Part One
Constitution
PREAMBLE. We, the members of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Nevada (NaFFAA Nevada) join to form the NaFFAA Nevada in January 17, 2026. NaFFAA Nevada stands at the forefront of this momentum. Through targeted advocacy, leadership development, civic engagement, and economic empowerment programs, we amplify the voices of Filipino Americans across the state. Our mission is clear: to ensure that Filipino Americans are not only seen and heard—but also empowered, mobilized, and represented in every corner of Nevada's political, economic, and cultural life. This constitution and by-laws are issued strictly for use by NaFFAA Nevada as a guide in conducting official business of the association. It shall become effective, in full force, and operative upon its approval and ratification.
Article 1
Name of the Organization, Office and Postal Address
The name of the organization shall be the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Nevada herein after, referred to as "NaFFAA Nevada" or "NaFFAA". Its existence shall be perpetual. NaFFAA Nevada is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Federal Internal Revenue Code. It is a non-stock, non-partisan, non-profit corporation and non-sectarian. The official logo of the association is as printed above. The principal address of NaFFAA Nevada shall be the home address of its current President. Pertinent, related, or relevant correspondence of NaFFAA Nevada shall be sent through or receive at the home address of the current President.
Article 2
Purpose
NaFFAA Nevada is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
The purpose of the organization is for the members to engage in the following specific activities within the State of Nevada: to provide
- Voters Registration & education; Candidates Forum - (advocacy, civic engagement)
- Attend National Empowerment Conference; formation of NaFFAA - NV School Chapters; Fil-Am Students Leaders Forum (leadership development)
- Scholarship, Women's History Month, Fiesta Filipino and NaFFAA-Connect; Senior Advocacy Programs; Golf Tournament (community building)
- ABKD NaFFAA - Teaching Tagalog; Annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration; October - Filipino Heritage Month (cultural preservation) for the Filipino Americans in the State of Nevada
To assist and collaborate those individuals or other organizations with charitable functions.
Restrictions on Activities — no part of the net earnings of the Association shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, trustees, Directors, officers or to any other private person, except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. No substantial part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles, the Association shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempted from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code or corresponding section of any future tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article 3
Power and Duties
General Powers — The business and affairs of NaFFAA Nevada shall be conducted under the direction of, and the control and disposal of the Association's properties and funds shall be vested in its Executive Board of Officers.
Duties of the Executive Board of Officers is charge with two primary duties; (a) Duty to Care and (b) Duty to Loyalty. The Duty to Care requires members of the Executive Boards to Act (1) in good faith, (2) with care of ordinary prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances, (3) in a manner the Executive Board of Officers reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the Association. The Duty of Loyalty requires the Executive Board of Officers to pursue the Association's best interest, whether over money or politics. The Duty of Loyalty prohibits an officer from engaging in self-dealing unless there is full disclosure to the Board and the transaction is clearly in the Association's best interest.
Article 4
Membership and Dues
Membership consists of individuals, organizations and businesses. Membership dues are based on NaFFAA National policy and shall be paid within 60 days from January 1st of each year. Anyone joining NaFFAA in the months of October, November or December will receive credit for the following year. See attachment 1, NaFFAA Nevada Form 3 for detailed diagram.
Article 5
Officers Requirements
In order to be nominated for elected or appointed positions, he/she must:
- Be in good moral character.
- Have demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
- Have attended seventy-five percent (75%) of meetings and events Based on the signing sheet in the registration of attendance and minutes of the meetings.
Article 6
Officers Duties
NaFFAA Nevada may have several organizations or entities and individual members and shall elect its officers every two years: President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer. Officers of elected positions may be reelected for another two-year term. The President may appoint such other officers as necessary. All elected and appointed officers, directors, and advisors of the NaFFAA Nevada shall be known as the Executive Board which shall function as the policy making and executory body of the Association.
a. President
The President shall consult with members on issues affecting the Association; submit annual budget, short term and long-term plans; be the listening and advocacy posts on state issues; submit semi-annual reports of achievements and program participation; network and reach out to member and non-member organizations; search and develop contacts with local civic, religious or other leaders; assist in the formation, organization, development, maintenance, and growth of the Federation; actively recruit members; hold state conferences and other forms or consultative bodies; participate actively in the Council of Regional Presidents; perform other duties as may be delegated by Desert Mountain Region President; inventory all equipment and resources; approve the use of the NaFFAA Nevada logo on any events.
b. Vice President
The Vice President shall perform the duties, responsibilities of the President as each case may warrant, when he/she is unable to perform them by reason of absence or incapacity. He/she shall perform such other duties as may be designated by the President.
c. Executive Director
The Executive Director shall be appointed by the President and shall assist the President in fulfilling administrative and operational responsibilities. He/she shall oversee the full administrative operation. He/she shall perform such other duties as may be designated by the President.
d. Secretary
The Recording Secretary shall take the minutes of the meetings, publish, and distribute them as required. He or she shall maintain and keep the official records of the Association, except records of financial accounts. He/she shall record the list of members to include their names, telephone numbers, addresses, fax numbers and email addresses.
e. Corresponding Secretary
The Corresponding Secretary shall be appointed by the President and shall send out meeting notices and other correspondence that affects the organization.
f. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the fiscal management of the Association. He/she shall be responsible for keeping the financial records and shall collect and distribute funds and assets based on the guidelines set forth by the Region Executive Board. He/she shall file all required reports with the Internal Revenue Service and other government bodies in a timely manner.
Note: Monthly reports are due prior to each Executive Board meeting and will be attached to the meeting minutes. Annual financial reports are due by January 31st of each year and certified by the auditor.
g. Assistant Treasurer
The Assistant Treasurer shall be appointed by the President and shall assist the Treasurer in performing the treasurer's duties.
h. Auditor
The Auditor is appointed by the President and shall audit the financial accounts annually, within 60 days following the end of the fiscal year, under the direction of the Desert Mountain Region Treasurer.
i. Public Relations Officer
The public relations officer shall be appointed by the President and to represent, promote, and advocate NaFFAA to the general public.
j. Media Communication
The Media Communications Director shall be appointed by the President and serve as the media coordinator. He/she shall adopt the official position of the Federation as determined by the President and Executive Board on matters of interest to NaFFAA.
k. Ways & Means Committee Chairperson
The Ways and Means Committee Chairperson is appointed by the President and presides over the Ways and Means Committee, assists the Executive Board in raising the money needed to meet the proposed budget, and oversees fundraising events.
l. Legal Counsel
The Legal Counsel is appointed by the President and shall act as the lawyer for NaFFAA Nevada. He/she shall provide advice on all legal matters affecting the Association upon the request of the President or the Executive Board.
m. Youth Liaison Officer
The Youth Liaison Officer is appointed by the President and shall serve as youth event organizer, youth outreach coordinator, and representative for Filipino-American youth.
n. Historian
The Historian Director shall act as the association's historian, keeping digital and hard copy records of the organization's accomplishments and activities, and publishing the organization's newsletter.
o. Fil-Am Voters Coordinator
The Fil-Am Votes Coordinator is appointed by the President and shall act as the NaFFAA Nevada liaison to the community for the purpose of increasing Filipino American registered voters and Filipino-American voter participation.
p. Fil-Am Vets Coordinator
The Fil-Am Vets Coordinator is appointed by the President and act as a NaFFAA Nevada liaison for the Veterans Affairs and Fil-Am Veteran organizations.
q. Board of Directors
The President shall appoint at least seven Directors. Each Director must have been a President or Officer of a NaFFAA Nevada affiliate organization.
r. Advisor
The Board of Advisors shall be composed of the past State President of the NaFFAA Nevada Chapter upon their agreement or concurrence, and advise the officers and membership on the proper ways and means of conducting the affairs and activities of the Association.
Article 7
Duties and Responsibilities of Special Committees
For an individual member to be nominated during election, he or she must be in good standing and have been a NaFFAA member for at least two consecutive years. An appointed member must have been a NaFFAA member for at least six months and in good standing.
- Membership Director builds, retains, and engages a strong member base.
- Scholarship committee oversees the scholarship process.
- The Health & Wellness Committee creates a culture of well-being.
- CARE / Calamity Committee extends community support in times of calamity.
- Fiesta Filipino Chair leads the committee setting the vision and managing logistics.
- Senior Moment Committee plans engaging social and recreational activities for seniors.
- ABKD NaFFAA promotes and preserves the Filipino language and culture.
- Hospitality committee fosters a welcoming environment.
- Volunteer committee provides volunteers for various NaFFAA events.
- Culture & Arts Committee promotes, plans, and supports arts and cultural initiatives.
- Spiritual Adviser offers prayerful companionship and guidance.
Article 8
Commission on Elections
The commission of elections shall be comprised of at least two members and appointed by the State President to administer and certify the election results for the NaFFAA Nevada.
Article 9
Vacancies, Succession, Termination and Resignation
An officer who missed three (3) consecutive meetings due to unexcused absences without notifying the State President or his/her representative or grossly violated the constitution and by-laws shall be asked to resign or be automatically terminated as an officer and becomes a regular member.
Article 10
Meetings and Quorums
The President or designated representative shall convene all meetings. At least thirty-three percent (33%) of elected/appointed officers during the meeting shall constitute a quorum. At least sixty-six percent (66%) shall constitute a supreme quorum to conduct elections and revise or amend the constitution and by-laws.
Article 11
Contracts, Deposits, Donations and Liabilities Indemnification
Contracts: The President with the consent of the majority of Executive Board officers during a meeting may enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the Association.
Deposits: All funds of the Association shall be deposited within ten (10) business days to the credit of the Association.
Donations: The officers may accept, on behalf of the Association, any contributions, gifts, bequests, or devices.
Liabilities Indemnification: The officers shall not be personally liable for the debt, liabilities, or obligations of the Association.
Part Two
By-Laws
Article 1
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of NaFFAA Nevada shall be January through December 31 inclusive.
Article 2
Non-Discriminatory Policy
NaFFAA Nevada shall comply with all federal, state and local affirmative actions, equal opportunity, and other such laws, statutes, and regulations.
Article 3
Revenues
The revenues of NaFFAA Nevada shall be derived from dues, fees, assessments, donations, interests on deposits, fundraising proceeds, and other sources. All revenues of NaFFAA Nevada shall be deposited in the bank within ten (10) business day of their collection or transfer.
Article 4
Disposal of Funds
Revenues or income of NaFFAA Nevada shall be used to defray costs necessary for its operation and maintenance and to meet its obligations as provided for in its Constitution and By-Laws.
Article 5
Compliance with Internal Revenue Laws
NaFFAA Nevada is organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the purview of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article 6
Rules and Order of Meetings
In the conduct of its meetings, NaFFAA Nevada shall adopt Robert's Rules of Order on Parliamentary Procedures as its guide and reference.
Article 7
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when the interest or activities of any officer or member may be seen as competing with the interests or activities of NaFFAA Nevada. Any conflict of interest shall be disclosed to the Board of Directors by the person who has a conflict.
Article 8
Accounts' Books and Minutes
[As stated in the source document.]
Article 9
Dissolution
When the association ceases to exist or dissolves itself, after its debts and obligations have been paid or adequately provided for, its remaining assets shall be distributed to a non-profit corporation, agency or foundation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational or scientific purposes.
Article 10
Amendments
A motion to introduce amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws must be made during a general membership meeting. A majority of two-thirds of the members present of the supreme quorum is required to adopt and ratify the amended Constitution and By-Laws.
Article 11
Effectivity
This Constitution and By-Laws shall become effective, in full force, and operative upon its approval and ratification by two-third majority of the membership in a general meeting or by a two third majority of a supreme quorum.
Article 12
Ratification
The NaFFAA Nevada CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS is hereby adopted and ratified in the City of Las Vegas, State of Nevada on January 17, 2026.
In witness hereof, the officers hereunto affixed their respective signatures this day of Jan. 30, 2026.
Signed & Ratified
City of Las Vegas, State of Nevada · January 17, 2026 · Officers signed January 30, 2026
Dr. Michael StaJuanaPresident
Anna LadaoVice President
Cirimille Faye Galera PaglinawanSecretary
Cynthia LanderosTreasurer
