Terms & Polices

BAM Cultural Event Guidelines

1. The BAM Cultural Committee (BAM CC) shall have the primary responsibility for planning and leading BAM’s cultural event programming.

2. For cultural program participation every performer/ participant needs to follow BAM membership policies/guidelines. (For BAM membership policies please visit https://mnbangali.org/new-member-registration/).

Note: External Artists who are invited by BAM to perform at a BAM event are exempt from this BAM membership policy requirement. Selection of BAM External Artists and their contract terms must be approved by BAM BOD.

3. In general, BAM encourages group participation in BAM Cultural Programs to maximize the involvement of members of the community. However, individual performances might be allowed in any BAM cultural event by the BAM CC in appropriate cases and when considered desirable for the success of the event.

Note: External Artists who are invited by BAM to perform at a BAM event may perform solo or with their own band or co-Artists as per the terms of their contract with BAM.

In special/exceptional circumstances, BAM CC may permit an individual performer/presenter to perform/present in more than one performance/presentation. Examples of such special/exceptional circumstance could be the shortage of a particular skill/talent and the availability of only one individual who can readily provide that (eg. proficiency in a particular musical instrument) or a musician accompanying a singer suddenly falls ill and cannot perform and needs to be substituted.

4. The selection and scheduling of cultural programs/performances for BAM events shall be the responsibility of BAM CC. BAM CC shall keep the following considerations in mind when reviewing, selecting and scheduling cultural programs/performances:

• The suitability of the proposed cultural program/performance for the cultural event and its intended audience and its conformity with these guidelines.
• The cultural program/performance is of good quality and displays innovation in its theme/content and/or presentation that will be of interest to the audience.
• The organizers/performers are able to meet the required logistics of the program (eg. audio track, video track, and stage essentials) by the deadline set for the event.
• Results of BAM conducted survey regarding past programs/performances by the organizers/performers, or the type of program that is proposed, if available.
• Length of proposed cultural programs/performances and total performance time available for the event.
• The organizers/performers level of engagement with BAM events.
• The need to balance the participation in BAM cultural events of both established and seasoned performers and newer, upcoming talent
• The avoidance of duplicative content in the BAM cultural programs

In order to assist it with the selection and scheduling of cultural programs/performances in accordance with the above considerations, BAM CC will seek detailed information from the organizers/performers about their proposed program/presentation early in this process and may seek further clarification in this regard if necessary. Failure or undue delay on the part of the organizers/performers to provide such information may result in the program/performance not being considered for inclusion in the event.

BAM CC may consult as necessary with BAM BOD/ACC and other members of the BAM community regarding the selection and scheduling of cultural programs/performances but shall make the final decision in this regard.

5. Nominations for performances/presentations for a BAM cultural program should reach BAM CC by the published deadline. In addition, audio tracks, if requested, should also be submitted to BAM CC by the requested time. Late submissions will not be entertained by BAM CC.

6. Event specific maximum time for performance/presentation will be communicated to the organizers/performer (or their contact person/team lead) when the nominations are finalized. The maximum time limit for any performance will depend on the total cultural program time allocated for that specific event.

7. All performers/presenters are required to strictly adhere to the time allocated by the BAM CC for program set up, performance and clean up.

8. Props arrangement will be organizers’/performers’ responsibility unless BAM CC has agreed in advance to provide the same. BAM will not be accountable for any arrangements associated with the prop requirements that BAM CC had not agreed to provide.

9. BAM CC prefers general lighting/microphones logistics for the programs. However, participants may request special lighting/sound equipment (e.g. number of microphones). BAM CC does not guarantee the availability of the requested special lighting/ sound equipment (e.g. number of microphones). The organizers/performers may use their own equipment if the same is compatible with the other stage equipment provided but it will be their responsibility to ensure that they work.

10. Performers/Presenters must be present during their scheduled stage rehearsals and live performances. In addition, at least one person from the performing team must be present during the rehearsals and live program to work with the light and sound technicians. Arrangements for any additional equipment (light, & sound equipment, props, costumes, musical instruments etc.). needed by the performers/presenters for their rehearsals and live program will be their sole responsibility unless BAM CC has previously agreed to provide the same.

11. Performer/presenter are not allowed to transfer/share/swap their allocated time slot to/with other performer(s)/ presenter(s) without the permission of BAM CC.

12. The performers/presenters must report to the BAM CC at the time set by BAM CC on the date of their performance/presentation, as well as for any pre-performance rehearsal that BAM CC may require.

13. (a) Content Inappropriate for BAM cultural programs: BAM recognizes the value of promoting art and encouraging creativity and artistic expression. However, the content of the proposed performances/presentation must not:

• Contain content that is vulgar and obscene, uses profane language, or displays excessive violence or explicit sexual situations;
• Mistreat, disparage or belittle minorities and disadvantaged sections of society, or make fun of, use hate speech against, or target people who belong to a particular demographic group;
• Be defamatory, i.e., it must not contain false unprivileged communication about a private person which injures that person’s reputation in the community or the person’s good name
• Be in the nature of a campaign or propaganda for or against a political party or political leader; BAM is a non-political organization and its cultural programs are not to be used as a platform for political activism
• Amount to a promotion or advertisement of a commercial product or service.
• Amount to an attempt to proselytize and convert people to a particular religion, sect or faith.
• Contain language or images that may create racial or communal controversy or ill feeling or incite violence.

(b) Programs for general audiences: In general, the content of BAM cultural programs should be suitable for the typical audience of BAM’s cultural programs, namely families with children.

(c) Programs/Performances intended for mature audiences: Subject to the provisions of 12(a) above, in the interests of promoting art and encouraging creativity and artistic expression BAM may offer cultural programs/performances that may be considered suitable for mature audiences only. In such cases, the audiences shall be made aware that the program/performance is intended for mature audience and may be considered inappropriate for children/younger audiences and a notice/disclaimer in this regard shall be provided in advance with the announcement of the event and at the beginning of the performance.

(d) If BAM CC has any questions regarding the suitability of a prospective performance/presentation for a BAM cultural event or the possible applicability of one of the disqualifying factors in 12(a) above, they will discuss it with BAM BOD, and BAM BOD may refer the matter to BAM ACC for guidance. If a particular prospective program/performance is found to be inappropriate for inclusion under 12(a) above, the organizer/performer shall be informed of the decision.

(e) The organizers/performers wishing to participate in a BAM cultural program shall be required to sign a statement that they have read these guidelines and that their proposed program/performance does not contain any of the disqualifying content outlined in 12 above. In addition, they shall disclose to the BAM CC if their program/performance contains content that is suitable for mature audiences only. In case the organizers/performers have any questions regarding this, they need to discuss the matter with BAM CC before submitting their proposal.

14. The program organizers/performers must not engage in any activity during their performance which could create any form of environmental, chemical, and/or fire hazard including but not limited to open flame, storage of combustible and hazardous material, tampering or interfering with electrical lines, etc. No adhesive materials should be used on the stage. All material/props used for the program shall be removed from the stage by the event presenter/performer and no litter will be left behind after the program/performance ends.

15. BAM cannot guarantee audience attendance levels for BAM events and cultural programs. While BAM will take appropriate steps to publicize its events and cultural programs, individual performances/presentations in the cultural program will not be given preferential treatment and singled out for special publicity. BAM CC will not be responsible for making arrangements for an audience-packed auditorium. Presence of a sufficient number of spectators in the auditorium is beyond the control of the organizers. Performers must understand that the audience has the right to select the program they want to attend. No request from the Performers/Directors for rescheduling the program due to insufficient spectators will be entertained.

16. Selection of Master of Ceremonies (“Emcee”) and Event Coordination for BAM cultural programs and events will be the sole responsibility of BAM CC. BAM CC will balance the need for having experienced, skilled individuals carry out these roles for major events, while also providing suitable opportunities, as feasible, for less experienced members to develop the skills required for this role.

BAM CC may invite” expression of interest” from BAM members interested in volunteering for BAM cultural event roles, including the role of “Emcees” and Event Coordinators, and consider members who express interest for these roles in response to such invitation. The decision of the BAM CC with regards to selection and placement of members for these volunteer roles will be final.

Similar process will be applied for the selection of participants/ visual images for any BAM promotional video.

17. Every effort will be made to maintain the program schedule. However, BAM CC reserves the right to change the scheduled time, the venue (stage, auditorium, etc.) or format (e.g., physical to virtual event) of the program due to unforeseen circumstances or when it is in the interests of BAM and its members. In case BAM CC needs to make such a change, it will inform the organizers/performers as soon as possible.

1. 18. Failure to comply with any of the above Terms and Conditions may impact the program schedule or cancellation of the program.

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Bengali Association of Minnesota (BAM)

Privacy Policy and Guidelines

1. Scope and Purpose

This Privacy Policy and Guidelines Statement  (hereinafter referred to as “BAM Privacy Policy” or the “Policy”) covers Bengali Association of Minnesota (BAM)’s treatment of  personal information or personally identifiable information ( both referred to hereinafter as “Personal Information”) that may be collected or submitted when the web-user (“you”) are using BAM’s website or services.

This Policy does not apply to companies and organizations that BAM does not own or control, or to individuals that are not under BAM’s supervisory control.

The purpose of this Policy is to provide transparency and to provide BAM Directors, Officers, Advisory & Compliance Committee (ACC) Members, and staff (including contract employees, if any) Guidelines regarding the treatment of member’s and guest’s Personal Information that is collected by BAM during its normal day-to-day business activities.

1. Personal Information collected by BAM from members and non-member visitors to its website

The BAM website is divided into 2 sections: a general section that is accessible to both members of the general public and BAM members; and a “Members Only” section that can be accessed only by registered BAM members after entering a unique personal password. Content on the BAM website. Content on the “Members Only” section of the BAM website is accessible only to BAM members.

While using BAM’s website, BAM members may submit Personal Information when applying for BAM Membership or Membership Renewal, registering for BAM notifications and emails, signing up for future events and newsletters, and accessing and posting content.

Depending on the service or process, the Personal Information you may be asked to provide is your:

• Name
• Postal Address
• Email address

1. Use and disclosure of Personal Information collected by BAM

BAM uses the Personal Information collected from members only for the internal business of BAM. BAM allows access to non-public Personal Information only to BAM members who need to know the information for a reasonable purpose.

BAM does not buy, sell, lease, or rent members’ Personal Information or BAM membership list.

BAM does not disclose any non-public Personal Information about its current or former members to any person or organization except as permitted or required by law.

1. Protecting non-public Personal Information

BAM strives to use reasonable steps and precautions to protect and safeguard the non-public Personal Information of its members.

However, we do not warrant that any personal information you have shared with us will be free from unauthorized access by others.

You agree that we are not liable for any claim, loss, damage or cost that may result from your lack of privacy or breach of security.

1. Monitoring and Reporting

Complaints or reports received from any BAM member(s) regarding disclosure of Personal Information in violation of this Policy shall be investigated by the BOD and ACC and the results of the investigation will be communicated to the affected parties and BAM General Body, as deemed required by the BOD and ACC.

1. Notice regarding Privacy Policy; Questions

BAM shall post a notice on its website regarding this Privacy Policy with a link to this Privacy Policy document.

Questions or comments regarding BAM’s Privacy Policy Notice may be addressed to support@mnbangali.org.

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Bengali Association of Minnesota (BAM)

Policy Guidelines regarding Financial Responsibility & Duties

These Policy Guidelines have been established by the Board of Directors of the Bengali Association of Minnesota (BAM) under Section VIII – Financial Responsibility & Duties; Fiscal Year of the BAM ByLaws which states as follows:

“VIII.1 In order to maintain the 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status of the corporation under the Internal Revenue Service guidelines, BAM shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations. The Board of Directors (BOD) and Officers of the corporation shall maintain corporation’s records and file necessary reports and documents to government authorities as required by law. The Board of Directors may authorize consultation with appropriate professionals like certified public accountant or attorney to assist with this.

VIII.2 BAM may receive funds and contributions in the form of grants, bequests, gifts and through fund-raising activities, and for a specific purpose or for the general benefit of the corporation. The BOD may lay down appropriate guidelines relating to the raising, collection, recording, safekeeping, and expenditure of funds and other matters pertaining to the financial management of the corporation.”

VIII.3 Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the corporation shall be from January 1st to December 31st.

BAM Policy Guidelines regarding Financial Responsibility & Duties

(Proposed and drafted by the ACC and Approved on May 11, 2019 by the BOD of Bengali Association of Minnesota)

Purpose: The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide guidance for the Board of Directors (BOD) , individual Directors, Officers, ACC and Committee Chairs and Members, General Body Members, and Employees of BAM for the prudent, transparent and ethical discharge of their financial responsibilities and duties, and to ensure that the financial management of the corporation is compliant with applicable legal requirements, and fulfills BAM’s  mission in the most effective and efficient manner and remains accountable to all BAM stakeholders and the community. These Guidelines may be updated if needed in the future by the BOD in consultation with the ACC.

The following guidelines shall be followed:

1. Maintenance and production of financial data; filing of returns and reports:
   1. The Officers and the Board of Directors of BAM shall maintain and make available accurate and complete financial data for internal and external use as needed to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and maintain BAM’s 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status.
   2.  The Board of Directors and Officers of the corporation shall file necessary reports and documents to government authorities as required by law.
   3. Financial reports and summaries shall be presented at BOD meetings and shared with BAM members on a regular basis.
   4. The Board of Directors may authorize consultation with, or appointment of appropriate professionals like certified public accountants or attorneys to advise it on financial and legal matters and help with preparation of financial reports or tax returns. In such event the Board of Directors shall also authorize payment of fees to such professionals.

1. 1. Funds and Contributions: BAM may receive funds and contributions in the form of grants, bequests, gifts and through fund-raising activities, and for a specific purpose or for the general benefit of the corporation.
      1. BAM Reserve Fund:
         1.  The fund received for BAM’s general benefit will be kept as BAM Reserve Fund. The maintenance and safekeeping of this Reserve Fund will be the responsibility of the Board of Directors.
         2. The Board may set a minimum amount that needs to be maintained in the Reserve Fund based on the corporation’s estimated yearly fixed operating costs, and for emergencies and unforeseen contingencies.
         3. All accounting related to the BAM Reserve Fund will be done by the Treasurer and shall be reported regularly at the Board of Directors and General Body meetings.
         4. Temporary Advances from Reserve Fund: From time-to-time, it may be necessary to use funds from the BAM Reserve Fund to pay as advance payments for successful execution of BAM events. The President and the Treasurer will have the authority to make such payments. Repayment of these advances back to the BAM Reserve Fund should be done, preferably, no later than ninety (90) days from the date on which this advance payment was made or as soon as funds are available. All instances of such advances from the Reserve Fund shall be reported in the next Board of Director meeting.
         5. The Board of Directors may authorize drawing of funds from the BAM Reserve Fund under the following circumstances:
            1. Approved and budgeted operating expenses of the organization;
            2. For long term strategic investments for the benefit of the corporation;
            3. For purchase of assets deemed necessary for BAM’s recurring use;
            4. For humanitarian relief assistance;
            5. Any other cause approved by the general body of BAM.
         6. Total funds withdrawn for the purposes noted in para II.a.v above during any fiscal year shall not exceed twenty (20) % of the balance of the Reserve Fund at the time of the withdrawal of the funds. Any exceptions to this will require a resolution approved by the general body of BAM.
      2. Funds received for specific purpose or event; Donor Designated Funds:
         1. Funds received for a specific purpose (e.g. a BAM scholarship or for specific disaster relief fund raising) or a specific BAM event (e.g., Durga Pujo) shall be used only for that specific purpose. If BAM receives a donation, gift, or bequest that has been designated by the donor for a specific purpose, the BOD shall determine how best to use the funds in a manner that meets the wishes of the donor.
         2. All accounting related to the receipts and expenditures for each such specific purpose or BAM event shall be done by the Treasurer and reported regularly at the Board of Directors and General Body meetings.
         3. The Board of Directors and the Organizing Committees appointed for all BAM events will strive to run such events on a no-loss basis. If any surplus funds are left over after expenditures are met for any BAM event, the same will be made part of the BAM Reserve Fund.
         4. If there is a shortfall of funds available for a particular BAM event, the Board of Directors may authorize meeting the shortfall, in full or in part, by withdrawals from the BAM Reserve Fund. The BOD may authorize additional fundraising initiatives to raise money to meet the shortfall and/or make revisions to the budgeted expenditures for other events to meet the shortfall and pay back the amount withdrawn to the BAM Reserve Fund.
      3. Asset Replacement Fund: In order to provide for the cost of replacing BAM’s major assets (e.g. Durga Pratima) the BOD may authorize annual fund raising initiatives to establish and maintain a BAM Asset Replacement Fund. All accounting related to the receipts and expenditures for the Asset Replacement Fund shall be done by the Treasurer and reported regularly at the Board of Directors and General Body meetings.
      4. The BOD may lay down additional guidelines relating to the raising, collection, recording, safekeeping, and expenditure of funds as needed for the effective financial management of the corporation.
      5. BAM shall issue receipts and Tax Certificates to donors for donations received as required under law. The receipts and Tax Certificates shall be signed by the Treasurer or other person authorized by the BOD to do so.

• Gift Acceptance

1. 1. Cash, check, credit card payments: BAM may accept gifts and donations by cash, check, credit card payments. This will be the usual means of accepting gifts. All such payments shall be deposited in BAM’s bank account upon receipt.
   2. Contributions in kind: BAM shall accept contributions of goods or services other than by cash, check or credit cards that are related to the programs and operations of BAM. For example, BAM may accept flowers or food items that will be used for one of its events. Any other contributions of non-cash items must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors before acceptance.
   3. Stock, bonds or other negotiable instruments: BAM may accept stocks or other negotiable instruments as a vehicle for donors to transfer assets to the corporation. Transfer and recording the value of the asset shall be done in a consistent manner and in compliance with accounting standards after consulting an appropriate professional advisor in this regard. The President or another so authorized by the BOD shall sell any stock given to the corporation immediately upon receipt and deposit the proceeds in BAM’s bank account.
2. Day-to-day Financial Management: The BOD is ultimately responsible for the financial management of all activities. The President and Treasurer are authorized to act on the Board’s behalf on financial matters when action is required in advance of a meeting of the BOD or in the normal course of business of the corporation. The President and Treasurer are responsible for the day-today financial management of the corporation. The BOD authorizes them to:
   1. Pay bills, receive funds, and maintain bank accounts. Opening of new bank accounts or closing of existing bank accounts shall require prior approval of the BOD.
   2. Sign checks and withdraw cash from BAM’s account as needed for BAM’s everyday business. The BOD must authorize checks issued over $ _1000______ and cash withdrawals over $ _500___.
   3. Enter into contracts for activities that have been approved by the Board as a part of budgets or plans. The BOD must authorize any contracts outside of these parameters and all contracts with a financial value greater than $_500___.
   4. Manage expenses within the parameters of the overall approved budget, reporting to the BOD on variances and the reason for these variances.
   5. The BOD must approve any use of the BAM Reserve Fund or the BAM Asset Replacement Fund that have not been pre-authorized by the BOD.
3. Contractual commitments requiring specific approval of BOD: No contractual commitment for bank loans, corporate credit cards, or for real estate leases or purchases, or for motor vehicle purchase or lease, shall be made on behalf of BAM without the specific approval of the BOD. The BOD may specify other classes of contractual commitments that will require specific approval of the BOD.
4. Financial Transactions with Insiders:
   1. No personal advances or loans of funds to BAM officers, directors, members, or employees are authorized. Direct and necessary expenses for authorized BAM activities and events, and related to carrying out BAM responsibilities shall be reimbursed.
   2. In no case shall BAM borrow funds from any BAM officers, directors, members, or employees without specific authorization from the BOD.
5.  Fixed Assets and Depreciation:
   1. Fixed assets with purchase prices greater than $500 will be recorded as capital assets in BAM’s accounting records.
   2. Depreciation of capital assets will be spread over the reasonable life expectancy of the asset but shall not exceed five years for furniture and equipment or three years for computer and other technology equipment.
6. Duty to conduct financial transactions in a prudent and responsible manner:
   1. The BOD and all BAM officers, directors, members, and employees shall strive to conduct financial transactions and manage BAM finances in a prudent and responsible manner keeping in mind the best interests and well-being of the corporation.
   2. The BOD, Officers and Committees will ensure BAM plans for and pays its bills, insurance premiums, legal and professional fees owed, and other financial obligations in a timely manner and vendor credit accounts are limited to prudent and necessary levels.
   3. The BOD, Officers, and Committees responsible for buying goods or services for BAM should select vendors and suppliers based on cost, service, quality and other relevant considerations.
   4. The BOD may require competitive bids to be obtained for expensive items or services and establish selection criteria based on cost, service, quality, member preferences and other relevant considerations. BAM may award the bid to any provider and is not required to accept the lowest cost proposal.
   5. The BOD may approve payment of down payments and advances for booking of venues, cultural performers, and service providers for planned BAM events when it considers it to be appropriate and in the interest of BAM.
7. Asset Protection: In order to ensure that the assets of BAM are adequately protected and maintained, the BOD shall:
   1. Insure against theft and casualty losses to the corporation and against liability losses to members of the BOD, ACC, Committees, event volunteers, staff, or the corporation itself to levels indicated in consultation with suitable professional resources.
   2. Plan and carry out suitable protection and maintenance of property, building, equipment and physical assets and store them in suitable secure locations when not in use.
   3. Avoid actions that would expose the corporation and the members of BAM BOD, ACC, Committees, event volunteers, and staff to claims of liability.
   4. Protect intellectual property, information, and files from unauthorized access, tampering, loss, or significant damage.
   5. Receive, process, and disburse funds under controls that are sufficient to maintain basic segregation of duties to protect bank accounts, income receipts, and payments.
   6. Select venues for BAM events and meetings keeping in mind the safety and security of the members and guests that will be attending them.
8. Review of Financial Reports, Budget and Planning:

In order to ensure that planned activities of BAM minimize the risk of financial jeopardy and are consistent with Board approved priorities and the long-term financial health of the corporation, the Board of Directors shall:

1. 1. Assist the President and Treasurer of BAM prepare and submit draft operating and capital budgets in time for discussion and approval by the Board at the Special Board Meeting convened for this purpose in beginning of the fiscal year.
   2. Ensure that the budget is based on responsible and realistic assumptions and projections and potential shortfalls of revenue are identified early in the year and plans are put in place to meet these shortfalls.
   3. Review financial reports at each board meeting and make adjustments to the budget or planned expenditures as necessary to stay within the budget.
   4. Ensure that all new members of the BOD, ACC, and BAM Committees are provided with adequate training and information to enable them to fulfill their role and responsibilities with regard to BAM finances.
   5. Work with the ACC and other members of the BAM community in the long term planning of priorities for BAM.

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