Key Governing Principles
NKK is a non-profit organization created by Kannadigas (people of Karnataka origin) living in Nashville and Middle Tennessee to promote and preserve their cultural heritage. It aims to foster understanding and goodwill between the Indo-American and mainstream American communities.
Mission and Objectives
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Preserve, practice, and promote the rich heritage and culture of Karnataka.
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Raise funds for charities, education, and humanitarian activities.
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Maintain a membership directory, newsletters, and website to inform members about activities and events.
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Encourage community participation in cultural programs.
Membership
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Open to all individuals supporting the mission of NKK, regardless of religion, race, or gender.
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Memberships are for one year and renewable, with categories like life, family, and honorary memberships.
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Members are encouraged to participate in events and pay fees on time.
Executive Committee (EC)
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The EC consists of five office bearers: President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Cultural Secretary.
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Members of the EC serve a two-year term and manage the association's affairs.
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Roles and responsibilities of each position include:
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President: Leads the EC and organization, supervises activities, and represents NKK externally.
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Vice President: Advises and supports the President, stepping in when needed.
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General Secretary: Maintains records, member directories, and meeting minutes.
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Treasurer: Manages funds, accounts, and financial records.
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Cultural Secretary: organizes and coordinates events.
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Meetings
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Quarterly Membership Meetings: Held to discuss ongoing matters.
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Annual Meeting: Takes place during the Kannada Rajyotsava celebration and includes elections and major decisions.
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Special Meetings: May be called for urgent matters.
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Meetings can be held electronically, and quorum rules apply for valid decisions.
Elections
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A majority vote elects EC members during annual meetings.
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Voting can be done in person, by proxy, or through other methods such as email or electronic transmission.
Resignation and Removal
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EC members may resign by giving written notice.
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Members or EC members can be removed by a majority vote of the membership if necessary.
Accounting and Finances
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The Treasurer oversees finances, with checks under $500 requiring one signature and amounts over $500 requiring two signatures.
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The financial status is reported annually at the Rajyotsava event.
Amendments
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The EC can modify the by-laws during the annual general body meeting.
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Amendments and by-laws are available to members for review on the NKK website and at meetings.
Dissolution
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It requires a two-thirds majority vote from the membership.
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The remaining assets will be donated to charitable organizations.
These by-laws were approved and signed by the Executive Committee, which includes the President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Cultural Secretary.