The Coalition of Lao Veterans Organization of USA
Charter of the Task Force

Introduction

After thirty years, we as Lao veterans and families having made new home away from home, our spirit remains intact. We take pride in our heritage and sacrifices of our fore fathers while we take to heart the toll of the “Secret War” in Laos and the fall of the country. Let us not allow the adverse catastrophic events overcome our bravery and diminish our will. Let us transform the contributions of Lao veterans during the American-led “Secret War” in Laos into a springboard to promote the welfare of Lao veterans and their families while heightening the level of awareness in the American public around sacrifices we had made. Motivated by the sentiment of patriotism, the honor of serving the country, loyalty to the motherland, and unity among the Lao people, we shall build a fortress in our adopted homeland by agreeing to form the Lao Veterans Organization of USA.

Purpose

The Task Force composed of six (6) members is charged with the responsibility to 1) develop an organizational structure for the Lao Veteran Organization of USA, 2) to develop by-laws for the above organization using the document named “Lao Veterans Association/USA ‘About Us’” and other appropriate sources as references and 3) develop a vision and mission statement.

Project Scope

The project scope consists of four (4) components:

1. Develop an organizational structure of Lao Vets Organization, based on the document entitled “the Lao Veterans Association/USA… About Us.”

2. Identify any discrepancies in current processes and procedures.

3. Develop a vision and mission statement, and the by-laws that include the goals of the Lao Vets Organization.

4. Assign appropriate Task Force members, ECC members and/or other leaders from the Lao Vets organization to assist with and/or review the product yet to draft.

Goals

The purpose of project is to build a Lao Vets organizational structure to:

1. Create a chapter system for Lao veterans
2. Expand membership and provide services nationwide
3. Honor and respect among Lao people and their neighbors
4. Promote good citizenry nationwide in all areas of self-sufficiency and independence
5. Elevate visibility of Lao veterans and their families nationwide
6. Seek and utilize existing expertise and resources to benefit the Lao Vets organization
7. Learn to listen to differences of opinions and agree to live with discomforts without retaliation
8. Hold a National Conference in different locality for support and resource development.

Parameters and Timeframe

This Charter remains in effect until February 2008. This Charter may be revised to reflect significant changes or updates to the project plan. The co-chairs of the Task Force coordinate the process for tracking the project (specified as a vision and mission statement, the organizational structure, and by-laws), schedule meetings (i.e., via emails or other means of telecommunications deemed appropriate), provide feedback, resolve issues, and coordinating changes to enhance project. The cochairs
are responsible for making information available to project sponsor (known as ECC), task force members and *stakeholders in a timely manner.

Membership

The Task Force consists of six members- three are former Lao veterans, and the remaining members are Lao civilians.

Co-chairs: Dr. Bounlieng Phommasouvanh & Maj. Medd Rattana,
Members: Maj. Chantho Vorasane, Capt. Soulathavong Boutah, Dr.
Phone Khoxayo and Dr. Chareundi Van-Si
Ex-officio: Maj. Khao Insixiengmay

Team Values:

o Meet deadlines
o Participates in meetings
o Meet or communicate and work on project activities outside regular meetings (i.e., emails).

Task Force Governance

Sponsor** (Executive Coordination Committee):

The Sponsor (a) defines and authorizes the project, and phases of the project, and (b) assures that adequate resources are made available to meet the project goals and objectives.

Responsibilities of the Task Force and its Members:

Co-chairs of the Task Force:

The responsibilities of the co-chairs include:

A. The co-chairs of the Task Force are responsible for project communications. This involves providing the critical links among stakeholders and information necessary for successful
communiqué. All project team members will understand and give input to how communications affect the project as a whole. Specific communication processes include:

o Communication planning- determining the information and communication needs of the project stakeholders
o Information distribution- making needed information available to project stakeholders in a timely manner
o Evaluation reporting- gathering information and feedback for progress measurement

o Managing stakeholders- managing communications to satisfy the project goals and resolving issues with the project team accordingly.

B. The co-chairs are responsible to the Sponsor for:

o Achieving the project objectives and developing project plans
o Measuring and monitoring the project progress to identify variances from the project plan so that corrective action can be taken when necessary;
o Providing updates to the Sponsor via the Ex-officio as deemed appropriate;
o Ensuring info cc: to Ex-officio regularly; and
o Serving as the primary source of information for how the project will be planned, executed, monitored and completed.

The Task Force

The Task Force as a whole is responsible for the planning, discussing, and executing all activities and reviews to ensure the project goals are obtained. The Task Force (a) defines and refines all activities in discharging its responsibilities, (b) agrees to adopt its product/work through a process as described under Operational Procedures below, and (c) may request resources or make suggestions via the cochairs of the Task Force, if warranted.

Members of the Task Force

Every member of the Task Force must participate regularly in the drafting and finalizing process of a project or proposal in the form of amendment or simple acknowledgement/approval in order to have a fair and equitable representation of ideas and values, thus, reflecting a genuine joint effort of both veteran and civilian members.

Meetings:

The Task Force will use email system on a regular basis to provide the required deliverables on the agreed upon project plan schedule.

Operational Procedures

The Task Force shall adopt a resolution or reach a decision by consensus after making amendments/modifications to the satisfaction of all members. However, a simple majority (4 out of 6) may be applied in adopting a resolution; the simple majority rule shall be used only when there is a prolonged gridlock and shall require a simple majority to agree to pursue this process.

*Stakeholders referred to person(s) having interest or investment in the project
**Sponsor referred to as the Executive Coordination Committee of the Coalition of Lao Vets

The Coalition of Lao Veterans Organization of USA Charter of the Task Force