CONSTITUTION OF THE COLUMBIA NATIVE AMERICAN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

 

Preamble

 

We, the Native Students of the Columbia University School of Law, acknowledge the need to assume a proactive role in the development of the Native American Legal Community, articulate and promote the needs of Native Law Students, increase the degree of professionalism among Native attorneys, encourage and prepare Native Secondary and Collegiate students for higher education, and increase the awareness of and a commitment to the needs of the Native Community as a whole, and do hereby establish the Constitution of the Columbia Native American Law Students Association.

 

The purpose of the Columbia Native American Law Students Association shall be to: articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of Native Law Students; foster and encourage professional competence; focus upon the relationship of the Native American Law Student and the Native American Attorney to the American legal structure; instill in the Native American Attorney and Law Student a greater awareness and commitment to the needs of the Native American community; influence the legal community to bring about meaningful change to meet the needs of the Native American community; adopt and implement a policy of economic independence; encourage Native Law Students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes.

 

ARTICLE I

Name

 

This organization shall be known as the Columbia Native American Law Students Association, hereinafter referred to as NALSA.

 

ARTICLE II

Affiliation

 

NALSA is a member chapter of the National Native American Law Students Association, Incorporated.

 

ARTICLE III

Membership

 

Section 1:          Eligibility for Membership

 

All law students currently matriculated at Columbia University School of Law shall be eligible for chapter membership.

 

Section 2:         Classification of Membership

 

Active membership of NALSA shall consist of dues-paying Native law students currently registered and attending Columbia University School of Law on a full or part-time basis.  Active membership may be conferred at any time by payment of dues.

 

Inactive membership of NALSA shall consist of:

 

Non-dues paying NALSA law students currently registered and attending Columbia University School of Law on a full or part-time basis after attendance at least one general body meeting of NALSA; and

 

Native law students matriculated by not currently registered or attending Columbia University School of Law.