Article 1

NAME AND IDENTITY OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Association is known as “Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, SACSAA (St. Anthony’s College, Shillong Alumni Association) Unit.

1. Members of the Association are persons who have attended St. Anthony’s College, Shillong and thus received a preparation for life based on the principles of Don Bosco’s educational system, commonly known as the Preventive System.
2. The education received creates in them bonds of filial loyalty and gratitude and a readiness to witness to the values of Don Bosco’s educational system as well as a capacity for service.
3. The Past Pupils are inspired by gratitude to participate in Don Bosco’s Mission and educational project in the world, in ways that are consonant with their state in life.
4. To take part in the Association of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, a Past Pupil has to register himself/herself in the unit and accept to abide by the rules and regulations of the Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco in India.

Article 2

THE UNIT

1. The unit of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, SACSAA unit, is made up of Past Pupils who, aware of the commitments contained in the Statutes and Regulations of the Association of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, at Unit, Province, National, and World levels, have voluntarily organized themselves into an association attached to St. Anthony’s College, Shillong which is a Don Bosco Institution.
2. This unit is formally constituted through a decision of the Rector and his Council of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong to which it is attached. It has a Salesian Delegate appointed by the Rector of the institution or preferably the Rector is the Unit Delegate of the Past Pupils Association.

   Note: Here the word “Institution” implies a Salesian higher educational establishment where young people receive formation and training.

3. To the House Council belongs the power to dissolve the unit on the recommendation of the Unit Delegate. However, such a step should be taken by intimating the Provincial Executive Committee of the Past Pupils. In the event of such a step being taken, the House Council appoints an Ad Hoc Unit Executive Committee to function till the next meeting of the Annual General Assembly (AGA) or till such period as it deems fit. The ad hoc committee will, however, remain in office only till the expiry of the term to which the dissolved committee was elected.
4. The following procedure is adopted for the election of the Executive Committee of the unit:
   1. The General Assembly is called by the Delegate to elect the Office bearers and Executive Committee members and to fix the membership fee.
   2. The General Assembly elects, from among themselves, the office bearers (President, Vice President Senior, Vice President GEX, Secretary, Treasurer, and Committee members) by separate voting for each post. To be elected, a candidate needs to obtain a simple majority. In case of a deadlock, the matter shall be decided by the casting vote of the Unit Delegate.
   3. After the elections, the members register themselves and pay the membership fees.
5. The unit shall pay to the provincial Federation an annual affiliation fee, the quantity of which is determined by the Provincial Council of the Past Pupils.

Article 3

AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION

1. The general aims of the association are:
1. To keep in touch with, unite and animate all former beneficiaries of Don Bosco Education so as to help them to preserve, develop, and live the values of Don Bosco’s education they have received.
2. To spread the spirit of Don Bosco and to involve themselves in Don Bosco’s mission to the youth of today.
3. To uphold and promote the values and the rights of the human person and the family.
4. To work towards building up a social and political order based on justice, peace, and harmony.
2. Saint Anthony’s Unit aims at serving all former pupils, irrespective of whether they are registered or not. Every past pupil tries to keep alive the ties of fraternal friendship initiated by Don Bosco and continued through his Salesians.

Article 4

ENROLMENT AND MEMBERSHIP

1. To become a member of the unit, a past pupil should have frequented St. Anthony’s College for a period of time sufficient to enable him/her to know Don Bosco and assimilate the spirit of Don Bosco to some extent.
2. He/She has to submit a written application for membership to the unit Secretary, together with the membership subscription. If the Executive Committee finds the application in order, the applicant is enrolled.
3. To take membership in the SACSAA unit, one need not have frequented St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. It is sufficient that he/she has frequented a Don Bosco Institution anywhere in the world.
4. Past Pupils who have passed through more than one Don Bosco Institution take membership from the unit of their choice. In case of transfer of residence or if a Past Pupil so desires, he/she may take membership from the SACSAA unit, if it is more convenient to him/her, after intimating the unit of origin.
5. There is only one type of membership called Life Membership. While enrolling in the SACSAA Unit, it is the right of the individual to choose; it cannot be imposed on them by the unit. Life members shall receive a Life Membership Card for the National Federation. All elected executive committee members must be life members. A membership fee of Rs. 300 grants one life-term membership to the SACSAA unit.
6. When an individual ceases to be a member of a local unit through voluntary resignation or an act of dismissal by competent authority, the member also loses his/her membership/office (if any) in the provincial, as well as National Federations and the World Confederation.
7. Any faculty teaching in the college or a support staff working on a permanent basis naturally becomes a member of the SACSAA unit. However, a membership fee for a life term may be paid for the sake of the organization.

Article 5

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION

1. Saint Anthony’s College unit fixes the subscription amount for both Annual and Life membership. However, for every life membership subscription collected, the unit shall pass on to the Provincial Federation the cost of the Life Membership Card + 25% of the subscription amount, while the Provincial Federation shall, in turn, pass on to the National Federation the cost of the Card + 25% of the 25% it receives from the unit.
2. Members who transfer from one unit to another shall pay to the new unit its membership subscription – annual or life. However, life members who transfer from one unit to another within the same province need to pay only the unit’s share of the subscription (i.e., 75%). If the transfer is to a unit in a different province, the unit’s share and the Provincial Federation’s share should be paid (i.e., 75% + 18.75%). When a life member changes province and desires a new Life Membership Card, the cost of the Card has to be paid anew.

Article 6

RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

Registered members have the right to:

1. Vote during meetings and elections in Saint Anthony’s unit subject to Art 19e and provided he/she paid the membership subscription.
2. Contest elections, subject to Art 19d.
3. Register themselves on the official database of the Association and receive the official news organ and other communications.
4. Enjoy other facilities as granted by Saint Anthony’s College unit.

Article 7

ACTIVITIES

Any activity of the unit is valid if it corresponds to the aims of the association and is in harmony with the Spirit of Don Bosco. Saint Anthony’s College Unit encourages its members to be active as a group and as individuals in any work or project that promotes the aims of the Association.

Article 8

TASKS OF THE UNIT

1. To hold the Annual General Assembly (AGA).
2. To hold periodic programmes for the on-going formation of the Past Pupils so that they, as individuals and groups, grow in their awareness of the obligations of being Past Pupils of Don Bosco.
   1. Initiate research and study of the situation of the youth of the locality, especially of those who are marginalized or neglected, in view of addressing their most urgent needs.
   2. Organizing programmes for developing leadership qualities in the Past Pupils so that they become community leaders and agents of peace and harmony in society, promoters of justice, and defenders of human rights.
   3. Organizing educational, social, cultural, and spiritual activities for themselves and for the young people of the society.
   4. Organizing programmes to develop in young people the sense of responsibility and concern for society.
   5. Studying the statutes, and implementing the resolutions and directives of the Provincial Federation.

Article 11

THE UNIT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. The unit executive committee is the executive organ of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong unit of the Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco. It consists of the Delegate, President, Vice-President (Senior), Vice President (GEX), Secretary, Treasurer, and a minimum of Five Executive Committee Members.
2. The unit executive committee, on recommendation from the Unit President or Unit Delegate, may co-opt other Past Pupils. However, the number of co-opted members must be one less than the elected members. Co-opted members have no right to vote.
3. The Quorum is one third of the elected members.
4. The unit executive committee meets once in two months, and whenever the Unit President or the Unit Delegate deems it necessary.
5. It helps the Unit President to prepare the agenda for the meetings.
6. To foster the growth of the unit and create better relationships among the Past Pupils, the bi-monthly meetings of the unit Executive Committee may be followed by an informal meeting with all the Past Pupils who are able to attend.
7. To fix the membership subscription and get it approved in the Annual General Assembly.
8. To plan and evaluate the Annual Program.
9. To draw up strategies to strengthen the Past Pupils movement.
10. To pass resolutions on the activities of the unit.
11. To decide a suitable date, as per the recommendation from the Unit President, to hold the unit elections.
12. In consultation with the Unit Delegate, it finalizes the nominations of the candidates who wish to contest the Provincial elections as per the criteria set by the Provincial Election Commission, which are then forwarded to the Provincial Election Commission by the Unit President.

Article 12

THE UNIT DELEGATE

1. The Delegate of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong unit is not an elected member. He is appointed by the Rector of the house. He takes the place of Don Bosco, as a spiritual animator and guide. Wherever the Delegate is not the Rector of the House, he acts as his representative.
2. He is directly responsible for the ongoing formation, including the spiritual animation of the Past Pupils.
3. He carries out his work of animation through his interventions during the meetings and gatherings, through his communications, personal contacts, visits, etc.
4. If he is not himself the Rector, he takes care to brief the Rector and the House Council regularly regarding the plans and activities of the unit.
5. He keeps the House Council informed about the state of affairs of the unit.
6. He maintains timely communication with the Provincial Delegate and keeps him informed about the happenings of the unit.
7. He ensures that the unit faithfully adheres to the Statutes, rules, and regulations of the organization and that everything is done in the true spirit of Don Bosco. If, in the opinion of the Delegate, the unit is functioning in a manner contrary to the principles and spirit of Don Bosco, he may recommend to the Council of the Salesian Institution (House Council) the dissolution of the Unit Executive Committee and appoint an ad hoc Executive Committee till fresh elections are held.
8. As an animator and guide, he is present at all meetings and gatherings. Whenever he is unable to attend, he keeps himself informed of what takes place at the meetings.
9. As a member of the Unit Executive Committee, he takes full part in all its deliberations, decisions, and activities. His presence at meetings of the Provincial Federation Council is vital.
10. He acts as a link between the Past Pupils and the Salesian Community.
11. He is a compulsory signatory to all financial transactions of the unit.

Article 13

THE UNIT PRESIDENT

1. He represents the SACSAA unit in its dealings with the Salesian Congregation, the Provincial Executive Committee, the Civil authorities, and others.
2. In agreement with the Unit Delegate, he convenes and prepares the agenda of the Annual General Assembly, the Unit Executive Committee meetings, and all other meetings of the unit and presides over them.
3. He communicates to the members the decisions of the Provincial Council and ensures the execution of those decisions which have a bearing on the unit.
4. He keeps the Unit Delegate informed of the state of affairs of the unit and what happens in meetings which the Delegate is unable to attend.
5. He ensures that the unit is represented at all Provincial Council meetings and other gatherings where the unit is invited to participate.
6. He ensures that all Unit Executive Committee members carry out their duties diligently and in keeping with the rules and regulations of the Association.
7. After every major activity, he conducts an evaluation of it. Once every four months, he makes an assessment of the overall performance of the unit, paying particular attention to life membership, finances, formation, payment of annual Provincial Federation affiliation charges, and execution of deliberations carried out.
8. Whenever important functions are held at the unit level, the President shall extend invitations to the Provincial Federation Council and to the neighboring units.
9. He ensures to invite the Provincial President for his Annual Visitation to the unit.

Article 14

THE UNIT VICE PRESIDENT (SENIOR)

1. He takes the place of the president in his absence.
2. He is present at all SACSAA unit Executive Committee meetings and assists the President in his duties.

Article 16

THE UNIT SECRETARY

1. He prepares and keeps up to date the list of the Life members and the List of all the Past Pupils of the institution.
2. He sends out notices for meetings of the unit Executive Committee and of the Annual General Assembly.
3. He attends to the correspondence of the unit.
4. He draws up the minutes of the meetings of the unit Executive committee and of the annual General assembly.
5. He presents to the provincial Council the unit’s Annual report and statements of Accounts.
6. He is responsible for giving updates to the Provincial Federation for updating the Provincial and National Website.
7. He prepares and presents the relevant documents during the annual visitation of the Provincial President.
8. He prepares the chronicles and statistics by collecting necessary information, documents, photos and presents it to the Unit Executive Committee during its meetings.
9. He looks after and preserves the archives of the unit, taking special care to file all correspondence and keep them up to date.
10. He prepares and sends to the provincial secretariat the reports and documentation regarding the Principal activities of the SACSAA Unit.
11. He keeps the president informed of all happenings in the unit and ensures that no decision is made or any correspondence goes out of the office without the president’s knowledge and consent.
12. On the completion of his tenure, he hands over all the files (minutes books, attendance register, life membership file, unit reports file, correspondence file, Disciplinary action taken file – if any, rubber stamps, flags, log in credentials of the Unit Website, Website domain provider, email id’s and social media platforms) and documentation regarding the unit to the incoming Secretary in the presence of the Unit Delegate.

Article 17

THE UNIT TREASURER

1. He prepares and keeps up to date the inventory of goods owned or used by the SACSAA Unit of the Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco.
2. He receives subscriptions, contributions and any other income and accounts for the same.
3. He prepares the internally audited Statement of Accounts of the Unit and presents it at the Annual General Assembly for approval and also gives it to the Unit Secretary for presentation at the Provincial Council meetings.
4. He prepares and presents the relevant documents during the annual visitation of the provincial President along with the Provincial Executive Committee.
5. He maintains the registers and books of accounts and carries out the administrative acts of the unit.
6. He deposits the money of the unit in a Bank account in the name of the unit, which is to be operated by two signatories out of three (Delegate, President, Treasurer). The delegate must be the compulsory signatory to all financial transactions of the Unit.
7. He passes on to the provincial Federation the amount fixed as annual affiliation fees.
8. He hands over the balance Sheet of the audited account to the Provincial Executive committee.
9. On Completion of his tenure, he hands over to the incoming treasurer all registers, receipt books, cash, bank passbooks, cheque books, vouchers, fixed deposit receipts and documents relating to finance in the presence of the Unit Delegate.

Article 18

UNIT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

1. The SACSAA unit Executive Committee Members take part in the Unit Executive Committee meetings with full and equal rights as the Office bearers.
2. Co-opted Executive Committee members will not have the right to vote.
3. Elected or co-opted members of the unit Executive Committee who do not have at least 40 percent attendance at the convened meetings in a year are disqualified to stand for elections again for the next one (1) term. However, those who fall short of the 40 percent attendance in any year may be considered eligible by the Election Commission, if they have an aggregate of at least 50 percent attendance in a four-year term.

Article 19

ELECTION RULES

1. Elections are held once in four years.
2. Based on their experience, the unit Executive Committee fixes the number of members required for the unit executive committee. This is to be done at the unit Executive Committee meeting held three months prior to the meeting in which the elections actually take place.
3. Nominations in the format approved by the Election commission attested by two registered members of the unit should be submitted to the Unit Delegate in hard copy at least twenty one days in advance prior to the date of election.
4. Eligibility to contest:
   1. The right to contest the election for the Unit Executive Committee is the privilege of the registered Life members and who are present during the elections.
   2. The candidate must be a registered member of the unit at least 12 months prior to the date of election.
   3. To file nomination for an Office bearer’s post the candidate must be below the age of 65 years as on the date of election.
   4. The candidates nominated for election should be registered in their local units, active, enthusiastic and, if elected, available and willing to spare time and energy for the unit in the true spirit of Don Bosco.
5. Eligibility for Voting:
   1. Members registered less than twelve months before the election shall not have the right to vote, but may be present at the meeting.
   2. A member must have at least 40 percent attendance for the meetings, or a member must have participated in at least 40 percent of the activities conducted in the current tenure of the Unit Executive Committee.
6. Whether a member qualifies to vote or stand for an election is decided by the Election Commission (EC). The decision of the Election Commission in this regard is final and cannot be questioned.
7. The voting is done for each post separately by secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate needs to obtain simple majority. In case of a deadlock, the matter shall be decided by the casting vote of the unit delegate.

Article 20

ELECTION COMMISSION (EC)

1. The election commission consists of:
   1. The Unit Delegate.
   2. The outgoing unit Executive Committee appoints a registered life member of the Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, of integrity and repute or the outgoing President if he is himself not a candidate for election.
   3. An independent person who is not in the Association of Past Pupils of Don Bosco.
2. The independent member is named by the outgoing unit Executive Committee. It is convenient to choose someone close to the place where the election is going to be held.
3. The registered life member of the Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, of integrity and repute or the outgoing President if appointed by the outgoing Unit Executive Committee will preside over the Election Commission. For clarity sake, the Unit Delegate and the independent person who is not in the Association of Past Pupils of Don Bosco cannot preside over the Election Commission.
4. The provincial delegate is member of the Election Commission as a witness and a guardian of Charisma and as a member may provide advice to the Election commission.
5. The Election Commission is the final authority in all matters related to the elections.
6. The Election Commission has the right to reject a member’s nomination if, in its opinion, the member is found not eligible to be a candidate. The decision of the Election Commission taken in this regard will be final and shall not be questioned.
7. The Election Commission will ascertain whether the members filing nominations are registered, active and enthusiastic and if elected, will be available and willing to spare time and energy for the unit in the true spirit of Don Bosco.
8. The Election Commission shall record and file all correspondence and the minutes of all the proceedings of the election.
9. Before the election, the Election Commission shall brief the members about the procedure.

Article 21

ELECTION PROCEDURE

1. Three months before the expiry of the Unit Executive Committee’s term, the unit President, in consultation with the Unit Executive Committee, decides on the date of the election for the next unit Executive Committee. Notice of election is given and nomination forms are circulated at least 45 days in advance by the President and a copy sent to the Provincial President.
2. As per Art 21 (a) the unit meeting is called which has the task of electing the new Unit Executive Committee.
3. An Election Commission (EC) is then formed by the unit Executive Committee as stipulated in Arts. 20(a), (b) and (c) above.
4. Nominations stipulated in Art. 19c and 19d above are presented to the Election Commission at least twenty-one days in advance of the date of election.
5. Before the election, the election Commission verifies if the nominations are in order as per Art 19c, and 19d above, and confirms the candidates willing acceptance of the nomination.
6. The election commission then conducts the elections as per art 19g above.
7. After the election, the election Commission signs off and hands over the election files and related documents/ report to the incoming unit President.

Article 22

DURATION OF OFFICE

1. The Unit President holds office for a period of four years and may be re-elected to the same office for a second term consecutively. Anyone who has been elected for two terms as unit president shall not be eligible for that post again; however, he may be elected any other office without limit.
2. The other members of the Unit Executive Committee are also elected for a term of four years. They may be re-elected to the same offices for consecutive terms without limit or may be re-elected to any other office.

Article 23

VACANCIES

When the post of an office bearer becomes vacant due to any reason, the Unit Executive Committee will appoint an elected unit Executive Committee member to that post who shall hold office only till the completion of the mandate of the member who has ceased to hold office.

Article 24

INCOMPATIBILITY

The office of the President and other members of the Unit Executive Committee are incompatible with offices of public character carrying grave responsibilities of a political nature or are associated with office of profit or conflict of interest directly or indirectly with SACSAA (for clarity’s sake a person working on a salary in St. Anthony’s College, Shillong will not be considered as office of profit unless there is a conflict of interest).

Article 25

DISCIPLINARY ACTION DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PENALTIES

1. Membership of the Association can cease through personal choice of the past pupil, or due to a considered decision of respective presidencies at all levels. After having proof of unbecoming conduct which is not in line with statutory rules and regulations, or that, is causing injurious damage to the organization or community life, or due to other serious reasons, the respective unit president can decide with the consent of two thirds of the elected Executive committee members only
   1. A motion of no-confidence and a request for resignation.
   2. The dismissal from office (in case of an official).
   3. The expulsion of the Past Pupil from the Association.
2. In case of dismissal from office or expulsion of the Past Pupil from the Association, it is important to grant the “accused member” the right of explanation, whether written or oral prior to the voting.
3. The decisions of the foregoing section may be appealed against by approaching an immediately higher structure (Provincial Federation) within 30 days of the action.
4. In addition:
   1. If in the considered opinion of the unit executive Committee, a past pupil is found guilty of serious unbecoming behaviour or any action that is harmful to the association, the elected Executive Committee may decide with a two thirds majority vote, to take any suitable action against the member, including his/her removal from office or dismissal from the association.
   2. The decision regarding the disciplinary action should be conveyed to the member in writing or e-mail. Information regarding the disciplinary action taken should be forwarded to the provincial Executive Committee and the National Executive Committee.
   3. In exceptional cases, if the unit Executive Committee fails to take action against an erring member, any registered life member may bring up a motion during the General Assembly for disciplinary action against the member in question. If in the considered opinion of the annual General Assembly, the member is found guilty of serious unbecoming behaviour or any action that is harmful to the association, the General Assembly may decide, with a two-third majority vote, to take any suitable action against the member, including his/her removal from office or dismissal from the association itself. The decision of the Assembly in this regard is conveyed to the member in writing or e-mail. Information regarding the action taken is also forwarded to the Provincial Executive committee and the national Executive Committee.
   4. A member who is removed from an office or membership as per Art. 25d (i) and (ii) shall hold office in the unit, provincial, or National Federations till the completion of the term to which he/she was originally elected. A member dismissed from the association at any level (unit, province or national) shall not be reinstated without the approval of the national Executive Committee.
   5. An appeal to the immediate superior body (provincial Executive Committee) against any of the decisions mentioned in the preceding paragraphs is allowed within 30 days of receipt of notice of the action.

Article 29

UNIT BANNER AND BADGE

1. Every Unit shall have a banner of its own with the face of Don Bosco printed on the banner. It shall be exhibited on occasions of Solemn celebrations and meetings. The unit banner needs the approval of the Provincial Executive Committee.
2. The badge is the same for the entire World Confederation. Its use is optional but highly recommended because it is an external sign of unity among the Past Pupils. On the badge around the figure of Don Bosco, are the words “Leads and Protects”, indicating the role that Don Bosco plays in the life of every Past Pupil.

Article 34

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SALESIAN CONGREGATION

1. The members of the Association see in the Rector Major the image of Don Bosco and they accept him as their guide; they look to the Salesians for an ongoing clear cut and adequate spiritual guidance. They share in the mission of the Salesian Congregation and pledge themselves to be signs and bearers of God’s love to all, especially the young and to the poor.
2. The SACSAA unit acknowledges the Provincial and the Rector as the representatives of the Rector Major and the Salesian Congregation. They are, by right, members of the unit Executive Committee but, as a rule, they exercise that responsibility through a Salesian appointed to act as their delegate.
3. The basic working principle of the Association is that all deliberations and decisions are made with the concurrence of the Salesians according to the family Spirit of the educative Pastoral Community, which is characteristic of the Association.
4. Salesian Animation
   1. The world Confederation recognizes demands and considers the commitment of the Salesian Congregation in the role as animator of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco with the task of maintaining unity of spirit, stimulating dialogue, encouraging brotherly collaboration and promoting an enduring spiritual formation.
   2. This animation also involves the Past Pupils (male and female)
   3. Autonomy in communion
   4. The lay character, the secular nature and the autonomy of the SACSAA Unit, does not hinder the perpetual union with the Salesian Society of St. Francis De Sales and the other groups of the Salesian Family, but rather serves as a mutual enrichment and for an improved functioning of the movement.

Article 38

DAYS OF CELEBRATION

The following Annual Feast days are celebrated:

• 31st January – Feast of St. John Bosco
• 24th May – Feast of Mary Help of Christians
• 24th June – World Feast of the Past Pupils in commemoration of Don Bosco’s name feast day and the birth of the Past Pupils Movement.
• 16th August – Birthday of Don Bosco
• 5th October – Feast of Blessed Alberto Marvelli
• 5th December – Feast of Blessed Filippo Rinaldi
• 8th December – Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Commemoration of the beginning of the Salesian Family.

The Past Pupils of Don Bosco also participate in the Salesian Family celebrations organized at National, Provincial and Unit levels.