The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) NCC USA, like many organizational bodies, relies on its bylaws to guide its structure and function. However, a close look at certain aspects of these bylaws, particularly concerning the roles of the Youth Vice-President (VP) and the Youth Coordinator, reveals ambiguities that can lead to functional overlaps and potential conflicts.
The Current Bylaws at a Glance:
Article 36.2 elucidates that vice presidents will oversee one or more departments. Notably, the President decides these assignments, taking advice from the Executive Board. Subsequently, Committees and task forces operate under these departments. Specifically, the Department of “Youth Empowerment, Education, and Student Affairs” is designated with the Youth VP as Chair and the Youth Coordinator as Co-Chair by default.
Article 42b reaffirms the leadership role of the vice presidents, citing them as departmental heads, a point rooted in the earlier mentioned Article 36.2.
Article 52 sheds light on the Youth Coordinator’s duties, emphasizing the effective utilization and management of the NRN youth cohort in the USA, aiming to bolster the youth network to benefit both Nepal and Nepali residents in the US.
Where the Ambiguity Lies:
The vagueness emerges when juxtaposing the responsibilities of the Youth VP and the Youth Coordinator. While the VP heads the department, the Youth Coordinator, acting as the Co-Chair, is expected to manage the expansive efforts of NRN youths. The bylaws, in their current state, do not distinguish these roles, potentially leading to overlaps or clashes in responsibilities.
Moreover, the current bylaws come across as more formalistic than functional. They outline roles in broad strokes but fall short of detailing the specific tasks and boundaries of each position.
The Missing Links: Committees and Their Formation
Furthermore, the bylaws are silent on the formation and operation of various committees. As NRNA NCC USA is currently in the process of establishing committees such as Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Student Committees, the absence of direction in the bylaws becomes a noticeable void. There’s no clear guidance on who should assume the roles of Chair or Co-Chair for these committees. This brings to light another key question: What exactly would be the role of the Youth VP and Youth Coordinator when it comes to the formation and management of these different committees?
The Need for Clarity:
Bylaws are not merely formal documents; they are foundational blueprints for organizational operations. Unclear bylaws can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, or even conflicts within the organizational framework. In this context, the potential for a duty clash between the Youth VP and the Youth Coordinator is palpable, and the ambiguity surrounding committee formations only adds to the uncertainty.
Recommendations and Conclusion:
This concern isn’t only for the Youth VP and Youth Coordinator but also for the Women VP and Women Coordinator. It becomes challenging to fulfill the duties and address the agendas that were presented during the election period.
For a body as crucial as the NRNA NCC USA, it’s imperative to have bylaws that are both comprehensive and precise. Refining the bylaws to distinctly demarcate the responsibilities of the Youth VP and the Youth Coordinator, and to provide clear guidance on committee formation, can pave the way for smoother operations and collaborations.
As NRNA NCC USA continues its commendable work, taking a step back to reassess and refine its bylaws can prove invaluable. After all, clarity in structure invariably leads to efficacy in action.
-The Writer is the Youth Coordinator of NRNA NCC USA.
