Viewing page 10 of 20

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

ARTS COUNCIL OF JAPANESE AMERICANS FOR DEMOCRACY

CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS
*
PREAMBLE AND PURPOSES

We, anti-fascist Japanese American artists with a firm belief in democracy, both in principle and action, as our way of life, join together at this historical period when the forces of freedom throughout the world are waging war against fascism. We believe that the unifying factor among creative artists is belief, therefore we who believe in democracy organize together in the ARTS COUNCIL OF JAPANESE AMERICANS FOR DEMOCRACY to integrate our members more fully with all other American artists. The activities of the Arts Council will be cultural and non-political -- to make our belief articulate and to add our strength to the democratic forces. To accomplish our aim we pledge, in addition to our individual efforts, to work collectively for the following purposes;

To contribute our full support to the United States and the United Nations, and to take an active part in winning this anti-fascist war;

To initiate and sponsor cultural activities;

To promote recognition of and to further the contributions of Japanese Americans to the arts, sciences, and the professions; 

To assist in further developing younger Japanese Americans who are endeavoring to make their way in the arts;

To work for a better understanding of democratic hopes and beliefs among all Americans; and

To strengthen and to further raise our standing as artists by coordination of activities with other democratic cultural organizations. 

I. CHARACTER OF THE ARTS COUNCIL
[[Underlined]]Section 1.[[Underlined]] The Arts Council of Japanese Americans for Democracy is to be composed of painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, dancers, commercial artists, photographers and architects. By our definition, artists are those active in any field of the arts. The Arts Council is to be essentially cultural and non-political in character, holding regular activities in the field of its members, and engaged in a program of cultural and educational activities concerned with the interests and problems of Japanese American artists as outlined in the Preamble and Purposes. 

[[Underlined]]Section 2.[[/Underlined]] All activities of the Arts Council, of whatever character, are to be guided by the strict interpretation of the purposes of the Arts Council as set forth in the Preamble and Purposes. 

[[Underlined]]Section 3.[[/Underlined]] At no time in the conduct of Arts Council business, whether at general or committee meetings, may decisions be made, or business transacted, of a nature at variance with the character and objectives of the Arts Council as outlined under the Preamble and Purposes. 

[[Underlined]]Section 4.[[/Underlined]] Under no circumstances may any one member, whether officer or not, commit the Arts Council to any responsibility whatever, without the approval of or ratification by the Executive Board or the membership.

II. MEMBERSHIP
[[Underlined]]Section 1.[[/Underlined]] In electing new Active Members to the Arts Council, three important considerations are involved which determine the qualifications of candidates. They are as follows:
(a) Anti-fascist belief.
(b) Merit or professional standing as artist, or active in the arts.
(c) Fitness to become a responsible, active member of an organization of this character, in sympathy with its purpose and willing to actively support them.

[[Underlined]]Section 2.[[/Underlined]] Associate Members must meet the following qualification: