Kurdish Student Association of America (KSA)
Constitution
Headquartered in New Jersey | National student-serving educational nonprofit
April 14th, 2026
Part A. Constitution and Bylaws
Article I – Name and Principal Office
1.1 Name. The organization is the Kurdish Student Association of America (KSA) (the “Association”).
1.2 Principal Office. The principal office is located in New Jersey, or another location designated by the Board of Directors (the “Board”).
Article II – Nonprofit Status and Limitations
2.1 Nonprofit. KSA is organized and shall be operated as a nonprofit corporation.
2.2 Tax-exempt intent. KSA intends to qualify as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. No part of the net earnings of KSA shall inure to the benefit of any private individual, except for reasonable compensation for services rendered in furtherance of KSA’s exempt purposes.
2.3 Political activity and lobbying. KSA shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. No substantial part of KSAA’s activities shall consist of carrying on propaganda. However, KSA shall be free in advocating for certain legislation concerning the Kurdish students and communities in the US and in the Middle East.
Article III – Mission and Activities
3.1 The Kurdish Student Association of America (KSA) is a national, New York-based educational nonprofit that unites Kurdish students across U.S. higher education institutions. We serve Kurdish students who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and international students from Kurdistan and the Kurdish diaspora by building a strong student network, providing support and leadership opportunities, and strengthening campus belonging. KSA promotes Kurdish culture and education, supports Kurdish students in the United States, builds academic and professional networks, and advocates for student well-being through nonpartisan, rights-based, student-centered programming.
Core Mission Goals
KSAA advances its mission through the following goals and activities:
1) Promote Kurdish culture and education
Support Kurdish language learning and cultural literacy, including Kurmanji, Sorani, and other dialects, through conversation groups, workshops, and campus programming.
Host cultural and educational events such as lectures, panels, Newroz receptions, exhibitions, and student research showcases.
Develop and share educational resources on Kurdish history, Kurdish politics, Kurdish experiences of statelessness, literature, arts, and contemporary issues appropriate for academic environments.
Establish and publish (online and in print) a monthly scholarly peer-reviewed magazine such as Kurdistan Today, Kurdistan Review, or etc.
Partner with universities, faculty, and cultural institutions to expand Kurdish studies opportunities and strengthen public understanding of Kurdish culture.
2) Support Kurdish Students in the United States
Operate mentorship and peer-support programs connecting undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, and professional mentors.
Provide academic navigation support (study skills workshops, research mentorship, graduate-school preparation, and scholarship guidance).
Support student belonging through community-building events and chapter-based initiatives that reduce isolation and improve campus integration.
Share practical resource referrals (student services, counseling resources, immigration/visa information resources, and legal aid referrals where appropriate).
3) Build academic and professional networks
Connect Kurdish students across campuses through a national chapter model and cross-university collaborations.
Host national or regional conferences, symposia, and professional development events (career panels, internship workshops, leadership training).
Facilitate collaborative research, publications, and projects led by Kurdish students and allies in partnership with faculty advisors.
Maintain a national directory of chapters and student leaders to strengthen coordination, leadership succession, and impact.
4) Advocate for student well-being
Promote inclusive and safe campus environments by encouraging anti-discrimination, equity, and student support policies in line with applicable laws and university rules.
Increase awareness of culturally sensitive mental health resources and promote wellbeing programming for Kurdish students and allies.
Document recurring student challenges (e.g., bias, isolation, lack of institutional recognition) and communicate recommendations to universities through respectful, evidence-based engagement.
Operate in a nonpartisan, rights-based framework that centers dignity, student safety, and educational access.
3.2 Activities. KSA carries out its mission through educational programming, community-building, mentorship and student services, chapter development, and other lawful activities consistent with its charitable and educational purposes.
A3. Vision
A thriving, connected, and empowered Kurdish student community across the United States, supported by strong campus chapters, equitable institutional policies, and sustained national collaboration.
A4. Purpose
KSA brings Kurdish students across U.S. higher education into one national association to:
Provide student-centered services, mentorship, and community support.
Promote Kurdish culture, language, and education nationwide.
Build academic, research, and professional networks across campuses and disciplines.
Advocate for student wellbeing, equity, and inclusion in partnership with universities and campus communities.
Increase the visibility and institutional recognition of Kurdish students and Kurdish studies in U.S. higher education.
Article IV – Membership
4.1 Membership classes.
Voting Members: Kurdish-identifying undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a U.S.-accredited higher education institution.
Affiliate Members (non-voting): alumni, faculty/staff advisors, and allied non-student supporters approved by the Board.
4.2 Dues. Annual dues for Voting Members are $25 (undergraduate), $30 (graduate). And $50 (for non-voting members) unless changed by the Board with at least 30 days’ notice to members. We understand that being a student can mean economic hardship; for this reason, the annual membership fee will be waived upon request for those who cannot afford it. However, we expect non-voting members, who are already established scholars and professionals, to pay the annual membership fee.
4.3 Good standing. Members must be current on dues and comply with the Code of Conduct to remain in good standing.
4.4 Non-discrimination. KSA provides equal opportunity for participation consistent with applicable law and campus policies, and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics.
4.5 Suspension/termination. The Board may suspend or terminate membership for material violations of the Code of Conduct or for actions that materially harm KSA’s mission or safety, following written notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Article V – Governance Structure
5.1 Board of Directors. KSA is governed by a National Board of Directors.
5.2 National Council. KSA may establish a National Council composed of chapter delegates to strengthen democratic representation in national priorities, major policy decisions, and amendments.
5.3 Advisory board. The KSA Board may appoint one or more members of the Academic and Community Advisory Board of faculty, alumni, and professionals to advise KSA on programs and partnerships.
Article VI – Board Composition, Roles, and Duties
6.1 Size. The Board shall consist of 4 directors, expandable to 7 by Board resolution as the Association grows.
6.2 Representation principle. The Board should reflect diversity across student status (undergraduate/graduate), domestic/international students, regions, and campuses.
6.3 Officers. Officers include President/Chair, Vice President/Chapter Development Lead, Secretary/Governance Officer, Treasurer/Finance Officer, and Programs & Student Services Director.
6.4 Duties.
Director: leads strategy, represents KSA, convenes meetings, and ensures mission alignment.
Deputy Director: charters and supports chapters, training, compliance, and growth.
Secretary: maintains records, minutes, bylaws, elections documentation, and official correspondence.
Treasurer: manages budgeting, reporting, reimbursements, and internal controls.
Programs & Student Services Director: leads mentorship, events, student support initiatives, and partnerships.
