Chapter Governance
📋 Okinawa JALT's New Constitution - What's Changing and Why
Okinawa JALT is updating its Constitution and Bylaws for the first time since 2014. This is a significant moment for our chapter - and we want our members to know exactly what is being proposed and why it matters.
The new 2026 Constitution represents a major modernization of how our chapter operates. Drafted by President Norman Fewell and reviewed by the Executive Board in sessions including a detailed working meeting on May 26, 2026, the revised document transforms a short, basic set of rules into a comprehensive governance framework fit for a growing, internationally active chapter.
Key Changes at a Glance
A New Preamble
For the first time, our constitution opens with a Preamble that explicitly recognizes Okinawa's bilingual, multicultural, and island character. It commits the chapter to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity - values that now have a formal home in our founding document.
For the first time, our constitution opens with a Preamble that explicitly recognizes Okinawa's bilingual, multicultural, and island character. It commits the chapter to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity - values that now have a formal home in our founding document.
Stronger Member Rights
Members in good standing now have explicitly defined rights: the right to vote at the AGM, the right to hold office, and the right to participate in all chapter programs. A non-discrimination clause has also been added - membership is open to all.
Members in good standing now have explicitly defined rights: the right to vote at the AGM, the right to hold office, and the right to participate in all chapter programs. A non-discrimination clause has also been added - membership is open to all.
Clearer Officer Accountability
The Board must meet a minimum of four times per year. Officer reports must be posted online within 14 days of the AGM. Member proposals must receive a written response within 30 days. These are concrete, enforceable standards replacing vague language.
The Board must meet a minimum of four times per year. Officer reports must be posted online within 14 days of the AGM. Member proposals must receive a written response within 30 days. These are concrete, enforceable standards replacing vague language.
Fairer Elections
Nominations must be solicited at least four weeks before the AGM. A new Bylaw requires the chapter to announce open officer positions six months in advance and the election itself six weeks in advance - ending last-minute surprises. A write-in line on every ballot affirms democratic principles.
Nominations must be solicited at least four weeks before the AGM. A new Bylaw requires the chapter to announce open officer positions six months in advance and the election itself six weeks in advance - ending last-minute surprises. A write-in line on every ballot affirms democratic principles.
Term Limits for All Officers
Previously, the Treasurer was exempt from the three-year term limit. Under the new constitution, all officer positions - including Treasurer - are subject to the same three-year consecutive term limit. Total service remains capped at six consecutive years.
Previously, the Treasurer was exempt from the three-year term limit. Under the new constitution, all officer positions - including Treasurer - are subject to the same three-year consecutive term limit. Total service remains capped at six consecutive years.
New Advisory Councils
The new constitution creates a Presidential Council (former presidents) and an Executive Council (former officers) as non-voting advisory bodies. This brings the experience of past leaders into the conversation without giving them decision-making power.
The new constitution creates a Presidential Council (former presidents) and an Executive Council (former officers) as non-voting advisory bodies. This brings the experience of past leaders into the conversation without giving them decision-making power.
Code of Conduct Adopted
JALT National's Code of Conduct has been formally incorporated into our Bylaws. This prohibits intimidating, threatening, or harassing conduct and requires respectful, professional engagement at all chapter events and communications.
JALT National's Code of Conduct has been formally incorporated into our Bylaws. This prohibits intimidating, threatening, or harassing conduct and requires respectful, professional engagement at all chapter events and communications.
The new constitution must be ratified by a two-thirds vote of members at the Annual General Meeting. Members will receive the full document at least three weeks before the AGM. We welcome your questions and feedback - this is your chapter.
🌺 Okinawa JALT · Governance update 2026 · okijalt@gmail.com · okijalt.org
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