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Charter Framework

Introduction:

A determination to support persons and organizations in Africa by Avchen Pinkard and Lindsey Davis led to on-going efforts to supply funds and resources to those in need of assistance. After Avchen's death in 2007, many friends and supporters donated funds to carry on work begun by Avchen and Lindsey, and in particular, to support the work of Mama Mercy in Nairobi, Kenya and the work of Dada's Nest Orphanage in that city. These funds have formed the basis of this organizations on-going work.

Purpose:

The purpose of "Hands Up for Africa" is to provide near-term monetary support, and other assistance and resources where appropriate, to African organizations and persons as designated for such support by the Board.

Governance:

"Hands Up for Africa" is operated through the Board of Directors. The Board consists of up to 10 people who are nominated by at least one founding member and acclaimed by the Board.

The founding members of the Board are:

• Jeff Pinkard
• Lindsey Davis
• Hilary Cole

Guiding Principles:

To assist the Board in making choices for the nature and scope of support within the terms of this Charter, the following guiding principles have been put forward:

1. Mama Mercy of Nairobi, Kenya is a principal inspiration for the work of this organization. Where Mama Mercy directly indicates need and priority, the Board will use these indications as direction for effort.
2. The focus of effort, notwithstanding any conflicting direction that may come from time to time within the scope of 1., above., is to support girls and boys in impoverished circumstances. Where all other issues are equal, there is a bias to support girls, given the constraints on their collective aspirations.
3. Notwithstanding the scope and intent of 1., above, the actions of the Board are intended to support near-term, and tangible efforts that wherever possible, have lasting effect.
4. Funds raised to support the work of this organization shall be focussed on the direct support of African projects and shall only at a minimum be used to support administrative costs.
5. At a minimum, an annual fund raising event shall be organized and held and the proceeds utilized for African projects, consistent with 4., above.
6. The organization shall be registered under such society acts and legislation and in such jurisdictions as the Board deems necessary.
7. The Board shall report as required by such legislation, and more frequently or fully as deemed necessary by the Board.
8. The Board shall make its operations eligible for tax deductions in as many jurisdictions as it deems appropriate.
9. At a minimum, a list of projects supported, the relevant funding amount, and a narrative description of the project shall be made available to all contributors. For convenience, and to keep costs low, such a list may be made on a website.

Decision Making for Projects and Administration of the Organization:

1. The Board shall strive to make decisions by consensus of all members present.
2. No Board decision shall be valid unless at least; i) one founding member, and, ii) a total of 5 members are present.
3. Where the Board is not able to make a consensus decision, the founding members shall make the required decision.
4. Funding decisions shall be made to support projects for which reasonable budget information is included, or for which at least one Board member has direct knowledge of reasonable costs.
5. Monies for projects shall be forwarded in stages in order to support "performance-based" giving. Performance shall be measured as the Board deems reasonable, and may include; site inspections, photographic evidence, or descriptions of progress by persons designated by the Board.