JOIN US

1. Become a Member - Join a compassionate community dedicated to bringing hope and justice to Bangladesh’s persecuted minorities. To stand with these communities, please download the Membership Application Form using the link below. Complete the form as instructed and email it to us as a PDF, along with the required identification documents and membership fee.
2. Spread the Word - Encourage your friends and colleagues to join our cause and contribute generously.
3. Make a Donation - Your support, whether small or large, enables us to intensify advocacy efforts and provide direct relief for food, shelter, and medical treatment to victims of persecution.
4. Advocate for Change - Bring this urgent issue to the attention of your government and representatives by writing to them or arranging an in- person meeting. We can assist in preparing memoranda and supporting materials.

If you would like to support the oppressed religious and ethnic minorities of Bangladesh, we invite you to join us in this collective effort. Please download the Membership Application Form, complete it as instructed, and email it to us as a PDF, along with the required identification documents and fees.

1. I. Categories of Membership

   In addition to the Founding Members who established the organization, Unity Council USA offers the following categories of membership:

   • • General Membership
   • • Life Membership
   • • Honorary Membership
2. II. Eligibility
   • • General Membership is open to any Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or Indigenous person of Bangladeshi origin currently residing in the United States, provided the individual:
     1. o Is at least 18 years old.
     2. o Is of sound mind.
     3. o Has not committed any offense outlined in the Discipline & Grounds for Termination section of the Bylaws.
   • • Life Membership may be granted to eligible General Members who make a substantial financial contribution to the organization.
   • • Honorary Membership may be conferred by the Board to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to Unity Council USA or to persecuted minority communities of Bangladesh.
     Note: Honorary Members do not have voting rights.
3. III. Enrollment Process

   To participate in organizational meetings, vote, or run for office, an individual must first be enrolled as a General or Life Member.

   Prospective members must:
   • 1. Complete the official Membership Application Form
   • 2. Sign the acknowledgment of the Discipline & Grounds for Termination
   • 3. Submit the completed form along with:
     • o A government-issued ID
     • o Proof of current address
     • o Send these documents to the General Secretary or Membership Secretary
4. IV. Tenure
   • • General Membership is valid for three (3) years.
   • • Memberships will be reviewed at the General Meeting held every third year in early November. Renewal for another term will be granted if:
     • o The member has paid dues.
     • o The member has remained in compliance with the Bylaws.
5. V. Membership Dues
   1. • General Membership: The membership dues are $30.00 for a three-year term, payable at the time of enrollment and renewal.
   2. • Life Membership: One-time minimum contribution of $1,000
      Note: All dues are subject to revision by the Board.
6. VI. Duties and Privileges
   • General Members are entitled to all rights under New York State’s Nonprofit Corporation Law.
     Obligations include:
     1. • Attending the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and any special General Meetings (e.g., elections, renewals, or Director appointments)
     2. • Only General Members in Good Standing for at least 90 days may vote or run for office.
7. VII. Members in Good Standing

   A General Member is considered in Good Standing if they:

   • 1. Have paid all applicable dues.
   • 2. Have attended at least 50% of General Meetings in the past year.
   • 3. Have not missed two consecutive AGMs without notifying the General Secretary while residing in NYC.
   • 4. Have not violated the Discipline & Termination provisions.

   Members who lose Good Standing due to non-payment may restore their status by clearing outstanding dues. Voting and office eligibility are reinstated 90 days after payment.

8. VIII. Discipline & Grounds for Termination

   A member, Director, or Officer may be terminated or excluded for the following reasons:

   1. 1. Violation of the organization’s Constitution or Bylaws
   2. 2. Verifiable moral misconduct (e.g., sexual harassment, financial fraud)
   3. 3. Conviction of a criminal offense
   4. 4. Engaging in harmful activities that damage the organization or violate 501(c)(3) or NYS nonprofit laws.
   5. 5. Assault, harassment, defamation, or disrespect toward any Unity Council USA member.
   6. 6. Issuing unauthorized press releases, certificates, or public statements before official organizational disclosure