Bylaw

Constitution of the Geographic Information Systems Association

Name

Article 1.

This organization shall be called Chiri Joho Shisutemu Gakkai in Japanese and the Geographic Information Systems Association, or GISA, in English.

Purpose

Article 2.

The purpose of this Association shall be to expand research in Geographic Information Systems (hereafter called simply GIS), promote mutual exchanges and colloquiums for GIS researchers, officials, etc., to present the findings of their investigations, and contribute to the development of GIS research through organizational exchanges.

Projects and Undertakings

Article 3.

In order to achieve the goals outlined in Article 2, this Association will conduct the following projects and undertakings:

Sponsor symposia and conferences
Issue journals and other publications
Conduct exchanges with related organizations and associations
Undertake other projects which are deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.

Membership

Article 4.

Membership of this Association shall consist of the following:

Regular members: Persons who can support and promote the goals of this Association and who are approved by the Board of Directors.
Students: Students who are interested in GIS and who are approved by the Board of Direc tors.
Associate Members: Individuals and organizations which can help to support and promote the goals of this Association and who are approved by the Board of Directors
Honorary Members: Persons whose research in GIS and/or achievements for this Association are deemed to be especially meritorious by the Board of Directors.

Entry Into and Withdrawal From the Association

Article 5.

Persons wishing membership in this Association must fill out the prescribed membership application and submit it to the Association office. Acceptance or rejection shall be the decision of the Board of Directors.

Entry Into and Withdrawal From the Association

Article 6.

Members wishing to leave this association must submit their reasons for doing so in writing to the Board of Directors.

Entry Into and Withdrawal From the Association

Article 7.

The Board of Directors reserves the right to expel any member for committing any act that is contrary to the goals of this Association; members with serious lapses in payment of membership dues are also subject to expulsion.

Membership Dues

Article 8.

Members must pay membership dues in accordance with the regulations established by the Board of Directors. However, honorary members and advisors are exempted from this obligation.

Offices

Article 9.

Offices of this association shall consist of President, Vice President, Director, and Treasurer, as well as any other offices deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

President and Vice President

Article 10.

The President and Vice President shall be appointed from among the membership by the Board of Directors and confirmed at the general meeting. They shall each serve one two-year term, and may not be reappointed to their respective positions.
The President shall coordinate the business of this Association as its representative.
The Vice President shall assist the President and shall act as President when the President cannot perform his/her duties.

Directors

Article 11.

The Directors shall be a member of this Association and shall be elected by the general membership to conduct the business of this Association. The term of Directors shall be two years, after which time they may be allowed to seek re-election.
If a Director is unable to execute his/her office, the Board of Directors shall reserve the right to relieve the Director of his/her duties before the expiration of his/her term.

Treasurer

Article 12.

The Treasurer shall be a member of this Association. He/she shall be recommended by the Board of Directors and decided at the general meeting. The term of the Treasurer shall be two years, after which time the Treasurer may be allowed to seek re-election.
The Treasurer shall oversee the finances of this Association and the execution of this office, and shall report the results at the general meeting.

Procedure for Electing Officers

Article 13.

In addition to the rules set forth by this Association, the procedure for electing of officers may be determined by the Board of Directors.

Advisors

Article 14.

Advisors shall be recommended by the Board of Directors.
Advisors shall advise the President, at his/her request, on important matters regarding the operation and management of this Association.

General Meeting

Article 15.

This Association shall meet once a month at a designated time.
Decisions at the general meeting shall be made by a majority of members present (including those who have submitted a letter of proxy). In case no majority can be attained, the decision shall rest with the chairman of the meeting.
Emergency meetings may be held when the Board of Directors deems them necessary.

The Board of Directors

Article 16.

The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, and Director.
The Board of Directors of this Association shall meet at two designated times per year. Emergency meetings may be held at the request of at least 1/3 of the Board of Directors membership or when the President deems them necessary.
The Board of Directors shall be established by a majority of the Board members present (including those who have submitted letters of proxy). Decisions shall be made by a majority of the members present. In case no majority can be attained, the decision shall rest with the chairman of the meeting.

Fiscal Year

Article 17.

The fiscal year of this Association shall begin on April 1 and end on March 31 of the following year.

Constitutional Amendments and Disbandment of this Association

Article 18.

Amendments to this Constitution and disbandment of this Association shall be proposed by at least half of the Board of Directors, or by at least one-tenth of the general membership. Passage will require an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members present at the general meeting (including those who have submitted letters of proxy).

Clause 1.

This Constitution shall take effect on the first day of the establishment of this Association

Clause 2.

The first Director shall be elected at the initial organizational meeting this Association.

Regulations and By-laws

Regulations

Article 1.

This Association shall be managed and operated in accordance with its regulations and by-laws.

Regulations

Article 2.

Decisions concerning revisions and amendments to these regulations and by-laws rest with the Board of Directors.

Membership Dues

Article 3.

Membership dues shall be set as follows:

Regular member	￥7,000 per year
Student member	￥3,000 per year
Associate member	￥50,000 per year (plus ￥200,000 initial fee)
Local governing body	￥50,000 per year (including a juridical foundation)
Subscription member	￥10,000 per year