Let’s build this together, and let’s build it to last.

Founding Stewards (Temporary): Kinfolkology and the Clotilda Descendants Association - Serve as interim stewards to launch the Forum, convene members, and support the adoption of initial governance documents. This role sunsets once the Congress elects its first Steering Committee.

Congress of Member Organizations (“the Awujo”) - The core governing body of the Forum. Each member organization holds one vote. The Awujo collectively admits new members, ratifies resolutions, and sets the Forum’s direction.

Steering Committee - Elected by the Awujo to provide strategic leadership and oversight between full Awujo meetings, including budget guidance, ethics, and coordination of working groups.

Officers - Elected leaders (e.g., Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) responsible for facilitating meetings, maintaining records, and supporting the effective functioning of the Awujo and Steering Committee.

Working Groups - Issue- or project-based groups formed by the Steering Committee to advance specific areas of work such as programs, research, policy, or communications.

Administrative Staff - Provide operational, logistical, and administrative support to carry out the decisions and priorities set by the Awujo and Steering Committee.

Advisory Council - A non-governing body of invited advisors who offer expertise, counsel, and connections but hold no formal decision-making or voting authority.