Constitution

NAME AND MISSION

The name of the organization is the Asian Rural Sociology Association (ARSA).

The mission of the ARSA is to cultivate the development of the science of rural sociology, to extend the possible application of results of scientific inquiry to the improvement of the quality of rural life, and to exchange and generate meaningful scientific founding for the rural development in Asia.  As a non-profit organization, ARSA strives for scientific and educational purposes only.

STRUCTURE OF ARSA

The organization consists of General Assembly, Council, and Executive Committee.

General Assembly

    * The general assembly will be held approximately every two years, preferably in conjunction with Asian Rural Sociology Association Conference.  The General Assembly may be held by the request of the Council.

The location and date of the General Assembly shall be decided by the Council and announced at least two years in advance.

Council

    * The Council will be composed of one representative of each country.  The term of elected membership on the council shall be for two conference periods, normally four years.  The council shall be convened by the President.  The council members will be elected by each country’s members and the executive committee coordinates the status of council member.  The main responsibility of the Council is the functioning of the organization.  All decisions of the Council will be made by majority of the votes cast.

Executive Committee

    * The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and two council members including the secretary.  The Executive Committee is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Council.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership of ARSA is open to any individual and organizations wanting to promote the objectives of the organization and paying the relevant fees.

There are four categories of membership:

    * Sponsoring institutional or organizational membership is open to regional rural sociology organizations.

    * Full membership has rights to participate in the general assembly, to vote, to submit articles, and to receive all new letters and publication.

    * Quasi-membership has same rights except right to vote.

    * Student-membership is the same as quasi-membership but only receive news letters.  This membership is only applicable to graduate and university students.

    * Membership fee depends on country’s economic status and be changeable with approval by council.

    First group            -           Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore
    Second group        -           China, Thailand, Malaise, Indonesia
    Third group            -           other countries

VOTING

All decisions needed for votes shall be taken by a simple majority rule. The place, date, and other administrative decisions for conference and general assembly can be decided by the council and executive committee for the management convenience.

FINANCE

The Association shall be financed by: member subscriptions, sale of the association publications, donations, and other research projects funds.  The Executive Committee shall decide reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred by any member who carry out work for the Association.  Administrative work and management of financing will be mainly carried out by the secretariat with the control of executive members.

BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Any issues and subjects needed for detailed rules will be set forth by by-laws and regulations.  Thos will be decided by the Council.