Historical Society
for Twentieth-Century China
By-Laws
Article I - Name
The name of the organization is the Historical Society for 20th Century China.
Article II - Objectives
Main objectives of the society are as follows:
1) to study 20th century China
2)to serve as a bridge or channel of communication between scholars of the PRC and ROC
3)to publish an independent journal in order to provide additional opportunity for scholars to publish their works
4)to collect and introduce source materials of the period, and to publish bibliographies on the related subjects
5)to introduce and evaluate books published by both sides of the Taiwan Straits, and introduce personages who cannot be easily studied.
Article III - Organization
The organization of the society shall be vested in its voting members who
shall elect from among themselves a Board of Directors as provided in Article V.
Article IV - General Powers
In order to carry out its objectives the society shall have full power and
authority to receive donations, bequests, devises, and other forms of assistance
from individuals, firms, associations, or corporations, and to handle, manage,
and use such funds or properties for the uses and purposes for which the society
is created; and to do any other act of thing which is necessary, essential, or
proper to carry out the objectives set forth.
Article V - Board of Directors
Section 1. Membership, election, term, and removal
Directors of the Society consists of five members, one of whom should serve
as the President, and one as Vice-President of the society to coordinate and
oversee the following areas of responsibility:
a.Membership — encouragement of membership growth, orientation of new
members, and maintenance and publication of the roster of members
b.Education
— arranging cultural exchange and educational programs
c.Finance — fund raising and charity activities
d. Publication — publication of a journal, newsletter, and monographs
The Board of Directors shall be elected as follows: The Vice President and the
Board Members shall be elected by a mail-in ballot during the month of February
each year. To be eligible as a candidate for election to the Board of Directors,
a member of the society must be nominated by another member and endorsed by one
other member of the society. Election shall be by simple majority of the members
casting the ballot, and shall be for a term of two years. The Board members may
be reelected for unlimited additional two year terms and may become the
candidate for the position of Vice President. The position of President shall be
filled every two years by the person who served as Vice President during the
previous term. Board members shall serve without compensation.
If the position of President becomes vacant prior to the expiration of the term,
the Vice President shall automatically assume the presidency and serve the
remainder of the vacated term followed by his or her term of the presidency by
reason of having been the Vice President. If the position of Vice President
becomes vacant, the Board of Directors by a simple majority decision, shall fill
the vacancy among its members. The person elected to fill such vacancy shall
serve for the remainder of the term only, but not to succeed to the Presidency.
At the next annual election the members of the society shall elect a President
in addition to, and in the same manner as the election of the Vice President and
Board members, and such President shall serve a two year term. Vacancies in the
Board of Directors shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board from among
the members of the society for the remainder of the vacated term.
Section 2. General Powers
The Board of Directors shall be vested with the management of the general
affairs of the corporation and shall have full power and authority to do all
things reasonably necessary to conduct affairs and operations of the society.
The Vice President shall serve as Secretary-Treasurer to handle routine society
matters.
Section 3. Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at the same site
and the same time as the Annual Convention of the Association for Asian Studies,
Inc. The Board shall notify its members of the time and place of the meeting at
the AAS Convention.
Section 4. Quorum
Two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business either by Board meeting or by
correspondence.
Article VI - Membership
Section 1. Membership, Membership dues
The society has two classes of members, regular and student members, who pay
annual membership dues the amount of which is subject to the decision of the
Board of Directors. Each member is entitled to one vote on all matters properly
brought before the society.
Section 2. Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the society should be held at the same place and same
time as the Annual Convention of the Association for Asian Studies, Inc. and at
the time and place designated by the President, for the purpose of receiving the
official report on election, and transacting such other business as may be
properly brought before the annual meting, including annual reports of officers,
directors, and committees.
Section 3. Quorum
A simple majority or ten members of the society shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business at any meeting of the society.
Article VII - Amendments
The by-laws of the society shall be modified, amended or rescinded by a
two-thirds vote of a quorum of the membership of the society. Any change shall
be endorsed by five (5) members and submitted to the Board of Directors in
writing prior to the annual meeting at which the proposed change is to be voted
upon. Notice of the proposed change, modification, or amendment in the by-laws
shall be given to the general membership along with the notice of the annual
meeting.