Bylaws for Common Ground Pacific


Article I. Classification of Organization


The student-led nonprofit organization, Common Ground Pacific, shall be governed by a Board of Directors. The board of directors includes individuals who will bear the responsibilities of leadership, organizing fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. Board members will also aid in the guidance of the President and other board members alike, striving to create an environment in which the organization can accomplish its goals. Common Ground Pacific is chartered as a nonprofit organization under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Hawaii, as contained in Chapter 414D of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (Hawaii Nonprofit Corporations Act). 

In accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the purposes of Common Ground Pacific are to promote educational opportunities, youth development, volunteer service, and programs that offer mentorship, service, and fundraising efforts for charitable causes to immigrant and refugee communities. The foundation carries out these purposes to advance the public good and benefit communities locally and globally. 


Article II. Name




Article III. Board of Directors


The affairs, activities, projects, and property of Common Ground Pacific shall be managed and controlled by its Board of Directors. The Board shall establish policies, oversee programs, oversee finances, and take necessary action to further the mission and purposes of the Corporation in accordance with applicable laws and bylaws. 


The Board of Directors shall be no fewer than three (3) and no more than fifteen (15) directors. The exact number of Board members may be adjusted by resolution of the Board.


Directors shall act in the best interests of the mission of the Common Ground Pacific and disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. No director shall participate in a decision in which they have a direct financial interest unless approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors. 



A majority vote of the existing Board of Directors and Founders shall choose directors. Individuals may be nominated based on their commitment to the mission, relevant experience, and other qualifications appropriate to the best interests of the Corporation. Directors shall serve a term of one (1) year and may be re-elected for additional terms. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled by appointment or majority vote of the existing Board of Directors.

A director may be removed by a majority (two-thirds vote) of the existing members of the Board. Any conflict of interest will result in the immediate removal of the Board Member. Any activity that is an actual or perceived conflict with the mission or best interests of the Corporation will lead to removal or other disciplinary action as determined by the disinterested directors. 


Article IV. International Leadership Board


The International Leadership Board shall consist primarily of student leaders from around the world who support the Corporation’s mission through program development, chapter management, outreach, fundraising, volunteering, and other activities approved by the board.


The International Leadership Board may carry out responsibilities, outreach, and other activities overseen by the Board of Directors. Final authority over corporate governance, finance, and legal matters shall remain with the Board of Directors. 


Article V. Meetings 

An Annual Meeting of Common Ground Pacific shall be held each year at a date and time determined by the Board of Directors for the purpose of reviewing the affairs of the Corporation, considering strategic goals and financial conditions for the upcoming year, and conducting any other business that may properly come before the Board. 


Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least four (4) times per year according to a schedule established by the Founder and Co-Founder. Special meetings may be called in case of emergency. Notice of such meetings shall be provided by email or other digital communication at least seven (7) days in advance.


Regular meetings of the International Leadership Board shall be held at least once a month according to a time established by the Founder. Meetings will be held on Zoom with those available, or information shall be sent via email or other means of digital communication. Additional meetings may be scheduled as necessary to support the programs and operations of the Corporation. 


All meetings of the Corporation, Board of Directors, International Leadership Board, and any other committees may be conducted through video conference, telephone conference, or other digital communication platforms. Participation through such means shall constitute attendance at the meeting. 


Article VI. Gifts, Grants, and Funds


The Corporation may accept any gift, grant, or donation consistent with its charitable and educational purposes. The Board of Directors shall approve and oversee such funds.


The Corporation may conduct fundraising activities, donation drives, and related initiatives, including campaigns across different schools, states, or regions. Common Ground Pacific may also apply for or receive grants or other forms of financial assistance. Funds raised may be used directly by the Corporation or donated to other nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, as authorized by the Board of Directors. 


The Corporation may organize collective fundraising campaigns in which student leaders, chapters, or representatives conduct donation drives in their respective communities, schools, or regions. All local fundraising efforts shall be conducted under the direction and approval of the Corporation and must align with a unified cause, campaign, or beneficiary organization. All funds collected shall be reported, submitted, and never used for personal benefit. 


All funds shall be held in accounts designated by the Corporation and Board of Directors, including a bank account specific to the Corporation. Access to financial accounts shall be limited to the individuals authorized by the Board of Directors. No individual shall have independent control over Corporation funds without authorization from the Board. 


Article VII. Prohibited Actions and Compliance


Members of Common Ground Pacific acting on behalf of the Corporation shall not use their position for private gain or personal benefit. All activities must be in the best interest of the Corporation and its mission.


Members of Common Ground Pacific shall maintain appropriate professional boundaries with program participants. Any relationships that cause or imply a conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety must be disclosed. 


The Corporation shall not participate in any political campaign for any candidate for public office, in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 


The Corporation shall not engage in transactions or provide services to individuals listed on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List or any other prohibited persons list under applicable law.


Tutors and members of Common Ground Pacific shall maintain confidentiality regarding organizational, financial, and personal information except as required by law. Members shall keep all names, images, and personal information of participants in the program, such as tutorees, private and confidential. Members shall not request personal information from participants who do not wish to share beyond what is reasonably necessary for participation. Personal information includes address, contact information, photographs, or other identifying details. Participation in sharing personal information shall always be voluntary, and no participant shall be pressured to disclose information they are not comfortable sharing. 


Any violation of these provisions will result in disciplinary action, suspension, or removal from the Corporation as determined by the Board of Directors.