Member Responsibilities

1. Our Community Commitment

Community Youth Advocates for Learning Excellence (CYALE) is dedicated to educational advancement, youth empowerment, accountability, transparency, discipline, and good governance. As a member, you agree to uphold the CYALE Constitution and to act at all times in the best interest of the organization.

Motto: "Proud Agents of Change" — Slogan: "Raising Voices, Building Minds, Shaping Futures." The responsibilities below summarise what CYALE expects of every member. For the complete details, please download and read the full Constitution above.

2. Categories of Membership

3. Rights of Members

• To vote and be voted for (except honorary members).
• To participate in the activities of the organization.
• To a fair hearing in disciplinary matters.

4. Duties of Members

• Uphold the CYALE Constitution.
• Attend meetings and activities.
• Pay dues and levies.
• Protect the image and interest of CYALE.

5. Membership Obligations & Disciplinary Measures

5.1 Payment of Dues

• Every member shall pay all approved dues promptly.
• Failure to pay dues for five (5) consecutive months without a valid reason attracts disciplinary action.
• A member unable to pay shall officially inform the Financial Secretary, stating the reason.
• Members in default are formally reminded during the first three (3) months.
• Failure to regularise payment or provide justification within the next two (2) months results in removal.

5.2 Attendance at Meetings

• All members must actively participate in meetings, including online meetings.
• Missing five (5) consecutive meetings without prior notice or valid reason attracts disciplinary action.
• A member unable to attend shall inform the Secretary in advance and state the reason.
• A warning is issued after three (3) consecutive absences.
• Missing the next two (2) meetings after the warning results in removal.

5.3 Participation in Organisational Activities

• Members must actively participate in programmes, projects, and activities.
• Missing five (5) consecutive activities without a valid reason attracts disciplinary action.
• A member unable to participate shall inform the Organising Secretary and state the reason.
• An alert is issued after missing three (3) consecutive activities.
• Missing the next two (2) activities after the warning results in removal.

5.4 Grounds for Removal

• Defaulting on any two (2) of the three (3) obligations above results in removal.
• Defaulting on only one (1) obligation attracts a second and final warning.
• Repeating the same offence after the final warning results in removal.

6. Code of Conduct

All members and executives shall uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect.

6.1 General Conduct — Members shall:

• Uphold and respect the constitution, values, and objectives.
• Act in a manner that promotes unity and cooperation.
• Avoid actions that damage the reputation of the organization.
• Participate actively in meetings and programs.
• Respect decisions made by the General Assembly and Executive Committee.

6.2 Prohibited Conduct — Members shall not:

• Engage in corruption, fraud, or financial misappropriation.
• Engage in harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
• Use the organization for personal political or financial gain.
• Spread false information creating division.
• Engage in acts bringing the organization into public disrepute.

7. Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when a member has personal, financial, or other interests that could improperly influence their official duties.

• Disclose any potential conflict of interest to the Executive Committee.
• Recuse yourself from discussions and abstain from voting on the matter.
• Never use your position to obtain personal financial benefit from the organization.

8. Discipline

8.1 Acts of Misconduct

Acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• Breach of the Constitution.
• Financial misappropriation.
• Abuse of office or authority.
• Gross insubordination.
• Fraud, theft, or corruption.
• Bringing the organization into disrepute.
• Sexual harassment or discrimination.
• Persistent absenteeism.
• Violence, threats, or intimidation.

8.2 Disciplinary Procedure

• Written complaint to the General Secretary.
• Formal notification of the accused.
• Fair hearing within fourteen (14) days.
• Decision by majority vote.
• Right of appeal to the General Assembly.

8.3 Possible Sanctions

• Verbal warning.
• Written warning.
• Fine.
• Suspension (1–12 months).
• Loss of membership privileges.
• Expulsion.

9. Financial Obligations

• Membership dues are set annually by the General Assembly.
• Late payment attracts a penalty of 10% per month.
• Exemptions may be granted by the Executive for genuine financial hardship.

10. Our Commitment Pledge

11. Read the Full Constitution

This page summarises the responsibilities most relevant to members. For the complete governance framework — including organisational structure, elections, meetings, finance, and amendments — please read the full CYALE Constitution.

12. Questions and Support

If you have questions about these responsibilities or need support in meeting them: