Niagara Falls Ny Chapter of the Link

“The Links, Incorporated (Niagara Falls, NY Chapter) was chartered in May 1950. The membership consists of 40 professional women of color. The members of The Links, Incorporated are influential decision makers and opining leaders. The Links, Inc. has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. They are business and civic leaders, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership.”

“In order to become a member of the Links, you must be invited by a current member in good standing. A Chapter can have no less than 20 members and no more than 60 members.”

“For the FY2018/2019, the membership was as follows:40 Active members including 6 elected officers and 1 appointed officer (Parliamentarian).All are eligible to vote at the local chapter level. However, on the National level, only the member who serves as the delegate to the National Assembly or Area Conference is eligible to vote.”

“The 990 is presented to the Board of Directors to review and approve prior to its filing. A completed copy of this form is provided electronically to all elected chapter officers, (President, Vice Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurer) before it is filed. It is provided to all chapter members at the next regularly scheduled chapter meeting.”

“The Code of Ethics and Standards of The Links, Incorporated, our parent organization, contains specific guidelines related to Conflicts of Interest. The purpose of this policy is to guard against conflicts of interest and avoid the appearance of impropriety when using organizational funds and public resources and when giving and receiving gifts and awards. All members are expected to affirm in writing and adhere to the tenets and standards set forth therein. Potential conflicts of interest are to be fully disclosed in writing in advance if they affect a member, a family member, business associate or close personal friend if the compensation to be received is in excess of $50.00. Prior approval must be obtained in advance at the proper level (Chapter, Area, Executive Council, National Headquarters) before and compensation can be paid. Failure to adhere to this policy can result in disciplinary action in the form of apology, censure, reprimand or admonishment, fine, probation of a Chapter, suspension or expulsion of a member, removal of a member from office or revocation a Chapters charter, depending upon the severity of the offense. An appointed Code of Ethics and Standards Committee at each level (Chapter, Area or National Headquarters) is responsible for the administration and monitoring function. It shall oversee and ensure the process involving alleged violations of the Code of Ethics and Standards.”

“Form 990 is available to the general public upon request. The Chapters governing documents must conform to the Governing Documents of The Links Organization which include the Constitution and Bylaws of The Links, Incorporated, The Links Foundation, Incorporated, as well as supporting Financial Handbooks, Membership Manual, Manual of Procedures, Rituals and Protocol, Code of Ethics and Standards, etc. Each local chapter may adopt its own bylaws, which may not be in conflict with nor supersede the National Organizations governing documents. The Governing Documents published by the Links Organization are available only to members of the Links, Incorporated in the Members Only section of the website.”

“Part I SummaryBriefly describe the organizations Mission or most significant activities:The Links, Incorporated is an organization primarily comprised of women of African Heritage who are committed to enriching, sustaining and insuring the identities, culture and survival of people of African origin through cultural and educational programming; providing scholarships to college students; promoting healty lifestyles; awareness of societal problems in the local community, and betterment of the disadvantaged. Part IV, Line 5:The Niagara Falls (NY) Chapter must collect annual dues from all active members which are remitted to The Links, Incorporated, our Parent Organization in the amount determined by the National Assembly of the Links, Incorporated. These annual membership dues from almost 300 chapters provide the revenues for the operation of the National Headquarters in Washington, DC and four Area offices located in different parts of the United States. In addition, each local chapter may assess or determine an amount that each member must pay which are described as chapter or local dues to be used to defray the cost of chapter operations on a local basis.”