The Karen National League, as a non-armed Karen organization, seeks to uplift the lot of the Karen people and bring about the rule of law and true democracy to Burma. It engages in any and all lawful activities incidental to the foregoing purposes.

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF KNL OFFICIALS

The objectives of this policy on the duties and functions of KNL officials -- President, General Secretary and all Department Heads -- is to encourage the establishment of a well-organized and systematic leadership, which should not exist at the expense of one's creativity and enthusiasm.

The Members of Advisory Council

The President
The President is the head and chief director of the KNL and the leader of the Central Committee.

He or she shall:

• Present to the General Conference a comprehensive statement of the state of the organization and the political situation generally.
• Make pronouncements for and on behalf of the EC outlining and explaining the overall policy or attitude of the KNL on any question.
• Preside over meetings of the EC in conformity with the Constitution, by-laws and rules of procedure adopted by the General Conference.
• Represent the organization in his or her activities, unless otherwise prior notification is made.

Vice President
The Vice President shall assist the President, deputies for him or her when necessary and carry out whatever functions are entrusted to him or her by the General Conference, the President or the EC.

The Vice President is also the chief administrative officer of the KNL. At the instruction of the President, and in accordance with KNL constitution, Vice President shall make pronouncements for and on behalf of the EC outlining and explaining the overall policy or attitude of the KNL on any question.

In the event of death or permanent incapacity of the President and the Deputy President, the DC and EC shall as soon as possible appoint an Acting President until such time as the General Conference meets.

He or she shall:

• Keep the minutes of the General Conference, the EC Meetings and other records of the KNL.
• Conduct the correspondence of the EC and the DC and send out notices of all conferences and meetings (at the international level).
• Convey the decisions and instructions of the General Conference and the EC meetings to the all departmental officials, and see to it that all components of the KNL carry out their duties properly.
• Prepare annual reports on the work of the EC and such other documents.
• In the absence of the President or the Vice President, the General Secretary shall assume the functions of the President.
• Represent the KNL in his or her activities, unless otherwise prior notification is made.
• All departments, save those falling directly under the President, shall report on their activities to the General Secretary.

Division Heads
Heads of departments are the most responsible person for their respective department. Under the guidance of the constitution, each department head must strive to fulfill their duties bestowed upon them by the General Conference.

Released by: Communication and Information Division P.O Box 320 518 San Francisco, CA 94132 U.S.A. Email: KNLcomm@aol.com

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