memo - WELCOME TO HIP HOP CONGRESS, INC.

Memo

To: Hip Hop Congress (HHC) Chapters
From: HHC Executive Committee (ExComm)
Cc: Tina Wright, board chair

Date: 07/15/2024

Re: Board Actions on organization restructure effective September 1, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hip Hop Congress is a 501c3 organization governed by a board of directors to ensure compliance with all federal and state guidelines for nonprofit organizations. At the same time, HHC has nurtured a global network of individuals and organizations committed to uplifting culture, unifying people, and transforming the world through creativity, the development of artists and youth, education, civic engagement, and equitable resource exchange. We are proud of the impact our network has had all over the world, but must also build our organizational structure to ensure the viability of the organization for years to come.

This memo serves as notice that the HHC governing body has approved significant changes to our chapter program. All previous documents including the chapter handbook will be updated to reflect these changes. The changes are meant to strengthen our organizational structure and effectiveness. Only official chapters will be recognized as part of the HHC organization; all others must cease/desist from using the HHC name and logo effective September 1, 2024.

Please note the following:

1:Beginning September 1, 2024, there will be new requirements to be recognized as an official HHC chapter.
a Official HHC chapters will be required to pay $200 in annual dues to the national HHC office.
  i:Dues can be paid in 1 installment of $200 (9/1), 2 installments of $100 (9/1 and 11/1) or 4 installments of $50 (9/1,10/1,11/1 and 12/1)
B: Official HHC chapters will be required to communicate with HHC’s ExComm regularly, including responding to any emails sent on behalf of the organization in a timely manner.
C: Official HHC chapter will be required to submit a quarterly report on chapter activities to HHC’s ExComm.
  D: Official HHC chapters will be required to sign the new chapter handbook agreement by 9/1 (and update signature whenever agreement is updated)
E: Official HHC chapters will be required to complete an annual survey to remain recognized as an official chapter.

2: For meeting the requirements above all official HHC chapters will receive the following benefits:
  A: HHC Licensing agreement - use of HHC name and logo.
B: Access to Hip Hop Congress Inc as a fiscal sponsor for grants and other needs. C: Consideration for contracting services when funding permits.
D: Votes at national conference or regional summits re: direction of organization.
E: Access to HHC artists and educators networks for chapter events.
F: A Chapter page on HipHopCongress.com websitE.
G: Newsletter and social media posts highlighting each chapter, including at least 1 paid social media ad per year.
H: Network member dues ($40 value) waived for up to 3 chapter members

We recognize that these are significant changes, especially the mandatory dues implementation, and wanted to give chapters time to prepare. We envision that all chapter members will chip in to meet the dues requirement, but chapters can also look to sponsors or donors for assistance. Once dues are received, each official chapter will have access to our organization as a fiscal sponsor to pursue nonprofit funding for chapter activities and operations. We hope you will remain an official chapter, and are here to support you in any way we can. If you have any questions and would like to schedule a call or zoom meeting to discuss these important changes, please contact HHC company headquarters at [email protected].