CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE STUDENTS ACTIONS VITAL TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND MOTHER EARTH MOVEMENT

PREAMBLE We, the youth and citizens of the world, the backbone of the society, the hope of all nations, bounded by the loving grace of the Almighty, in order to save, protect, and sustain the environment and the ecological balance of nature, do hereby ordain and promulgate this constitution and by-laws. ARTICLE I NAME AND OFFICE Section 1. The Movement shall be known as the Students Actions Vital to the Environment and Mother Earth Movement or may be referred to as the SAVE ME Movement. Section 2. The National Executive Council shall determine the domicile of the Movement. ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP AND DUES Section 1. There shall be four levels of membership in the movement to wit: a. Associate Member elementary student or qualified individuals with the age range of nine (9) to twelve (12) who will constitute a chapter in the elementary level; b. Junior Member high school student or qualified individuals with the age range of thirteen (13) to seventeen (17) who will constitute a chapter in the high school level and in the community; c. Senior Member student or qualified individuals with the age range of eighteen (18) and above who will constitute a chapter in the tertiary level and in the community d. Honorary Members individuals of good standing and with known advocacy on physical and social environment Section 2. The National Executive Council may confer organizational affiliate to the Movement subject to a guideline, which the National Executive Council may provide. Section 3. All levels of membership shall undergo basic orientation and training as a requisite of the issuance of the certificate of membership and identification card. Section 4. Membership dues of five pesos (Php 5.00), ten pesos (Php 10.00) and Twenty-Five (Php 25.00) shall be collected from the associate, junior and senior members respectively. Funds collected from membership dues shall accrue to the general fund of the Movement. Section 5. An amount that shall accrue to the cover accident insurance benefit for members may be collected from the members.

ARTICLE III DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Section 1. Nature is the source of life, the most important element in the universe. The sun, the air, the water, the food, the minerals and the like that sustain our life are provided to us by nature, hence, we owe our life to nature. Section 2. Mother earth deserves the respect and care for she is always a willing host for the human family to live. Regardless of nationality and race, we are part of a big human family on earth, which provides us with everything needed in order to live Section 3. Ecological balance and the environment must be respected, protected, preserved and sustained. Existence is only possible through the interplay of living and non-living things in the whole world, thus, it is our duty to respect, protect, preserve and sustain such mutual co-existence. Section 4. It is a sacred duty and responsibility of every member of the global family to live and act a mother earth friendly pattern of life. Every individual regardless of race, age, sex, religion and nationality transcending social, economic, political status in life must practice a new global environmental and ecological ethics. Section 5. The present generation is the custodian of Mother Earth for the next generation to come. The generations yet unborn deserve to enjoy, just like the present, the fruit of a better life. A safe and healthy mother earth is the greatest legacy and inheritance that the present generation can bequeath to the coming generations. Section 6. It shall be the goal of the movement to educate and inculcate environmental ethics among the youth and elicit broad, effective and efficient youth involvement on environmental activities and programs. Section 7. The following shall be the objectives of the movement: a. To inculcate environmental advocacy among the youth by means of educating them on issues pertaining to the environment and the ecological balance. b. To develop and inculcate environmental ethics among the youth. c. To elicit a broad and grass root participation and involvement of youth in environmental activities and programs. d. To foster unity and cooperation among the youth and to generate goodwill and friendship through environmental activities and programs. e. To develop a new breed of leaders among the ranks of students and the youth who respect the environment and ecological balance. 2

f. To impress upon the different sectors of the society and various agencies, private and public, the need of a collective and collaborative concern and action toward environmental protection. g. To make a broad and potent group which will participate in the formulation of policies pertaining to environmental and ecological protection and preservation by generating public opinion h. To take necessary steps and actions to integrate environmental issues and concerns in the different curricula of the different levels of education in the country. i. To tap the support of the teachers, the established youth organizations existing in the country and other non-governmental organizations. j. To establish local and international linkages for the purpose of funding, training and exchanges. ARTICLE IV DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS Section 1. It shall be the duty and responsibility of all members of the Movement to respect, adhere, and defend this constitution and by-laws Section 2. All members shall abide and practice the principles of the Movement by which it is founded. Section 3. Members shall accept position/designation and shall willingly offer their services to the Movement, which are vital for the realization of its goals and objectives. Section 4. Members shall participate and assist the officers in all programs, projects, activities or undertakings of the Movement. Section 5. Members shall follow and abide with all policies and regulations promulgated by the lawful officers of the Movement. ARTICLE V OFFICERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS National Directorate: Section 1. There shall be a National Directorate to consist of a chairman and not less than five (5) members to be selected and appointed from the different vital sectors in the country by the National Executive Council in consultation with the Founder to serve for a term of five (5) years unless a voluntarily resignation is made to the National Executive Council. Section 2. The founder of the Movement shall be a member of the National Directorate for life. Section 3. The National Directorate shall be the highest policy making body of the Movement. Section 4. The National Directorate shall be the conduit of the Movement to the different institutions and agencies by which the Movement can tap as partners or sponsors of its programs and projects in pursuance to the realization of its goals and objectives.

Section 5. The National Directorate may grant recognition to exemplary service or conduct done by the different chapters, officers and members. It may also grant honorary membership consistent to a set of criteria, which the Directorate will define. Section 6. The National Directorate shall elect a Chairman, a Directorate Secretary and any other position deemed necessary to carryout the duties and responsibilities of the Directorate with a term of five (5) years. Section 7. The National Directorate shall have its own house rules to govern the conduct of its meeting. Regional and Provincial Directorate Section 8. Regional and provincial directorate may be appointed by the National Executive Council or by the Founder to preside over the meetings of the Advisory Boards in the Regional and Provincial Chapters of the Movement Section 9. Regional and provincial directorate shall ensure that the policies and thrusts of the National Directorate is carried out in the regional and provincial levels. Advisory Board: Section 10. There shall be an Advisory Board in Regional, Provincial, and City/Municipal Chapters. Community and school based chapters may appoint advisers of known probity and commitment to the cause of the Movement. The national advisory board shall consist of not more than three (3) members nominated by the chapter secretariat and appointed by the chapter president. Section 11. The Advisory Board shall provide the chapter officers the necessary advice sought by its members in the pursuance of attaining the goals and objectives of the Movement. National Executive Council: Section 12. There shall be a National Executive Council consisting of the elected Regional Presidents of the Movement Section 13. The National Executive Council shall be responsible for the preparation of a medium term development plan translated into practical program of actions of the Movement subject to the approval of the National Directorate. Section 14. The National Executive Council shall be the forum where the experiences of the different chapters are shared and made as the basis of policy formulation by the National Directorate; hence, the National Executive Council shall meet yearly to prepare the yearend aggregate report of the Movements accomplishments in the national and chapter levels to be submitted to the National Directorate. Section 15. The National Executive Council shall have its own rules to govern the conduct of its meetings and may punish its erring members in accordance with such rules.

Section 16. The National Executive Council shall be presided by the Executive Director or anybody whom the Executive Director may designate from the members of the National Executive Council Executive Office Section 17. There shall be an Executive Office of the Movement which shall consist of an Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Deputy Executive Director for Finance to be appointed by National Directorate. Section 18. The Executive Office shall be the implementing arm of the Movement in the execution of programs and projects involving the participation of all chapters of the Movement. Section 19. The Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Deputy Executive Director for Finance may be given due compensation for services rendered in accordance to existing laws of the country duly approved by the National Directorate. Section 20. The Executive Director shall be the chief executive of the Movement. The Deputy Executive Director for Operations who shall be responsible for assisting the Executive Director in carrying out the programs and projects of the Movement and Deputy Executive Director for Finance who shall be responsible for the financial management and control of the Movement. Section 21. The Executive Director may hire working staff for the Executive Office through a staffing pattern with the corresponding compensation duly approved by the National Directorate. Section 22. The Executive Director may organize a volunteer brigade to assist the Executive Office in the performance of its functions. Regional, Provincial and City/Municipal Chapters Section 23. There shall be Regional, Provincial, City or Municipal Chapters of the Movement. Section 24. The Regional Chapters shall consist of the Presidents, the Vice President for Internal Affairs, Vice President for External Affairs and the Secretary General of the different organized chapters in the different provinces comprising the region. Section 25. The Provincial Chapters shall consist of the Presidents, the Vice President for Internal Affairs,Vice President for External Affairs and the Secretary General of the different organized chapters in the different municipalities and/or cities comprising the province. Section 26. The Municipal or City Chapters shall consist of the Presidents, the Vice President for Internal Affairs, Vice President for External Affairs and the Secretary General of the different organized chapters in the different schools and communities in the city or municipality. Section 27. The Regional, Provincial, City or Municipal Chapter Officers, as well as the Community and In-school Chapters shall have the following elected officers with a term of office of two (2) years with reelection with the duties and responsibilities to wit: 5

A. The President 1. Shall be the chief executive of the Chapter. 2. Shall exercise general supervision, control and direction over all the affairs of the Movement in his area of jurisdiction. 3. Shall speak and/or represent the Movement in all undertakings which require the presence and participation of the Movement in the area of jurisdiction. 4. Shall sign and enter into contracts and/or agreement for and in behalf of the Movement in the area of jurisdiction as authorized by the Executive Director or by the National Directorate 5. Shall sign and/or approve all pertinent papers and documents of the chapter. 6. Shall approve all financial transactions involving the funds of the chapter. 7. Perform such other functions as the Executive Director may assign. B. The Vice President for Internal Affairs: 1. Shall assist the President in the performance of his duties and responsibilities 2. Shall be the immediate successor of the president in case of his incapacity to perform his duties and responsibilities for whatever reason. 3. Perform such other functions as the chapter president may assign C. The Vice President for External Affairs 1. Shall be the official representative of the chapter on networks and linkages which requires the representation of the chapter subject to the proper guidance of the President 2. Shall establish linkages and network with institution and agencies in the area of jurisdiction subject to the proper guidance of the President 3. Perform such other functions as the chapter President may assign D. The Treasurer 1. Shall be the chief custodian of all funds and properties of the chapter. 2. Shall deposit all funds in a bank located in the area of jurisdiction and approved by the chapter secretariat. 3. Shall prepare, report and submit to the National Executive Council and the Executive Director 4. Shall certify to the validity of all financial transactions involving the use of funds from the Chapter consistent to the policies set forth by the Executive Office or the National Directorate. 5. Perform such other functions as the chapter President may assign E. The Auditor 1. Shall review and audit the financial report of the Treasurer 2. Shall attest to the validity of the financial report of the Treasurer 3. Shall prepare and implement policies and procedures pertaining to proper fund and supply management 4. Perform such other functions as the chapter President may assign. 6

The Secretariat Section 28. There shall be a secretariat appointed by the President to be headed by the Secretary General and the Chairpersons of the different standing committees as members to perform the following functions as a body: 1. Prepare the proposed chapter annual plan of action to be submitted National Executive Council and Executive Office in accordance to the approved medium term development plan of the National Directorate. 2. Implement the programs and projects of the chapter efficiently and effectively 3. Meet periodically to assess and evaluate the status of the programs and projects being undertaken by the chapter Section 29. The Secretary General shall be assisted by a Deputy Secretary General for Operation and a Deputy Secretary General for Finance and Management Information System to be appointed by the Secretary General Section 30. The Secretary General shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: a. b. c. d. Call and preside over the meetings of the Secretariat Coordinate and monitor the efficient and effective implementation of the programs and projects of the chapter Prepare and submit status reports on programs and projects to the President and the National Executive Council and the Executive Office Direct and supervise the different standing committee chairpersons of the chapter and ensure that their duties and functions are properly carried out. Section 31. There shall be permanent standing committees consisting of a Chairperson appointed by the President and five (5) members appointed by the Chairperson: a. The Committee on Ways and Means 1. Raise funds and provide the necessary resources needed in the implementation of the projects and programs of the Chapter 2. Initiate linkages and partnership with the private and public agencies which could help and assist the Chapter in coordination with the Vice President for External Affairs 3. Perform such other functions as may be provided by the Secretary General or the President b. The Committee on Public Relations, Publication and Research 1. Initiate moves to maintain and project a good public image of the Chapter 2. Prepare and publish relevant literature, paraphernalia and other publications for internal and external use 3. Conduct researches and publish the same on issues related to the realization of the Movements goals and objectives 7

4. Perform such other functions as may be provided by the Secretary General or the President c. The Committee on Chapter Development and General Membership 1. Facilitate the organization and accreditation of in-school and community based chapters in a manner to be determined by the Committee and approved by the Secretariat 2. Implement chapter and membership development program of the Movement 3. Keep the custody of chapter and general membership profile of the Chapter 4. Perform such other functions as may be provided by the Secretary General or the President d. The Committee on Education and Training 1. Prepare the materials for membership basic orientation and seminar to be used by all chapters 2. Prepare the materials for training and conduct the same among the officers and members of the Chapter 3. Prepare seminar and training designs aimed at developing the skills and competencies of officers and members of the Chapter and implement the same 4. Perform such other functions as may be provided by the Secretary General or the President e. The Committee on Programs and Projects 1. Prepare and submit concept papers, proposed programs and project proposals of the Chapter to the Secretariat for approval 2. Coordinate, facilitate and institute mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of programs and projects of the Chapter 3. Perform such other functions as the Secretary General or the President may assign Section 32. The President may create special or adhoc committees necessary to facilitate the realization of the goals and objectives of the Movement as per recommendation of the Secretary General. ARTICLE VI ACCOUNTABILITY OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS Section 1. All officers and members shall be accountable to the Movement by which they shall serve with utmost honesty, loyalty and dedication Section 2. An autonomous Central and Local Committee on Grievances and Discipline are hereby created to consist a chairman and five (5) members to be appointed by the respective Presidents as recommended by the general membership on the different chapters, to hear and conduct preliminary investigation on complaints against erring officer or member of the Movement. The National Directorate shall sit as the central grievance and discipline 8

committee which will include the exaction of accountability and disciplinary action from erring chapters. The chair should serve for three (3) years, the two (2) members shall serve for two (2) years and the three (3) other members to serve for one (1) year. Section 3. Any chapter, officer or members of the Movement can be expelled, fined or suspended from the Movement on grounds of culpable violation of this Constitution and By-Laws, disloyalty, dishonesty, and other crimes involving moral turpitude detrimental to the Movement. Two (2) among the members of the Committee on Grievances and Discipline justify a valid complaint and three (3) votes justify conviction in accordance to a Grievances and Disciplinary Guideline prepared by the Committee and approved by the President Section 4. Appeal on the decision of the Committee can be filed before the National Directorate whose decision shall be final and executory. ARTICLE VII GENERAL PROVISION Section 1.There shall be permanent official seal, banner, hymn and such other symbols of the Movement reflective of its principles, and aspiration to be proposed by the National Executive Council subject for the approval by the National Directorate. Section 2.The National Directorate shall hold an annual recognition to honor the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of the chapters, officers and members of the Movement. A special Committee on Awards and Recognition shall be created by the President annually to consider, screen and recommend the short list of nominees for award and recognition to the National Directorate, which shall determine the awardees. Awards shall be in form of cash, plaque, certificate, medals and such other awards determined by the Special Committee. Section 3. All chapters of the Movement shall have a parallel set of officers and functions as provided for in this Constitution and By-laws. Policies promulgated by the National Directorate and lawful officers of the Movement shall guide the local chapters in determining the programs and projects to undertake in their respective levels. Autonomy of chapters is hereby ensured in making the programs and projects relevant to their area of jurisdiction. Section 4. There shall be a regular annual national convention of the Movement. The National Directorate shall determine delegates to the Convention while the National Executive Council shall determine the venue, date, agenda and the proceedings of the Convention. Section 5. The term of office, not otherwise provided in this Constitution and By-laws shall be two (2) years. Appointed officials may be removed any time by the appointing authority. Election of officers in the Chapter levels shall be held in accordance to an election guideline to be prepared by the Executive Office. Section 6. The Executive Director shall serve as an ex-officio member of the National Directorate Section 7.The SAVE ME Movement Leadership Institute and SAVE ME Movement Institute of Entrepreneurship Development shall be created, each to be headed by an Executive Director appointed by the Executive Director in consultation with the National Directorate whose term 9

of office shall be two (2) years with reappointment. The Institutes shall be under the supervision of the Executive Director through the Founder. Section 8. The Institutes shall enjoy full autonomy and shall be self sustaining governed by each own rules and policies determined and adopted by the Respective Institute Executive Director who shall determine the staffing pattern and appoint the officials in consultation with the Executive Director and the National Directorate. Section 9. Financial transaction made for and on behalf of the Institute shall be subject to usual auditing procedures of the Deputy Director for Finance and the funds generated for its operations shall be subject to the safekeeping of the Deputy Director for Finance and may release the funds in accordance to fund disbursement procedures determined by the Institute. Section 10. Funds generated out of the Institutes operations, certified as available by the Institutes Executive Director, shall be subject to appropriation by the NEC to finance the Movements programs, projects and activities. The National Directorate may allow the Institute, through the Executive Director, to borrow funds from the Movement subject to repayment terms and conditions. ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS AND REVISION Section 1. The Executive Director and the National Executive Council may propose amendment to, or revision of this Constitution and By-laws to the National Directorate. Section 2. Any amendment to or revision of, this constitution and by-laws shall be deemed effective upon the approval of the National Directorate or by the National Executive Council. ARTICLE IX TRANSITORY PROVISION Section 1. The Founder shall serve as the interim Executive Director of the Movement until such time that the National Directorate appoints a regular Executive Director; Section 2. The Interim Executive Director may appoint the Deputy Director for Operations and the Deputy Director for Finance until such time that the National Directorate appoints the regular deputies; Section 3. The Founder of the Movement is hereby given a free hand to organize the new set of National Directorate of the Movement Section 4. The National Officers shall be deemed part of the volunteer brigade of the Executive Office. The Interim Executive Director shall make a staffing pattern to be filled by the existing national officers of good standing; ARTICLE X EFFECTIVITY

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Section 1. This revised constitution and by-laws shall take effect after the approval of the majority vote of present members of the Movement in an assembly called for such purpose. ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

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