WHO IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY BY BECOMING THE FIRST GRANDMASTER FROM NIGERIA? THE RACE IS ON AND HELP IS ON THE WAY.

OBJECTIVE

To Promote Chess, Strive for Excellence, Organize and Sponsor Member Chess Players to Local and International Chess Tournaments and Support member chess players in their quest for the IM and Grandmaster Titles.

NCPA Membership Registration Procedure:

To become a member, please add your name, location and your email address at the comment module below. Your name will be added to the full list later.

This is just the initial first step and a crucial one in forming this overdue association. You have to add your name to be counted as a member.

Congratulations to all those who have been vocal and passionate about forming the NCPA and to all chess players.


Name, Location, email address
1. Dr. Okechuckwu Iwu, Minesota, USA, Iwulu@hotmail.com
2. Diran Ogungbola, Ogere, Nigeria, diransplace@gmail.com
3. Femi Oyekan , Minesota, USA, Foyekan@gmail.com
4. Dr. Sylvester Smarty, Ohio, USA , jumsyl@hotmail.com
5. Dr. Jide Falana , Atlanta, USA , koru@hotmail.com
6. IM Odion Aikhoje, London, UK, odirov@yahoo.co.uk
7. Goke Akinboro, Lagos, Nigeria, goke@cellulant.com
8. Dr. Femi Adebajo, Milton Keynes, UK, femiadebajo@hotmail.com
9. Charles Campbell, Lagos, Nigeria, carlbuckobell@yahoo.com
10. Ukere Ughemetani, Philadelphia, USA, ukeret@yahoo.com
11. Toyin Gbenle, USA, toyinzg@yahoo.com
13. Oladotun Isiaka,Houston,Texas, oladotun.isiaka@yahoo.com
14. Mary Ogungbola, Nigeria, maryachor@gmail.com
15. Ini Umoh, UK, iniscrib@yahoo.co.uk
17. NM George Umezinwa,Ohio, US, Gumezin@aol.com
18. Pauline Glewis Ikpa,Amsterdam, p_glewis@yahoo.co.uk
19. Sunny Eyenghe, Nigeria, princeye2000@yahoo.com
20. Yomi odutola, USA,Odula_@hotmail.com
21. Ola Osanyinjobi,USA, Ola@chess4schools.org,Ola@chess4school.org
22. George Princewill ,Delta, Nigeria,georgept3@yahoo.com
23. Ben Ogunshola, UK, ogunshola@yahoo.com
24. Ayodele Oguntuase,Houston, Texas,ayotuase@yahoo.com
25. Adekunle Elegbede, Houston, Texas, Chesswiz_king@hotmail.com
26. Dr. Sony Oyekan, Minesota, USA, sonioyekan@gmail.com
27. Daniel Falana, Cannada,falana@rogers.com
28. Olubunmi Dada, UK, olubunmidada@hotmail.com
29. Fela Bright, UK, felabright@hotmail.com
30. Yinka Apanpa, Ibadan, Nigeria, yinka.apanpa@yahoo.com
31. Wale Apanpa, Houston, Texas, Panpi_1@yahoo.com
32. Yomi Ogunjimi, Lagos, Nigeria, yomexjimmy@yahoo.com
33. Wale Kalejaiye,Abuja, Nigeria, wale@kalejaiye.com
34. Rotimi Odulele, Abeokuta, Nigeria,internationalarbiter@yahoo.co.uk
35. Busola Adepitan, Houston, Tx. buski83@yahoo.com
36. Yemi Aderele, London, yemi_aderele@yahoo.com
37. Igure Peter,Port-Harcourt, Nigeria,igurepeter@yahoo.com
38. Fawole John Oyeyemi,ife,Osun,Nigeria,jatty2@yahoo.com
39. Awoyemi Wole, Chicago, US.
40. Nike Ogunremi, Toronto, Cannada,nikeogunremi@gmail.com
41. Oluwole Fagbohun, Abuja ,Nigeria, wolefizzy@live.com
42. Alex Chinedu, UK, chinedualex@googlemail.com
43. Fransisca Dosunmu ,UK, chessca247@yahoo.co.uk
44. Yunus Salami,Orlando,Florida,US, simpayunda@hotmail.com
45. Wale Olaleye. (Tech. Engr) ,Nigeria, wizzy527@hotmail.com
46. Oladipo Ayoola,dayoola@hotmail.com ,Belvedere, UK
47. Akinsola Ikusika, Somolu, Lagos, Nigeria aikusika@gmail.com
48. Isang Udo-Akagha,computerfineman@yahoo.com,Lagos, Nigeria.
49. Adebayo A Emmanuel,emmanuel.adebayo@yahoo.com
50. Lekan Adeyemi,Ibadan, Nigeria. adeyemilekan@yahoo.com
51. Dr Owen Maduka. NAUTH, NNEWI, NIGERIA,oimaduka@yahoo.com
52. Einstein Esegbue, einsteinesegbue@yahoo.com,Benin,City ,Nigeria
53. Saibu Saheed Adewale,Ogun State,Nigeria.saibusaheed@yahoo.com.
54. Michael Olugbenga Bankole Atlanta,GA michael@glorybiz.com
55. AUSTIN OKONKWO LAGOS NIGERIA auscadok@yahoo.com

Add your name here using the comment module below. It will not appear on the main page until later--->

CHESS PLAYERS COMMENTS

The final formation of the Nigeria Chess Players Association may not operate the way chess players suggested below but their comments are posted here to reflect the intent and the thinking of most Nigeria chess players which is mostly forward looking and progressive. It also conveys a sense of urgency for a change of direction in the way chess is run in Nigeria. How to make a difference is what the members of the NCPA will then decide when it is fully formed.


By Ini Umoh

Nigeria is a country that should have had more than six Gms by now ..


By Diran Ogungbola

I have said this before, it seems like a foolish contribution or people are not thinking about it.We need an alternate body for chess in Nigeria. And it doesnt have to be recognized by Ministry of sports in the beginning. Think of it, how did P.C.A get recognition? If the strongest players in Nigeria refuse to deal with NCF and they deal with an alternate body, there would be a media hype about it.

Think of all the boxing federations, now they are talking of unification belt, same thing happened to chess. We had to unify both the PCA and Fide champions. What I am saying is that we can be strong and form our own chess body and let us get all the possible signatures for all masters, opens and women. It would be embarassing for NCF if they ever find a sponsor and the 'real' players refuse to show up. They can go ahead and use 10% of the sponsorship money for prices as long as they want but people would really start thinking of what chess players are saying.

Or the other alternative is for us to moan and complain about bad sports administration till we drop. If we want to act, we need to register an association in Nigeria for chess that means well for chess. We would work to get recognition for it, slowly but surely.
I tell you, nothing is happening much in Nigerian chess anyway so this is the time for us to act and not talk or comment!!!

I.T. Admin
Ogere, Nigeria

P.S: Just think of friends of chess and it's administration, you might get a clue when you look at selflessness and passion; My 10 kobo contribution has been said

By Ukere Ughemetani

Hello great chess players

I welcome the idea of the Nigeria chess players association(NCPA) but i do not like the idea that it should be a body complimenting the activities of the Nigeria chess federation(NCF) because the NCF as we all know is a "Lame dock" and we(NCPA) would not want to be associated with them.Over the years, the NCF has failed in reaching the lowest crescendo in the development of chess or building confidence in chess players in Nigeria.

We have to make the NCF live up to its name by running NCPA as a concurrent body and not as one complimenting the NCF.we have to make the world chess community see NCF as they truly are.The lack of planning,coordination ,honesty, prudency and transparency of the Sports Ministry should be exposed and by extension the NCF.Friends this is the only way we can achieve success,let everything be exposed,let there be an accountability,let there be transperacy. We must avoid the hokeypokey of the NCF and strive to bring chess to world class standard.The GMs of the world dont have two heads and four legs and four hands.

Nigeria chess players are talented and i am positive that the NCPA will be a propelling force to the development of chess in NIgeria "if and only if" they Promote Chess, Strive for Excellence, Organize and Sponsor Member Chess Players to Local and International Chess Tournaments and Support member chess players in their quest for the IM and Grandmaster Titles without seeing the NCF as a superior body or the only body that govern chess in Nigeria.

The establishment of the NCPA should be the dawn of a new era in chess for Nigeria chess players which will ultimately eradicate the Lame dock session.

Congratulations to all Nigeria chess players and Nigeria chess players in diaspora on the birth of NCPA.

Thanks.
Philadelphia, USA


By Pauline Lewis Ikpa

............................... I believe it is time for all chessplayers to focus on CHANGE AND HOW TO ACCOMPLISH IT and not hope for NCF to change. The big question is where do we (chessplayers) start? I would say from OURSELVES it might sound a little self-centre but we need to act now!

By Sorungbe Ademola

.................. I have seen players fall victim to the ineffectiveness of some others. I have seen chess players robed daylight. I have seen players fall victim of tribalism and favoritism within the Nigerian chess circle.

I have seen…, I have seen……., and I’ve also heard.

Tunde Omotosho (Tosh), Wole Awoyemi, Charles Campbell etc ‘Where are you?’ Young men of zeal and determination, whom after surmounting all the trials of this world were said to be inexperienced and not competent to represent their fatherland.

Bunmi Olape (Gateway Games 2006 blitz), Marcel (Bayelsa Board Games 2008), and numerous others, ‘Where are you?’ Men and women that have been at one time or the other robed by the ‘arbiter’s discretion’ syndrome- now a safe haven for tribalism and favoritism. I’m sure you can hear me.

Odion Aikhoje (IM), ‘Where are you?’ Haven done the nation proud at the chess Olympiad in Elista didn’t have anything to show for it, not even his gold medal.

Austin Apemiye, ‘Where are you too?’ You have clamored for the use of the standard added-time system in rapid play, now you are tired.

Dasaolu Rotimi, Fola Akintola (IM), and others…. ‘Where are you?’ Great men, who refused to be used as pawns by the NCF, who were somewhere counting their ‘losses’ while we others gathered pitifully under the same roof in the National stadium. They alone were left by us to pay the price for chess in Nigeria.

I am calling to everyone (mentioned and not mentioned) who have at one time or the other fallen victim to these evils befalling our chess. I am calling you, ‘Come and hear the BENEFICIARIES of your demise complain too’

Yes! It is the truth! We all are guilty. We all are guilty (even myself) of haven accepted one favor or the other at the unjust expense of another chess player or group of chess players.

Again, I see individual broomsticks fighting for themselves, and not the entire bunch for each other. I therefore wonder if we are truly one family (Gens una sumus ???????).

Enough of these scanty individual complaints! Complaints that fade away easily without solutions! Let’s stand for each other, and stop accepting favors that come as a result of an injustice done to our fellow player. In fact, let’s stop talking, let’s start acting! Let us SHOW we are truly one family! .................


By Idada Joachim

After reading the issue concerning the "Odion", i tend to disagree with some of the point been raised. First, I must state that the gold should have earned him a national but it did not. The question is why?

We must recognize that the situation with chess will not change if people continue to think that others should build while we "chop". Let me go down memory lane , In the 70s thorugh to the early 90 ‘s we had upwards of 11 tournament annually, but why did they die?

As a very old leisure chess player who was interested in the growth of the game, I establish FIJI chess club and the School chess development Committee (SCDC) which were aimed at promoting chess at different levels. Let me not talk about the successes but the challenges

In the club. I sponsored the following tournaments.
1. Man Versus Computer Chess Tounament.
2. 3rd weekend chess Tournament
3. Invitational Chess Tounament.

What transpired in these tournaments is now history. A thing I realized from all these events is that chess players will only participate in events that offer them prizes especially cash. Chess will not grow that way.

During the invitational chess tournament I had to pay NCF money to get the Tourny rated and had to pay the arbiter who was a senior chess player who ended up not been committed. At the end to tourney the NCF messed up the event as the 1st and 2nd player were to be sponsored by me to participate in the British Opens but because of visa issue which the NCF secretary could not meet at the embassy as she wanted to do racket, she withdrawn the visa applications for the players.

We must play because we enjoy the game not because there is something to win. At least that is the least contribution any chess lover can give to the game.

2. Through the SCDC, I in conjunction with some teachers and proprietors in different schools
promoted and established 26 chess club different school. I single handedly sponsored the
inter-school annual league for 3 years until Tom Tom came in but they only provided the
shield and trophies’ but I had to underwrite the cost of running and managing the league. One sad thing that happened was that while I was spending my money for the love of the game certain people were planning to discredit me and passed all manner of aspersion at my person. How sad! I introduced the then chairman of the NCF to the brand manager of Tom-Tom with a view to get greater commitment from the brand or corporately but even during the closing ceremonies which he did not attend where he was to be the special guest of honour..

Media issue is a different challenge. I koow how much i have spent on media to give chess leverage. from Television to print. I had to publish a magazine, Chess Dynamic to promote chess but the players will not buy a copy. Nothing is free in this world. chess players must reliase this. Different countries have at least one specialise publication dedicated to chess.

Very recently, i had to sponsor and present a TV programme, Game Zone that was dedicated to board game especially chess but there is nobody that stand out as the voice to chess. At least, I not interview myself.

Why are we all pointing to the ministry? This is the only place we can get free money which we can squander, and embezzle without having cause to account for such/

We should stop blaming others but ourselves because nobody will develop our game for us.

To end my piece today I will suggest that we organize a conference to discuss all issues affecting our darling game as a starting point.

I must recognise those who in no little way are tring to keep chess from dieing but untill all these effort are cordinated and not selfish nothing tremendous will happen to chess.

Something I must say is that chess will not die, many people will me will not allow that happen, we are only going though a transition.

CHESS ASSOCIATION PROPOSALS

Proposals for the formation of the Nigeria Chess Players Association:

by Dr Femi Adebajo.

1. Founding philosophy

1a-the principle of equal founders and equal joiners should be a core value and would imply that the name of the association would be determined by a relative consensus of initial members. Abbreviations starting with NC might be too close to the NCF for comfort. Or not? Something pithy like CON or CPON perhaps?


1b-Membership criteria- presumably Nigerian citizenship or descent could be a primary one. We could also allow for qualification by marriage, residence etc. Perhaps we could have 2 classes of membership- full membership according to the criteria above and honorary/associate membership by other means- e.g. it could be useful to have associate members like Wole Soyinka, Daaim Shabazz, GM Alexei Suetin, Sergey Tiviakov etc.

1c- the objectives should be clearly stated at the outset, in accordance with our members' desires and capabilities.

1d- determined efforts should be made to cooperate with the NCF and other quasi-official bodies in order to avoid duplication and unproductive strife. Please remember that it is easier to destroy than to build.

1e- the principles of democratic accountability and transparent administration should be ingrained into our association ab initio. This includes a commitment to debate openly, elect fairly, delegate transparently and require accountability at all stages of organization.


Organization

2a- Membership obligations and dues – in addition to criteria, we need to agree membership obligations such as dues in a fair manner. This requires some consideration in view of the possible issues with different currencies and their relative values, as well as differing notions of what is affordable/practicable etc in different climes, and the practical problems of collating various currencies and agreeing a base currency for accounting purposes. The principles of the solicitation and administration of donations should also be explicitly stated.

2b. Executive Board- I think the association should be run by a compact board of committed and competent directors who are elected for fixed terms and should be judged on the basis of their performance in office. 2 or 3 year terms would seem to offer a sensible middle ground between allowing time for actual performance and getting rid of non-performing boards. The optimum number of directors required should be determined by the needs of the association and geographical exigencies given the vast expanse of the Nigerian diaspora.

2c. Coordination- Due to geographical separation, face to face meetings would be fraught with difficulty and we may have to rely on modern means of communication like Internet, password-protected Internet user groups, teleconferences ,telephone conference calls etc

2d. Dates and timing- we should proceed with both haste and caution as our task is huge and we cannot really afford to dilly-dally.

2e. A constitution would put some legal structure on our organization especially if we intend to operate as a legal entity in countries like USA or UK, and in fact, Nigeria.

3. Strategic agenda/vision- I propose that we aim to enhance chess development in Nigeria by means of a top plus middle plus bottom approach.

3a. Top players- defined as those at the top of our actual and imaginary rating lists, including titled players. We ought to think about targeted sponsorship/fellowships in order to assist our high-achieving players obtain higher ratings and titles. This could be modified and incentivized by performance honoraria from the association and reciprocal and agreed obligations on the sponsored players- promotional appearances/mentorship/coaching etc. We should aim to enable our top players (as many as we can afford) strive for higher goals without sliding into penury. Our efforts could include assisting our national team efforts at Olympiad participation.

3b. Middle group- established but improving players (including fish )- supporting existing coaching initiatives, arranging new coaching clinics or other arrangements, organizing tournaments at home and abroad/ supporting existing tournaments (e.g. Dashe's Friends of Chess series), re-establishing or reinvigorating leagues at national and state levels at home, providing study materials like books, software, videos and DVDs and giving serious thought to the establishment of a library. For example, It is possible to arrange coaching for individuals or small groups by means of internet or phone lessons by experienced trainers for a small cost. I have held preliminary discussions with a British GM and coach about this.

3c. Grassroots- encouraging development of school chess initiatives (like Campbell's), participation in sports festivals etc.

3d. Enhanced media presence- encouragement of newspaper columns and a strong internet presence by means of a dedicated website and discussion forum. This website should be run by a professional(s), regularly updated, articles moderated and edited for stylistic clarity/ reduction of spelling errors/typos and proper grammar. This is not some nerdy or haughty preference but a practical necessity for a website that could be our shop window to the world and potential sponsors. I believe the Nigerian Chessplayers Blogspot and Odion's website offer a workable template for developing this proposal.

3e. Rating Lists are a must as the most visible and objective measure of strength and achievement in chess. We do have compatriots who have the technical knowledge to run such lists and have done so in the past. Jimson Odufuye comes readily to my mind but I'm sure there are others too.



AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CHESS FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA

by Emmanuel Omuku

The aims and objective of the Chess Foundation of Nigeria hereafter referred to as "CFN" shall include the following:

- The promotion of activities surrounding the game of Chess as art, science and sport both within and outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

-To promote the proficiency and the attainment of excellence in specially talented Nigerian Chess players who must have met clearly established criteria established by a committee of experts of the CFN.

- To encourage all forms of research especially on the utility value of the game of Chess in the promotion of the intellectual development amongst children in schools starting from the kindergarten or nursery school level.

-To encourage closer interaction of players, sponsors and administrators of the noble game of chess especially within the umbrella of the CFN, the promotion of progress made in their chosen careers and the development of a welfare system to encourage members especially in old age.

- Promotion of close ties across national boundaries with like minded individuals and organizations both within and outside Nigeria in the promotion of the aims and objective of the CFN.

-The CFN may accept contributions or donations in kind or monetary value from members, individuals and organizations both within and outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria towards the promotion of its aims and objectives.

- Promotion of social activities as approved from time to time by its members aimed at generating interest in the activities of CFN in particular and Chess in general both within and outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

- No member of the CFN shall be discriminated against on the basis of sex, religion, race or nationality.





CHESS FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA

by Bola Dada

(an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization)

The Foundation is governed by a board of 14 trustees

Articles of Incorporation

BYLAWS

CHESS FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA

BYLAWS


FOREWORD

The Chess Foundation of Nigeria as now constituted is a corporation incorporated under the Membership Corporations Law of the State of Texas (or wherever state or Country where we choose to form it) on

The Bylaws of The Chess Foundation of Nigeria are as follows :

TRUSTEES

Section 1.

The board of trustees of the corporation shall consist of not fewer than 12 members, as fixed by vote of the majority of the entire number of the board authorized at the time of such vote

Section 2.

No salaried officer of the corporation other than the chief executive officer shall be eligible

to serve as a trustee.

Section 3.

A trustee shall serve a five-year term ending at the annual meeting after or at

which the trustee completes five full years of service, except that the board chair and the president shall be reelected as trustees so long as they continue in office. A trustee who has served a five-year term shall be eligible for re-election to a second five-year term. A trustee may only serve for ten full consecutive years and shall not be eligible for re-election for at least two years after the trustee has ceased to be a trustee.

Section 4.

The absence of a trustee from three consecutive meetings of the board shall be

deemed to be a resignation as trustee, effective as of the date of such third meeting unless the

board signifies otherwise by vote of a majority of the duly elected trustees.

Section 5.

At any meeting of the board an existing or anticipated vacancy in the place of

a trustee may be filled, effective immediately or prospectively on a date fixed by the board..

Section 6.

The vote of a majority of the trustees then in office shall be necessary to elect

a trustee.

BOARD MEETINGS

Section 7.

Regular meetings of the board of trustees may be held on such dates and at

such times and places as set by the secretary, subject to approval of the board of trustees. The

annual meeting of the board shall be held in the spring of each year. A special meeting of the

board may be called, and the date, time and place of the meeting shall be set, by the board chair, the chief executive officer or any three trustees.

Section 8.

The secretary shall give to each trustee not less than ten days' written notice of

the time and place of each meeting of the board.

Section 9.

At the annual meeting of the board the chief executive officer and the treasurer shall present

the annual financial report required by Section of the Texas Not-for-Profit Corporation

Law or any successor statute. The report shall be filed with the minutes of the annual meeting.

Section 10.

A majority of the trustees then in office shall constitute a quorum for the

transaction of business at meetings of the board. Except as required by law or these bylaws, all matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the trustees present. In the absence of a quorum at the time and place set for a meeting of the board, the trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present.

Section 11.

Any one or more of the trustees may participate in a meeting of the board by

means of conference telephone or other communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall be deemed presence in person at the meeting.

Section 12.

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the board may be taken

without a meeting, if all the trustees consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the written consents thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the board.



OFFICERS

Section 13.

The officers of the corporation shall be a board chair, a chief executive officer (both of

whom shall be or become trustees of the corporation), a secretary, a treasurer, a public relations manager, a programs and projects manager and other officers as shall be deemed appropriate to carry out the business of the corporation. With the exception of the board chair and the chief executive officer, who shall be elected by the board, all officers of the corporation shall be elected by the board upon recommendation of the chief executive officer. Between meetings of the board, the chief executive officer may appoint officers of the corporation (other than a board chair and a chief executive officer), subject to approval by the board at its next meeting. Any officer whose duties and powers are not described in these bylaws shall have such duties and powers as the board or the chief executive officer shall determine.

Section 14.

The board chair shall be elected for a term of five years and may be reelected for one additional term. All other officers shall be elected for an indefinite term and hold

office at the pleasure of the board.

Section 15.

The chief executive officer's compensation shall be set by the board of trustees or by the executive committee, on recommendation of the budget and finance committee. The compensation of all other salaried officers shall be determined in accordance with procedures approved by the budget and finance committee.

BOARD CHAIR

Section 16.

The board chair, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the board. In the absence of the board chair the trustees present shall appoint one of their own number to preside. The board chair shall be a member ex officio, with the right to vote, of all standing committees and of the budget and finance committee.



CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Section 17.

The chief executive officer of the corporation, shall be responsible to the board for the administration of the corporation's business and affairs. The chief executive officer shall recommend to the board candidates for all offices except those of board chair and chief executive officer. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws or by resolution of the board, the chief executive officer shall sign for the corporation all deeds, memoranda of law, powers of attorney and other formal instruments. The chief executive officer shall be a member ex officio, with the right to vote, of all standing committees and of the budget and finance committee, except the audit committee. In the absence or disability of the chief executive officer, another officer designated by the board shall have the powers and duties of the president.



SECRETARY

Section 18. The secretary shall give notice, as provided in these bylaws, of all meetings

of the board of trustees and the executive committee, shall prepare, under the direction of the

chief executive officer, dockets of the business to be transacted at these meetings and shall keep the minutes of these meetings. The secretary shall have the custody of the corporate seal and shall have the authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it, and when so affixed, to attest it. The secretary shall in general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and shall perform such other administrative duties as the chief executive officer or the board of trustees may direct. In the absence or disability of the secretary, any assistant secretary shall perform the duties of the secretary.

TREASURER

Section 19.

The treasurer, subject to these bylaws and to any resolutions of the board of

trustees and the budget and finance committee, shall have responsibility for the investment funds and securities of the corporation and shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, the investment funds and the securities of the corporation in such banks, trust companies, custody accounts or other depositories as the treasurer may deem advisable.

Section 20. The treasurer, subject to these bylaws and to any resolutions of the board of

trustees and the budget and finance committee, shall develop and recommend the asset allocation strategy, investment strategies and spending policies of the corporation, and, in accordance with such guidelines and policies as approved by the budget and finance committee, shall have the authority and responsibility to operate the investment program, including (i) monitoring the performance of the investment managers and custodians; (ii) allocating assets among the investment managers and custodians; (iii) establishing the investment guidelines to be followed by each investment manager and custodian; (iv) approving and executing all contracts with custodians, trustees, investment managers and investment partners and executing investment-related powers of attorney; and (v) approving the proxy voting process with respect to securities owned by the corporation, including appointing other internal individuals, the investment advisors that initiated the securities' purchase, or external proxy voting services to execute or to rescind proxies.

Section 21.The treasurer shall keep proper records of all appropriations, budgets and other authorizations of expenditure and shall maintain duly itemized and classified accounts of expenditures and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the chief executive officer. The treasurer shall have responsibility for the operational accounts of the corporation and shall establish procedures for payments of funds of the corporation and for each annual meeting of the board shall prepare such financial statements and reports as the board may require. The treasurer shall coordinate the preparation of the materials to be provided to the firm of certified public accountants selected to perform the corporation's annual audit.

Section 22. The treasurer shall report to the budget and finance committee on the performance of the investment program. The treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept, and shall from time to time review, proper books of account and other books showing at all times the character, value and amount of the investments and funds of the corporation. The books and records shall be at all times open to the inspection of the trustees, and shall be provided to the firm of certified public accountants selected to perform the corporation's annual audit. The treasurer or an assistant treasurer shall serve as secretary and keep the minutes and other records of the budget and finance committee, including a record of actions taken on investment matters between meetings of the budget and finance committee, and shall quarterly send copies of such minutes and records to all members of the budget and finance committee.

Section 23. The treasurer shall have and execute such other authorities as may be delegated

to the treasurer by the budget and finance committee, and shall perform such other fiscal duties as the chief executive officer may direct. In the absence or disability of the treasurer, an assistant treasurer shall perform the duties of the treasurer.

Section 24. The treasurer and each staff member in the treasurer's office shall be bonded

for the faithful performance of their duties, as appropriate.


PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

Section 25. The public relations manager, shall have responsibility for developing and directing the internal and external communications activities of the corporation and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the chief executive officer.


PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS MANAGER

Section 26. The programs and projects manager, shall have responsibility for developing and directing the programs and projects of the corporation and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the chief executive officer.


COMMITTEES

Section 27. By resolution adopted by a majority of the entire authorized number of trustees,

the board of trustees shall designate the following standing committees from among its

members: an executive committee, an audit committee, and a trusteeship committee, and may also designate from among its members other standing committees of not fewer than three trustees, each of which shall have the authority delegated to it by these bylaws or the board. The board shall also designate a budget and finance committee, a majority of whose members shall be trustees.

Section 28. The board may establish additional committees and determine their powers

and duties. Such committees may have members who are not trustees.

Section 29. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws or by the board, members of

committees shall be elected each year at the annual meeting and shall be eligible for re-election. The members of each committee and each committee chair shall serve at the pleasure of the board for the term specified in these bylaws or by the board. A vacancy in any committee may be filled by the board at any meeting. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, any committee member elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Section 30. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, (a) meetings of each committee

shall be held on the call of the board chair, the chief executive officer, the committee chair or a majority of its members, and (b) a majority of the committee members present in person shall constitute a quorum and action shall be taken by a majority vote of those present. If a committee chair is not designated by these bylaws or the board, the board chair shall designate such committee chair. A committee chair shall be eligible for re-election.

Section 31. No committee shall have authority to: fill vacancies in the board or in any committee; fix compensation for the trustees for serving on the board or on any committee;

amend or repeal these bylaws or adopt new bylaws; or amend or repeal any resolution of the board which by its terms shall not be so amendable or repealable.

Section 32. Any one or more members of a committee may participate in a meeting of

the committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall be deemed presence in person at the meeting.

Section 33. Any action required or permitted to be taken by any committee may be taken

without a meeting, if all the members of the committee consent in writing to the adoption of a

resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the written consents thereto by the members of such committee shall be filed with the minutes of the committee.

Section 34. Each committee shall report its actions to the board as required by these bylaws

or by the board.



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 35. The executive committee shall consist of the board chair, the president and

the chairs of the other standing committees and of the budget and finance committee, ex officio, with the right to vote.

Section 36. During periods between meetings of the board, the executive committee shall

have all the powers and duties of the board except the power to alter fundamental policies of the board, the power to make appropriations which are not in accordance with the general policies approved by the board, the power to elect the board chair or the ceo and the power to exercise the authorities described in Section 33.

Section 37. A majority of the members of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum

for the transaction of business at meetings of the committee and action shall be taken by majority vote of those present at the meeting. The board chair shall be the chair of the executive committee. In the absence of the board chair, the ceo or, if absent, a member of the committee designated by the board chair shall preside at meetings of the committee.

Section 38. Whenever action is taken by the executive committee at a meeting or by

unanimous consent, a written summary of the actions taken shall be sent to each trustee. At each meeting of the board the executive committee shall present a written report of actions taken since the preceding meeting of the board.



BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Section 39. The budget and finance committee shall consist of the board chair and the ceo, exofficio, with the right to vote, and not fewer than five other members, provided that a majority of the members shall be trustees. The budget and finance committee chair, who shall be a trustee, shall be elected by the board at an annual meeting to serve a term of three years and shall be eligible for election to one additional term. At any other meeting of the board, a vacancy in the finance committee chair may be filled by the election of a chair to serve until the next annual meeting.

Section 40. The budget and finance committee shall have the power and responsibility to:

approve the asset allocation strategy and the investment strategies of the corporation,

based on the treasurer's annual investment policy recommendation including the allocations

to the various asset classes, and on the treasurer's periodic asset class strategy recommendations; approve the spending policies of the corporation, based on the treasurer's annual recommendation on spending policy and long-term spending objectives;

monitor the performance of the investment program, taking into account risk and return

objectives; monitor the performance of the treasurer's office; and authorize the treasurer's office to function as an investment manager, subject to the corporation's investment guidelines approved by the budget and finance committee for such internally managed assets.

Section 41. The chair of the budget and finance committee shall have the power and responsibility, on recommendation of the treasurer, to select, appoint and terminate investment managers and to vest in such managers the power to make and change investments, subject to the corporation's investment guidelines, including, without limitation, (i) buying and selling securities, unregistered securities, mortgages, insurance contracts, partnership interests, participation in limited liability companies, real estate, derivative instruments, and other investment vehicles and (ii) taking other necessary actions to protect the corporation's interests with regard to such investments. The chair of the budget and finance committee shall also serve as an ex officio member of the audit committee, with the

right to vote.

Section 42. Meetings of the budget and finance committee shall be held on the call of any one of its members. A majority of members of the finance committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at meetings of the committee, and action shall be taken by majority vote of those present at the meeting.

Section 43. From time to time the finance committee shall keep the board of trustees advised

of the performance of the corporation's investments and of its investment managers.

Section 44. The budget and finance committee shall review and make recommendations

with respect to such matters affecting the corporation's budgets, expenditures and appropriation guidelines, and the compensation and benefits of corporate officers and staff, as may be assigned to it by the board.

Section 45. A majority of members of the budget and finance committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at meetings of the committee, and action shall

be taken by majority vote of those present at the meeting.



AUDIT COMMITTEE

Section 46. The audit committee shall consist of the board chair and budget and finance committee chair, ex officio, with the right to vote, and not fewer than three other members of the board of trustees. The audit committee chair shall be elected by the board at an annual meeting to serve a term of three years and shall be eligible for election to one additional term. At any other meeting of the board, a vacancy in the audit committee chair may be filled by the election of a chair to serve until the next annual meeting.

Section 47. The audit committee shall cause the accounts and funds of the corporation to

be audited and certified annually by a firm of certified public accountants selected by the committee, shall define the scope of the audit to be performed, shall review the compensation to be paid to such firm and shall review the annual financial statements of the corporation. The audit committee shall review regularly the status and adequacy of the corporation's financial safeguards and internal controls, including its administrative and program management and effectiveness systems, and may examine and consider such other matters relating to the audit of the accounts of the corporation and the corporation's financial affairs as the committee may determine to be desirable.

Section 48. A majority of members of the audit committee shall constitute a quorum for

the transaction of business at meetings of the committee, and action shall be taken by majority

vote of those present at the meeting.


TRUSTEESHIP COMMITTEE

Section 49. The trusteeship committee shall consist of the board chair and the ceo,

ex officio, with the right to vote, and not fewer than five other members of the board of trustees. The trusteeship committee chair shall be elected by the board upon the recommendation of the board chair at an annual meeting to serve a term of three years and shall be eligible for election to one additional term. At any other meeting of the board, a vacancy in the trusteeship committee chair may be filled by the election of a chair to serve until the next annual meeting.

Section 50. The trusteeship committee may make recommendations at any meeting of

the board regarding trustees to be elected to fill existing or anticipated vacancies and shall make recommendations at any meeting of the board regarding appointments to fill any existing or anticipated vacancy in the office of board chair, ceo, or in the membership or chair of a committee. A member of the trusteeship committee shall abstain from participation in any recommendation with respect to the member's appointment as an officer, trustee, committee member or committee chair. The trusteeship committee shall be responsible for developing and administering the conflict of interest and other governance policies, orientation and continual education of trustees, and evaluation of board and trustee performance, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the board.

Section 51. A majority of members of the trusteeship committee shall constitute a quorum

for the transaction of business at meetings of the committee, and action shall be taken by majority vote of those present at the meeting.



GENERAL FISCAL PROVISIONS

Section 52. Contracts, checks and other instruments: In addition to any specific authorizations

contained in or pursuant to these bylaws, the board of trustees may authorize one or more

officers or other persons to enter into any contract or to execute and to deliver any instrument or to sign checks or authorize electronic transfers upon any accounts held by the corporation. Any such officers or other persons with these responsibilities shall be bonded for the faithful performance of their duties, as appropriate.

Section 53. Loans: No indebtedness shall be incurred on behalf of the corporation and

no negotiable paper shall be issued in its behalf unless authorized by vote of the board or the finance committee. When so authorized, any officer of the corporation may effect loans and advances at any time for the corporation from any bank, trust company or other similar institution, or from any firm, corporation or individual.


FISCAL YEAR

Section 54. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be the calendar year.



CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Section 55. To ensure adherence by trustees and staff to the highest ethical standards in

all matters affecting the corporation's administration and operations, the board shall from time to time adopt a conflict of interest policy as recommended by the trusteeship committee. This policy shall be designed to identify conflicts of interest and shall require full disclosure by the individual involved of any conflict or potential conflict.


INDEMNIFICATION

Section 56. Except as limited by law, the corporation (1) shall indemnify and advance expenses to each trustee, officer, non-trustee member of the finance committee and employee and (2) may indemnify and advance expenses to any agent or member of any committee of the corporation, in each case to the extent that such individual has been made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action by reason of the fact that such individual is or was a trustee, officer, employee, committee member or agent, or at the request of the corporation served any other corporation or enterprise in any capacity, and in each case provided that the Board has determined that the indemnified person was acting in good faith and within the scope of his or her authority.


NOTICES

Section 57. All notices required by these bylaws shall be given by the secretary in writing

and may be delivered in person, mailed or sent by facsimile or other electronic means addressed to members of the board, or of any committee, as the case may be. A notice shall be unnecessary if waived in writing or if the individual attends the meeting without protesting before the meeting or at its beginning the lack of notice.



DISSOLUTION

Section 58. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation

(whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law), the corporation's property or assets shall not be conveyed or distributed to any director, officer, member, employee or member of a committee of, or person connected with, the corporation, or any other private individual, nor to any organization created or operated for profit; but, after deducting all necessary expenses of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, all the remaining property and assets of the corporation shall be distributed only to such other organizations as shall then qualify under Section of the Internal Revenue Code as the trustees of the corporation shall in their discretion determine.



AMENDMENTS

Section 59. Provided that written notice of the text of proposed amendments has been

sent to every trustee at least ten days in advance of the date of meeting, these bylaws may be

amended at any meeting of the board of trustees by a vote of a majority of the trustees then in

office, except that a change in the number of trustees authorized in Section 1 shall require the

vote of a majority of the entire authorized number of trustees and further that Section 58 may not be amended unless permitted by applicable law.