.
 

 

Constitution

 

of the Asian Association for Social Welfare (AASW)

 

 

 

Preamble

 

The Asian Association for Social Welfare was formed to create, strengthen and defend Social Welfare, and to consult governments in supporting best solutions for the welfare of their citizens on whom they rely on. The Association sets out to introduce and increase Social Quality and Social Sustainability, by supporting best practices in social policy and soical work.

 

The Asian Association for Social Welfare understands that Social Quality and Social Sustainability – that is, social welfare and social development – are necessary ingredients to economic growth, and the overall success of societies.

 

The sustainability of economies, and the sustainability of societies itself, however depends on the defense of, the support for, and increase in Social Welfare – on all societal levels, including individual, family, community, national and international level.It is the overall goal of the Asian Association for Social Welfare to maximize the social welfare – that is, social quality – of people, and to facilitate and improve policymaking in assisting and cooperating with governments and institutions at all levels.

 

The experts of the Asian Association for Social Welfare act with the consciousness of protecting the integrity of societies, nature, and economies. Economies are the main single, but by far not sufficient, source of welfare. But without sustainable societies and a sustainable natural environment and resources, economies are fragile and prone to collapse over time.

 

Therefore, the Asian Association for Social Welfare is a convinced defender and supporter of social quality and sustainable development, encompassing all aspects of economic, natural and societal development.

 

 

The Asian Association for Social Welfare seeks to improve social and societal policy in achieving best practices for each country and society, for each particular level of development and taking into careful consideration particular developmental, political, cultural and economic difficulties a country or society faces at different times.

 

The new international network of the Association enables experts, as well as practitioners and policymakers, to help discover and develop their role in evaluating, planning, designing, implementing, and reviewing social policies and programs as to increase the welfare, and decrease the diswelfare, of people living in Asia and beyond.

 

Also, our network will exercise great influence in defending the name, reasoning, and ideology of helping people to lead a successful live and to strive for a better tomorrow, be it in the rich or the poor countries of Asia and worldwide.

 

The Asian Association for Social Welfare provides local, national and international governmental institutions and welfare agencies with access points to an extensive network of social experts in all corners of Asia, and beyond. The Association will also provide its members with a wide array of platforms for conducting research and developing theories, for the advancement of positive, down-to-earth science in the field of social welfare, social policy, social development, social work, and related sciences.

 

By so doing, the Asian Association for Social Welfare aims, works, and fights for
"A Better Tomorrow" for the people and societies of Asia, and the earth as a whole.

 

 

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Article 1: About the Association

 

(1.1) The name of the Association is the “Asian Association for Social Welfare," the abbreviation to be used is “AASW."

 

(1.2) The Asian Association for Social Welfare is a non-governmental, non-profit organization run by social welfare experts and welfare-related experts. Its members are interested in the betterment of social welfare, in the creation of a better tomorrow for the people of Asia and beyond. The Headquarters of the Association is in Hong Kong. The official language of the Association is English.

 

 

 

Article 2: Aims

 

The Aims of the Association are:

 

  1. to maintain and develop personal contacts between scholars of all parts and regions in Asia and beyond, who are interested in the improvement and extension of social welfare;
  2. to periodically organize academic meetings, and in particular international conferences on social welfare, social and societal policy, social work, social development, and related subjects;
  3. to encourage all forms of research and publications relevant to the development and diffusion of knowledge and theories of social welfare, social and societal policy, social work, social development, and related subjects;
  4. to help local, regional, national, and international governmental institutions and welfare associations in (i) analyzing and evaluating, (ii) planning and devising, and (iii) implementing and reviewing social and societal policies related to social security; social work and welfare provision; social, economic and national development, societal conflict and problems, and related subjects.

 

 

 

Article 3: Membership

 

(3.1) Membership of the Association is open to individuals and organizations that are fully devoted to the defense and development of social welfare. For individuals, admission to the membership of the Association is decided by the Human Resource Officer of each Local Chapter or the Human Resource Officer of the Headquarters.  For organizations, admission to the membership of the Association is decided by the President of the Association.  Application for membership must be in written form (e-mails and online registration are acceptable). Membership can be refused by either the Board (with a simple majority of Board Members present at any board meeting) or the President, without giving reasons. Membership can be terminated by either the member, the Board (with a simple majority of board members present at any board meeting) or the President, without giving reasons. In the latter cases, membership shall halt immediately. In principle, no membership fees shall be refunded in any case.

 

(3.2) Honorary membership may be awarded to those persons who fulfill the following three conditions: (i) they identify themselves wholeheartedly with the principles and values of the Association, (ii) they have defended and advanced the cause of social welfare, and (iii) they have contributed a great deal to the Association.

 

 

 

Article 4: Revenues

 

  1. In principle, there should be a two-tier system for membership fees, to allow a greater participation of members in poorer countries and regions to participate in the Association. The level of annual membership fees for each tier, plus their respective discount rates for advance payments, are to be determined by the President, or the Board (with an absolute majority of all Board Members existing). Membership fees should be paid only at conferences and other meetings of the Association to save transaction costs and to increase participation rate of members from low-income countries and regions.
  2. Other sources of revenue are: the selling of books and other scientific publications; as well as membership fees for special Policy Platforms of the Association – to be determined by the President, or the Board (with an absolute majority of all Board Members existing).
  3. Government sponsorship, in case the values and organizational interests of AASW and its Local Chapters are fully guaranteed and not endangered in any way, is allowed. Government sponsorship needs the Approval of the President of the Association.
  4. Donations, in case the values and organizational interests of AASW and its Local Chapters are fully guaranteed and not endangered in any way, are allowed. Donations need the Approval of the President of the Association.
  5. The holding of Fundraising Events is possible, upon approval of the Finance Officer in the Headquarters of the Association, or the President of the Association.

 

 

 

Article 5: General Assembly

 

(5.1) The General Assembly meets once every one or two years, one day prior to a Board Meeting, in a place chosen and announced at least two months beforehand by the President of the Association, with consultation of the Board Members.

 

 

 

 

(5.2) All members who have paid membership fees to the Headquarters of the Association are eligible to participate in the General Assembly. Each Local Chapter with at least three representatives present at the General Assembly gets on e vote which is represented by the vote of the respective Local Chapter President who is present at the General Assembly, or another leader present at the General Assembly who has been chosen by a majority of members representing this particular Local Chapter at the General Assembly. The General Assembly votes on issues and general policy guidelines for the consultation and implementation of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5.3) Once the Board is set up, only the exit of Board Members can cause a new election of a new Board Member by the General Assembly. The Board is the highest executive organ of the Association.

 

 

 

 

 

Article 6: Organs of the Association at International Level

 

(6.1) The Board

 

The members of the Board are:

 

  1. President
  2. Vice President
  3. Secretary General
  4. Plus up to 6 other Board Members.

 

 

 

(6.2) The Secretary General’s Office

 

The members of the Secretary General’s Office are:

 

  1. Secretary General
  2. Up to 2 Deputy Secretary Generals
  3. Up to 2 Assistant Secretary Generals

 

 

 

(6.3) Functional Officers of the Headquarters

 

Functional Officers of the Headquarters (AASW International) include:

 

  1. Human Resource and Organization Officer
  2. Marketing and Public Relations Officer
  3. Information Technology and Communications Officer
  4. Project Coordination Officer
  5. Finance Officer
  6. Controlling Officer

 

To sign a contract or to legally obligate the organization, the President and the Finance Officer (of the AASW International) or the President and the Secretary General must sign on behalf of the organization.

 

 

 

Article 7: The President

 

The President is the chief executive officer of the Association.

 

  1. The President presides over all meetings of the Board and the General Assembly.
  2. The President’s vote breaks a tie in Board and General Assembly meetings.
  3. The President shall serve three-year terms, and is elected by the Board (with a simple majority of Board Members present at the respective Board Meeting).
  4. In case the President steps down, the Board shall elect another President with a majority of votes of existing Board Members.

 

 

 

Article 8: The Board

 

The Board is the chief policymaking body of the Association.

 

  1. The Board meets at least twice a year.
  2. The Board Meeting is called upon by the President, the location and time of the Board Meeting is determined by the President, with at least two months prior notice to all Board Members.
  3. Board Members shall serve three-year terms (on the condition set forth in Article 8d).
  4. Members of the Board who do not attend two consecutive Board Meeting are up for reelection by the remaining Board Members at once.
  5. Members of the Board may change the Statutes of the Association with a three quarter majority of votes of all Board Members existing, at any Board Meeting.

 

 

 

Article 9: The Secretary General’s Office

 

The Board is the coordinating body of the Association.

 

  1. The Secretary General, Deputy Secretary Generals, and Assistant Secretary General are all appointed by the President.
  2. The Secretary General will personally overlook – with the help of the President – the coordination of all Local Chapters of the Association, and coordinate policies and events with the Local Chapter Presidents, and the respective Local Chapter officers.
  3. The Secretary General will personally overlook the coordination and cooperation of, as well as communications between all Functional Officers in the Headquarters (AASW International), as well as between the Functional Officers of the Headquarters and (i) the Functional Officers of the Local Chapters, (ii) Local Chapter Presidents, and (iii) the members of Organizing Committees.
  4. The Secretary General is the chief policy-implementing officer, who is assisted by the six functional officers who also carry chief responsibilities of implementing policies devised by the Board and the President for their respective areas of duty.

 

 

 

Article 10: The Functional Officers in the Headquarters (AASW Int’l)

 

The Functional Officers assist the Secretary General in policy implementation, policy coordination, and review. They also provide an important link to the Local Chapters by communicating directly, and frequently, with their counterparts in the Local Chapters. Functional Officers are appointed by the President of the Association. Functional Officers report directly to both the Secretary General, the President, and if necessary to the Board.

 

 

 

Article 11: The Duties of the Functional Officers in the Headquarters

(AASW International)

 

(11.1) The Duties of the Human Resources and Organization Officer of the Headquarters include:

 

  1. To stay, at all times, in contact with the President and the Human Resource Officer and the Finance Officer of AASW International (the Headquarters).
  2. To devise and apply guidelines for processing membership of current, past, and prospective members of the AASW within the respective Local Chapter.
  3. To make sure members of Local chapters are given several times a year the opportunity to pay in cash, and in advance if wanted, the membership fee for the Association.

 

In doing so, the Human Resource and Organization Officer of the Local Chapter needs to cooperate closely with the Project Coordination Officer, the Information Technology and Communications Officer, and the Finance Officer of the Local Chapter, and, if necessary, the Project Coordination Officer and the Finance Officer of the Headquarters (AASW International). The Human Resource and Organization Officer needs to be present at annual and special meetings and events of the Association at international level to coordinate the collection of membership fees for the Association.

In case the Human Resource and Organization Officer of AASW International cannot participate in an event or meeting organized by the Local Chapter, the Finance Officer may as well take care of facilitating convenient and affordable membership fee collection, while coordinating this with the Human Resource and Organization Officer.

 

 

(11.2) The Duties of the Project Coordination Officer of the Headquarters include:

 

  1. To take the initiative for setting up new conferences, workshops, symposia, and other meetings and events of the Association.
  2. Also, to coordinate local and international conferences, workshops, symposia, and other meetings and events of the Association.
  3. To coordinate with the Marketing and Public Relations Officers of the Headquarters and the Local Chapter in ensuring the success and in protecting the identity of the Association by applying strictly the marketing and public relations guidelines (as regards the contents advertised or publicized, presentation thereof, the logo, banners, etc. of the Association).
  4. To coordinate with the Human Resource and Organization Officer and the Finance Officer of the Headquarters, as well as the Human Resource Officers and Finance Officers of the Local Chapters, in setting up opportunities at all the local, and international, events and meetings organized by the Association to facilitate convenient and affordable collection of membership fees (in cash).

 

 

(11.3) The Duties of the Marketing and Public Relations Officer of the Headquarters include:

 

  1. To take the initiative of advertising and communicating the aims, values, and identity of the Association to the public and all relevant local, regional and international expert communities.
  2. To actively engage and cooperate with the media to bring forward the positive change in social welfare, social and societal policy, social work, social development, with regard to prosperity, stability, social quality, sustainability, and peace, in Asia and beyond.
  3. Also, to coordinate marketing and public relations events with Marketing and Public Relations Officers of Local Chapters.
  4. To set up and oversee the correct and continuous implementation of all guidelines with regard to logos, banners, leaflets, books, and other imprint and online publications of the Association.
  5. To coordinate with the Information Technology and Communications Officer of AASW International at all times all affairs regarding to all communicated content and the presentation thereof, the image, the identity, the values, and any information regarding or passing through the Association.

 

 

(11.4) The Duties of the Information Technology and Communications Officer of the Headquarters include:

 

  1. To take initiative in developing the website of AASW International, and in bringing together all the information necessary, e.g. with regard to (i) history, values, aims and identity of the Association, (ii) Human Resources, and (iii) projects and events that are organized by AASW International and respective Local Chapters.
  2. To facilitate online registration for prospective members who seek membership in the Association.
  3. To set up the website of the Headquarters of the Association, and to facilitate and protect the universal appearance and identity of the Association (i.e. “corporate identity”).
  4. To maximize the emotional intelligence (i.e., quality and convenience of the website for the viewers’ satisfaction) of the website at all times in all aspects.
  5. To actively cooperate with the Marketing and Public Relations Officers and the Project Coordination Officers of the Headquarters and the Local Chapter, as well as the the Human Resource and Organization Officer of the Headquarters and Human Resource Officer of the Local Chapter.
  6. To facilitate up-to-date processing and exchange of data and information needed for Human Resources of the Association, to the Human Resource and Organization Officer of the Headquarters and the Human Resource Officer of the Local Chapter.
  7. To protect confidential data that is used and aimed for internal use only.
  8. To protect the respective website of AASW International from any disturbance, theft, outside interference, and so forth.

 

 

(11.5) The Duties of the Finance Officer of the Headquarters include:

 

  1. To initiate and take care of the collection and administration of membership fees and all other revenues of the Association.
  2. To cooperate with the Human Resources and Organization Officer of AASW and the Human Resources Officers of all Local Chapters to guarantee that all members have paid membership fees at all times.
  3. To cooperate with the Project Coordination Officer of the Headquarters and those Project Coordinators that organize events and meetings – in particular, conferences, symposia, and workshops – to facilitate a convenient and affordable (in cash) collection of membership fees.
  4. To make sure that membership fees paid are based on current exchange rates and follow the latest guidelines set by the Board and the President.
  5. To make sure that the aggregated funds of the Association are available at all times.
  6. To record meticulously all expenditures of the Headquarters.
  7. To make sure the Finance Officers of all Local Chapters fulfill their respective duties.
  8. To gather all information and data necessary for the bookkeeping of the Association, and to conduct all bookkeeping, budget statements, and budget plans of the Association.
  9. To report to the Board at least once a year, and immediately so to the President upon his or her request.

 

 

(11.6) The Duties of the Controlling Officer of the Headquarters include:

 

  1. To make sure the Finance Officer fulfills his or her duties.
  2. If necessary, to consult and support the Finance Officer, if he or she asks for help.
  3. To check and guarantee the accuracy of all the bookkeeping, budget statements, and budget plans of the Association.
  4. To report to the Board at least once every two years.

 

 

 

Article 12: Other Organs of the Association: The Local Chapters

 

(12.1) Whereas the Headquarters (AASW International) is taking care of international, interregional works of the Association, the Local Chapters are the local networks of members as ascribed to different geographical areas (e.g. countries or regions).

 

(12.2) Each Local Chapter is headed by a Local Chapter President, who is in general nominated by Board Members, and appointed by the President.

 

 

 

Article 13: Local Chapter Presidents

 

(13.1) Local Chapter Presidents (LC-Presidents, LCPs) are responsible for developing local networks and, in return appointing Functional Officers for their own Local Chapter, which include: one Human Resource Officer, one Project Coordination Officer, one Marketing and Public Relations Officer, one Information Technology and Communications Officer, one Finance Officer, and one Controlling Officer (in case the membership within the Local Chapter is larger than 300 individual members).

 

(13.2) Also, Local Chapter Presidents are directly responsible for carrying out the works of the Association in their respective geographical area ascribed to the Local Chapter. For this, Local Chapter Presidents need to be aware of the identity and values of the Association and the significance and number of tasks ahead.

 

(13.3) Local Chapter Presidents need to take initiative, to be integrative, to be pragmatic and forward-looking in all what they do. They are the chief defenders and enablers of the Association. They need to take charge to protect and promote the social welfare of people living in the respective area of their Local Chapter, and if possible far beyond.

 

 

 

Article 14: Functional Officers in Local Chapters

 

Functional Officers are solely appointed by the Local Chapter President of the respective Local Chapter.

 

(14.1) The Duties of the Human Resource Officer of each Local Chapter include:

 

  1. To stay, at all times, in contact with the Local Chapter President and the Human Resource and Organization Officer and the Finance Officer of AASW International.
  2. To take over and apply guidelines for processing membership of current, past, and prospective members of the AASW within the respective Local Chapter from AASW International.
  3. To make sure members of the local chapter are given several times a year the opportunity to pay in cash, and in advance if wanted, the membership fee for the Association.
  4. To organize and administrate online registration for prospective members who seek membership in the Association.

 

 

(14.2) The Duties of the Project Coordination Officer of each Local Chapter include:

 

  1. To take the initiative for setting up new conferences, workshops, symposia, and other meetings and events of the Association.
  2. Also, to coordinate local and international conferences, workshops, symposia, and other meetings and events of the Association.
  3. To coordinate with the Marketing and Public Relations Officers of the Local Chapter and the Headquarters in ensuring the success and in protecting the identity of the Association by applying strictly the marketing and public relations guidelines (as regards the contents advertised or publicized, presentation thereof, the logo, banners, etc.) of the Association as set by the Headquarters.
  4. To coordinate with the Human Resource Officer and the Finance Officer of the Local Chapter, as well as the Human Resource and Organization Officer and Finance Officer of the Headquarters, in setting up opportunities at all the local, and international, events and meetings organized by the Local Chapter to facilitate convenient and affordable collection of membership fees (in cash).

 

 

(14.3) The Duties of the Marketing and Public Relations Officer of each Local Chapter include:

 

  1. To take the initiative of advertising and communicating the aims, values, and identity of the Association to the public and all relevant local, regional and international expert communities.
  2. To actively engage and cooperate with the media to bring forward the positive change in social welfare, social and societal policy, social work, social development, prosperity, stability and peace, in the respective local and regional area of Asia, but also in all of Asia and beyond.
  3. Also, to coordinate marketing and public relations events with other (e.g. neighboring) Local Chapter Marketing and Public Relations Officers and that of the Headquarters.
  4. To coordinate with the Marketing and Public Relations Officer of AASW International (the Headquarters), and apply strictly all the guidelines with regard to logos, banners, leaflets, books, and other imprint and online publications of his/her Local Chapter, or published in cooperation with his/her Local Chapter.
  5. To coordinate with the Information Technology and Communications Officer of the Local Chapter and that of the Headquarters at all times all affairs regarding to all communicated content and the presentation thereof, the image, the identity, the values, and any information regarding or passing through the Association.

 

 

(14.4) The Duties of the Information Technology and Communications Officer of each Local Chapter include:

 

  1. To take initiative in developing the website of the Local Chapter, and in bringing together all the information necessary, e.g. with regard to (i) history, values, aims and identity of the Association, (ii) Human Resources, and (iii) projects and events that are organized by AASW International and respective Local Chapters.
  2. To facilitate online registration for prospective members who seek membership in the Association.
  3. To follow the model of the website of the Headquarters of the Association for protecting and facilitating universal appearance and identity of the Association (i.e. “corporate identity”).
  4. To maximize the emotional intelligence (i.e., quality and convenience of the website for the viewers’ satisfaction) of the website at all times in all aspects.
  5. To actively cooperate with the Marketing and Public Relations Officers and the Project Coordination Officers of the Local Chapter and the Headquarters, as well as the Human Resource Officer of the Local Chapter and the Human Resource and Organization Officer of the Headquarters.
  6. To facilitate up-to-date processing and exchange of data and information needed for Human Resources of the Association, to the Human Resource Officer of the Local Chapter and the Human Resource and Organization Officer of the Headquarters.
  7. To protect confidential data that is used and aimed for internal use only.
  8. To protect the respective website of the Local Chapter from any disturbance, theft, outside interference, and so forth.

 

 

(14.5) The Duties of the Finance Officer of each Local Chapter include:

 

  1. To initiate and take care of the collection and administration of membership fees and all other revenues of the Association.
  2. To cooperate with the Human Resources and Organization Officer of AASW and the Human Resources Officers of all Local Chapters
  3. To guarantee that all members within the Local Chapter have paid membership fees at all times.
  4. To cooperate with the Project Coordination Officer of the Headquarters and those Project Coordinators within the Local Chapter – to facilitate a convenient and affordable (in cash) collection of membership fees.
  5. To make sure that membership fees paid are based on current exchange rates (set by AASW International) and follow the latest guidelines set by the Board and the President.
  6. To make sure that the aggregated funds of the Association are available at all times.
  7. To record meticulously all expenditures of the Local Chapter.
  8. To gather all information and data necessary for the bookkeeping of the Association, and to conduct all bookkeeping, budget statements, and budget plans of the Local Chapter.
  9. To report to the Local Chapter President at least twice a year, and to respond to his or her questions at any time.

 

 

(14.6) The Duties of the Controlling Officer of each Local Chapter include:

 

  1. To make sure the Finance Officer fulfills his or her duties.
  2. If necessary, to consult and support the Finance Officer, if he or she asks for help.
  3. To check and guarantee the accuracy of all the bookkeeping, budget statements, and budget plans of the Association.
  4. To report to the Local Chapter President at least once a year, and to respond to his or her questions at any time, as well as those of the President and the Finance and Controlling Officers of the Headquarters.

 

 

(14.7) The Duties of the Local Chapter Coordinator (LCC) include:

 

  1. To overlook – with the help of the Local Chapter President – the coordination of the work of all Functional Officers of the Local Chapters.
  2. To coordinate policies and events with the Local Chapter President, and the respective Local Chapter officers.
  3. To guarantee – in cooperation with the Local Chapter President – the success of the Local Chapter; its harmony, steady development, and active life within the Local Chapter.
  4. To organize teambuilding and social events for the Leadership and the Members of the Local Chapter, for the purpose of smoothing, activating cooperation and promoting bonding within the Local Chapter.

 

 

 

Article 15: The Local Chapter Board and Its Members

 

(15.1) The ‘Local Chapter Board’ (LC-Board) consists of the Local Chapter President (LCP), the Local Chapter Coordinator (LCC), and three to six other members who are actively involved in the leadership of the Local Chapter – that is, for the most part, Functional Officers.

 

(15.2) The ‘Local Chapter Board’ (LC-Board) carries out the functions of coordination and policy execution within AASW, it also sees to it that policies and regulations of AASW Int’l are implemented at once, and in an equal manner across AASW, worldwide.

 

(15.3) The members of the ‘Local Chapter Board’ (LC-Board), in attending international conferences and in communicating with the General-Secretary and his Deputies, and the President, may shape policies and ideas of AASW Int’l directly and give vital feedback and in this way extend the forum for policymaking within AASW as a whole.

 

(15.4) The members of the LC-Board meet at least twice a year at special “LC-Meetings”, with at least two months prior notice to all members of the Local Chapter by the Local Chapter President. All members of the Local Chapter are encouraged to attend LC-Meetings, to bring in their input, ideas, and feedback.

 

 

 

Article 16: Organizing Committees

 

(16.1) Organizing Committees are either set up by the President, the Project Coordination Officer of the Headquarters, the Local Chapter President, or the Project Coordination Officer of the Local Chapter. The respective officers who set up an Organizing Committee also overlook the Organizing Committee in their day-to-day works. The Headquarters (Project Coordination Officer, the President, and the Finance Officer) may also overlook the works of the Organizing Committee.

 

(16.2) Organizing Committees are of temporary nature as regards Organizing Committees of conferences, symposia, and workshops, but can be of permanent nature as regards Organizing Committees of e.g. Policy Platforms (in this case they needs approval of the President and the Board – with a simple majority of Board Members present at the Board Meeting).

 

(16.3) Each Organizing Committee consists of one Organizing Committee President (OCP), one Organizing Committee Vice-President (OCVP), one Organizing Committee Logistics and Human Resource Officer (OC-LO), one Organizing Committee Marketing and Public Relations Officer (OC-MO), one Organizing Committee Information Technology and Communications Officer (OC-ITO), and one Organizing Committee Finance Officer (OC-FO).

 

(16.4) Organizing Committee Presidents and Organizing Committee Finance Officers have to report directly and immediately, when asked to do so, to the respective Local Chapter President, the Project Coordination Officer and the Finance Officer of the Headquarters, and the President.

 

 

Asian Association for Social Welfare