By-Law

Ye Seife Giorgis Metasebia Edir Society is a duly registered non-profit organization established on March 21, 2024, under the laws of the Province of Alberta.

The primary purpose of the Society is to provide structured, reliable, and community-based financial and emotional support to individuals of Ethiopian descent who are adherents of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and reside within Calgary, Alberta, and its surrounding areas, particularly during times of bereavement and hardship.

In addition, the Society aims to support newly arrived Ethiopian immigrants who are legally authorized to reside in Canada, including permanent residents and Ethiopian-Canadian citizens, by strengthening community ties and providing social and cultural support systems.

Membership in the Society is voluntary. All members are required to fully understand, accept, and comply with the bylaws and policies governing the Society. Members are expected to actively fulfill their obligations as defined within this policy manual.

Failure by any member to meet the requirements, responsibilities, and expectations outlined in this manual shall not constitute liability or responsibility on the part of Ye Seife Giorgis Metasebia Edir Society.

The Society is owned, governed, and operated collectively by its registered members and functions in accordance with its approved bylaws, policies, and applicable provincial and federal legislation.

The governance of the Society is exercised through an elected Executive Committee, chosen by the general membership.

Members of the Executive Committee shall be nominated and elected by the general membership every three (3) years during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Executive Committee is accountable to the members and is responsible for ensuring that all activities, financial transactions, and decisions of the Society are conducted in accordance with the bylaws, policies, and applicable laws.

For the purpose of clarity and consistency, the following definitions apply:

Ye Seife Giorgis Metasebia Edir Society

A non-profit, community-based organization established to provide financial and emotional support to its registered members during times of loss.

Registered Member

An individual who has voluntarily applied, been approved, and fulfilled all requirements for membership in the Society.

Executive Committee

The governing body elected by members, consisting of:

• Director
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Auditor
• Two (2) Board Members

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

A mandatory yearly meeting where members review financial reports, organizational performance, and elect leadership.

Family

Includes:

• The registered member
• Spouse
• Children under the age of 25
• Dependent parents residing in the same household

Death Benefit

A predetermined financial amount payable to eligible members or designated beneficiaries upon death.

Beneficiary

An individual designated by a member to receive the death benefit.

Proxy

An individual authorized to act or vote on behalf of a member.

Power of Attorney

A legally recognized individual authorized to act on behalf of another.

Resignation of Membership

Voluntary termination of membership by a member.

Termination of Membership

Removal of membership due to failure to comply with bylaws or policies.

Qualified Surrounding Area

Geographic area within a 25-kilometer radius of Calgary, Alberta.

Team Leader / Sub-Team Leader

Members appointed to facilitate communication and coordination within assigned groups.

Director

Provides overall leadership, chairs meetings, ensures compliance, and oversees all operations.

Secretary

Maintains official records, meeting minutes, and documentation, and ensures proper communication.

Treasurer

Manages all financial matters, including record-keeping, reporting, and fund administration.

Auditor

Conducts internal reviews, verifies financial accuracy, and ensures accountability and transparency.

The Society was established by members of the Ethiopian community residing in Calgary to create a structured and reliable system of mutual aid during times of bereavement.

Recognizing the increasing population of Ethiopian-Canadians and the rising costs associated with funerals and related services, the Society formalizes traditional community support practices into an organized and sustainable system.

To qualify for membership, an applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a believer of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
• Reside within Calgary or within a 25 km radius
• Agree to comply with all bylaws and policies

Registration Fees (Non-Refundable)

• Family Plan: $775 CAD
• Single Parent Plan: $775 CAD
• Individual Plan: $587.50 CAD

Full payment is required prior to approval of membership.

Members must provide accurate family details at registration and update any changes promptly.

In situations where available funds are insufficient to cover benefit payments, members may be required to contribute a minimum of $50 CAD or more, as determined by the Executive Committee.

The Society shall provide a one-time financial payment of $20,000 CAD to an eligible member or their designated beneficiary, subject to compliance with eligibility criteria.

The Executive Committee shall organize members into structured teams to enhance communication, coordination, and operational efficiency.

Members may appoint an individual to act on their behalf for limited purposes such as payment submission or communication.

However, such individuals shall not have authority to:

• Collect benefit payments
• Modify official records
• Make legal decisions without proper documentation

Members are required to:

• Comply with all bylaws and policies
• Maintain active financial standing
• Attend required meetings

Penalty for Non-Attendance

A fee of $100 CAD may be imposed for failure to attend required meetings without valid justification.

Each member must designate a beneficiary at the time of registration. The Society shall rely on the most recent valid designation provided.

9.1 Notification

A Main Applicant shall notify the Society in writing within thirty (30) days of a divorce or legal separation by submitting the prescribed Family Membership Update Form.

9.2 Continuation of Membership

The family membership shall remain with the Main Applicant whose name appears on the Society's official membership records unless changed in accordance with this Article.

9.3 Transfer of Membership

The Main Applicant may voluntarily transfer the family membership to the former spouse with the written consent of both parties and the approval of the Executive Committee. Upon approval, the former spouse shall become the Main Applicant.

9.4 Separate Membership

If the family membership is not transferred, the former spouse may apply for membership in their own name by submitting a membership application and paying the annual membership fee in accordance with these Bylaws. The dependent registering as a new member shall not be required to pay the initial registration fee and will only be responsible for the annual membership contribution of $300 CAD. All changes must be reported to the Executive Committee promptly. Failure to update membership status may affect eligibility for benefits.

9.5 Membership Update Following Divorce or Legal Separation

Where the Main Applicant requests the removal of the former spouse from the family membership, the Society shall notify the former spouse and provide a reasonable opportunity to respond.

If the former spouse consents in writing, the Executive Committee may approve the membership update.

If the former spouse objects or does not provide written consent, the Executive Committee shall give both parties a reasonable opportunity to be heard. After considering the information provided, the Executive Committee may:

• approve the membership update;
• deny the request; or
• defer its decision until the parties submit a written agreement or a final court order.

The Executive Committee's decision shall be made in good faith, fairly, and in accordance with these Bylaws, and shall be final for the administration of the Society's membership and bereavement benefits, unless superseded by a final court order.

9.6 Society Responsibility

The Society's responsibility is limited to maintaining membership records and administering bereavement benefits in accordance with these Bylaws. The Society shall not determine or adjudicate disputes relating to divorce, legal separation, property division, child custody, inheritance, or any other family law matter.

10.1 Resignation

A member may voluntarily resign from the Society by submitting a written notice to the Executive Committee. Resignation becomes effective upon acceptance by the Executive Committee and does not relieve the member of any outstanding financial, contractual, or other obligations owed to the Society. A member who resigns is not entitled to a refund of any membership fees, registration fees, annual contributions, donations, or any other amounts previously paid to the Society.

10.2 Re-Registration

A former member who wishes to rejoin the Society may apply for re-registration by submitting a written application to the Executive Committee. Re-registration is subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Before membership is reinstated, the applicant must:

• Pay all outstanding amounts owed to the Society, if any;
• Pay any applicable re-registration fees established by the Society; and
• Meet any other membership requirements in effect at the time of re-registration.

Upon approval and fulfillment of all applicable requirements, the individual's membership shall be reinstated in accordance with these Bylaws and the Society's policies.

1. Purpose

This Article establishes the requirements for registering Temporary Family Members and Dependent Parents, the forms that must be completed, and the conditions for eligibility for Society membership and benefits.

2. Temporary Family Members

A parent, parent-in-law, or other approved family member who is temporarily staying in Canada may be registered as a Temporary Family Member.

Examples include persons holding:

• Visitor Visa;
• Super Visa;
• Temporary Resident status; or
• any other temporary immigration status.

The Main Applicant must complete and submit the Temporary Family Member Registration Form (Form TP-01) for each Temporary Family Member.

Registration as a Temporary Family Member is for record-keeping purposes only. Temporary Family Members are not Society members and are not eligible for Society benefits.

3. Dependent Parents

A parent may be registered as a Dependent Parent if the parent:

• is financially dependent on the Main Applicant or the Main Applicant's spouse;
• meets the eligibility requirements of these Bylaws; and
• is approved by the Executive Committee.

The Main Applicant must complete and submit the Dependent Parent Registration Form (Form DP-01) together with any supporting documents required by the Executive Committee.

4. Annual Renewal of Form DP-01

To keep a parent registered as a Dependent Parent, the Main Applicant must complete and submit Form DP-01 every year during the Society's annual membership renewal period, or whenever requested by the Executive Committee.

The annual renewal confirms that the parent:

• is still financially dependent;
• still qualifies as a Dependent Parent under these Bylaws; and
• remains eligible to continue as a Dependent Parent.

Failure to submit the annual renewal form may result in suspension or cancellation of the parent's Dependent Parent status until the required information is received and approved.

5. Waiting Period

A newly approved Dependent Parent must be continuously registered for at least twelve (12) months before becoming eligible for Society benefits. The waiting period begins on the date the Executive Committee approves Form DP-01.

6. Changes That Must Be Reported

The Main Applicant must notify the Society in writing within 30 days if the Dependent Parent:

• becomes financially independent;
• starts working or becomes self-employed;
• begins receiving regular income that may affect financial dependency;
• changes immigration or residency status; or
• has any other significant change affecting eligibility.

If required, the Main Applicant must submit an updated Form DP-01.

7. Verification

The Executive Committee may review Form TP-01, Form DP-01, or any supporting documents at any time to verify eligibility. The Executive Committee may request additional information or documents before approving or renewing a registration.

8. Individual Membership

If a parent no longer qualifies as a Dependent Parent, the parent shall no longer remain registered under the Main Applicant's membership. The parent must apply for Individual Membership by completing the Society's Membership Application Form and paying all applicable registration fees, annual membership fees, and other required fees before becoming eligible for Society benefits.

9. False or Misleading Information

All information provided on Form TP-01, Form DP-01, and any supporting documents must be complete, accurate, and truthful.

Providing false or misleading information, or failing to report a material change, may result in:

• cancellation of the registration;
• suspension or termination of membership;
• denial or recovery of Society benefits; and
• any other action permitted under these Bylaws.

Before making a final decision, the Executive Committee shall provide the member with an opportunity to respond.

Annual Contribution

The annual membership payment shall be made within one month from the date of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Penalty

Late payments incur a $100 CAD penalty.

Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination.

Membership in the Society is personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable under any circumstances.

A member shall not sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise convey their membership or any rights, privileges, or benefits arising from that membership to another person, except where expressly permitted by these Bylaws (such as the continuation of membership following divorce or legal separation under Article 9).

All registration fees, annual membership contributions, and any other payments made to the Society are final and non-refundable, regardless of resignation, suspension, termination of membership, divorce, separation, death, relocation, or any other circumstance.

The Society shall have no obligation to refund any fees or contributions paid by or on behalf of a member.

In the event of multiple deaths and insufficient funds:

• Members may be required to contribute $50 CAD or more immediately
• Failure to comply may result in penalties or termination

Members must maintain accurate and updated:

• Address
• Contact information
• Family details

Failure to update information may affect eligibility for benefits.

• Death Benefit: $20,000 CAD
• Emergency Fund Limit: $100,000 CAD

All financial decisions must be transparent and approved where required.

Includes:

• Death benefit payment
• Additional support such as $5,000 CAD for hospitality/services

Benefits are provided only if:

• Member is in good standing
• Proof of eligibility is submitted
• Residency requirements are met

All deaths must be reported immediately. Payments shall be processed after verification.

Accepted payment methods:

E-Transfer

seifegiorgis@gmail.com

Bank

TD Bank — Transit: 81819, Account: 5277789

Members must include full identifying information. Failure to do so may result in invalid payment.

All remaining articles including governance, charity operations, compliance, audits, transparency, and dissolution shall be strictly enforced to ensure:

• Legal compliance with Alberta and CRA regulations
• Financial accountability and transparency
• Proper use of funds for community benefit
• Prevention of personal gain or misuse