ROHNERT PARK, CA — When the Executive Committee of United Nepalese of California unanimously signed and adopted its official 22-page Bylaws on July 24, 2025, it wasn't just a bureaucratic formality. It was a foundational act — one that transforms UNC from a community group into a fully structured, democratically governed, legally accountable nonprofit organization built to serve Nepalese families in California for generations to come.
But what exactly is inside those 22 pages? And why should every UNC member — or anyone thinking of joining — care about them?
Here is a clear breakdown of what the bylaws establish and what it means for the community.
A Community Center Is Written Into UNC's DNA
Right from Article II, the bylaws make something crystal clear: UNC's ultimate purpose is not just to host events — it is to establish a permanent Nepalese cultural and community center in the North Bay Area of California.
This center is envisioned as a physical hub where Nepalese and American families come together through cultural events, educational programs, and social gatherings. It is designed to foster intergenerational connections, provide support to those in need, and serve as a shared space that honors Nepali tradition while embracing the opportunities of California life.
This is not a vague aspiration sitting on a website — it is the legally stated mission of the organization, written into its governing document.
Membership: What It Costs, What You Get, and What You Owe
One of the most practical sections of the bylaws covers membership in full detail. Here is what members need to know:
UNC offers flexible membership options to suit every member of the Nepalese community. A Single Membership costs $20 for a 2-year term, while a Family Membership is $50 for 2 years, covering the primary member, spouse, and children under 18. Student Membership is available at just $15 for 2 years, making it accessible for young community members pursuing their education.
For those looking to make a lifetime commitment to the community, UNC offers three Lifetime Membership options: a Single Life Membership at $150, a Couple Life Membership at $200, and a Family Life Membership at $300 — a one-time investment that keeps you connected to the Nepalese community in California forever.
Family membership covers the primary member, their spouse, and all children under 18. Membership validity begins from the month of joining and extends through the end of the following calendar year — meaning even if you join in November, you're covered through the entire next year.
What members are entitled to:
- The right to freely participate in all organizational affairs
- The right to vote and run for elected office (Regular Members only)
- Family memberships receive dual voting rights — one for the primary member, one for the spouse
- Dignity, respect, and civic courtesy from the organization at all times
Crucially, proxy voting is not allowed — your voice must be your own.
UNC may also grant Honorary Memberships to individuals who have made significant contributions to its mission, recognizing exceptional community service beyond financial membership.
How UNC Is Led — and How Leaders Are Held Accountable
The bylaws establish a carefully structured 21-member Executive Committee (ExCom) that governs the organization. This includes the President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, General Secretary, Secretary, General Treasurer, Treasurer, three specialized Coordinators, and elected Executive Members — supported by an Advisory Board of up to nine respected community leaders.
Three coordinator roles deserve special attention as they reflect UNC's values:
- Media Coordinator — Manages communications and keeps the community informed
- Youth Coordinator — Specifically dedicated to engaging the next generation of Nepali-Californians
- Women Coordinator — Advocates for women's participation and organizes programs centered on women's empowerment
Term limits matter. No individual can serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position, ensuring fresh leadership and preventing the concentration of power. ExCom members serve voluntarily — no member receives financial compensation for their service.
The bylaws also include strict accountability measures. Any ExCom member who misses three consecutive meetings without explanation faces automatic suspension. Members can be removed by a majority ExCom vote, or by the broader voting membership at a duly called general meeting.
Additionally, no more than one member of the same family or household may serve on the Executive Committee at the same time — a safeguard against nepotism that reflects UNC's commitment to fairness.
How Decisions Are Made — Transparent and Democratic
The bylaws establish clear rules for how UNC makes decisions:
- The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held once per year, open to all members, with at least five weeks' notice given in advance
- At least half of ExCom members must be present for any vote to be valid
- Decisions require a two-thirds majority of those present — not just a simple show of hands
- Special meetings can be called by the President, or demanded by 50% of ExCom or 50% of the membership in writing — giving ordinary members real power to raise urgent concerns
The President holds a unique position: they do not vote on regular matters, casting a ballot only in the event of a tie. This keeps leadership impartial and deliberative.
What Happens to UNC's Assets — Even in the Worst Case
The bylaws address a question few organizations confront openly: what happens if UNC ever had to dissolve?
The answer reflects UNC's integrity. In the event of dissolution — which would require approval of at least two-thirds of all regular members — every remaining asset would be distributed to other qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. No individual member can ever make a personal claim to UNC's assets. The community's money stays in service of the community.
A Living Document — Members Can Shape It
Perhaps most empowering of all: the bylaws are not locked away and untouchable. Any regular member of UNC may submit a written proposal to amend the bylaws. If the ExCom deems the proposal appropriate and it passes by majority vote at a general or special meeting, it takes effect immediately and is incorporated into the official document.
All approved amendments must also be published in UNC's newsletter for full member awareness.
This means UNC's governing framework is genuinely of the community, by the community, and for the community.
Read the Full Bylaws
The complete 22-page UNC Bylaws document — signed by President Deepak Timsina, General Secretary Raj Kumar Pandey, and the full Executive Committee on July 24, 2025 — is publicly available for all members and supporters to review.
Download the Bylaws: unitednepcal.org/resources
Get Involved With UNC
Now that you know how UNC works — join it, shape it, and own it.
- Become a Member: unitednepcal.org/membership
- Volunteer: unitednepcal.org/volunteer
- Donate: unitednepcal.org/donate
- Call: 510-734-7267 | Email: [email protected]
United Nepalese of California (UNC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 39-3919914) dedicated to uniting and empowering Nepalese communities across California. 7520 Bobbie Way, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 | www.unitednepcal.org
