On August 18, we will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in which we’ll vote formally on a number of important changes to the constitutional regulations.

   Ahead of that vote, we invite you to an informal online “Town Hall” to take you through the changes and why they’re required, and to offer members a chance to ask questions and make suggestions. The Town Hall will help prepare us for the EGM Aug. 18, which  may not be long enough for a full discussion.

The Town Hall is Wednesday July 14, 2021 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. You’ll receive an important information packet before July 14. Please click this link to register in advance:

Your membership has expired, in order to register for the event, first please renew your membership by clicking here .https://rasbj.org/membership/

 https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqdemrqDouHtyfJDfUk3SpboEwWuDX1o-m

RASBJ has had a remarkable 18 months. Membership has tripled. Events have surpassed those offered by our peers in both quality and quantity. This surge has triggered new opportunities as well as challenges. We’re making some changes to regularise and professionalise our operations and to further improve our activities — which could include scholarships or similar projects in keeping with our cross-cultural mission. Our success would not have been possible without you, and we want to invite your questions, listen to your input, recruit your help, and prepare for the EGM vote. 

    At the Town Hall we will:

1.      inform members of the recent regularization of status which, among other things, allows RASBJ to welcome PRC nationals as full voting members, and to issue official receipts and hire staff through a legally registered corporate entity;

2.     answer your questions and hear your ideas on how to improve events and communications;

3.     prepare for the Aug. 18 EGM during which we’ll vote formally on amended constitutional regulations;

4.     recruit new Council members and volunteers to help the RASBJ continue its mission of building bridges between China and Asia and the rest of the world.

    For most of us, the changes will have minimal direct impact. One exception however will be a modest rise in the annual subscription fee which had not changed in years. Starting with the next renewal, annual fees will be RMB 400 for individual members, and RMB 300 for those who reside outside mainland China or who are under 26 years of age. (These figures remain significantly lower than those of comparable organizations.)

    The fee rise allows RASBJ to cover increased expenses, to hire paid administrative help, and to contribute to projects dedicated to the public good. Please consider applying to become a Council member or a volunteer to help build on our recent success! If you cannot attend the Town Hall but wish to discuss recent developments before the EGM, please mail [email protected] 

    We hope you’ll take part in the online Town Hall July 14 and the EGM vote August 18!

Alan Babington-Smith

President

RASBJ