Article I: Name
The name of the societies shall be the Society of Asia Food Studies, hereinafter referred to as the "SAFS."
Article II: Objectives
The objectives of the SAFS shall be:
II.I To promote and advance the academic study of food in a cultural context in Asia.
II.II To foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among scholars, researchers, and students of food studies with a cultural emphasis in Asia.
II.III To organize conferences, symposiums, and workshops focused on food studies, emphasizing the cultural, historical, sociological, and anthropological aspects of food in Asia.
II.IV To facilitate research and publication in the field of food studies, particularly concerning the cultural dimensions of food in Asia.
II.V To establish partnerships and promote academic dialogue with other national and international food studies associations and organizations.
II.VI To encourage and support young scholars and students interested in food studies with a cultural focus in Asia through mentorship programs.
II.VII To contribute to public awareness and understanding of the cultural significance of food in Asia through educational initiatives, public lectures, exhibitions, and outreach programs.
Article III: Membership
Membership in the SAFS shall be open to individuals and institutions with an interest in food studies with a cultural perspective in Asia, irrespective of their race, religion, nationality, or gender.
The SAFS shall offer different categories of membership, including regular, student, institutional, and honorary memberships, with specific benefits and obligations outlined in the SAFS's bylaw.
Membership benefits shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. Access to the Annual Conference: Members shall be entitled to register and attend the annual conference at a discounted member rate.
b. Complimentary Access to Academic Activities: Members shall access to upcoming academic activities organized by the SAFS free or at a discounted member rate, such as seminars, workshops, and lectures, depends on the circumstances.
c. Article Submission and Panel Creation: Members shall have the privilege to submit their research articles for consideration to be presented at the annual conference, subject to the SAFS's selection and program committee's review.
Additionally, members may have the opportunity to propose and create panels or sessions in advance, subject to the SAFS's selection and program committee's review.
Membership fees shall be established by the SAFS and outlined in the bylaw. The fees may vary based on the membership category and duration, as determined by the Council.
The fees collected from members shall contribute to the financial sustainability of the SAFS and support its activities, including organizing conferences, publishing materials, and providing grants or scholarships.
The SAFS shall ensure transparency and accountability in managing the membership fees, providing regular updates to members regarding the utilization of the funds and their impact on the SAFS's initiatives.
The bylaw shall provide further details regarding the specific benefits, fees, payment methods, and any additional obligations or privileges associated with each membership category.
Article IV: Governance
The SAFS shall be governed by a Council, responsible for the overall administration and decision-making.
The Council shall consist of the following positions: President, Secretariat (Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General), Treasurer, and additional members as deemed necessary by the SAFS.
The Council members, including the President, shall serve for a term of four years (4 years), with the possibility of re-election.
The President can relinquish the position for personal reasons, while the vice president shall act as president until the new president is elected.
The Council shall meet regularly to discuss and make decisions concerning the activities and initiatives of the SAFS.
The SAFS shall adopt bylaws to provide detailed guidelines on the structure, functions, and procedures of the Council, as well as other administrative matters.
Article V: Activities
The SAFS shall engage in the following activities, among others:
V.I Organizing international conferences, symposiums, and workshops on food studies with a cultural focus in Asia.
V.II Encouraging and supporting research projects and publications related to food studies in Asia, emphasizing the cultural dimensions of food.
V.III Establishing networks and partnerships with academic institutions, organizations, and scholars working in the field of food studies with a cultural perspective.
V.IV Promoting public awareness and understanding of the cultural significance of food in Asia through educational initiatives, public lectures, exhibitions, and outreach programs.
V.VI Maintaining a website and publishing newsletters or journals to disseminate information and scholarly contributions in the field of food studies with a cultural emphasis in Asia.
V.VII Collaborating with other food studies associations and organizations in Asia and worldwide to foster cooperation and exchange of knowledge.
Article VI: Amendments
Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any member of the SAFS and shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at the general meeting.
Article VII: Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the SAFS, the remaining assets shall be transferred to another nonprofit organization with similar objectives, as determined by the Council.
