No.205-2
Marking the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of Meguro UNESCO Association, the board of directors and each committee alike are introducing new schemes. The most important of them is to obtain an NPO status. The plan, which has been approved by the board of directors, is being fleshed out and reviewed by the vice president, Mr. Hirata and other members. The following is a brief description of its advantages and points at issue.
This year marks fiftieth anniversary. Taking this occasion, we are trying to incorporate the organization as a specified nonprofit organization (NPO). The plan is being reviewed by the board of directors.
Letfs think about why we need a NPO status.
1. A real property can be registered under the name of NPO. This might be useful for the future although we do not need any such registration now
2. The bank account, which is under the name of the president, can be opened under the organizationfs name, which can help clarify the accounting.
3. A contract can also be made under the organizationfs name. A voluntary organization cannot always close contracts under its name, and an individual contractor might be held responsible. Although we have not had such a situation before, we should prepare for unexpected problems.
4. The law-abiding management of the organization, and information disclosure including the creation of fiscal statements, and accessible documents, etc. can reinforce the foundation of the organization and gain confidence in society.
5. To be authorized as a specified non-profit organization (or authorized NPO) by Director- General of the National Tax Administration Agency is one of qualifications for tax favors. We cannot meet all the requirements for the favorable treatment yet, and this is one of issues to be considered in the future.
In general, these are advantages and pending issues to acquire an NPO status. Considering the fiftieth anniversary and the increase in the membership, Meguro UNESCO Association should develop into an organization that will be operated in a most solid, fair, transparent, and democratic manner. It is our responsibility to do this now for future generations who will engage in UNESCO activities. Thanks to the good offices of Meguro City and Meguro Board of Education, we have an office in the premises of Gohongi Elementary School. We hope the status of a specified nonprofit organization (NPO) will give us more public trust.
More careful management will be required such as the improvement in the accounting system and the preparation of documents required by the law, which are prerequisites for sound management of a corporation.
I would like to arrange an inaugural meeting to be held during Annual Meeting scheduled for May. I would appreciate frank opinions from members.
Yasuo Hirata, Chairperson, the executive committee of the 50th anniversary
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On February 5th from 6 o'clock in the office of Meguro UNESCO, in the company of Mr. Eiji Hattori and Mr. Kuniaki Yamashita , we had discussions regarding UNESCO activities.
As all of you know, Mr.Hattori is an advisor to our association. He worked in the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris for over 21 years, and contributed especially to the Silk Road exploration. He has participated in our Retreats several times. Mr.Yamashita, while in the youth sport sector of the UNESCO Headquarters, worked as an advisor and supporter of the activities of youth NGOs in the world .When he was working in the sector for external relations and cooperation, he contributed to the coordination with National Commissions for UNESCO in the member states, non-governmental UNESCO clubs and associations, as well as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Returning from Paris last year, he is now a professor at Kyushu University, in the faculty of languages and cultures. The purpose of returning is to support young people who have the desire to work on the international stage, he said. In his youth, he chaired Meguro UNESCOfs Youth Activity Committee.
Topics of discussion varied ? the present situation of the UNESCO Headquarters; plural international federations coordinating non-governmental UNESCO associations all over the world; and in particular the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations, for the restructure of which Mr. Hattori is responsible. Mr. Yamashita, rejoiced to see the development of Meguro UNESCO, his gnative placeh, and hoped that Meguro youth members would play an active role in UNESCO activities.
With Meguro UNESCO Associationfs 50th anniversary near at hand, it was just the time for reviewing our activities from a new point of view, and the 3 hour discussion was active and valuable.
Yukio Okusawa, Chairperson, PR committee