a special session called by the President.
ARTICLE III
OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION
Section 10. The objectives of the society shall be:
(a) To ensure good use of resources, improve energy efficiency and sustainable
infrastructure, provide access to basic services, create green and decent jobs, and
ensure a better quality of life for all (Sustainable Development Goal No. 12);
(b) To protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
biodiversity loss (Sustainable Development Goal No. 15);
(c) To take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (Sustainable
Development Goal No. 13);
(d) To conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for
sustainable development (Sustainable Development Goal No. 14);
(e) To ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
(Sustainable Development Goal No. 6);
(f) To secure the environmental rights of every generation and save nature from the
continuing surge of destruction; and
(g) To promote advocacies representing the needs and demands of the planet, achieving
peace and prosperity for all people.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 11. The members shall be of at least fifteen (15) years of age and at most twenty-five
(25). Formal procedures, such as rules, actions, and procedures, shall be set by the Interior and
Membership Committee. These procedures may include orientation, screening, presentation
and reporting, and final confirmation.
Section 12. Classification of Membership:
(a) Active Member – any member who qualifies under Article IV, Section I unless classified
by the Interior and Membership Committee subject to formal procedures.
(b) Alumni Member – any member of the association who has exceeded the maximum age
of twenty-five (25).
(c) Honorary Member – anyone who has extended valuable services and support for the
association without joining.
(d) Inactive Member – any active member who decided not to render active services and
had been given permission by the association on a temporary basis.
ARTICLE V
RIGHTS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
Section 13. All active members shall have the following rights:
(a) The right to vote.
(b) The right to assume office.
(c) The right to represent the organization in any meetings and activities.
(d) The right to have access to all records and properties of the association.
(e) The right to give suggestions and recommendations to the association.
(f) The right to file letters of inactivity and/or resignation.
Section 14. All active members shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) The obligation to attend all meetings of the organization.
(b) The obligation to actively participate in any activities of the association.
(c) The obligation to pay membership fees upon deemed necessary.
(d) The obligation to submit excuse slips one (1) day before his/her absence from meetings
and/or activities.
Section 15. All alumni members shall have the following rights:
(a) The right to participate in any activities of the association.
(b) The right to attend all meetings of the organization.
(c) The right to give suggestions and recommendations to the association.
(d) The right to have access to all records and properties of the association.
Section 16. All honorary members shall have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities as
Article V, Section 15.
Section 17. All inactive members shall have the following rights:
(a) The right to have access to all records and properties of the association.
(b) The right to file letters of inactivity and/or resignation.
ARTICLE VI
BODY
Section 18. The body is composed of all active members of the association. It shall be the
primary policy-making body of the organization.
Section 19. The body is made up of five (5) clusters:
(a) Consumption Cluster;
(b) Land Cluster;
(c) Air Cluster;
(d) Water Cluster; and
(e) Sanitation Cluster.
Section 20. All members, regardless of classification, shall choose a cluster upon entry. A
cluster is a group where members share similar advocacies corresponding to five sustainable
development goals protecting the planet. Rules regarding the expulsion or transfer of clusters
shall be prescribed by the Interior and Membership Committee.
ARTICLE VII
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Section 21. The officers of the association shall constitute the executive council with the
following positions:
(a) President;
(b) Vice-President for External Affairs;
(c) Vice-President for Internal Affairs;
(d) Secretary;
(e) Treasurer;
(f) Media Director;
(g) Consumption Cluster Coordinator;
(h) Land Cluster Coordinator;
(i) Air Cluster Coordinator;
(j) Water Cluster Coordinator; and
(k) Sanitation Cluster Coordinator.
Section 22. There shall be an Executive Council that shall be composed of all officers and
headed by the President. Its regular session shall be conducted every month, with the President
as the presiding officer.
Section 23. The President shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Preside over the body and Executive Council meetings of the association;
(b) Coordinate all activities, projects, and engagements;
(c) Create special ad hoc committees as the need arises; and
(d) Automatically serve as the head of the Executive Council.
Section 24. The most senior Vice-President, in terms of services and age, shall perform all the
other duties and functions as the President may assign to them in case of the latter’s absence.
Section 25. The Vice President for Internal Affairs shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Maintain peace and order in all activities of the association;
(b) Monitor the attendance of all members;
(c) Forward the lists of attendance and excuse letters to the President;
(d) Automatically serve as the Chairman of the Interior and Membership Committee and the
property custodian of the organization; and
(e) Perform such other duties as instructed by the President.
Section 26. The Vice President for External Affairs shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Take charge of all public information that will serve the members of the association;
(b) Establish and maintain cordial relations among members, partners, and other
stakeholders by keeping them well-informed of the activities of the association;
(c) Communicate with people, organizations, and institutions outside of the organization;
(d) Automatically serve as the Chairman of the Exterior and Socio-cultural Committee and
official representative of the organization; and
(e) Perform such other duties as instructed by the President.
Section 27. The Secretary shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Keep the minutes of all meetings of the members of the association;
(b) Maintain the records of the organization and that of the Standing Committee
(c) Automatically serve as the Chairman of the Secretariat; and
(d) Perform such other duties as instructed by the President.
Section 28. The Treasurer shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Have custody and be responsible for all the funds of the association, maintaining
accurate records;
(b) Deposit in the bank all the money, funds, and valuables of the association;
(c) Render a monthly audited statement showing the financial condition of the association;
(d) Keep the general accounts of the organization;
(e) Transact all business that the society undertakes, including fund-raising activities;
(f) Automatically serve as the Chairman of the Financial Committee.
(g) Perform such other duties as instructed by the President.
Section 29. The five cluster coordinators shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Preside over cluster meetings;
(b) Formulate and plan activities to recommend to the Executive Council;
(c) Automatically serve as Chairman of their respective clusters; and
(d) Perform such other duties as instructed by the President.
ARTICLE VII
COMMITTEES
Section 30. The Standing Committees shall be the following:
(a) Exterior and Socio-cultural Committee
(b) Interior and Membership Committee
(c) Finance Committee
(d) Creatives and Publications Committee
(e) Secretariat
Section 31. The Exterior and Socio-cultural Committee shall have the following functions:
(a) Handle the social and cultural activities of the association;
(b) Manage the association’s participation in inter-organizational activities;
(c) Draft the memoranda, agreements, and partnership letters;
(d) Take charge of all sports facilities and activities of the association; and
(e) Perform any other duties as prescribed by the President.
Section 32. The Interior and Membership Committee shall have the following functions:
(a) Set and implement the policies for the admission of new members;
(b) Approve the inactivity and recommendations for the expulsion of members;
(c) Make a list and advise delinquent members of their duties and responsibilities to the
organization;
(d) Settle disputes between and among members; and
(e) Perform any other duties as prescribed by the President.
Section 33. The Finance Committee shall have the following functions:
(a) Make budget proposals to the association;
(b) Set and implement the financial policies of the association;
(c) Audit, examine, and certify financial reports;
(d) Take charge of the collection of all fees and fines; and
(e) Perform any other duties as prescribed by the President.
Section 34. The Creatives and Publications Committee shall have the following functions:
(a) Create publication materials, videos, posters, and other multimedia or graphic outputs for
the association;
(b) Engage in information and communication technology (ICT);
(c) Provide technical assistance and support on activities of the association; and
(d) Perform any other duties as prescribed by the President.
Section 35. The Secretariat shall have the following functions:
(a) Monitor and store the records of the association;
(b) Keep track of the progress of all activities, including the data and other relevant
information;
(c) Provide relevant information based on gathered data concerning body meetings and
other deliberations; and
(d) Perform any other duties as prescribed by the President.
Section 36. All standing committees shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
Section 37. A special ad hoc Committee maybe created by the Executive Council whenever
necessary, as called upon by the President.
ARTICLE VII
ADVISORS
Section 38. The association may have one (1) Senior Adviser and one (1) Junior Adviser.
(a) An alumni or honorary member more than thirty-five (35) years of age may be appointed
as Senior Adviser.
(b) An alumni or honorary member less than thirty-five (35) years of age may be appointed
as Junior Adviser.
(c) The advisers shall advise and assist the members of the association in all matters
brought to under his/her discretion or supervision.
ARTICLE VIII
SANCTIONS
Section 39. All sanctions are effective within a prescribed period of time only.
Section 40. Absences on regular meetings and other activities of the association shall be
regulated, as follows:
(a) Any active member who has incurred three (3) lates will be equivalent to one (1)
unexcused absence.
(b) Any active member who has incurred three (3) unexcused absences shall be subjected
to suspension.
(c) Any active member who has incurred two (2) suspensions within a semester shall be
subjected to expulsion.
(d) An active member is considered late when he/she comes thirty (30) minutes after the
start of the meeting.
(e) An absence is considered unexcused when the person fails to comply with Article V,
Section 14 (d) and academic demands or personal reasons are not in conflict with the
scheduled regular body meeting.
(f) Fine will be imposed for every unexcused absence.
Section 41. Fees and dues of the association shall be regulated, as follows:
(a) Failure to pay membership and other fees on the deadlines set by the Finance
Committee shall be subjected to disciplinary actions.
(b) Any active member who has incurred debts to the association shall submit a promissory
note to the Finance Committee. Otherwise, it will not give clearance.
(c) Any active member who wants to make a loan must submit a promissory note for
approval before the the Finance Committee.
(d) Payment of fines incurred during the absences must be made a day after the meeting to
the Finance Committee Chairman; failure to do so will be subjected to disciplinary action.
Section 42. Duration of suspension will be two (2) weeks.
Section 43. The properties of the association shall be regulated, as follows:
(a) Failure to oblige with property regulations shall be subjected to disciplinary action;
(b) The member responsible must replace all properties of the association that were lost
and/or mishandled;
(c) Failure to comply to Article IX, Section 43 (b) may lead to legal action by the association.
Section 44. Any willful violation of the Constitution and By-Laws shall be subjected to expulsion.
Section 45. Disciplinary action that will be imposed upon erring members shall be set and
imposed by the Interior Membership Committee upon approval of the Executive Council.
ARTICLE IX
ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Section 46. The tenure of every office is for five (5) years without reelection. Regular elections
shall be held during the month of August and shall not exceed up to the month of September.
Section 47. A special election may be called upon by the President in case any office was left
vacant.
Section 48. An elective office, except that of presidency, vacated due to resignation or
impeachment, shall be filled in by a member elected by the majority of the body.
Section 49. The decision of the majority will always prevail in any election. Furthermore,only
active members present during the scheduled election can be nominated to any position.
Section 50. A commission on elections shall be made, comprising of five individuals. The
previous president shall serve as chairman and all other members may come from the alumni or
honorary members.
Section 51. The cluster coordinators shall be appointed annually by the incumbent Executive
Council from among the three (3) most senior members of every cluster through interview,
general presentation, and deliberation.
Section 52. An incumbent cluster coordinator may be reappointed for a second term. Provided
that, no person shall serve for three consecutive terms as cluster coordinator. Therefore, an
officer who served as cluster coordinator for two consecutive terms shall not be included in the
list of appointees for the next term.
ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 53. Regular meetings will be conducted regularly based on the agrrement made by the
body.
Section 54. Executive Council meetings will be conducted at least once a month, depending on
the agrrements made by the body.
Section 55. Standing committee meetings will be held at least once a month and shall make
progress reports to the Executive Council every meeting.
Section 55. The following events shall be held regularly based on the decision of the Executive
Council:
(a) Formal meetings;
(b) Evaluations;
(c) Induction Balls; and
(d) Such other activities approved by the association.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
Section 56. The Constituion and By-laws may be altered, amended or released by the
affirmative vote of the majority of the members during any regular or special meeting called for
by the purpose.
ARTICLE XII
RATIFICATION
Section 57. This Constitution and By-laws may be subject to ratification upon calling for a
general assembly meeting and upon approval of the two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the
association.
