BYLAWS OF UNIVERSAL STEWARDSHIP
ARTICLE I — NAME AND PURPOSE
1.1 Name: The name of the organization shall be Universal Stewardship. It shall be a nonprofit
organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada
1.2 Title: Purpose of the Non-Profit Organization
1.2 Title: Purpose, Mission and Values of the Non-Profit Organization
The mission of our non-profit organization is to promote the Principles of Universal Stewardship, fostering unity, peace, happiness, and prosperity while respecting the rights of others. We are committed to advocating the principles of prudence, respect, kindness, gratitude, responsible prosperity, apology, forgiveness, accountability, and upholding the commandment to ‘Never maliciously deprive.’
These guiding principles form the bedrock of a harmonious society. Our organization empowers individuals to exercise their free will responsibly, making decisions that align with these values and uphold the commandment.
We believe in nurturing a sense of belonging and enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives in accordance with their values and aspirations. By championing these principles and the commandment, our aim is to create a better world, fostering sustainability, harmony, and personal growth while ensuring that no one is subjected to malicious deprivation.
As we strive towards these goals, we embrace the notion that “We are only equal in terms of our inherent freewill and rights; in other aspects, others may surpass us.” This recognition underscores the importance of individual uniqueness and acknowledges that individuals possess diverse strengths and talents.
At our core, we believe that life is a journey encompassing living, loving, learning, earning, sharing, and, ultimately, finding happiness. Through our commitment to the Principles of Universal Stewardship, we seek to empower individuals to embrace their inherent potential, contribute to society, and embrace the pursuit of happiness.
1.2a The Principles of Universal Stewardship:
- PRUDENCE: Exercise caution, wisdom, and good judgment in actions, decisions, and resource management, considering the long-term consequences for oneself, others, and the environment.
- RESPECT: Give respect without expectation. ‘Respect is to be earned, only if lost once given.’ Promote respect for the inherent dignity, diversity, and rights of all individuals, fostering an inclusive and tolerant society where everyone is treated with fairness, empathy, and compassion.
- KINDNESS: Advocate for acts of kindness and compassion, promoting a culture of caring and support for one another, striving to create a world where acts of kindness are valued and practiced.
- GRATITUDE: Cultivate a sense of gratitude, appreciating and expressing gratitude for the blessings and opportunities received, fostering a positive outlook and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
- RESPONSIBLE PROSPERITY: Promote responsible prosperity by seeking personal and collective success while considering the well-being of others, the environment, and future generations, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and ethical practices.
- APOLOGY: Encourage taking responsibility for actions, promoting a culture of accountability and the willingness to apologize when mistakes are made, seeking reconciliation and healing.
- FORGIVENESS: Advocate for forgiveness as a means to let go of resentment and promote healing, fostering understanding, empathy, and reconciliation among individuals and communities.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: Promote personal and collective accountability, taking ownership of actions, decisions, and impact on others and the world, fostering a culture of integrity and trust.
By upholding and promoting these Principles of Universal Stewardship, the organization strives to inspire positive change, empower individuals, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
1.2b – Activities and Utilization of Profits:
In pursuit of its mission, the organization may engage in the following activities. Profits generated from these activities will be used to carry out the purpose of the nonprofit:
- Education: Establishing educational programs, schools, or training centers to promote learning and educational opportunities. Profits generated from these activities will be reinvested in the organization’s educational initiatives and programs.
- Farming, Agriculture, Forestry, and Aquaculture: Engaging in these activities to support sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, or related purposes. Profits generated from these activities will be utilized for the organization’s environmental initiatives, research, and community outreach programs.
- Lease or Own Lands for Forestry and Lumber: Leasing or owning land for forestry and lumber activities to further the organization’s environmental conservation goals. Profits generated from these activities will be directed towards forest management, reforestation efforts, and other conservation projects.
- Lease or Own Water Rights or Natural Resources: Leasing or owning water rights or natural resources that directly support the organization’s mission and objectives, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Profits generated from these activities will be allocated to water resource management, conservation projects, and promoting access to clean water.
- Business of Creating and Selling Energy: Participating in the creation and sale of energy from renewable sources or engaging in energy efficiency initiatives that align with the organization’s mission. Profits generated from these activities will be reinvested in renewable energy projects, research and development, and promoting sustainable energy practices.
- Owning and Building Shelters for Public Rental: Owning and operating affordable housing or shelters for public rental, with the aim of addressing housing needs and assisting vulnerable populations. Profits generated from these activities will be utilized for the maintenance, expansion, and improvement of the shelters, as well as providing support services for the residents.
- Personnel Staffing Company: Establishing a personnel staffing company to generate revenue and support the organization’s mission, while providing staffing services to businesses in various sectors. Profits generated from these activities will be allocated towards funding the organization’s programs, initiatives, and administrative expenses.
- Owning or Investing in Public Corporations: Owning or investing in common stocks of public corporations that align with the organization’s mission, with the intention of advancing charitable goals and furthering its objectives. Profits generated from these investments will be used to support the nonprofit’s programs, initiatives, and strategic objectives.
- Research and Development: Maintaining a research and development team to contribute to the organization’s mission, promote innovation, and drive scientific advancements. Profits generated from research and development activities will be reinvested in ongoing research projects, technological advancements, and furthering the organization’s scientific goals.
- Healthcare: Engaging in healthcare-related activities, such as operating clinics, providing healthcare services, or funding medical research, to support the organization’s mission and objectives. Profits generated from healthcare initiatives will be utilized for improving healthcare access, supporting medical research, and enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided by the organization.
The organization is committed to utilizing the profits generated from these activities in a manner consistent with its mission and objectives, ensuring the funds are directed towards achieving its charitable purposes and benefiting the communities it serves.
ARTICLE II — MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Membership shall consist solely of the Board of Directors. The initial membership of the corporation shall be limited to three positions: the Chairman(President), Treasurer, and Secretary, who shall also serve as the Director, Treasurer, and Secretary. The founder of the organization shall assume all these positions during the initial phase.
Section 2 – As the corporation grows and the need arises, the membership can be increased to a maximum of 18 individuals to accommodate the required maximum size of the Board of Directors.
Section 3 – This organization operates as a non-member nonprofit corporation, with exclusive membership reserved for the Board of Directors. Nonetheless, there are critical roles within the organization that are instrumental in advancing its mission and activities. These roles encompass benefactors, donors, followers, contributors, volunteers, collaborators, and employees. While these individuals are not officially designated as members of the corporation, their active contributions significantly support the organization’s goals and objectives.
Section 4 – The rights, responsibilities, and duties of the Board of Directors shall be outlined in the bylaws, while the roles and involvement of benefactors, donors, followers, contributors, volunteers, collaborators, and employees shall be determined by the policies and procedures established by the organization.
ARTICLE III — BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 – Board role, size and compensation: The board is responsible for overall policy and direction
of the association, and delegates responsibility of day-to-day operations to the staff and committees.
The board shall have up to 18, but not fewer than 3 members. The board receives no compensation other than reimbursement for reasonable and documented expenses.
Section 2 – Terms: All board members shall serve three-year terms, and are eligible for re-election
for up to three consecutive terms.
Section 3 – Meetings and notice: The board shall meet at least quarterly, at an agreed upon time and
place. An official board meeting requires that each board member have written notice at least three
weeks in advance.
Section 4 – Board elections: During the last quarter of each fiscal year of the corporation, the board of
directors shall elect directors to replace those whose terms will expire at the end of the fiscal year.
This election shall take place during a regular meeting of the directors, called in accordance with the
provisions of these bylaws.
Section 5 – Election procedures: New directors shall be elected by a majority of directors present at
such a meeting, provided there is a quorum present. Directors so elected shall serve a term beginning
on the first day of the next fiscal year.
Section 6 – Quorum: A quorum must be attended by at least fifty percent of board members for
business transactions to take place and motions to pass.
Section 7 – Officers and Duties: There shall be three officers of the board, consisting of a chair, secretary and treasurer. Their duties are as follows:
- The chair shall convene regularly scheduled board meetings, shall preside or arrange for other
members of the Executive Committee to preside at each meeting in the following order:
vice-chair, secretary, treasurer. - The secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of board actions, including overseeing
the taking of minutes at all board meetings, sending out meeting announcements,
distributing copies of minutes and the agenda to each board member, and assuring that
corporate records are maintained. - The treasurer shall make a report at each board meeting. The treasurer shall chair the finance
committee, assist in the preparation of the annual budget, help develop fundraising plans, make
financial information available to board members and the public and ensure that appropriate
financial records are maintained.
Section 8 – Vacancies: When a vacancy on the board exists mid-term, the secretary must receive
nominations for new members from present board members three weeks in advance of a board
meeting. These nominations shall be sent out to board members with the regular board meeting announcement, to be voted upon at the next board meeting. These vacancies will be filled only to the
end of the particular board member’s term.
Section 9 – Resignation, termination and absences: Resignation from the board must be in writing and
received by the secretary. A board member shall be terminated from the board due to excess
absences, more than two unexcused absences from board meetings in a year. A board member may
be removed for other reasons by a three-fourths vote of the remaining directors.
Section 10 – Special meetings: Special meetings of the board shall be called upon the request of the
chair, or one-third of the board. Notices of special meetings shall be sent out by the secretary to each
board member at least three weeks in advance.
Section 11 – Remote communication for meetings: Any meeting of directors may be conducted solely
by one or more means of remote communication through which all directors may participate in the
meeting, if notice of the meeting is given as described in Section 3 and if the number participating is
sufficient to constitute a quorum as described in Section 6. Remote communication includes but is
not limited to telephone, video, the Internet, or such other means by which persons may communicate with each other on a substantially simultaneous basis. Participation in a meeting by any of the
above-mentioned means constitutes attendance at a meeting.
Section 12 – Action without a meeting: Upon initiative of the board chair or Executive Committee, an
action that may be taken at a regular or special meeting may be taken without a meeting if the secretary mails or electronically delivers a ballot to every director entitled to vote on the action. The ballot
must set forth each proposed action and provide an opportunity to vote for or against each proposed
action. Approval by ballot is valid only if the number of votes cast by ballot equals or exceeds the
number of votes that would be required to approve the action at a meeting.
ARTICLE IV — COMMITTEES
Section 1 – Committee formation: The board may create ad hoc committees as needed, such as fundraising, housing, public relations, data collection, etc. The board chair appoints all committee chairs.
Section 2 – Executive Committee: The three officers serve as the members of the Executive Committee.
Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, the Executive Committee
shall have all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the intervals between meetings of
the board of directors, and is subject to the direction and control of the full board. A quorum of the
Executive Committee shall be 75 percent of the officers.
Section 3 – Finance Committee: The treasurer is the chair of the Finance Committee, which includes
three other board members. The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing
fiscal procedures, fundraising plans, and the annual budget with staff and other board members. The
board must approve the budget and all expenditures must be within budget. Any major change in the
budget must be approved by the board or the Executive Committee. The fiscal year shall be the
calendar year. Annual reports are required to be submitted to the board showing income, expenditures, and pending income. The financial records of the organization are public information and shall
be made available to the membership, board members, and the public.
ARTICLE V — DIRECTOR AND STAFF
Section 1 – Executive Director: The executive director is appointed by the board of directors and assumes primary responsibility for the organization’s daily operations, ensuring the realization of its goals and adherence to its policies. In this capacity, the executive director actively participates in all board meetings, providing progress reports on organizational activities, addressing inquiries from board members, and fulfilling the duties outlined in the job description. As needed, the board may assign additional responsibilities to the executive director. Compensation for the executive director, including salary, is determined by the board of directors, with regular annual salary reviews conducted.
ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS
Section 1 – Amendment Process: The principles of Universal Stewardship (ARTICLE I, 1.2a) cannot be amended. Other parts of these by-laws may be amended by two-thirds majority of the full board of directors. Proposed amendments shall be provided to board members in advance, and ample time for review and discussion shall be given before a vote is taken.
Certification
These bylaws were created by the incorporator and founder of Universal Stewardship.
Incorporator/Founder _____________________________ Date __________
Last Updated on June 6, 2023