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| Charter: |
Who we are:
-The Network of Reading Otakus (NORO) is an organization based in and around the greater city of Reading (pronounced: Redding) in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
-This non-profit organization was established by a group of like-minded and motivated individuals with the desire to network the surrounding community with Japanese culture and media.
-The Kanji on the logo translates to gno-roii,h which is Japanese for gspell.h Anime and Japanese culture has cast a gspellh on many people here in the U.S., which is why such organizations like NORO have been established.
Goals
-The goals of NORO are:
-To expand awareness and appreciation of Japanese and Asian culture in the area.
-To bring together like-minded individuals with a passion for Japanese culture.
What we do
-NORO events are not limited to just Japanese anime. While we will have many various screenings of movies and episodes, other functions will include, but will not be limited to: manga, cosplaying, video gaming, presentations, learning Japanese, visiting anime conventions, attending Japanese-related festivals, and more.
-We Think outside the DVD box!
Advisory Council
-President
-The President is in charge of all of the NORO functions.
-The President has a final say in all of the functions pertaining to NORO.
-Vice-President
-The Vice-President will preside over meetings whenever the President is unable to attend.
-Will also serve as a link of communication to the group and Advisory Council in the case that the President is otherwise occupied or unable.
-Events/Public Relations Coordinator
-Responsible for setting up functions for NORO meetings.
-Will also act as a public relation representative and maintain business relationships with venues and distributors.
-Marketing/Advertising Coordinator
-Will coordinate the print and digital media, advertising of the organization and events.
-Will act as the creative coordinator for NORO.
-Will work closely with the Events Coordinator in promoting the organization and events.
-Secretary
-Will be responsible for recording the minutes of meetings and relay them to members and the Advisory Council.
-Will also be responsible for collecting and organizing data from surveys, questions, comments and concerns from members and the Advisory Council.
-Treasurer
-The Treasurerfs duties will include:
-Working closely with banks and opening a non profit organization bank account
-Determining monthly budgets
-Filing necessary forms with the IRS, such as form 1023
-Being in charge of the financial end of fundraising events
-Keeping track of donations
-Should additional funds become necessary, collecting and keeping track of member dues
-Advisory Council as of January 1, 2009:
-Jimmy Raxasena: Founder, Web Host, President of NORO
- Vice President: Betsy Moyer
- Treasurer: Becky Werkheiser
- Secretary: Vacant
- Event Coordinator: vacant
- Gaming Coordinators: Anthony Sarro / Ian Hettinger
- Public Relations: AJ Cobian
- The Enforcer: Kevin Yusko
- Temporary Staff: Andrea Merrick / Lindsay Sessions
Membership information
-For the record, NORO is a membership-based organization. However, because the organization is still relatively new, there will be no fees or dues for sign-up and being a member.
For unofficial meetings, there is no age limit. For official meetings, however, members must be 18 or over. This is for the sole purpose of legal reasons, age consent, etc.
-Informal meetings are open to members of all ages.
-Membership is obtained by signing into the forums via www.readingotaku.com and attendance of meetings. Members must provide a government-issue ID (Driver's License, Passport, Military ID) to a meeting as proof of age.
-Members must be 13 years of age or older in order to sign on to the forums.
-Informal meetings
-The purpose of the informal meetings is to use this time as a recruitment event and to serve as a planning stage for the next official meeting (respectively) the next week.
-Members can voice their opinions, questions, comments and concerns
-**There will be some screenings of anime movies that are appropriate for the public
-Informal meetings are open to all ages.
-Meetings will be held at Borders on Woodland Rd. in Wyomissing (across from the Berkshire Mall) on the third Saturday of each month.
**pending permission from distributors and Borders
-Official Event
-We will go over introductions, rules, and what the agenda for the meeting will be. Included will be screenings, presentations, socializing, and more for 3 hours!
-Members must be at least 18 years of age or older to attend Official meetings.
-ID WILL be taken at the door
-Meetings will be held at the Goggleworks, 2nd and Washington Sts., Reading. On the first Saturday of each month.
-Advisory Council Meetings
-Advisory council meetings will be held once monthly.
N.O.R.O
Network Of Reading Otakus
General Rules and Code of Conduct
Informal Meeting
-If you are bringing equipment or media to any event or venue, you MUST sign a release form and submit it to the Secretary.
- While meetings are being held please turn all cell phones to silent. If you must take the call, please excuse yourself from the area before answering.
-Use of laptops shall be restricted during meetings, unless otherwise given permission from one of the advisory council members. In addition, use of laptops may be allowed during periods of recess and open floor.
-Use of personal electronics, such as iPods, gaming systems, etc. is prohibited during meetings.
- Please do not bring any outside food or drinks to informal meetings. If you decide to purchase food or drinks, please be considerate of othersf belongings.
- We must be respectful of others sharing the space so volume should be kept to a reasonable/normal level.
- Where we encourage socializing we ask you to keep personal conversations to a minimum while the administrators are speaking.
- Everyone should be treated equally and with respect. We know that we all have different opinions and we encourage civil/constructive debates, but discourage "bashing or unnecessary" conflicts.
- The area and tables must be cleaned up and returned to its original condition before we conclude for the evening.
- When meeting at places such as Borders or Barnes and Noble please make sure you return all books or manga to their shelves.
Official Meeting
-According to law, if the meeting group exceeds 25 viewers, the President cannot show the anime without permission from the company who licensed the anime. It is the duty of the President or any Advisory Council member present to contact the licensing company for screening permission.
-If you are bringing equipment or media to any event or venue, you MUST sign a release form and submit it to the Secretary.
-Fansubs or bootlegs of shows for which licenses have been officially announced for Region 1 (North American) DVD/Next-Gen or digital distribution will NOT be screened.
-Please follow the rules and guidelines of the venue which official meetings will be held.
- While meetings and screenings are being held please turn all cell phones to silent. If you must take the call please excuse yourself from the area before answering. Please refrain from texting during screenings.
- Where we encourage socializing we ask you to keep personal conversations to a minimum during screenings.
-Use of laptops shall be restricted during meetings, unless otherwise given permission from one of the advisory council members. In addition, use of laptops may be allowed during periods of recess and open floor.
-Use of personal electronics, such as iPods, gaming systems, etc. are prohibited during meetings.
- If you know you have to leave a meeting/screening early, please sit towards the back or somewhere that wonft disturb the other viewers.
- If you bring any food or drinks to the venue please make sure you are mindful of the equipment and please make sure you properly dispose of your trash before leaving the venue. There should be no defacing of any equipment, meeting areas, or the property around it.
- Alcoholic substances are Never allowed to be brought to meetings or any other N.O.R.O venues or functions.
-Smoking is prohibited at N.O.R.O. venues. If you feel the need to do so, go outside.
- Everyone should be treated equally and with respect. We know that we all have different opinions and we encourage civil/constructive debates, but discourage "bashing or unnecessary" conflicts.
- If you bring any computers, TVfs, game systems, or any other equipment or software please keep track of your items because N.O.R.O wonft be held responsible for items stolen, misplaced or damaged.
- While using another personfs equipment please be careful not to damage or misuse them. There should be no drinks or liquid placed around electronics.
Goggleworks
- No Open Flames permitted (Candles, oil Lamps, etc.)
- The sale of any food and beverages by an organization renting facilities is strictly prohibited, without prior approval through the GoggleWorks office and provision of adequate product liability insurance.
- Smoking is not permitted in any area of the GoggleWorks which includes all buildings, outdoor areas and parking lot. .
- Food and beverages must remain within the limitations of the rented room and cannot be carried by the guests through other parts of the GoggleWorks.
-Glass and cans need to be placed in the appropriate recycling containers in each room.
- The rental area must be left in the same condition as it was prior to the event, otherwise your security deposit may be forfeited.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of our members and guests are of the utmost importance to the organization. While it is not required, these rules and regulations should be adhered to in order to ensure everyonefs safety.
-When leaving the venue, it is recommended that members stay in groups of 2 or more.
-Advisory Council members will remain at the meeting until all other members have exited safely
If there are any issues or concerns regarding your safety, please bring it up to an Advisory Council member immediately.
Zero Tolerance Offenses:
The following offenses will result in the immediate dismissal from the NORO and related events:
- Starting a physical dispute or assault during a meeting or event.
- Being under the influence of any alcoholic or illegal substance during a meeting or event.
- Theft and/or deliberate destruction of club and/or venue property.
Three Strike Offenses:
These are offenses which if committed will result in verbal warnings, followed by probation or dismissal:
- Harassing another member or Advisory Council member, this includes insulting, imitating, acting discourteously and expressing derogatory jokes or comments.
- Disrupting a meeting or event
Disciplinary Actions
Verbal Warnings:
-The offender shall be warned that their actions violate the NORO general rules of code of conduct and charter.
-If his/her behavior continues, further disciplinary actions will occur at the discretion of the Advisory Council.
-The verbal warning will be recorded by the Secretary.
Temporary Banning:
-The offender will be temporarily banned from NORO meetings and events.
-The time period will be decided by members of the Advisory Council. The final say will be decided by the President.
-If the offender attempts to attend a meeting or event while banned, then he/she will be banned for a longer period of time, and law enforcement may be notified.
-Information regarding temporary banning will be documented by the Secretary.
Dismissal and Appeals:
-The Advisory Council will hold a meeting to discuss the dismissal of the offender.
-Upon a majority vote, the offender will be notified that he/she will be dismissed from NORO.
-The offender will have 14 days to file an appeal; otherwise the dismissal shall be final.
-If an appeal is filed, the Advisory Council will discuss and hold another vote.
-A majority vote in favor of dismissal will finalize the decision.
-A majority vote against the dismissal will reinstate the offenderfs membership following a probationary period determined by the President and Advisory Council.
-Appeal results will be handed to the offender.
-Law enforcement will be notified in the event a dismissed offender attempts to attend a meeting or event.
-The President will have the final say in regards to dismissals and appeals.
-Dismissal and appeal results will be recorded by the Secretary.
Download the PDF file
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