ONSTITUTION OF THE

UERTO

ICO

TATEHOOD

TUDENTS

SSOCIATION

PREAMBLE

We students, in order to achieve the incorporation of Puerto Rico as a Federated State of theUnited States of America, hereby establish the Puerto Rico Statehood Students Association,Inc. (PRSSA) and ordain this Constitution, the supreme law of the Association.

ARTICLE I

SECTION 1

–

OFFICIAL NAME

The Official name for this organization is “Puerto

Rico Statehood Students Association,

Inc.”,shortened “PRSSA”.

SECTION 2

–

MISSION

The PRSSA shall promote Statehood for Puerto Rico on all forums, encourage pro-statehoodyouth participation in the democratic process, and develop the new leaders of the pro-statehoodmovement.

ARTICLE II

SECTION 1

–

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIPActive membership within the PRSSA is open for all enrolled students of high school,undergraduate and graduate schools in the United States. A student becomes an Active Memberupon registering with the PRSSA or a PRSSA chapter. Active members have voting privileges.Active membership ends once the student is not enrolled in an academic institution.

SECTION 2

–

HONORARY MEMBERSHIPThe National Board may accord honorary membership to former Active Members who continueto support the PRSSA and its mission of Statehood for Puerto Rico.

ONSTITUTION OF THE

UERTO

ICO

TATEHOOD

TUDENTS

SSOCIATION

SECTION 3

–

EXPULSIONMembership can be revoked through a motion initiated by a National Board officer andunanimously seconded by all other officers of the National Board. Reasons for expulsioninclude: felony; sabotage; bringing disrepute to the PRSSA; sustained disrespect towards thePRSSA, its leaders and Constitution; and proof of favoring another status option that is notstatehood. All reasons for expulsion shall be backed by proof provided by the accuser. Allallegations are to be delivered in a written statement to the accused for the opportunity of appropriate defense. The accuser and the accused will submit statements before the NationalBoard which shall take a final determination.

SECTION 4

–

FORMATION OF CHAPTERSMembers of the PRSSA may establish chapters in their respective universities and colleges.These chapters must have a minimum of five (5) PRSSA members and must have a chapterconstitution in order to be recognized by the National Board. Upon creation of a chapter, theNational Board may appoint a provisional Chapter Board, which may remain in office untilchapter elections can be held.

ARTICLE III

SECTION 1

–

NATIONAL BOARDThe PRSSA shall be governed by a National Board. The National Board shall be composed of the following Elected Officers: President, Executive Vice President, Associate Vice President,Secretary, and Treasurer.

SECTION 2

–

ELIGIBILITYNational Board officers must be Active Members during their term of service. Candidates forPresident must be Active Members for the desired term of service, must have been an ActiveMember for a minimum of one (1) year prior to filing their candidacy, and must have served as aNational Board officer or Cabinet member for a minimum of six (6) months. Candidates forExecutive Vice President, Associate Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer must be Active

ONSTITUTION OF THE

UERTO

ICO

TATEHOOD

TUDENTS

SSOCIATION

.3Members for the desired term of service, and must have been Active Members for a minimum of six (6) months prior to filing their candidacy.

SECTION 3

–

TERM OF OFFICEThe term of office for each National Board officer consists of one (1) year, beginning June 1 at12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and ending June 1 at 12:00 p.m. EST of the followingyear.

SECTION 4

–

DUTIESThe National Board members shall have the duties described below, and any other duties that thePresident shall from time to time decide is expedient for the PRSSA.A. PresidentThe President shall be responsible for governing the PRSSA and assuringcompliance with the Constitution and Mission. The President presides overmeetings; establishes an agenda ratified by Board members; approves an annualbudget; has check-signing authority for all bank accounts; appoints an ExecutiveDirector to personally oversee a cabinet, delegates, and advisors; represents thePRSSA before the general public; and has power to take necessary and properaction to execute the foregoing responsibilities.B. Executive Vice PresidentThe Executive Vice President shall assist the President and shall preside in case of the absence, vacancy, or disability of the President. The Executive Vice Presidentshall execute directives as assigned by the President.C. Associate Vice PresidentThe Associate Vice President shall assist the President and shall preside in case of the absence, vacancy, or disability of the President and the Executive VicePresident. The Associate Vice President shall execute directives as assigned bythe President.D. Secretary