The Nigerian Community in Oregon and Southwest Washington (NCOSWA) is an Association of Nigeria, Nigerian-Americans, and Friends of Nigeria, established to promote the culture, social, economic, political and educational unity and strength of Nigeria in Oregon and Southwest Washington.  The NCOSWA is duly registered with the office of Secretary of State in the State of Oregon as a cultural, charitable not-for-profit organization.

 

Theme:  To build bridges with other Nigerians, Nigerian and African Organizations, and the community at large.

 

Vision:  Think Globally and Act Locally to Impact the Community.  To this end, NCOSWA must pursue the best ideas possible, including but not limited to those developed by seasoned professionals all over the glove, and apply them to our individual and collective endeavors in our local community of residence.

 

Mission:  The NCOSWA must raise the consciousness of all Nigerians, Nigerian-Americans, and friends of Nigeria, toward the need for reconstruction and peaceful coexistence in the community. As Nigerians abroad, we must strive to showcase our enviable talents in a more positive light. We must continue to make genuine positive contributions to our host states, which are discernible through our individual efforts, and through NCOSWA’s participation in various community activities.

 

Goals and Objectives:

·            Foster and encourage good relations among the members through activities that engender unity and national rapprochement (establishment of cordial relations or a state of having cordial relations).

 

·            Foster good collegial relations. NCOSWA will stand by its membership when an occasion calls for our individual and/or collective action to the aid of a member, or other Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.

 

·            Promote affective and effective community relations through volunteerism.

 

·            Foster good community relations through cultural and social exchanged between NCOSWA and the citizens of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

 

·            Encourage the creation of a viable Nigerian Community that could serve as a credible voice for Nigeria and Nigerians in Oregon and Southwest Washington in particular, and the Pacific Northwest in general.

 

·            Provide a forum for discussion, education, and exchange of information regarding our different professions through:

o    Presentations

o    Symposia and round table panel discussions

o    Sponsored seminars and conferences

o    NCOSWA-sponsored educational and cultural activities

 

 

MEETING SCHEDULE

 

The NCOSWA meets every last Saturday of the month (January to October). The Annual Meeting and Christmas Holiday Party of the organization are held in November and December, respectively at a venue, date and time normally determined by the House. Each member is encouraged to host a meeting during the calendar year. Although, hosting an NCOSWA meeting by a member is highly recommended, it is not mandatory, and is done through the individual’s generosity to the Organization.

 

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

 

The NCOSWA membership is open to any Nigerian by birth, marriage, or naturalization, or a Nigerian-American (a Nigerian native who is a naturalized citizen of the United State of America, the child(ren) of a Nigerian, or Nigerian-American who is/are US citizen(s) by birth), of good character.

 

An individual, who does not qualify for regular membership by the established criteria, may be admitted as an honorary member, having duly applied, and upon recommendation of the Executive Board, and approval by the general assembly of the House.

 

An eligiblel person becomes a member by paying annual dues and levies. If a potential member is unemployed, dues and levies shall be deferred until employment is secured.

 

 

            MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & PRIVILEGES

The NCOSWA accords to its financial members the following benefits and privileges:

·         The right to vote and to be voted in for an elective office of the Organization.

·         The right to receive free of charge, any information made available to NCOSWA by agencies – private or public.

·         The right to receive emergency assistance when needed, from established Emergency Fund of the Organization.

·         Honorary members shall not pay dues but may make voluntary and generous donation to the Organization. Such a member may participate in discussions on the floor but may not so participate in House resolutions, and may not exercise any rights or privileges to stand for elected office in the Organization.

·         Participation in the annual Summer Community Picnic.

·         Member family participation in Christmas Holiday Party to celebrate our children and relatives.

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APPLICATION FORM

Name ______________________________

 

Address_____________________________

 

City___________________________

           

State_________________________

 

Application Date______________________

 

Ph#____________(H)________________(W)

 

Annual Dues: · $85.00. Payment can be made in two installments no later than June 30. New members must pay $100.00 Emergency Fund Levy within six months of becoming a member.  Please make checks payable to: The Nigerian Community in Oregon and Southwest Washington and mail to:

 

The Treasurer

Nigerian Community in Oregon and Southwest Washington

PO Box 4472

 

Requests for Application form, including all correspondences and general information inquiry, should be addressed to:

 

The Secretary

Nigerian Community in Oregon and Southwest Washington

PO Box 4472

Portland OR, 97208