Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference, Inc.
Unity through Understanding
The purpose of the Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference, Inc. (COWUC) is to allow all interested parties to come together equally and have a voice on all issues that we all care about in this community. We feel it is best for all to have a better understanding of each other and all are talking from the same page in history. This is an important step in understanding how we can best help all our own people in the greater community. There are many issues that affect us all. We all hate the desecration of our graves. We all seek to have a curriculum for schools in which Native American Indian Culture and Heritage are taught with Truth, Honor, and Pride. We are all seeking the preservation of our culture and way of life. We all wish to see the stereotyping and misunderstandings slide into history where it belongs.
COWUC accepts and understands that all tribes, organizations or groups are unique and singular in nature. Joining COWUC is a commitment to a better understanding and fulfillment of Native American Indian People is our community. COWUC will in no way interfere in the workings, organization, or daily routines of any member organization. The Circle of Wisdom is a Gathering of the People to disperse information for the benefit of all Native American Indian Peoples. Written rules governing COWUC have been implemented and adhered to for the purposes of helping all groups to have knowledge of all things available to the People in this community.
We invite all organized groups (incorporated or not), to join by sending a representative to Quarterly Meetings in which information could be dispersed to all people equally. The Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference, Inc. will serve only as a medium to allow all Native American Indian Groups the right to speak and to hear what other groups have to say on subjects that we all have in common.
Many groups have already implemented certain efforts to cover issues. It is better to accept that this is already under way and allows that group to champion the issues. Other groups could provide help to this already established effort. We get the benefits of having the issues confronted and also save ourselves the money and efforts of duplication. Each group could not possibly cover the many complicated issues plaguing the Native American Indian population in this community. Nor are we everywhere at all times. Having knowledge of what other groups are doing will allow us to direct our people in need to those groups who are already set up to handle those needs.
Our Community has for years had the same problems many states and other areas have had. The Native American Indian groups cannot get along. Infighting is common all over. This does not mean we cannot join in Unity for major issues that we all care about and that mean so much to all Native American Indian peoples. The Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference, Inc. is just such an effort. The idea is sound and will help to strengthen all groups. It is a beginning and is the best possible image that we could send to our children. All realize that we must have rules and COWUC can only work if all groups understand and adhere to those rules and what the Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference is attempting to do in this community.
The basic rules below were written in 1997 and it is best to read the copies of our present bylaws. But, it is good for all to see what thoughts prevailed in the minds of those first Organizations that joined in the creation of the Unity Conference.
Basic Rules Governing the Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference
1.
The Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference is an Incorporated Non-Profit organization made up of many other non-profit Native American Indian Organizations and Individual people.
A.Incorporated as of 1998, but functioning as of 1997.
B.EIN Federal number issued in 1998.
C.By-laws written and 501 C 3 Status gained as of 1999.
D.All Items above are copied and supplied to each organization.
2.The Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference will not interfere in any member organizations internal purposes or agenda or selection or election of that organization representative to the conference.
3.The Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference purpose is to gather information and disperse this information to all organizations and individuals equally whether they are Organized (Incorporated) or Not.
4. The Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference will maintain ties to the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission as a means to work with all within this state and community to the betterment of all Native people.
5.The Voting Board of the Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference will be made up of one representative from each organization that is actively participating in this community and chooses to be a part of the Conference. We also allow votes from individuals who have become active and may be elected as an officer without belonging to any incorporated organization.
6.The Circle of Wisdom has no authority to force their vote on any group. We simply wish for all groups to understand where the majority stands on the Issues.
7. Voting representatives will have a responsibility to their organization.
1.To let the membership of their respective organization know the feelings of the majority of those in council.
2.To disperse the information gathered at the quarterly meetings to their membership for all to understand what is available in the community.
8.An Organization’s representative can be changed at any time. But, a letter should be sent to the Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference Secretary or any officer confirming such action as soon as possible.
9.Each Organization must complete paperwork that is essential for the Annual report for the State in which we are incorporated.
10. Each Member Organization understands the rights of others and wishes to adhere to the purposes and goals of the Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference on major issued that all are concerned with in this community.
Further Information or Application to the Circle of Wisdom Unity Conference, Inc.
